I was first exposed to the concept of “Misers’ purses” through the DMC booklet Magical Misers Purses. At first glance, the purse may appear sewn shut, but as you pull the front and back apart, it becomes clear that the row of chains is not merely decorative: they hold the purse closed until pulled through small gaps to open it.

This style dates to Victorian times, and the DMC booklet is a set of modern patterns based on the method. I made one of the patterns in it as a child, and then again more recently when I picked up crochet again a few years ago.

We were discussing crochet and knitted bags a couple months ago at a local group meet up when I showed off my little green purse. A couple people were really taken by it and asked after the pattern. Since the book is out of print and I didn’t have it to loan around (it’s in storage in another country - long story)… I thought I’d take a stab at my own version of one of these little purses.

In designing my little purse, I had some key criteria in mind. I wanted it to be fun and a little challenging to make, I wanted beads, and I wanted a purse that could be used. I love clever and attractive little containers of all types: boxes, tins, little purses, you name it.

I hope you enjoy the pattern.

Sizes:

• Small - 4.125x6in (10.25x15cm)
• Large - 5x7.25in (12.5x18cm)

Materials:

• 1.4mm crochet hook or size to obtain gauge
• crochet thread in Main Color (MC) - 126yds / 115m (165yds / 150m)
• crochet thread in Contrast Color (CC) - 33yd / 30m (39yds / 35m) 181 * (223) seed beads size 9/0 or to fit your yarn - beads will be used on CC
• Plastic or metal ring - 2cm in diameter or larger.
• Locking stitchmarker
• Needle for stringing beads onto crochet thread/yarn

Cotton, linen and other plant fibers recommended. Yarn used must be slippery enough for the chains to slide through the closure. Yarns which felt or grab should not be used.