Whispering Pines Puff Stitch Purse Free Pattern – A Crocheted Forest Treasure

Carry a piece of the tranquil forest with this plush, textured purse crafted entirely from soft, chunky yarn. The puff stitch clusters create a cloud-like surface that's as delightful to touch as it is to behold. This free crochet pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners looking to expand their skills while creating a stunning, boho-chic accessory. The rich forest green, oatmeal, and mustard color palette evokes the beauty of a woodland hike, making this bag a true handmade treasure.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project works up quickly with super bulky yarn and a large hook, making it a satisfying weekend project.

• Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (super bulky weight, 6) in the following colors:
  • Forest Green (MC) – approximately 250g (2 skeins)
  • Oatmeal (CC1) – approximately 100g (1 skein)
  • Mustard (CC2) – approximately 50g (1 skein)
• Hook: US Size N/P (10 mm) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch markers (optional), scissors
• Optional: Button or magnetic snap closure for the top edge

Gauge: 4 puff stitches x 4 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern stitch (after blocking). Gauge is important for the final size, so take a moment to check your tension.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds for the base, then joined rounds for the body. The puff stitch is the star of this project – it's easier than it looks! Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful textured purse in no time.

Understanding the Puff Stitch (puff)

Before starting, let's master the puff stitch, abbreviated as puff:

1. Yarn over, insert hook into the designated stitch.
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
3. Repeat steps 1-2 three more times in the same stitch (you will have 7 loops on hook).
4. Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops on the hook.
5. Chain 1 to close the puff. This chain 1 counts as part of the puff stitch and creates a small space for the next round.

Part 1: The Base (Worked in Forest Green - MC)

The base is a flat circle that forms the bottom of your purse. Work in continuous rounds (do not join unless stated).

• Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close. (6 sc)
• Round 2: Work 2 sc in each sc around. (12 sc)
• Round 3: *Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat from * to * around. (18 sc)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat from * to * around. (24 sc)
• Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat from * to * around. (30 sc)
• Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat from * to * around. (36 sc)

You should now have a flat circle approximately 6 inches in diameter. If it's curling, your tension is too tight; if it's ruffling, it's too loose. Adjust accordingly.

Part 2: The Body (Puff Stitch Pattern)

Now we'll build the textured walls of the purse. From here on, you will join each round with a slip stitch.

• Round 7: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), work 1 sc in the same stitch. Then *skip 1 sc, puff in the next sc, skip 1 sc, sc in the next sc* repeat from * to * around, ending with a puff in the last sc. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (18 puffs, 18 sc)
• Round 8: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch. *Puff in the sc from the previous round (the sc that sits between the puffs), sc in the chain-1 space of the puff from the previous round* repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (18 puffs, 18 sc)
• Rounds 9-16: Repeat Round 8. (18 puffs each round)

The body will grow upward, forming a textured, cylindrical shape. The puff stitches will naturally stagger, creating a beautiful, dense honeycomb-like texture.

Part 3: Color Transitions

Now we add the beautiful forest-inspired color bands. Simply switch yarn colors at the start of each round, following the sequence below. Continue using the same puff stitch pattern from Round 8.

• Round 17: Repeat Round 8 using Oatmeal (CC1) for the entire round.
• Round 18: Repeat Round 8 using Oatmeal (CC1).
• Round 19: Repeat Round 8 using Mustard (CC2).
• Round 20: Repeat Round 8 using Mustard (CC2).
• Round 21: Repeat Round 8 using Forest Green (MC).
• Round 22: Repeat Round 8 using Forest Green (MC).

Part 4: Top Edging

This section creates a clean, neat finish at the top of the purse and prepares it for the straps.

• Round 23: With MC, ch 1, work 1 sc in each stitch around (including the chain-1 spaces of the puffs). Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (36 sc)
• Round 24: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, *sc in the next 5 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (42 sc)
• Round 25: Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join with a slip stitch. (42 sc)

Fasten off and weave in all loose ends securely.

Part 5: Straps (Make 2)

These sturdy, simple straps are crocheted flat and sewn on. They are comfortable and durable.

• Using MC, chain 60.
• Row 1: Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (59 sc)
• Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across. (59 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches) for sewing. Repeat for the second strap.

Part 6: Assembly

Time to put it all together!

1. Fold the rim: Fold the top edge of the purse over to create a neat rim (about 1 inch deep). This gives the bag structure and a professional finish.
2. Attach the straps: Using the long tails, sew the straps securely to the inside of the purse, one on each side. Ensure they are evenly spaced and centered. Sew them firmly, going through both layers of the folded rim for extra strength.
3. Weave in ends: Weave in all remaining ends with your tapestry needle.
4. Optional closure: Sew a button or magnetic snap closure inside the top edge to keep your belongings secure.

Your Whispering Pines Puff Stitch Purse is complete! This plush, textured bag is perfect for everyday use, a trip to the farmer's market, or as a thoughtful handmade gift. The combination of chunky yarn and the tactile puff stitch makes it a joy to carry and a stunning piece of nature-inspired craftsmanship. Enjoy your new forest treasure!