Bourse de Selle

This is an old pattern I wrote for This & That . The sample above has long since been sold but the pattern is still available.

Download a PDF of Bourse de Selle.
Bourse de Selle
(Saddle Bag)


Materials: Tahki Baby yarn (60 yds/ m; ozs/ g; 100% merino wool)
One pair size US 15 needles or size needed to obtain gauge
Pin or button (optional)

Finished Size: 8”x5”x2”

Gauge: 10 sts= 4”/10 cm (gauge is not critical to this piece)

Cast on 20 stitches.

Make purse flap:

Row 1: knit (RS)
Row 2: knit
Row 3: knit
Row 4: knit first 3 stitches, purl 14, knit last 3 stitches (WS)

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until piece measures 5 inches ending with a wrong side row.

Knit purse body:

Next row: knit
Next row: purl

Continue in stockinette stitch until entire piece measures 16 inches, ending with a WS row. Knit 4 more rows (garter stitch).

Knit gussets and strap:

Cast on 6 stitches.

Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS/purl on WS) for 5 inches, ending on a WS row—1 gusset made.
Next row begin strap in garter stitch (knit every row) Continue until entire piece measures 33 inches (or length desired for strap ). End on a WS row.
Next row (RS) begin second gusset in stockinette stitch (knit on RS/purl on WS) until entire piece measures 38 inches. Bind off.

Assemble Purse:

Fold bottom of body to beginning of flap with RS facing out. Sew gussets to sides of purse being careful not to twist strap. Fold flap over purse opening. Embellish with pin or button. Weave in loose ends and block.