Crochet Tomato Pouch

Have you seen those adorable crochet tomato pouches? They are the cutest little things! Not only are they perfect for storing small items like coins or earbuds, but they also add a touch of charm to your everyday carry. The bright red color and intricate crochet stitches make them stand out and bring a smile to your face every time you reach for them. Plus, they make fantastic handmade gifts for friends and family who appreciate a touch of whimsy in their lives. Who knew a simple tomato could bring so much joy in pouch form?

Materials:

• Milk Cotton Yarn, 4 ply, used double stranded for strength
• Crochet Hook size 6/0 or 3.50 mm
• Scissors
• Needle
• Stitch Markers

Pattern:

Base of the Bag:

Start:

Make a magic ring.

Row 1:

Chain 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.

Row 2:

Chain 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.

Row 4:

Chain 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.

Row 5:

Chain 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.

In Row 9:

Chain 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.

Adding Color and Details:

Change Color:

Start with 2 chains, half double crochet into every stitch around, slip stitch into the chain 2.

Creating Space for Drawstring:

Chain 3, skip 3 stitches, then half double crochet. Repeat around, creating loops for the drawstring, ending with a cut yarn.

Leaves (Decorative Elements):

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:

Making the Strap:

Chain 150 (or desired length), then fasten off. Make a second strap the same way.