The Petion-Ville Crochet Clutch Bag

This past couple of years I’ve been turning back to my motherland’s cultural fashion and history for inspiration. The Petion-Ville is named after one of my favourite cities in Port-au-Prince. Petion-Ville ‍was always where the best parties and restaurants were while I was growing up in Haiti so this clutch is perfect for night out with your friends, dinner dates, and clubing.

The raffia yarn is reminiscent of the straw bags you will find to this day in all over Haiti’s streets, the colourful homes and especially at markets! The zig zag red ribbon is often used in Haiti traditional outfits and the hems and necklines; usually in blue and red.

Materials

Hook Size: 5.5 mm / US: I9
Yarn: Raffia yarn (218 yards) like King Cole Raffia or Ra-Ra Raffia.
Measuring tape
Needle
Measuring tape
12” of a smaller yarn for closure

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: The finished Petion-Ville crochet clutch measures 12 inches long by 6.5 inches tall once folded and sewn together.

Notes: Petion-Ville is a very adjustable pattern. You can make it as big as you would like. We Haitians love big accessories! You could choose to add a button to close the clutch rather than a ribbon. The pattern is written in US terms.

Stitch Abbreviations
● Ch – Chain
● Sc – Single crochet
● St(s) – Stitch(es)
● Sl St – Slip Stitch

Pattern

Ch 29

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Ch1, turn. (28 sc)

Row 2: Sc in each sc across. Ch1, turn. (28 sc)

Row 3- 42: Repeat row 2.

Fold the bottom of your rectangle up to the 8th row of your pattern. Seam down the sides with a darning needle and raffia yarn.

Glue your ric rac ribbon to the edge of the opening of your clutch. Weave smaller ribbon around the 14th and 15th stitch of your clutch and through the cover to use as closure.

Fasten off, weave in all ends, and show off your new Petion-Ville Crochet Clutch Bag!