Description
Create a simple and soothing crochet makeup bag or pencil case using basic double crochet stitches. This project is perfect for beginners and results in a useful pouch for various items.
Ingredients
- About 85 yards of worsted weight yarn (weight 4, medium), preferably smooth cotton or cotton-blend fiber, from a 100 g skein with about 170 yards
- H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Small scissors
- Tape measure
- One stitch marker (optional)
- One 1-inch button or another small closure (can be swapped for a snap or a short crocheted tie)
Instructions
- Make a foundation chain of 28 chain stitches (ch). Keep these stitches relaxed; if the chain pulls tight, go up one hook size just for the chain, then return to H-8 (5.0 mm) for the first row.
- Row 1: Yarn over, insert the hook into the fourth chain from the hook, yarn over again, and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops twice to make one double crochet (dc). Work 1 dc in each chain across. You should have 26 dc at the end of the row.
- Turn your work. Chain 3 (this counts as the first dc), then work 1 dc in the next stitch and in every stitch across. You should have 26 dc at the end of Row 2.
- Repeat Row 2 until you have 16 rows total.
- At the end of Row 16, measure the rectangle. It should be about 7 inches wide by 8 inches long.
- Fold the lower half of the rectangle upward so the bottom edge meets the point about 4 inches from the top, creating a pouch body measuring about 7 inches wide by 4 inches tall.
- Join one side seam with single crochet (sc). Work 16 sc evenly down one side. Repeat on the other side, also making 16 sc.
- At the top flap, find the center stitch. To make a button loop, chain 10, then slip stitch (sl st) into the marked center stitch. Fasten off and leave a 6-inch tail for weaving in.
- Sew the button to the front of the pouch, ensuring it sits beneath the loop when the flap closes.
- Weave in the ends with a yarn needle, threading each tail through several stitches in different directions. Trim any excess.
Notes
Keep tension relaxed while crocheting to avoid a floppy pouch. You can substitute yarn types but aim to maintain the properties of smooth worsted weight for best results.
- Cook Time: 240 minutes