The Highland Glen Argyle Purse: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Two-Tone Diamond Bag

Introduction

Carry a piece of cozy sophistication with this modern argyle purse, featuring a richly textured diamond pattern and a soft, tweed-like color palette. This free knitting pattern guides you through creating a structured yet soft bag perfect for everyday elegance. The classic argyle motif, worked in heather grey and deep forest green, evokes the serene beauty of a highland glen, making this purse a timeless accessory for any season.

Materials Needed

Yarn

• Color A (Heather Grey): Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200 yards
• Color B (Deep Forest Green): Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200 yards

Tools

• US 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming
• Stitch markers (optional, for pattern repeats)

Gauge

20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS). Always check your gauge to ensure proper sizing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pattern Notes

• The purse is worked flat in two pieces (front and back) and seamed together.
• The argyle pattern is created using stranded colorwork (Fair Isle) technique. Carry the unused yarn loosely across the back of the work to maintain even tension.
• All rows are written for the right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) as indicated.

Front Panel

With Color A (Heather Grey), cast on 40 stitches.

• Row 1 (WS): Purl all stitches with Color A.
• Row 2 (RS): Knit 4 with Color A, *K2 with Color B, K4 with Color A; repeat from * to end. (You will have 4 Color A stitches at the end.)
• Row 3 (WS): Purl 4 with Color A, *P2 with Color B, P4 with Color A; repeat from * to end.
• Row 4 (RS): Knit 2 with Color A, *K4 with Color B, K2 with Color A; repeat from * to end.
• Row 5 (WS): Purl 2 with Color A, *P4 with Color B, P2 with Color A; repeat from * to end.
• Row 6 (RS): Knit 4 with Color B, *K2 with Color A, K4 with Color B; repeat from * to end.
• Row 7 (WS): Purl 4 with Color B, *P2 with Color A, P4 with Color B; repeat from * to end.
• Row 8 (RS): Knit 2 with Color B, *K4 with Color A, K2 with Color B; repeat from * to end.
• Row 9 (WS): Purl 2 with Color B, *P4 with Color A, P2 with Color B; repeat from * to end.

Repeat Rows 2-9 until piece measures 8 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row (Row 3, 5, 7, or 9).

• Next Row (RS): With Color A only, knit across all stitches.
• Next Row (WS): With Color A only, purl across all stitches.
• Bind off all stitches loosely with Color A on the next RS row.

Back Panel

Work exactly the same as the front panel, following all instructions for the argyle pattern and finishing rows.

Finishing

With right sides together, sew side and bottom seams using mattress stitch. Turn right side out. Weave in all ends securely.

Straps (Make 2)

With Color A (Heather Grey), cast on 8 stitches.

• Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 18 inches.
• Bind off all stitches loosely.

Sew each strap to the inside of the purse, about 2 inches from the top edge on each side. Ensure straps are evenly spaced and securely attached.

Lining (Optional but Recommended)

Cut a piece of fabric to match the purse dimensions (approximately 8 inches tall by 8 inches wide, plus seam allowances). Sew sides and bottom of the fabric piece to create a lining bag. Insert the lining into the knitted purse. Fold the top edge of the lining over by 1/2 inch and hand-stitch in place along the inside top edge of the purse, just below the bind-off row. This adds structure and prevents stretching.

Your Highland Glen Argyle Purse is now complete! Enjoy your cozy, sophisticated accessory that brings a touch of textured elegance to any outfit.