Hey there! My name is Sarah, and I am the maker and designer behind The Plush Pineapple. I learned to sew, crochet, and knit about seven years ago while I was expecting my first child. I was so thrilled to be having a baby that I wanted to make him all the things! I learned each of these skills by watching YouTube video tutorials and following DIY tutorials on Pinterest. I have no fears when it comes to making, in fact, I had never touched a sewing machine a day in my life, and the first project I tackled was a puff quilt for my baby! Since then, I have learned how to sew a variety of projects and can even free-motion quilt on my home sewing machine! Despite my love for sewing, knitting and crocheting are a much bigger part of my passion.
.png)
If I were to pinpoint one specific thing that inspires me to be a maker, it would be impossible! I have had a desire to create from deep within since I was a child. I was the kid always drawn to the how-to-draw books, origami, friendship bracelets, etc… I truly believe that I inherited my creativity from my Gramma. She is nothing short of amazing. She has a full-blown art studio and could paint a real-life portrait of you. She designed and built both of the vanities in her two bathrooms. She throws pottery and has her own wheel and kiln. I could bore you to tears about her, but I’ll end with the fact that after a recent discussion with her over my need of a yarn bowl, my 83-year-old gramma threw a custom yarn bowl for me on her wheel and hand-painted and glazed it!!! Besides all of this, I am inspired daily. I see things and instantly think, “How could I make that?” I see colors and think, “That palette would look great in a scarf!” I live and breathe MAKING!
The crochet/knit community has been nothing short of amazing in the way that so many makers have welcomed me into their corner of the world with open arms. Much of my success has been due to fellow makers reaching out a helping hand as I try to branch out and grow my little business. I am especially grateful to be featured here on The Hook Nook among so many other fabulous makers! Now, I believe we have a purse to make! So, let’s get started!
Supply List
Size J10/6.00 mm crochet hook
Bulky (5) weight yarn in two colors – Bernat Maker Home Dec is recommended
Color A – approx 320 yards
Color B – approx 100 yards
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Leather purse strap (optional)
Tassel maker OR piece of cardboard measuring 6” x 3” (optional)
Coordinating fabric for a lining (optional)
Key
CH – Chain
SC – Single crochet
DC – Double crochet
Sl St – Slip stitch
BLO – Back loop only
SK – Skip
Gauge
3” x 3” = 11 Rows x 10 SC worked in BLO
Finished measurements are as follows
Oval Base: 12 ¾” L x 6 ¾” W
Purse Body: 32” Circumference, 10 ¼” Height
Notes
This purse is made from the base up. It is begun with an oval base made by crocheting on both sides of a foundation CH and continuing in the round. Once the base is completed, the bag is made by SC in BLO in the round for the remainder of the purse body.
Each round of the base is finished by joining to the first SC of the round. I recommend using the invisible slip stitch join and standing/chainless starting stitch. When the base is completed, a stitch marker is used to mark the beginning and end of each round, and the remainder of the purse is made by working continuously in the round.
If you choose to join traditionally, beginning CH stitches do not count as a stitch.
There are multiple color changes in this project. You may choose to carry the yarn, but I found that carrying the yarn warped the shape of the pineapple design somewhat. I chose to cut my yarn at each color change. This method will create several ends to weave in at the end, but gives a cleaner overall appearance. The method chosen is a personal preference and entirely up to the discretion of the maker!
When changing colors, be sure to end the stitch prior to the color change by pulling the new color through. This method will ensure that the first stitch of the next color is uniform in color.
Pattern
Oval Base
Round 1: Using Color A, CH 21. SC in the 2nd CH from hook and in the next 18 CH, 3 SC in the next CH. Now working along the bottom of the foundation CH, SC in the next 18 CH, 2 SC in the next CH (the same CH as the first SC). (Leave the last CH unworked). (42)
Finish the round by joining to the first SC of the round. I recommend the invisible slip stitch join and standing/chainless starting stitch for the remainder of the base (rounds 2-13). Remember that this does not count as a stitch.
Round 2: 2 SC in the 1st SC, 1 SC in the next SC, 2 SC in the next SC, 1 SC in the next 14 SC, *2 SC in the next SC, 1 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 3x, 1 SC in the next 13 SC, *2 SC in the next SC, 1 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 1x. (50)
Round 3: 1 SC in each SC around. (50)
Round 4: 2 SC in the 1st SC, 1 SC in the next SC, 2 SC in the next SC, 1 SC in the next 18 SC, *2 SC in the next SC, 1 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 3x, 1 SC in the next 17 SC, *2 SC in the next SC, 1 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 1x. (58)
Round 5: 1 SC in each SC around. (58)
Round 6: *1 SC in the first SC, 2 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 2x, 1 SC in the next 18 SC, *2 SC in the next SC, 1 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 5x, 1 SC in the next 16 SC, *1 SC in the next SC, 2 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 2x. (70)
Round 7: 1 SC in each SC around. (70)
Round 8: *1 SC in the 1st SC, 2 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 2x, 1 SC in the next 24 SC, *2 SC in the next SC, 1 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 5X, 1 SC in the next 22 SC, *1 SC in the next SC, 2 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 2x. (82)
Round 9: 1 SC in each SC around. (82)
Round 10: *2 SC in the 1st SC, 1 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 4x, 1 SC in the next 25 SC, *2 SC in the next SC, 1 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 7x, 1 SC in the next 25 SC, *2 SC in the next SC, 1 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 2x. (98)
Round 11: 1 SC in each SC around. (98)
Round 12: *1 SC in the 1st SC, 2 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 5x, 1 SC in the next 30 SC, *2 SC in the next SC, 1 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 9x, 1 SC in the next 28 SC, *1 SC in the next SC, 2 SC in the next SC, repeat from * 3x. (118)
Round 13: 1 SC in each SC around. (118)
Do not use the invisible slip stitch here. Place stitch marker to indicate the beginning and end of each round from this point forward.
Purse Body
Rounds 14-48 are SC worked in BLO only. The letter A will refer to Color A. The letter B will refer to Color B. Stitch count for Rounds 14-47 is 118 SC. A graph of the pineapple portion ONLY is included on pg. 9 for reference.
Round 14: 26A, 16B, 76A
Round 15: 26A, 16B, 76A
Round 16: 27A, 14B, 77A
Round 17: 27A, 14B, 77A
Round 18: 28A, 12B, 78A
Round 19: 29A, 10B, 79A
Round 20: 30A, 8B, 80A
Round 21: 30A, 9B, 79A
Round 22: 29A, 11B, 78A
Round 23: 27A, 14B, 77A
Round 24: 23A, 22B, 73A
Round 25: 24A, 20B, 74A
Round 26: 29A, 11B, 78A
Round 27: 28A, 12B, 78A
Round 28: 27A, 14B, 77A
Round 29: 26A, 16B, 76A
Round 30: 24A, 21B, 73A
Round 31: 25A, 1B, 1A, 2B, 1A, 10B, 2A, 2B, 74A
Round 32: 27A, 1B, 2A, 9B, 79A
Round 33: 29A, 11B, 78A
Round 34: 29A, 11B, 78A
Round 35: 28A, 13B, 77A
Round 36: 28A, 14B, 76A
Round 37: 27A, 11B, 1A, 4B, 75A
Round 38: 26A, 3B, 1A, 5B, 1A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 74A
Round 39: 25A, 2B, 3A, 5B, 1A, 3B, 79A
Round 40: 29A, 6B, 1A, 3B, 79A
Round 41: 29A, 2B, 1A, 3B, 2A, 2B, 79A
Round 42: 28A, 3B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 2B, 78A
Round 43: 28A, 2B, 3A, 2B, 3A, 2B, 78A
Round 44: 27A, 2B, 4A, 2B, 4A, 2B, 77A
Round 45: 26A, 1B, 6A, 2B, 6A, 1B, 76A
Round 46: 34A, 1B, 83A
Round 47: SL ST to the next SC, CH 4 (counts as 1st DC and CH 2), SK 2, DC in next stitch, *CH 2, SK 2, DC in next stitch,* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches remain, CH 2, join to the top of first CH 2 with an invisible join.
Finish off and weave in ends.
Finishing
You may choose to add a tassel, leather purse strap, and lining to your new bag! You can find a tassel tutorial on my blog, as well as, a tutorial on adding a fabric lining.
I hope this purse brings you all the tropical, summer vibes! If you make this project, please share and tag me @theplushpineapple on Instagram and Facebook! I can’t wait to see all of the Stay Sweet Summer Purses in all the colors! If you want to see more pineapple-y goodness, head over to my blog where you can find crochet and knit patterns and tutorials! You can also follow me on Pinterest!
Much love, sunshine, and pineapples!
Sarah
