Animal Purse Crochet

Each of the following stitches will be used in this pattern. The steps will show how to do them step-by-step, but you might prefer to get familiar with them before getting started.

NOTE – This pattern uses US crochet terms. If you typically use patterns using other country’s crochet patterns, please check stitch instructions to make sure you are using the same stitch that is called for in the pattern.

With a slip knot on your hook, yarn over.

Pull your hook down and through the loop on your hook, leaving one loop.

Insert your hook into the top loop. Yarn over.

Pull through the loop of yarn.

Pull the loop of yarn through the first loop on your hook as well.

Insert your hook into the top loop, yarn over.

Pull the loop of yarn through, yarn over again.

Pull through both loops on your hook.

Yarn over, insert your hook into the top loop.

Yarn over, pull through the loop of yarn.

Yarn over again and pull through all three loops on your hook.

Yarn over, insert your hook into the top loop.

Yarn over, pull through the loop of yarn.

Yarn over again, pull through the first two loops on your hook.

Yarn over a final time and pull through the remaining two loops.

Yarn over, yarn over again, then insert your hook into the top loop. You will have three loops on your hook.

Yarn over, pull through the loop of yarn. There will be four loops on your hook.

Yarn over, pull through two loops on your hook. You will have three loops left on your hook.

Yarn over, pull through two loops. You will have two loops left on your hook.

Yarn over a final time and pull through the remaining two loops.

With the end of your yarn laying across the palm of your hand, wrap the yarn around your fingers, crossing the working yarn over the tail end.

Hold the yarn in place with the thumb of the same hand. The loose end of the working yarn will now be on the left. Turn your hand over and insert your hook under the yarn on the right side.

Hook the working yarn (on the left) and pull it through, under the yarn on the right.

Twist the hook as you bring the loop through.

Carefully take the loop off your fingers and work a chain to secure the loop. You can then continue to work as many chains as the pattern calls for.

Finish off by cutting the yarn and pulling the end through the loop on the hook. Pull this tight, to stop the stitches unravelling.

The pattern also includes hand sewing techniques. We recommend using embroidery floss for these hand stitches. Use two strands from a six-strand embroidery floss so when both strands are threaded through the needle and folded over, the two strands will become 4 strands.

NOTE – The pictures below show the stitches being done on fabric. The methods are the same on yarn.

Thread the needle and tie a knot in the end of the thread.

On the inside of one of the fabric pieces, put the needle through a tiny bit of fabric.

Pull the thread almost all the way to the knot. Stop pulling, split the thread close to the knot creating a gap then slip the needle through the gap.

Pull the thread taut. The thread should now be knotted to the fabric.

NOTE – Tying the thread to the fabric this way will prevent the knot from coming through the fabric as you stitch.

Put the needle through to the right side or underside of the fabric depending on which side of the fabric the needle needs to be on for the next step.

Backstitches are used for outlining or adding fine detail.

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach to the inside of the fabric pieces, following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Sewing Instructions above.

Pull the needle to the right side of the fabric close to the raw edge, or at the point you want to start your stitches. Pull the thread to the right side.

Push the needle down about ⅛ inch away, pulling the thread all the way through. This will create a small stitch.

Push the needle back up about ⅛ inch away, pulling the thread all the way through, creating a gap from the first stitch.

Push the needle back into the same hole as step 3.2, pulling the thread all the way through. This will close the gap and complete the first backstitch.

Repeat steps 3.2 to 3.4 creating a length of backstitches as desired.

Thread the needle with yarn and attach to the inside one of the crocheted pieces, following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Sewing Instructions below.
Line up the crocheted edges, right sides out.

Put the needle through one of the crocheted pieces so it comes out the loops of the first stitch on the right side of the piece. Then, bring the needle over both pieces and insert it into both loops of the next set of stitches on each of the crocheted edges. Pull the needle all the way through, pulling the yarn taut.

Move the needle back over both pieces of fabric and put the needle back into the loops on the next stitch. Be sure to go through both layers. Pull the needle all the way through and pull the yarn taut.

Repeat all the way around.

These stitches are created without looping or crossing your thread. They can be used to create broken or unbroken lines or starbursts, fill shapes and create geometric designs.

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach to the inside of the fabric pieces, following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Sewing Instructions above.

Insert the needle from the wrong side of the fabric close to the raw edge, or at the point you want to start stitching. Pull the thread to the right side.

Push the needle down about ⅛ to ¼ inch away, pulling the thread all the way through. This will create a small stitch.

Push the needle back up to the right side about ⅛ to ¼ inch away from the last stitch, this will create a space between the first stitch. Pull the thread all the way through to the right side.

Repeat steps 5.1 to 5.3 creating the desired number of straight stitches in the desired pattern.

4 – Worsted Weight Yarn size – Hook Size 4mm for Purse, 3.5mm for Animal details

– Test Square 2 inches = 10 stiches x 12 rows

NOTE – It is advisable to read through each step, before you start crocheting, to ensure that you understand the step fully.

NOTE – This pattern uses US crochet terms. If you typically use patterns using other country’s crochet patterns, please check stitch instructions to make sure you are using the same stitch that is called for in the pattern.

NOTE – The chains worked at the start of rows or rounds, are not included in the stitch count given, unless stated.

Sample Square

If you are a beginner, or are substituting with a different weight yarn, it may be helpful to work a sample square, to check your gauge is correct, for this pattern. You can try working with a larger or smaller hook size if your gauge needs adjusting.

You will work the Purse Base in joined rounds.

The chain two and slip stitch that you work, when crocheting your joined rounds, are not included in the stitch count for each round.
The Purse Base is made using the gray mist yarn and your G/6 (4mm) hook.

NOTE – If making an Animal Purse, use the corresponding color for the animal you are making. If you are making the Purse Base, use any color desired.

BEGINNER’S TIP – If you struggle making a magic ring, you may want to use this alternative: Chain four, slip stitch into the first stitch forming a ring. Work the 12 double crochets into the ring, make sure to stitch over the tail of yarn from where you began as you will use it to tighten the ring. Pull the ring closed, weave in the end of the tail. Skip to step 1.3.

Make a magic ring, following the directions in the Stitch Library Instructions above.

Chain two, work 12 double crochets into the magic ring, pull the ring closed, (with the free end of the yarn) and make a slip stitch (following the directions in the Stitch Library instructions above), to join the round, in the first double crochet made. (12 stitches)

Tip – when working slip stitches as part of a round, it is advisable to keep these stitches quite loose. You will be working into them in the next round, and this is much more difficult, if the stitches are tight.

Chain two, (following the directions in the Stitch Library instructions above). Work two double crochets into each stitch around, then slip stitch into the first double crochet of the round (24 stitches).
1.4
Chain two. Work one double crochet in the first stitch, two double crochets in the next stitch, then repeat this pattern 12 times in total.
Slip stitch

Chain two. Work one double crochet in the first stitch, two double crochets in the next stitch, then repeat this pattern 12 times in total.

Slip stitch into the first double crochet (36 stitches).

Chain two. Work one double crochet in the first two stitches, two double crochets in the next stitch, then repeat this pattern 12 times in total.

Slip stitch into the first double crochet (48 stitches).

Chain two. Work one double crochet in the first three stitches, two double crochets in the next stitch, then repeat this pattern 12 times in total.

Slip stitch into the first double crochet (60 stitches).

Chain two. Work one double crochet in the first four stitches, two double crochets in the next stitch, then repeat this pattern 12 times in total.

Slip stitch into the first double crochet (72 stitches).

Finish off, following the directions in the Stitch Library instructions above.

Repeat steps 1.1 to 1.8 to make a second side.

Place the Sides wrong sides together.

Chain one.

Insert the hook in front Side and through the back Side, working a slip stitch joining the two Sides together.

Repeat through both sides for the next 53 stitches. (54 stitches)
Finish off.

NOTE – Leave a 10 inch tail for attaching the Strap. Do not weave the end in yet.

The strap can be adjusted based on the size of the intended wearer. The following instructions are sized for a 3-year-old, 6-year-old, and 9-year-old. To make a smaller strap, remove chains. To make a longer strap, add more chains.

Size 3 year-old instructions are written first.

Size 6 year-old instructions are written second.

Size 9 year-old instructions are written third.

Instructions in black, apply to all sizes.

With gray yarn, chain 101. Chain 131. Chain 151.

Starting in the second chain from the hook, work a single crochet, and in the next 98 chains. 128 chains. 148 Chains. Stitch three single crochets in the last chain. Turn. (101 stitches, 131 stitches, 151 stitches)

Working in the back loops of the chain, work a single crochet in the next 98 chains. 128 Chains. 148 Chains. Work two single crochet into the last stitch.

Slip stitch into the first single crochet of the round. (100 stitches, 130 stitches, 150 stitches)

Tip – The last stitch of the row may have curled around the corner. Make sure that you don’t miss it, or your stitch count will reduce.

Work a slip stitch into each single crochet around.

Slip stitch into the first single crochet 201 stitches, 261 stitches, 301 stitches.

Finish off.

NOTE – Leave a 10 inch tail for attaching the Strap. Do not weave the end in yet.

The Strap will be stitched onto both sides at the top of the Purse. The end of the Strap with the tail of yarn still attached should be aligned with the side of the Purse where you started slip stitching the two Sides together. The end of the Strap that does not have any yarn attached should be aligned with the side of the Purse with the tail of yarn still attached.

Start with the end of the Strap with the tail of yarn.

On the Strap, count three slip stitches up from the end, align it with the third double crochet up from the slip stitch edge.

Whipstitch the Purse and Strap together using these stitches on the Purse: three stitches on the Front Side, two stitches where the Purses join, and three stitches up the Back Side.

Finish off, and weave in the ends.

Repeat steps 4.2 and 4.3 to stitch the other end of the Strap on in the same way on the other side of the Purse. Be careful not to twist the Strap. Use the yarn tail from the Purse to stitch the Strap on.

Finish off, and weave in the ends.
If you are making the Cat Purse, continue below.

If you are making the Bear Purse, skip to step 8.

If you are making the Unicorn Purse, skip to step 12.

If you are only making the Purse Base, your Crochet Animal Purse is done!

If you are making the Bear Purse, skip to step 8.

If you are making the Unicorn Purse, skip to step 12.

If you are making the Cat Purse, follow below.

The Cat Ears are worked in continuous rounds. Do not chain at the start of each round, rather work straight into the first stitch of the previous round (keep your tension on the tight side as you do this, to keep the join neat).

The Cat Ears are made using gray yarn and your E/4 (3.5mm) crochet hook.

Make a magic ring, following the directions in the Stitch Library Instructions above.

Work four single crochets into the magic ring, pull the ring closed.

Work one single crochet into the first stitch, then work a two single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern two times total.

Work one single crochet into the first two stitches, then work two single crochet into the next stitch. Repeat this pattern two times total.

Work one single crochet into the first three stitches, then work two single crochet into the next stitch. Repeat this pattern two times total.

Work one single crochets into the first five stitches, then work two single crochet into the next stitch. Repeat this pattern two times total.

Finish off, leaving a long tail for stitching.

Repeat steps 5.1 to 5.7 to create a second Cat Ear.

Attaching the ears – Place the ears between rounds five and six, under where each Strap is attached. Pin in place.

Thread your needle with the yarn tail left on the Ear. Using a whipstitch, start at the side the tail of yarn is attached to, stitch across the front edge of the ear attaching it to the Purse.

Finish off.

NOTE – Make sure to only stitch through one Side of the Purse.

Repeat step 5.10 to stitch on the second Ear.

Thread the needle with pink yarn and attach the thread to the back of the Front Side near the magic circle following the attaching thread directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Using straight stitches, embroider a nose onto the Purse. The nose should be in the shape of an upside down triangle with the point of the triangle at the magic circle, and the base of the triangle along round 1. Stitch back and forth until the desired look is achieved.

NOTE – Be careful to only stitch through the Front Side of the Purse.

Finish off.

Thread the needle with black yarn and attach the thread to the back of the Front Side near the nose following the attaching thread directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Using backstitches, embroider whiskers onto the Purse with black yarn. Use caution to only sew through one layer of the Purse.

If you are adding the Unicorn Purse, skip to step 12.

If you are adding the Bear Purse, follow below.

The Bear Ears are worked in continuous rounds. Do not chain at the start of each round, rather work straight into the first stitch of the previous round (keep your tension on the tight side as you do this, to keep the join neat).

The Bear Ears are made using brown yarn and your E/4 (3.5mm) crochet hook.

Make a magic ring, following the directions in the Stitch Library instructions above.

Work six single crochets into the magic ring, pull the ring closed. (6 stitches)

Work two single crochets into each stitch around.

Work one single crochet into the first three stitches, then work two single crochets into the next stitch. Repeat this pattern two times total.

Work one single crochet in each stitch around.

Work one single crochet into the first stitch, then work a decrease in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern 5 times total.

Finish off, leaving a long tail for stitching.

Repeat steps 8.1 to 8.6 to a second Bear Ear.

The Bear Nose Patch is worked in continuous rounds. Do not chain at the start of each round, rather work straight into the first stitch of the previous round (keep your tension on the tight side as you do this, to keep the join neat).

The Bear Nose Patch are made using light taupe yarn and your E/4 (3.5mm) crochet hook.

Make a magic ring, following the directions in the Stitch Library Instructions above.

Work six single crochets into the magic ring, pull the ring closed.

Work two single crochets into each stitch around.

Work one single crochet into the first stitch, then work two single crochets into the second stitch. Repeat this pattern six times total.

Work one single crochet into the first two stitches, then work two single crochets into the third stitch. Repeat this pattern 6 times total.

Work one single crochet into the first three stitches, then work two single crochets into the second stitch. Repeat this pattern 6 times total.

Work one single crochet into the first two stitches, then work single crochets into the next stitch. Work one single crochet into the next two stitches. Repeat this pattern 6 times total.

Slip stitch in next stitch.

Finish off, leaving a long tail for stitching.

The Bear Nose is made using black yarn and your E/4 (3.5mm) crochet hook.

Make a magic ring, following the directions in the Stitch Library Instructions above.

Work six single crochets into the magic ring, pull the ring closed.

Slip stitch in next stitch.

Finish off, leaving a long tail for stitching.

Place the ears between rounds five and six, under where each Strap is attached. Pin in place.

Thread your needle with the yarn tail left on the Ear. Using a whipstitch, start at the side the tail of yarn is attached to, and stitch across the front edge of the ear attaching it to the Purse.

Finish off.

NOTE – Make sure to only stitch through one Side of the Purse.

Repeat steps 11.1 to 11.2 to attach the second Ear.

Place the Nose onto the Nose Patch.

Thread your needle with the yarn left on the Nose. Using a whipstitch, stitch the Nose onto the top of the Nose Patch.

Place the Nose Patch onto the Front Side of the Purse.

Thread your needle with the yarn left on the Nose Patch. Using a whipstitch,, stitch the Nose Patch the onto the Purse.

NOTE – The top of the Nose Patch should be placed on the magic ring.

TIPE – Make sure to only stitch through one Side of the purse.
Your Crochet Animal Purse is done!

The Unicorn Ears are worked in continuous rounds. Do not chain at the start of each round, rather work straight into the first stitch of the previous round (keep your tension on the tight side as you do this, to keep the join neat).

The Unicorn Ears are made using white yarn and your E/4 (3.5mm) crochet hook.

Make a magic ring, following the directions in the Stitch Library Instructions above.

NOTE – The yarn in the pictures is different from the final piece, a different color was used for clarity in the photos.

Work four single crochets into the magic ring, pull the ring closed.

Work one single crochet into the first stitch, then work two single crochets into the second stitch. Repeat this pattern 2 times total.

Work one single crochet into the first two stitches, then work two single crochets into the third stitch. Repeat this pattern 2 times total.

Work one single crochet into the first three stitches, then work two single crochets into the fourth stitch. Repeat this pattern 2 times total.

Work one single crochet in each stitch around.

Work one single crochet in each stitch around.

Work one single crochet in each stitch around.

Work one single crochet in the first 3 stitches, then work two single crochets together. Repeat this pattern twice.

Finish off, leaving a long tail for stitching.

The Unicorn Horn is made using deep gold yarn and your E/4 (3.5mm) crochet hook.

Chain 8.

NOTE – The yarn in the pictures is different from the final piece, a different color was used for clarity in the photos.

Work one slip stitch in the 2nd chain from the hook. Then, work one single crochet in the next two stitches, one half double crochet in the next stitch, one double crochet in the next two stitches, then a triple crochet in the last stitch.

Finish off, leaving a long tail for stitching.

Place the ears between rounds five and six, under where each Strap is attached. Pin in place.

Thread your needle with the yarn tail left on the Ear. Using a whipstitch, start at the side the tail of yarn is attached to, stitch across the front edge of the ear attaching it to the Purse.

Repeat steps 14.1 to 14.2 to attach the second Ear.

Place the Horn onto the Purse at a slight angle between the Ears.

Thread your needle with the yarn left on the Horn. Using a whipstitch, start at the side of the Horn the yarn is attached to and stitch around, attaching it to the front of the Purse.

Finish off.

NOTE – Make sure to only stitch through one Side of the Purse.

Thread the needle with black yarn and attach the thread to the back of the Front Side near where you will be stitching the eyes following the attaching thread directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Using backstitches, eyes and eye lashes onto the Purse with black yarn. Use caution to only sew through one layer of the Purse.

Repeat step 14.3 to stitch a second eye and lashes.

Your Crochet Animal Purse is done!