Knituition: Horseshoe lace purse

I had gotten a great idea for a purse when I was looking up stitch patterns. The horseshoe lace has been one of my favorite stitch patterns. Since I love knitting purses, this one just happened to pop into my head.

Needles: #6 Straight needles
2 #5 dpn (for working the strap)

Gauge: 16 sts = 4"

Yarn: Worsted weight (cotton works best, but any will do.)

Finished measurements: 7" X 6" (not including strap)

Other Materials: Crochet hook

(This bag is kinda small, but worked with bulkier yarn or doubled yarn it's easy to adjust this bags dimensions. All you really have to do is work the strap longer.)

Front Flap and Back of Purse.

Lace Horseshoe Pattern:

C.O. 27 sts

Row 1: P5, K5, P7, K5, P5

Row 2: P to end

Row 3: P3, P2tog, K2, yo,, K1, yo, K2, P2, P3tog, P2, K2, yo, K1, yo, K2, P2tog, P3

Row 4: p to end

Row 5: P2, P2tog, K2, yo, K3, yo, K2, P1, P3tog, P1, K2, yo, K3, yo, K2, P2tog, P2

Row 6: P to end

Row 7: P1, P2tog, K2, yo, K5, yo, K2, P3tog, K2, yo, K5, yo, K2, P2tog, P1.

Row 8: P to end.

Repeat these 8 rows 3 times to form the flap.

Next row, purl to end.

Then, Knit in stockinette stitch for 3/4", ending on the wrong side.

Next row purl to end.

This forms the bend in the flap. The purled edges help it make a nice clean fold.

Then change to St st and knit another 5 1/2" B.O.

Front:

C.O. 27 sts and knit in St st until piece measures 5 1/2"

Strap:

Using 2 size 5 double pointed needles C.O. 6 sts.

Work in Garter st. until piece measures 30".

Assembly:

Find the middle of the strap by folding it in half. You can use a paper clip or a stitch marker to mark it. This will be matched up with the middle of the front and back piece. Use pins to pin the piece together inside out if you find it easier. Sew the bottoms of each piece to the strap. Then repeat with pinning the sides to the straps (this way you don't end up with a lop sided purse!) and sew up the sides.

Finally, you can sew the top of the strap closed.