Crochet a Cozy Pigeon Purse: A Free Whimsical Crossbody Bag Pattern
Hello, my lovely crocheters! Are you ready to create a project that’s as fun to make as it is to show off? Today, we’re diving into a pattern that is just bursting with personality: the Pigeon Purse!
This isn’t just any bag; it’s a charming, quirky crossbody purse shaped like our classic feathered city friend. Designed by the talented Emma Manos, this pattern is perfect for using up your DK weight yarn scraps and creating a truly one-of-a-kind accessory. Imagine the smiles you’ll get carrying this little pigeon around on your adventures!
This project is perfect for intermediate crocheters looking for a fun challenge, but ambitious beginners should absolutely give it a try! We’ll walk through every step together, from crocheting the individual pieces to sewing on the lining and zipper. It’s a fantastic way to learn new skills like colorwork, sewing pieces together, and adding functional elements to your crochet creations.
Not only is this purse a delightful statement piece for yourself, but it also makes for an incredibly heartfelt and unique handmade gift. Whether for a bird lover, a fan of all things whimsical, or someone who appreciires quirky fashion, this pigeon purse is sure to be cherished.
So, grab your favorite hook, sort through your yarn stash, and let’s get ready to bring this adorable urban avian to life!
Finished Size
The finished purse measures approximately 45 cm (17.5 inches) long and 15 cm (6 inches) wide at its widest point. You can easily adjust the size by using a larger or smaller hook and corresponding yarn.
Gauge
It’s important to check your gauge to ensure your purse turns out the right size!
12 single crochets x 17 rows should measure 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) using a 4.5 mm crochet hook.
Materials
Yarn (DK Weight)
- Light Gray: 80 g / 213 m / 233 yds
- Dark Gray: 21 g / 56 m / 62 yds
- Black: 12 g / 32 m / 35 yds
- Teal: 8 g / 22 m / 24 yds
- Orange: 7 g / 19 m / 21 yds
- White: A small scrap (about 40 cm) for the beak detail
Crochet Hook
- 4.5 mm crochet hook
Notions
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Regular hand-sewing needle
- Light gray sewing thread or embroidery floss
- Safety pins
- 15 g of plushie stuffing (or small fabric scraps)
- ¼ m / ¼ yard of lining fabric
- 20 cm (7.5 inch) gray or black zipper
- 1 m (40 inch) black polyester or canvas bag strap
- 2 black D-rings
Crochet Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- sc inc: single crochet increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- sc dec: single crochet decrease (insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, insert hook into following stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through all 3 loops on hook)
- RS: Right Side
- WS: Wrong Side
- BOR: Beginning of Round
- st/sts: stitch/stitches
- sl st: slip stitch
Pattern Instructions
The Body Piece (Make 2!)
We’ll create the body in sections by changing colors. Remember to ch 1, turn at the end of each row unless otherwise stated.
The Head (with Dark Gray)
Row 1: ch 4 + 1. (5 chains)
Row 2: sc inc in first ch, sc in next 2 ch, sc inc in last ch. (6 sts)
Row 3: sc inc, sc in next 4 sc, sc inc. (8 sts)
Row 4: sc inc, sc in next 6 sts, sc inc. (10 sts)
Row 5: sc inc, sc in next 8 sts, sc inc. (12 sts)
Row 6: sc inc, sc in next 10 sts, sc inc. (14 sts)
Row 7: sc in each st across.
Row 8: sc inc, sc across until 2 sts remain, sc inc. (16 sts)
Rows 9-11: sc in each st across. (3 rows)
Row 12: sc dec, sc across until 2 sts remain, sc dec. (14 sts)
Row 13: sc in each st across.
Row 14: sc dec, sc across until 2 sts remain, sc dec. (12 sts)
Row 15: sc in each st across. Fasten off Dark Gray.
