Crocheted Beaded Pearl Pouch with Zipper

This pattern creates an elegant and unique pouch, perfect for special occasions or as a dazzling accessory. The pearl beads are crocheted directly into the fabric, creating a rich, textured surface.

Approximate Finished Size:

Width: 5-6 inches (13-15 cm)
Height: 3.5-4 inches (9-10 cm)

Materials:

Yarn: Fine (Category 2) or Light Worsted (Category 3) cotton or mercerized cotton yarn in white or cream.
- Approx. 50-70 yards (45-65 meters)
Crochet Hook: 2.0mm – 2.5mm (B/1 or C/2) hook (or hook size appropriate for your yarn and beads, small enough to pass through bead hole).
Beads: Pearl beads (or beads of your choice) with a hole large enough for your yarn and hook to pass through easily.
- Approx. 300-400 beads (depending on bead size and pouch size).
Zipper: One (1) 5-6 inch (13-15 cm) nylon or metal zipper in white, cream, or gold to match the pearls.
Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
Sewing Needle and Thread: Fine, strong thread (matching yarn color) for sewing the zipper (recommended for a clean finish).
Scissors
Beading Needle (optional): Can be helpful for pre-stringing beads.

Gauge: Working in sc with beads, approximately 8-10 beaded sc stitches per 2 inches (5 cm).

Gauge is flexible here, as bead size will heavily influence it. The key is to have a dense fabric.

Abbreviations (US Terms):

ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
st(s): stitch(es)
F.O.: Fasten Off
Bsc: Beaded Single Crochet (explained below)

Special Technique: Beaded Single Crochet (Bsc)

This technique incorporates a bead into a single crochet stitch.

Before you make your sc stitch, slide one bead down your working yarn until it rests against your hook.
Insert your hook into the designated stitch.
Yarn over and pull up a loop (the bead will be trapped at the front of the stitch).
Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook to complete the sc. The bead should now be snugly held in place at the front of your work.

Pattern Instructions: The Pouch Body

This pouch is worked by first stringing all beads onto your yarn, then crocheting in joined rounds from the base up.

Part 1: Pre-stringing Beads

This is the most time-consuming part, but essential.

Estimate the total number of beads you’ll need (approx. 300-400 for this size). It’s always better to string more than you think you’ll need.
Thread all your pearl beads onto your working yarn. If your yarn is too thick for a standard needle, you can use a beading needle, or simply flatten the yarn end with a little glue or clear nail polish to stiffen it for threading.
Push the beads several feet down your yarn, away from the working end, so they don’t interfere with your initial chains.

Part 2: Base of the Pouch (Oval)

Start with your main color yarn, no beads for the base.

Foundation Chain: Ch 26.

Round 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook. Sc in the next 23 chs. Work 3 sc in the last ch. (This turns the corner). Now working on the other side of the foundation chain, sc in the next 23 chs. Work 2 sc in the last ch (same ch as first sc). Sl st to the first sc to join. (52 sc total).

Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in the first sc. Sc in the next 23 sts. Inc in the next 3 sts. Sc in the next 23 sts. Inc in the next 2 sts. Sl st to the first sc. (58 sc total).

Round 3: Ch 1. Sc in BLO of each st around. Sl st to the first sc. (58 sc total).

This round creates a defined edge for the base of the pouch to stand up.

Part 3: Beaded Body of the Pouch

Now we’ll incorporate the beads using the Bsc technique. You’ll be working in continuous rounds, not turning, to keep all beads on the “right side” (outside) of the pouch. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.

Round 1 (Beaded Layer): Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in the first st. Bsc in the next st, sc in the next st. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (29 Bsc and 29 sc). * Make sure to push the bead firmly against the hook before completing the sc to ensure it sits snugly.

Round 2 (Non-Beaded Layer – Offset): Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in the first st (this should be the sc from the previous round). Sc in the top of the next Bsc. Sc in the next sc (from previous round), sc in the top of the next Bsc. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to the first sc. (58 sc total). * This round of plain sc stitches helps to offset the beads in the next round, creating a staggered, “brick-like” pattern as seen in the image.

Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 for the body of the pouch until it reaches your desired height (approx. 3.5-4 inches / 9-10 cm). The image shows about 5-6 sets of these two rounds after the base.

End with a Round 2 (non-beaded sc layer) before moving to the top edge for zipper attachment.

Part 4: Top Edge for Zipper

To create a clean and sturdy edge for sewing the zipper.

Round 1: Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Sl st to the first sc. (58 sc)

Round 2: Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Sl st to the first sc. (58 sc)

F.O. Weave in all loose ends securely.

Video tutorial

Assembly: Attaching the Zipper

This step requires precision for a professional-looking finish. For the best result with beads, hand-sewing the zipper is recommended.

Prepare the Zipper: Open the zipper halfway.
Align the Zipper: Place one side of the open zipper along the inside top edge of your crocheted pouch. Make sure the zipper teeth are facing up towards the opening of the pouch. Align the ends of the zipper tape with the sides of the pouch. Use pins or stitch markers to hold the zipper in place along the top edge.
Sew the First Side: Using a strong sewing needle and matching thread (or your yarn needle and a thin strand of yarn), begin to sew the zipper tape to the very top edge of the crocheted pouch. Work small, even whip stitches or a backstitch, going through the zipper tape and catching the top loops of your last sc row. Ensure your stitches are neat and don’t show excessively on the outside of the bag. The goal is to hide the stitching as much as possible.
Sew the Second Side: Once the first side is securely sewn, close the zipper to help align the second side perfectly. Pin the other side of the zipper tape to the opposite top edge of the pouch, ensuring it’s perfectly aligned across the opening. Sew this side in the same manner.
Secure the Ends: At both ends of the zipper, fold any excess zipper tape inwards and stitch it down securely to prevent fraying and create a clean finish inside the pouch.

Your beautiful crocheted beaded pearl pouch with a zipper is now complete!