Knitted Mini Key Ring Purses [FREE Knitting Pattern]

Knitted Mini Key Ring Purses [FREE Knitting Pattern]

If you’re a knitting enthusiast or a beginner looking for a delightful mini project, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re diving into the world of knitted mini key ring purses. These adorable accessories are not only incredibly cute and practical, but they also make fantastic gifts for friends and family. Whether you want to keep your loose change handy or carry a small lip balm, these mini purses are perfect for the task. Plus, they’re an excellent way to use some leftover yarn from other projects.

Why Knit Mini Key Ring Purses?

Before we dive into the process, let’s take a moment to appreciate why these knitted mini key ring purses are such a wonderful project:

1. Portability: As the name suggests, these purses are mini-sized, making them extremely portable. They can easily be attached to your keys, bag, or even worn as a pendant.

2. Quick Project: Unlike larger knitting projects that can take days or even months to complete, these mini purses are quick to finish. They provide a perfect break from larger, more intensive projects.

3. Skill Building: For beginners, this project offers an excellent opportunity to practice basic knitting skills. You will learn or reinforce techniques such as casting on, knitting, purling, increasing, and decreasing stitches.

4. Customizable: These tiny purses can be customized in innumerable ways. You can experiment with different colors, patterns, and embellishments to create a unique design.

5. Perfect Gifts: Hand-knitted items always carry a personal touch. These mini purses are delightful gifts that everyone will appreciate because of their cuteness and practicality.

Materials Needed

To knit your mini key ring purse, gather the following materials:

• Yarn: Choose a lightweight yarn for this project, such as DK or sport weight. You can use various colors if you want to add patterns or contrast.

• Needles: Depending on your yarn choice, you’ll want a pair of knitting needles size 3.25mm (US size 3) or appropriate to create a tight, consistent fabric.

• Key Ring and Clasp: To attach your purse to keys or bags, you’ll need a small key ring and a lobster clasp.

• Tapestry Needle: This needle will be essential for weaving in yarn ends and adding any final touches.

• Button or Snap: A button or snap closure will secure your purse.

• Embroidery Thread or Beads (Optional): For those who wish to add extra embellishments, embroidery thread or beads can be used creatively.

Knitting the Mini Key Ring Purse

Let’s dive into the steps to create your knitted mini key ring purse. For this pattern, we’ll keep things simple:

Step 1: Cast On

Start by casting on 20 stitches. Feel free to adjust the number of stitches depending on the size of the purse you would like to create. Remember, the more stitches you cast on, the wider your purse will be.

Step 2: Knit the Base

Start with garter stitch (knit every row) for the base of your purse, working back and forth:

• Rows 1-8: Knit all the stitches.

This section creates a sturdy base that gives the purse its shape.

Step 3: Form the Body

Switch to stockinette stitch (knitting one row, purling the next) which creates a smooth surface on the right side:

• Row 9: Knit.
• Row 10: Purl.
• Repeat rows 9 and 10 until the piece measures approximately 4 inches long from the cast-on edge.

This length can be adjusted if you want a taller or shorter purse.

Step 4: Knit the Flap

For the flap that will fold over to close the purse, knit the following rows in garter stitch:

• Row 1: Knit.
• Row 2 (Decrease Row): K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2.
• Repeat rows 1 and 2 until you have about 8 stitches remaining.

Step 5: Bind Off and Weave Ends

Bind off all remaining stitches to complete the flap. Then use your tapestry needle to weave in any loose ends for a neat finish.

Step 6: Assemble the Purse

Fold the base of your knitted piece up, leaving enough fabric to form the body. Sew along both sides of the purse using a whip stitch or mattress stitch, ensuring that your stitches are firm and not too loose.

Step 7: Add Closure

Sew a button onto the body of the purse, just below the flap. Cut a small loop at the edge of the flap and reinforce with stitching to accommodate the button for closure. Alternatively, if using a snap, sew one part on the flap and the other part on the main body of the purse appropriately.

Step 8: Attach the Key Ring and Clasp

Using a spare piece of yarn or a thin piece of fabric, create a small loop at one corner of the purse. Then attach the key ring and clasp to ensure the purse is secure yet easily detachable.

Customizing Your Mini Purse

Once you’ve mastered the basic pattern, the sky’s the limit! Here are some ideas for customizing your mini key ring purse:

1. Color Patterns: Use multiple colors to create stripes, polka dots, or any other patterns you desire.

2. Textures: Experiment with different stitch patterns such as seed stitch, ribbing, or cables to give your purse a unique texture.

3. Appliques: Knit or crochet small flowers, hearts, or stars and sew them onto your purse.

4. Embroidery: Draw designs with embroidery threads to adorn your mini purse with detailed artwork.

5. Beads/Shimmer: Add a touch of sparkle with beads or sequins either sewn into the fabric or as dangling charms.

Tips for a Successful Knit

To ensure your project turns out beautifully, keep these tips in mind:

• Gauge: Check your gauge before starting the project to ensure the correct fit. If your stitches are too tight or too loose, switch your needle size.

• Tension: Maintain consistent tension while knitting. This will ensure that your purse doesn’t come out lopsided or misshapen.

• Practice: If you’re a beginner, practice the techniques on some scrap yarn before starting on the purse.

• Experiment: Don’t hesitate to try new ideas and techniques, whether it’s a new stitch pattern or embellishment.

Conclusion

Creating a knitted mini key ring purse is a delightful and fulfilling project that’s perfect for evenings on the couch or as gifts for loved ones. The process is straightforward, the materials are minimal, and the end product is extremely rewarding. Not only do you get to hone your knitting skills, but you also walk away with a charming accessory that adds a personal touch to anyone’s daily life.

So, grab your knitting needles and yarn, and start knitting your mini key ring purse today. Happy knitting!

Feel free to share your finished creations with us or let us know how you’ve customized your purse. We’d love to see the lovely color combinations and unique styles you come up with. Until then, keep those needles clacking, and enjoy the relaxation and creativity that knitting brings to your life!