How to Crochet a Bear Bag / Purse – Crochet and Knitting

Simple half-circles for the ears.

1. Start with Main Color yarn.
2. Row 1: Ch 8. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 6 ch.
   • Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 2: Sc in each sc across.
   • Ch 1, turn.
4. Row 3: Sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog.
   • Ch 1, turn.
5. Row 4: Sc2tog, sc in next st, sc2tog.
6. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. (Optional: To make inner ears, repeat first 2 rows with a smaller hook and accent color, then sew inside).

Part 4: Assembling the Bear’s Face

Do this before joining the two bag panels.

1. Attach Snout: Place the snout in the lower center of one of your bag panels. Sew securely using the long tail and yarn needle. You can add a tiny bit of stuffing to the snout before fully sewing it down to give it some dimension.
2. Embroider Nose & Mouth:
   • Using black or dark brown yarn and your yarn needle, embroider an inverted triangle shape for the nose on the upper part of the snout.
   • From the bottom center of the nose, make a straight stitch downwards, then two small curved stitches extending to the sides for the mouth.
3. Add Eyes:
   • Safety Eyes: If using, insert safety eyes above the snout, evenly spaced, ensuring they are symmetrical. Secure with washers on the wrong side.
   • Embroidered Eyes: If not using safety eyes (especially for very young children), embroider two small circles or vertical lines for the eyes using black/dark brown yarn.
4. Attach Ears: Fold the bottom edge of each ear slightly to create a more rounded shape. Position the ears on the top edge of the front bag panel, evenly spaced. Sew securely using the long tails.

Part 5: Joining the Bag Panels

Now we’ll connect the front (with face) and back panels to form the bag.

1. With the second bag panel (the one you didn’t fasten off) still on your hook, place the front panel (with bear face) behind it, so their wrong sides are facing each other.
2. Join Round: Ch 1 (does NOT count as a st). Insert hook through both loops of the first stitch on the top panel AND through both loops of the corresponding first stitch on the bottom panel. Sc through both layers.
3. Continue making 1 sc through both layers around the entire perimeter of the bag, approximately 3/4 of the way around. Leave about 15-20 stitches (the top section) unjoined for the bag opening.
   • Important: Stop at the exact point where you want the bag opening to begin.
4. FO, leaving a tail to weave in.

Part 6: The Strap

This creates a sturdy shoulder or crossbody strap.

1. Start with Main Color yarn.
2. Row 1: Ch 4. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
   • Ch 1, turn.
3. Repeat Row 1: Sc in each sc across.
   • Ch 1, turn.
   • Continue repeating this row until your strap reaches your desired length (e.g., 20-25 inches for a child’s shoulder bag, 40-50 inches for an adult crossbody).
4. FO, leaving long tails (at least 6-8 inches) at both ends for attaching.
5. Attach Strap: Using your yarn needle, securely sew one end of the strap to each side of the bag opening. Stitch multiple times for durability.

Part 7: Optional Closure (Button Loop)

1. Attach Main Color yarn with a sl st to the center of the back panel’s opening edge.
2. Ch 10-15 (adjust chain length to fit your button).
3. Sl st back into the same stitch on the bag.
4. FO, weave in tail.
5. Sew your button onto the corresponding spot on the front panel, aligning with the loop.

Finishing Your Bear Bag/Purse:

1. Weave in All Ends: Take your time to neatly weave in every yarn tail using your yarn needle. This is crucial for a clean, professional finish.
2. Shape: Gently pat and shape your bag to ensure it looks round and the features are well-defined.

Your Crocheted Bear Bag/Purse is Complete!

You’ve created a functional, charming, and utterly unique accessory that will bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Tips for Success & Customization:

• Yarn Texture: Using a fluffy or chenille yarn for the main body will give your bear a softer, cuddlier feel, but can be harder to see stitches.
• Facial Expressions: Experiment with different eye shapes (embroidered sleepy eyes), eyebrow angles, or mouth positions to give your bear different personalities.
• Add Blush: Use a little pink blush or fabric paint to lightly dab onto the cheeks for extra cuteness.
• Lining (For Durability): For a more robust bag that won’t stretch and where small items won’t fall through, sew a fabric lining. Measure the finished crocheted bag, cut two fabric circles (plus seam allowance), sew them together, and hand-stitch the lining inside the bag.
• Size Adjustments: To make a larger or smaller bag, simply adjust the number of increase rounds for the body panels. Increase the strap length accordingly.
• Different Animals: Use the same basic circular bag shape, but change the ears, muzzle, and facial embroidery to create a cat, panda, fox, or owl bag!
• Add Accessories: Give your bear a tiny crocheted bow tie, a scarf, or a flower pinned to its ear.
• Care: Refer to your yarn label for specific washing instructions. Hand washing and air drying are usually best for handmade crocheted items.

Enjoy your adorable new bear companion!

Video tutorial: