Wristlet Crochet Pattern for Beginners

When I teach crochet, I look for patterns that a beginner to crochet can complete without a lot of issues. The problem is that most of those patterns don't result in something anyone would really want to use. Single crochet washcloths are great - they really are - but was that really what you imagined making your first time crocheting? Not me.

This crochet pattern evolved out of that need. The first project I ever tackled in my crochet obsession was a massive afghan done in an afghan stitch (which is very little like regular crocheting at all!) ... and I never finished it. I started it because I wanted something rated for a beginner, but that I'd be loving to use.

In the wristlet pattern, only single crochet stitches are used. The skills you'll be working on are the foundation chain, rounds, rows, the slip stitch, and changing colors. It's not difficult, but it is meant to help you improve skills you're learning rather than just let you go row after row in single crochet.

Wristlet Crochet Pattern

Materials:
DK or Baby Weight Yarn: 1 oz. CA (Blue), 1/4 oz. CB (Pink)
Size E/4 - 3.50 mm crochet hook
Self-adhesive velcro or magnets

Abbreviations:
Sc = Single Crochet
Ch = Chain
Sl st = Slip Stitch

Notes:
Work tightly - most beginning crocheters work tightly anyways, and this is one pattern you can totally get away with it. The wristlet is worked in rounds up to the cover flap, which is worked in rows. The entire wristlet is worked in one piece except for the wrist strap. Weave ends under as work progresses.

To make the flap close, either attach a self-adhesive magnet across the inside of the cover flap and match it on the purse, or do the same with self-adhesive velcro. Alternatively, you could use an eyelet tool to add snaps to each corner of the cover flap.

Instructions:

Round 1: With CA, ch 26. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across to the last ch. Work 3 sc in the last ch. Sc in each ch across opposite side to the first sc. Work 2 sc in same ch as beginning sc. Join to beginning sc with sl st. (52 sc)
Rounds 2-9: Ch 1; sc in each sc around. Join to beginning ch-1 with sl st. (52 sc)
Round 10: Drop CA (don't finish off), join CB; ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join to beginning ch-1 with sl st. (52 sc)
Round 11: Pick up CA, finish off CB; ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join to beginning ch-1 with sl st. (52 sc)
Rounds 12-20: Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join to beginning ch-1 with sl st. (52 sc)

Start Cover Flap

Row 1: Ch 1, turn; sc in next sc and in each of the next 25 sc. (26 sc)
Rows 2-13: Ch 1, turn; sc in each sc across. (26 sc)
Row 14: Drop CA (don't finish off), join CB; ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across. (26 sc)
Row 15: Ch 1, turn; sc in each sc across. (26 sc)
Row 16: Pick up CA, finish off CB; ch 1, sc in each sc across. (26 sc)
Rows 17-20: Ch 1, turn; sc in each sc across. (26 sc)

Finish off, weave in ends.

Wrist Strap
With front facing, join CA to last st on the left side of round 20.
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in same sc and in each of the next 2 sc. (3 sc)
Rows 2-40: Ch 1, turn; sc in each of the next 3 sc. (3 sc)
Row 41: Fold strap in half to the inside. Matching sc stitches, sl st row 40 to row 1.

Finish off, weave in ends.

Trim
With front facing, join CA to first st on the right side of round 20. When you get to the wrist strap, work through both the wrist strap and the purse thickness.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in each of the next 30 sc across the front to opposite corner (through wrist strap). Work 19 sc evenly up the side of cover flap. Work 3 sc in the next corner sc. Sc in each of the next 24 sc to opposite corner. Work 3 sc in the next corner sc. Work 19 sc evenly down the side of cover flap. Join with sl st to beginning ch-1.

Finish off, weave in ends.