I hope you enjoy this free crochet pattern for a cute and functional wristlet. It’s updated to include a button closure option and more functional strap options.
Several years ago, I wrote two blogs called “Econoknits” and “Quiet Places Ribbons and Laces.” Each blog met its end during periods of my life where making fell by the wayside. But some of the patterns still get some views and use. I have moved them here so that anyone who needs them can get the same support and updates about my current work. I hope you enjoy this blast from my making past!
The “Little Black Wristlet” was the first pattern I published on Econoknits, and the one I honestly remember best.
I’ve moved the other patterns over without any changes, but for the wristlet, I wanted to update it to include instructions for a button closure and some straps that make it more versatile. I don’t own a lot of bags, and I wanted this one to be convertible, so I could wear it on my wrist for a fancy dinner date, or “cross-body” style for pretty much any other time. I picked pink for the new sample because everything I wear is black, grey or green, so a light pink bag should pair with everything (I am not a professional stylist and this sentence does not constitute formal fashion advice).
This version used fewer stitches (31) than the original (41). I wanted a small bag that just barely fits a phone, wallet and keys. 41 stitches in the new cording was too large for a wristlet.
Disclaimer: Nylon cord is a bit difficult (stiff) to crochet with. Please go slow, do a little at a time, and if your hands hurt, take a break!
This post includes affiliate links to products use to make my sample projects. Click here for more information about affiliate links.
Materials
- One spool of nylon cord. My new sample uses Sensy Nylon Cord from Amazon and I only needed one spool to make the bag and two strap lengths. A good substitution would be a sturdy cotton used for dishcloths, like KnitPick’s Dishy.
- Crochet hook size 6.0 mm (if using Sensy Nylon Cord, otherwise, use size appropriate to your yarn)
- Glue gun (for securing ends)
- Tapestry needle for side seams
- Optional Items
- 4, 0.5 inch swivel snap hooks, (I used these)
- Button for closure (I used a 1 1/8″ button I already had for my pink sample)
- 2 double pointed knitting needles (optional for fixed strap only)
Wristlet Instructions
All instructions below use American terminology.
Secure all knots and ends using hot glue. My original pattern said to burn the ends/knots but this will only cause the ends/knots to break. The hot glue slightly melts the chord and holds the knots firmly in place.
Stitches
Fan: in one stitch or chain space (3dc, 1ch, 3dc)
V: in one stitch or chain space (1hdc, 1ch, 1hdc)
Main body
Chain 32 (or any multiple of 10 plus 2)
row 1: 1sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc to last sc, turn (31 st)
row 2: 1ch, sc in each sc to end (31 st)
repeat row 2 until piece measures about 10 inches in length (or double the desired height of your bag)
Flap
row 1 (right side): 1ch, 1sc into first stitch *skip 3sc, work a fan (see above stitch patterns) into next stitch, skip 3sc, 1sc into next sc, 1ch, skip 1sc, sc in next sc; repeat from * to end, turn
row 2: 2ch (counts as 1 hdc), 1 hdc into space between last 2sc of last round, *3ch, sc into ch space at center of next fan, 3ch,** work a V (see above stitch patterns) into next ch space; repeat from * 2 more times, then from * to ** once, ending with 2hdc in last sc, turn
row 3: 3ch, 3dc into first st, *1sc into next 3ch space, 1ch, 1sc into next 3ch space**, work a fan into space at center of next V, repeat 1 more times from *, then from * to ** once, end with 4 dc into top of turning chain, turn
row 4: 1ch, sc in first dc, *3ch, V into next ch space, 3ch, 1sc into space at center of next fan, repeat from * 2 more times, ending with the last sc into the top of the turning chain, turn
row 5: 1ch, 1sc into first st, *sc into next 3ch space, work a fan into space at center of next V, sc in next 3ch space, 1ch, repeat from * 2 more times, sc into last sc, turn
repeat rows 2-5 until desired length of flap is achieved, ending on row 3 or 5.
If you want to add a button closure, you need to add some chain stitches on the final row as follows.
To end on a row 3: when you reach the * marking the center of the flap, work (*1sc into next 3ch space, 5ch, 1sc into next 3ch space**) instead of (*1sc into next 3ch space, 1ch, 1sc into next 3ch space**)
To end on a row 5: when you reach the * marking the center of the flap, work
[*sc into next 3ch space, in next V (3dc, ch5, 3dc), sc in next 3ch space, 1ch] instead of
[*sc into next 3ch space, work a fan into space at center of next V, sc in next 3ch space, 1ch]
fasten off
It’s okay if your flap is a bit more narrow than the main body. The main body gets a little bit smaller when you seam it.
Finishing
Add hot glue to the knot at fasten off and starting slip knot.
There are two directions you can go with the wrist strap. First, you can make a fixed strap (per my original pattern). Or, you can make detachable straps. I wanted the option to wear as a wristlet or cross-body, so this is how I worked the pink sample.
Fixed Wrist Strap
Knit an i-chord with double sided needles (just google it, I won’t reproduce the instructions here) for the wrist strap. Mine measured about 14 inches. Alternatively, you could make a chain of the same length and sc in each chain for a firm strap.
Secure the ends of the wrist strap together, careful to keep it from twisting, and then secure to the inside (wrong side) edge of the purse.
Remember to add hot glue to the knots to keep them from slipping.
With right sides together, sew side seams for the body, leaving the flap free. Hot glue the knots. Turn right side out.
Detachable straps
Step 1: Attach D Rings to the bag
With right sides of the bag together, sew from the bottom of the bag to the top. When you reach the top, make multiple sitches through the D ring before securing the tail.
Step 2: make the straps
Row 1: Make a chain, starting with an extra long tail, that reaches the desired strap length (about 15 inches for a wristlet, and 45 inches for the cross body), plus about 1 inch. Tie this off, leaving an extra long tail.
Row 2: using a new thread and leaving an extra long tail, do a standing sc in the first st, then sc in each ch across. Fasten off, leaving an extra long tail.
Passing one end of the strap through the loop of a swivel snap hook, then secure by overlapping by about 0.5 inches, and using the tails to sew the strap securely in place. You can knot the two ends together and apply some hot glue to the knot for extra security.
This is the only pattern from my “From the Archives” series that is being sent to email subscribers. Please check out these other patterns if you’re interested in the other archive items!
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