About This Pattern
This little pouch holds small things. Buttons, coins, a spare hair tie. It starts as a flat circle, then rounds into a body, shaped like a tomato. Leaves finish the top, six of them, evenly spaced. A drawstring closes it shut. It fits into one evening, maybe two. It needs a quiet hour, a size 6/0 hook, and steady tension through the increases.
In the basket
Abbreviations
- ch
- chain
- st
- stitch
- sl st
- slip stitch
- hdc
- half double crochet
- dc
- double crochet
- inc
- increase
- mr
- magic ring
- fo
- fasten off
Crochet tomato pouch for holding small treasures
Start
Make a magic ring.
- Round 1Chain 3 (counts as the first double crochet). Make 11 double crochets into the ring. Close the ring by pulling the tail and slip stitch into the top of the chain 3. You should have 12 stitches in total.
- Round 2Chain 3, double crochet in the same stitch. Increase in the next stitch (make 2 double crochets in the same stitch) - repeat from to a total of 11 times. Slip stitch into the chain 3. Total of 24 stitches (12 sets of 2 double crochets).
In Row 3:
Chain 3, increase in next stitch to create the first set. Make 1 double crochet, then 1 increase - repeat from to 11 times. Slip stitch into the chain 3. Total of 36 stitches.
- Round 4Chain 3, 1 double crochet in the same stitch, 2 double crochets in the next 2 stitches to start the first set. Then 1 increase, followed by 2 double crochet - repeat from to 11 more times. Slip stitch into the chain 3. Total of 48 stitches.
- Round 5Chain 3, double crochet into the next stitch, increase in the next stitch. Then 3 double crochet, 1 increase - repeat from to 11 times. Double crochet into the last stitch, then slip stitch into the chain 3. Total of 60 stitches.
Body of the Bag
Row 6 to 8: Additional detailing for expanding the size as needed. For a medium bag, continue up to row 8 for a total height of about 20 cm.
- Round 9Chain 3, double crochet into every stitch around, slip stitch into the chain 3.Row 10 - 20: Repeat the same process as Row 9 for each row to reach the desired height of about 20 rows or adjust for your preferred bag height.
More pictures
Before the first stitch
- Check your yarn amount before starting the body rounds, since height depends on how many you crochet.
- Place a stitch marker at the start of round one. Move it up each row.
- Read through Row 9 first. It repeats for every remaining round, so knowing it early helps.
Minutes per piece
- Start (4 rounds) about 20-30 minutes, because increases need counting each round
- Body of the Bag (up to 20 rows) about 3-4 hours, because it repeats round after round to reach height
Other yarns that work
- Cotton, worsted weight, single stranded Gives a firmer pouch. Use a smaller hook, closer to 4.00 mm.
- Acrylic blend, DK weight, double stranded Softer drape, lighter pouch. Stitch counts stay the same.
Where it ends up
- Keep it by the door for keys and loose change.
- Use it as a travel pouch for earrings or small charms.
- Store sewing notions in it, pins and thread ends, near the kitchen table.
Joining up
- Change Color Start with 2 chains, half double crochet into every stitch around, slip stitch into the chain 2.
- Drawstring Row Chain 3, skip 3 stitches, then half double crochet. Repeat around, creating loops for the drawstring, ending with a cut yarn.
- Starting the Leaf Using 1 strand of yarn, create a slip knot on the hook, insert into a designated stitch on the bag.
- Leaf Pattern Follow the described increase and decrease pattern to shape the leaf over several rows, adjusting the number of stitches according to the instructions provided.
- Finishing Chain 1 and cut the yarn after completing the final row of the leaf. Repeat for a total of 6 leaves evenly spaced around the bag opening.
- Straps Chain 150 (or desired length), then fasten off. Make a second strap the same way.
Small notes
- Use the yarn double stranded. It keeps the pouch sturdy enough to hold its shape.
- Count stitches after every increase round. A missed stitch throws off the whole circle.
- Choose your final height before you begin the body. Eight rows makes a medium bag.
- the classic tomato look, work the body in bright red yarn and the leaves in leafy green.
Little questions
Can I make the pouch taller than 20 rows?
Yes, just keep repeating Row 9 as needed. Each round adds a little more height. Stop whenever it looks right to you.
Why do I need stitch markers?
Rounds have no clear end point, so a marker shows where each one starts. It also helps you count increases accurately. Move it up after each round.
What happens if my stitch count is off after an increase row?
The circle will start to ripple or cup. Undo back to the last correct count and recount stitches. Increases must land evenly around the round.
How long should the drawstring chains be?
Chain 150 for a standard length, or adjust to taste. Make two straps the same way. Longer chains give more room to tie a bow.
Original pattern: https://crocheteverything.com/crochet-tomato-pouch-tutorial/
About the Author
Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.
