Let’s learn how to create a sparkling clutch using Tunisian crochet! This stylish clutch features a wrist strap and a closure made entirely of yarn—no zippers, no plastic buttons. That’s because the chosen yarn for this project, Charleston, is a cotton and lamé blend with the perfect stiffness to craft glamorous textile accessories and jewelry.
Pick your favorite Charleston color from the store, then start your clutch. You might even want to make one for your best friend—it’ll be a unique and much-appreciated gift!
MATERIALS
Charleston yarn color Space approx. 85 g / 3 oz
Tunisian crochet hook n° 3 EU / D-3 US
Crochet hook n° 3.5 EU / E-4 US
Crochet hook n° 4 EU / G-6 US
Stitch markers
Yarn needle
GAUGE – TUNISIAN SIMPLE STITCH
10 cm x 10 cm / 4" x 4"
21.5 stitches and 21 rows (forward and return pass)
CROCHET STITCHES USED
Chain stitch
Slip stitch
Single crochet
Tunisian simple stitch:
in Tunisian simple stitch, each row consists of a forward pass (working the stitches) and a return pass (closing the stitches two at a time).
Reverse single crochet (crab stitch):
work single crochet from left to right.
Double chain stitch:
chain 2, then repeat the following:
(Insert the hook into the 2nd chain under the leftmost thread, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through to complete the stitch. Do not turn the work.) Repeat for the required number of stitches or until reaching the desired length.
DIMENSIONS OF THE FINISHED PIECE
Width: approx. 24 cm / 9.4"
Height: approx. 13.5 cm / 5.3"
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
METHOD
The clutch is worked flat and consists of a single rectangular piece, which forms both the front and back panels. It is sewn along the sides at the end of the work. The button, button loop, and wrist strap are added afterward.
Using the tunisian crochet hook n° 3 EU / D-3 US, loosely chain 52 stitches.
Foundation forward pass: insert the hook into the 2nd chain, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Repeat (insert the hook into the next chain, yarn over, and pull up a loop) across the row
foundation return pass: chain 1, then close the loops two at a time until only one loop remains on the hook. This loop becomes the first stitch of the next row
row 1 – forward pass: insert the hook under the first vertical bar, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Repeat (insert the hook under the next vertical bar, yarn over, and pull up a loop) across the row
row 1 – return pass: chain 1, then close the loops two at a time until only one loop remains on the hook.
Rows 1 (forward and return) establish the Tunisian simple stitch pattern. Repeat these rows 55 more times for a total of 57 rows, including the foundation row.
To bind off, insert the hook under the first vertical bar, yarn over, and pull through both loops on the hook to make a slip stitch. Repeat (insert the hook under the next vertical bar, yarn over, and pull through both loops) across the row. Cut and secure the yarn.
Fold the rectangular piece in half (heightwise) and join the sides using single crochet stitches with a crochet hook n° 3.5 EU / E-4 US as follows: insert the hook first into the edge stitch of one side, then into the corresponding edge stitch of the other side. Yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, and pull through both loops to make a single crochet stitch. Repeat across the side to seam the entire edge. Repeat the same process for the other side. With a crochet hook n° 3.5 EU / E-4 US, work 1 round of reverse single crochet (crab stitch) along the top opening of the clutch.
Using a crochet hook n° 3.5 EU / E-4 US, chain 5 stitches and join them into a ring with a slip stitch.
Round 1: chain 1, work 7 single crochet stitches around the ring. Place a stitch marker in the last stitch and move it up in each round
round 2: (1 single crochet in the next stitch, 2 single crochets in the next stitch) repeat around. 12 stitches total
round 3: (1 single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 single crochets in the next stitch) repeat around. 16 stitches total
round 4: work 1 single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, decrease 1 stitch by single crocheting 2 stitches together, work 1 single crochet in the next 6 stitches, decrease 1 stitch by single crocheting 2 stitches together, work 1 single crochet in the next 3 stitches
round 5: work 1 single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, decrease 1 stitch by single crocheting 2 stitches together, work 1 single crochet in the next 4 stitches, decrease 1 stitch by single crocheting 2 stitches together, work 1 single crochet in the next 3 stitches.
Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread it onto a yarn needle and pull tight to close the button at the base. Locate the 5 center stitches on the back panel and mark them with a stitch marker or yarn scrap. Using a crochet hook n° 3.5 EU / E-4 US: attach the yarn to the first of the 5 center stitches and chain 18 double chains. Form the loop by slip stitching into the 4th double chain from the hook. Work 3 more double chains and attach them to the 5th of the 5 marked stitches on the back panel. Cut and secure the yarn. Sew the button onto the front panel, aligning it with the button loop.
Using a crochet hook n° 4 mm EU / G-6 US, work a double chain approximately 38 cm / 15” long. Join it into a loop and secure it to the inside of the right side, just a few rows below the clutch opening.
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