How to Crochet a No-Sew Zipper Pouch

Who doesn’t love a little bit of crochet to take with you on the go?! For this crochet zipper pouch, you can mix the retro, yet trendy granny stripe with a simple zippered liner for the perfect crochet accessory! And if that wasn’t cool enough, this project is perfect for using up yarn scraps and minimizing waste. So hang out with me while I walk you through the process and share the free pattern for my Granny Stripe Clutch!

---

Before you Begin…

You can find the ad-free PDF version of this pattern in my Ravelry shop or my Etsy shop. For the free version, keep scrolling!

Be in the know about all the latest and greatest here at Crafting for Weeks by signing up for the newsletter below!

**This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. This is a great way to support my small business AND get the supplies you need for your project!**

How to Make a No-Sew Zipper Pouch

A simple and popular way to make a crochet no-sew zipper pouch is to use a pre-made canvas zippered pouch. Using this method, you first crochet a shell for the canvas pouch. Then using either fabric glue or hot glue, you attach the crochet shell to the premade zippered pouch and allow it to dry. This method is effective for light use, but you might consider reinforcing the top edge with a needle and thread for heavy use.

I first saw this technique a few years ago and since then have seen it used more and more recently. Since this method uses a low cost premade liner, that can be purchase in bulk, it is ideal for crocheters that make and sell for markets. And it’s also very helpful for those who don’t have access to sewing machines or simply prefer not to make liners.

About the Pattern

The Granny Stripe Clutch is a no-sew crochet zipper pouch that uses a variation of the Granny Stripe Stitch. The inspiration for this clutch came from using up little bits of bulky weight yarn to reduce yarn waste. After making the first sample with bulky yarn, I decided to try it out with my worsted weight and bulky yarn scraps too! While this little project is a quick and easy scrap buster, it’s also stunning with solid colors and planned striping.

This pattern is written for worsted, bulky, and super bulky weight yarn for a 8” x 4.5” clutch. I used these Canvas Zipper Pouches from Amazon. But since canvas pouches are available in a lot of different sizes, I have also included two methods for adjusting your crochet shell to fit what size liner pouch you have.

---

Love it?! Pin it for Later!

About the Yarn

As I mentioned before, this crochet zipper pouch is intended as a scrap buster, which means it uses leftover yarn from other projects. And since it’s written for three different weight yarns (worsted, bulky and super bulky), there’s really a LOT of options that you can use for this clutch. I’m going to share as many yarn/yarns, I used for the samples I made to help you get some ideas. This is not a comprehensive list of all the yarns I may have used, just because many of them no longer had labels.

Worsted Weight Sample

• Lion Brand Heartland
• Lion Brand Jeans
• WeCrochet Brava Worsted

Bulky Weight Sample

• Loops & Threads Charisma
• Lion Brand Woolspun (discontinued)
• Lion Brand Hue + Me
• Lion Brand Homespun
• WeCrochet Brava Bulky

Super Bulky Sample

• Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick

Adjusting the Size

This clutch pattern was written for a specific zipper pouch insert size, however, this exact insert may not be available or the manufacturers specifications could change. So I want to walk you through how to adjust the size to fit whatever size zip pouch you have access to.

There are two methods to adjusting your piece. One is going to use a gauge swatch and a little math, but will be a more exact process. (Note: In the PDF version of this pattern, I have a simple worksheet to help you with the math process!) The second is going to be a rough estimate and may require you to undo 1-2 rows and adjust your foundation chain.

Method 1 – Gauge Swatch Adjustment

1. Make sure that you have matched gauge for the yarn weight you selected. I have provided calculations based on my gauge listed in this pattern. (Alternatively, if you know how to make your own gauge, you can do that as well.) 
   • Worsted 1.375 clusters wide x 3.25 rows high = 1” square
   • Bulky 0.875 clusters wide x 0.4 rows high = 1” square
   • Super Bulky 0.75 clusters wide x 1.75 rows high = 1” square
2. Measure the width and height (in inches) of the insert you would like to use.
3. Multiply the width by the corresponding number provided in step 1. This is your number of clusters on one side. Multiply this number by two to get your total number of clusters around. Round down to nearest whole number.
4. Determine your foundation chain by multiplying the rounded total number of clusters by 3. 
5. Multiply the height by the corresponding number provided in step 1. This is your number of cluster rows. Round down to nearest whole number. NOTE: This does not include your Row 1 and Final Row in the pattern. 

Method 2 – Estimating Project Size

1. This project is worked in multiples of 3. Begin your project with a foundation single crochet worked in multiples of 3. Continue working until your foundation chain is about 2-3” short of the circumference of your piece. 
2. Work Rows 2-3 of the pattern.
3. Stop and measure your insert/liner against the rows you have worked so far. Your shell should be the same size as your shell. Bear in mind, that your finished shell will naturally be wider than your foundation row. 
4. If your shell is too large, make note of how many clusters you need to remove. Pull back to your foundation row and remove stitches in multiples of 3. 
5. If your shell is too small, estimate how many more clusters you need to add. Pull back to your foundation row and add stitches in multiples of 3. 
6. Repeat Steps 2-3 until you have your shell the correct size for you liner. Double check your size again after 2-3 more rows as granny stripe stitch tends to stretch a bit. Once you’re comfortable with your stitch counts, make a note for next time!
7. Continue working your row repeats leaving enough space for one row of single crochets to finish. Make a note of your row counts for next time too!

---

Optional Links to Purchase

Don’t forget, you can find the ad-free, printable PDF version of this pattern in my Ravelry shop or my Etsy shop. I love being able to offer my patterns for free, supported by ads. But if you’d rather avoid the ads, I also sell the PDF version of each pattern. You can click the buttons to purchase the PDF in either of my shops or enjoy the free pattern just below!

---

Let’s Get Started…

Materials Needed

Worsted, Bulky, or Super Bulky Yarn (See Yardage Chart for details)
8”w x 4.5”h canvas zipper pouch (or see Adjusting the Size Section on Page ) 
Crochet hook to match Yarn Weight (See Yardage Chart)
Tapestry needle 
Scissors 
Fabric Glue or Hot Glue
Sewing Clips or clothes pins
D-Ring/Strap(s) (optional)
Sewing Needle (optional)
Matching sewing thread (optional)

Stitches Used

Ch – Chain 
Sc – Single Crochet
Fsc – Foundation Single Crochet
Dc – Double Crochet
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch

Skill Level

Experienced Beginner

Gauge

Worsted
5.5 clusters wide x 13 rows = 4” square

Bulky
3.5 clusters wide x 10 rows high = 4” square

Super Bulky
3 cluster wide x 7 rows high = 4” square

Pattern for Gauge 

1. Ch (23, 17, 14). Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. 
2. Ch 2 and turn. Dc 3 in first stitch. *Ch 1, sk 2 stitches, dc 3 in next stitch.* Repeat from * to * across. 
3. Ch 2 and turn. Sk 3 dc cluster. *Dc 3 in the 2 skipped stitch from two rows prior. Ch 1, sk 3 dc cluster.* Repeat from * to * across. Dc in the last dc of the row. 
4. Ch 2 and turn. *Dc 3 in the 2 skipped stitch from two rows prior. Ch 1, sk 3 dc cluster.* Repeat from * to * across. 
5. Repeat Rows 3-4 for a total of (15,12,9) rows. Measure swatch for number of clusters and row repeats. 

Finished Measurements

9.5”w x 5.5”h

Yardage & HOok Size

Yarn Weight	Hook Size	Total Yardage	Total Clusters per Round
Worsted (4)	4.5mm	115	17
Bulky (5)	5.5mm	100	15
Super Bulky (6)	8.0mm	70	11

Notes

• This pattern is worked back and forth in rows and joined after each row to make a round. 
• This pattern is worked in multiples of 3.
• Stitch counts are written for this pattern by yarn weight and are noted as (Worsted, Bulky, Super Bulky).
• The finished piece uses a crochet shell and a pre-sewn canvas zipper pouch to line. The zipper pouch used for this tutorial can be purchased here: https://a.co/d/0j1fVH0R 
• The shell and lining are attached with fabric glue and reinforced around the zipper. You can also use hot glue in place of fabric glue.
• You can customize the stitch count of your clutch to accommodate a different size zipper pouch. Please see Adjusting the Size Section for detailed instructions. 
• Since this project is designed as a scrap buster, only total yardage estimates are included, not individual colors. 
• Yarn used for these sample projects were Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (6), miscellaneous Bulky (5) scraps, and Lion Brand Heartland (4). 
• If you would like to customize your project with striping, simply attach new color when you slip stitch to join at the end of each row. 

Special Stitches/Techniques

Granny Stripe Variation: The granny stripe stitch is a series of 3-double crochet stitches (cluster) separated by a chain 1. Each double crochet cluster is worked in the chain space of the previous row as the stitch builds on itself. In this variation, the double crochet clusters will be worked into the second double crochet (center) of the cluster two rows below. By linking the granny stripes together, we will be creating a more dense fabric that doesn’t have the traditional spacing of a granny stripe.

Pattern

SHELL

Starting with a long tail (approx 36”) and using the hook that corresponds with your chosen yarn weight, ch (51,45,33). Join to first ch with sl st. 

Row 1 (RS): Ch 1. Sc in each ch around. Sl st to join. [Alternatively, you can fsc (51,45,33) and sl st to join]. (51,45,33)

Row 2 (RS): Ch 2. Dc 3 in first stitch, ch 1, sk 2 ch. *Dc 3 in next stitch, ch 1 sk 2 ch. * Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (17,15,11 clusters)

Row 3 (WS): Ch 2 and turn. Dc 3 in second skipped stitch from two rows below (Row 1), ch 1, sk 3 dc. *Dc 3 in second skipped stitch from two rows below, ch 1 sk 3 dc. * Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (17,15,11 clusters)

Row 4 (RS): Ch 2 and turn. Dc 3 in second skipped stitch from two rows below, ch 1, sk 3 dc. *Dc 3 in second skipped stitch from two rows below, ch 1 sk 3 dc. * Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (17,15,11 clusters)

Row 5 (WS): Ch 2 and turn. Dc 3 in second skipped stitch from two rows below, ch 1, sk 3 dc. *Dc 3 in second skipped stitch from two rows below, ch 1 sk 3 dc. * Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (17,15,11 clusters)

Repeat Rows 4-5 for a total of (14,10,8) granny stripe rows. [Note: this number does not include Row 1.] 

Final Row (RS): If you have just completed a WS row, ch 1 and turn. If you have just completed a RS row, ch 1 only. *Sc in the first dc of the dc cluster from previous row, sk 1 st, sc in the third dc of the dc cluster from previous row. Hdc in the second dc from the dc cluster two rows below.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to first sc to join. (51,45,33)

Fasten off and leave tail for weaving. If you are adding a D-ring for wrist strap, leave a long tail for sewing. 

CLOSING

Fold SHELL in half so that the join seam is on the edge of the piece. Using the long starting tail, sl st together the two sides of the foundation row, seaming it closed. Fasten off and pull tail to the inside of SHELL. 

ADDING A D-RING (Optional)

Using the tail from the Final Row, whip stitch a D-ring on the edge of the SHELL approximately 1/2” below the top of the Final Row. Be sure to reinforce your D-ring with two layers of whip stitching. Fasten off and pull tail to inside of SHELL

To add a second D-ring for purse strap, attach yarn to opposite edge and repeat process. 

TIE-OFF COLOR CHANGES

 If you have color changes in your piece, tie off the color changes securely to each other and pull the tails to the inside of the clutch. Cut the tails short leaving about 1-1/2”. 

Adding the Lining

1. Open your zip pouch all the way. 
2. Carefully put fabric glue all along the inside of your SHELL where you have tied off yarn. Be sure to cover all knots with glue to prevent unraveling. Optional: You may also put glue along the entire inside for added security, but skip the top edge at this point in the process. 
3. Carefully insert your zip pouch into your SHELL. NOTE: If you I have added a D-ring, I usually place the open side of the zipper on the opposite side of D-Ring. If you are adding glue to the entire lining, it may be easier to glue one half of your project, insert the pouch, then glue the other half. 

4. Once your pouch is inserted, you will glue the top edge working about 1-2” at a time. Place a line of glue along the top edge of your zip pouch just below the zipper. As you glue, line up your SHELL and clip in place with a sewing clip. Working in small sections will help you keep your edge tidy and ensure the shell is secure.
5. Once you have lined your top edge below your zipper and all clips are secure, place your piece on a flat surface and weight it down with a heavy book or object. Allow fabric glue to fully dry. 

OPTIONAL REINFORCEMENT

Fabric glue is durable and washable, however, it is not as secure as sewn stitches. If your zip pouch will be used heavily, I recommend you reinforce around the top edge near the zipper.  To do this, use a sewing needle and sewing thread that matches your last row of stitches.  Whip stitch your SHELL to the zip pouch as close to your glue line as possible.  

Final Thoughts

I hope you have so much fun making this clutch! I had a lot of fun creating these and I think they’re not only great for markets, but ideal for scrap busting as well. Be sure to tag me in your finished makes! I love to see what you all create from my patterns. You can tag me @craftingforweeks on Facebook or on Instagram. And use the hashtag #grannystripeclutch for a chance to be featured!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!