Hello, fellow yarn lovers! If you are looking for a project that is equal parts functional, sustainable, and utterly adorable, you are going to fall head over heels for this project. The handmade crochet cat purse is a playful crossbody bag that lets you showcase your crafting skills while carrying your daily essentials in style.
Whether you are heading out for a casual shopping trip or meeting friends for coffee, this lightweight, hands-free accessory is sure to spark joy and compliments wherever you go. Let’s grab our hooks and yarn and stitch up a feline friend!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Aran or worsted-weight cotton yarn (approx. 200–250 yards of Main Color, small amounts of contrasting colors for facial details). Cotton is recommended because it is durable and holds its shape well.
- Crochet Hook: US Size G/6 (4.0mm) or size needed to obtain firm tension.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch markers, a button or magnetic snap for closure, and matching fabric for optional lining.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology: ch = chain, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, sl st = slip stitch, st(s) = stitch(es).
- Note 1: The bag body is worked in turned rows or joined rounds depending on your preferred construction; working in firm single crochet stitches helps prevent items from slipping through.
- Note 2: Gauge is not overly critical for this project, but maintaining tight, even tension is important to ensure the bag holds its structure and personal items securely.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- Step 1 – The Base & Body: Using your main color and 4.0mm hook, ch 31. Working in the back bumps of the chain, sc in the 2nd ch from hook and across (30 sts). Ch 1, turn. Continue working even rows of sc until the rectangle measures approximately 8 inches tall. Fasten off. Make two identical panels (front and back).
- Step 2 – The Cat Ears: Locate the top corners of your front panel. Attach yarn to the top-right corner, work a series of decreases over the first few stitches to form a pointed ear shape (approx. 6 sts wide tapering to 1 st over 4 rows). Fasten off. Repeat on the top-left corner of the front panel. Repeat both ears for the back panel.
- Step 3 – Facial Details: Using scrap yarn and your tapestry needle, embroider the sleeping or open eyes, whiskers, and a cute triangular nose onto the front panel before seaming.
- Step 4 – Assembly: Place the front and back panels together with wrong sides facing inward. Using your main color, sc evenly around the left, bottom, and right sides to join the panels, leaving the top open. Weave in all loose ends securely.
- Step 5 – Strap and Closure: To create the crossbody strap, chain your desired length (approx. 40–48 inches) plus a few extra stitches for sturdiness, then work 1 row of sc down the chain. Securely sew both ends of the strap to the upper sides of the bag. Sew a button to the center front and create a small chain loop on the back panel flap to serve as your secure closure.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Add a Fabric Lining: Sew a simple fabric pouch to place inside your crochet purse. This prevents stretching over time and keeps small items like keys from poking through the stitches.
- Keep Tension Firm: A tighter gauge ensures your bag maintains a neat, professional structure and doesn’t sag when filled with your phone and wallet.
- Reinforce the Strap Base: Take extra care when sewing the crossbody strap to the bag body; adding a few extra stitches back and forth will prevent tearing from everyday wear.
- Of course, don’t be afraid to experiment with color! Use neutral tones for an everyday minimalist cat, or go bold with pastel pinks and vibrant blues for a fun statement piece.