The Rainbow Hearts Pouch 80551: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Modern Keepsake
Introducing the Rainbow Hearts Pouch: A Free Crochet Pattern
Get ready to fall in love with your next crochet project! The Rainbow Hearts Pouch is a charming, textured keepsake that’s as delightful to make as it is to use. This modern, whimsical accessory features a cascade of rainbow hearts on a vibrant, striped body, making it perfect for storing small treasures, gifting to a loved one, or simply brightening your day. With its soft, worsted-weight cotton yarn and easy-to-follow construction, this pattern is ideal for confident beginners looking to create something truly special. Let’s dive into the colorful world of amigurumi and craft a pouch that’s both functional and full of heart.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crochet experience:
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in 7 rainbow colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) and a small amount of white for hearts (optional, but recommended for contrast).
- Hook: 3.5mm crochet hook (or size needed to match gauge).
- Gauge: 16 single crochet (sc) x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. Tip: Always check your gauge to ensure the pouch turns out the correct size.
- Other: Tapestry needle for weaving ends and sewing hearts, stitch markers (optional), scissors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your own Rainbow Hearts Pouch. Work slowly and count your stitches carefully for best results.
Pouch Base (Worked in Continuous Rounds)
Note: Do not join rounds unless specified. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
- Round 1: With red yarn, make a magic ring. Work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. (6 stitches)
- Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
- Round 3: (Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch) repeat around. (18 stitches)
- Round 4: (Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch) repeat around. (24 stitches)
- Round 5: (Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch) repeat around. (30 stitches)
- Round 6: (Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch) repeat around. (36 stitches)
- Round 7: (Sc in next 5 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch) repeat around. (42 stitches)
- Round 8: (Sc in next 6 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch) repeat around. (48 stitches)
- Round 9: (Sc in next 7 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch) repeat around. (54 stitches)
- Round 10: (Sc in next 8 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch) repeat around. (60 stitches)
- Round 11: (Sc in next 9 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch) repeat around. (66 stitches)
- Round 12: (Sc in next 10 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch) repeat around. (72 stitches)
Pouch Sides
- Rounds 13-24: Sc in each stitch around. (72 stitches) – Work 12 rounds even. Tip: This creates the height of the pouch. Keep tension consistent.
Color Transition for Rainbow Stripes
When changing colors, complete the last stitch of the old color, then pull through the new color to finish the stitch. Carry unused yarn loosely up the inside or cut and weave ends later.
- Round 25: Change to orange yarn. Sc in each stitch around. (72 stitches)
- Rounds 26-27: Continue with orange. Sc in each stitch. (72 stitches)
- Round 28: Change to yellow. Sc in each stitch around. (72 stitches)
- Rounds 29-30: Continue with yellow. Sc in each stitch. (72 stitches)
- Round 31: Change to green. Sc in each stitch around. (72 stitches)
- Rounds 32-33: Continue with green. Sc in each stitch. (72 stitches)
- Round 34: Change to blue. Sc in each stitch around. (72 stitches)
- Rounds 35-36: Continue with blue. Sc in each stitch. (72 stitches)
- Round 37: Change to indigo. Sc in each stitch around. (72 stitches)
- Rounds 38-39: Continue with indigo. Sc in each stitch. (72 stitches)
- Round 40: Change to violet. Sc in each stitch around. (72 stitches)
- Rounds 41-42: Continue with violet. Sc in each stitch. (72 stitches)
Top Edge and Drawstring Casing
- Round 43: With violet, chain 1 (does not count as stitch). (Sc in next 2 stitches, chain 2, skip 2 stitches) repeat around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (18 chain-2 spaces)
- Round 44: Chain 1. Sc in each sc and 2 sc in each chain-2 space around. Join. (72 stitches)
- Rounds 45-46: Chain 1. Sc in each stitch around. Join. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Hearts (Make 7, One in Each Rainbow Color)
Worked flat. Leave a long tail for sewing.
- Row 1: With chosen color, chain 2. Work 3 sc into the 2nd chain from the hook. Turn. (3 stitches)
- Row 2: Chain 1. 2 sc in first stitch, sc in next stitch, 2 sc in last stitch. Turn. (5 stitches)
- Row 3: Chain 1. 2 sc in first stitch, sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in last stitch. Turn. (7 stitches)
- Row 4: Chain 1. Sc in first 3 stitches, half double crochet (hdc) in next stitch, double crochet (dc) in next stitch, hdc in next stitch, sc in last 3 stitches. Turn. (9 stitches)
- Row 5: Chain 1. Sc in first 3 stitches, hdc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, hdc in next stitch, sc in last 3 stitches. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Tip: The heart will naturally curve into shape.
Assembly
- Sew Hearts: Using the long tails and a tapestry needle, sew each heart onto the front of the pouch in rainbow order (red at top, violet at bottom). Space them evenly in a vertical cascade. Tip: Pin hearts in place first to check placement.
- Create Drawstring: Cut 3 strands of violet yarn, each 36 inches long. Braid them together tightly and tie knots at each end. Thread the braid through the chain-2 spaces of Round 43, starting and ending at the same point.
- Optional Detail: Add a small button or bead to the center of each heart for extra texture and charm.
Finishing
Weave in all remaining ends with a tapestry needle. If desired, block the pouch gently by lightly steaming or misting with water and shaping it to a round, even form. Allow to dry completely before use.
Your Rainbow Hearts Pouch is now complete! Fill it with small treasures, use it as a gift pouch, or simply admire your handiwork. Happy crocheting!
