Rainbow Sprout Garden Fairy Purse: A Free Crochet Pattern for Little Dreamers

Imagine a purse that blooms with color—a whimsical garden accessory that carries not just treasures, but a world of imagination. The Rainbow Sprout Garden Fairy Purse is exactly that: a soft, sturdy, and utterly enchanting crochet creation designed for little ones who love to collect petals, pebbles, and fairy secrets. With its rainbow of textured flowers, a leafy flap, and a cozy cream body, this purse is as delightful to make as it is to gift. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a brave beginner ready for a rewarding project, this free pattern will guide you through every stitch to create a one-of-a-kind treasure.

This pattern is perfect for using up scrap yarn in vibrant hues, and the result is a sturdy, machine-washable (if you use cotton) accessory that will spark endless pretend play. Let's dive into the garden and start crocheting!

Materials Needed

Before we begin, gather your supplies. This project is wonderfully portable and requires minimal tools:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in the following colors:
  • Rainbow colors: Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple (for flower centers)
  • Main color: Cream or soft white (for purse body and handles)
  • White or light cream (for flower petals)
  • Dark green (for the leaf flap)
• Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook
• Notions: Stitch markers, yarn needle, scissors, one button (about 1 inch/2.5 cm in diameter)
• Gauge: 4 sc x 4 rows = 1 inch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but maintaining consistent tension throughout will ensure a neat, professional finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Notes: This pattern is worked in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise stated. Always use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds. The purse is made in two identical halves, then joined to create a flat bottom and a roomy interior.

Part 1: Purse Body (Make 2 Identical Pieces)

Using your main color (cream), we'll create a flat circle that will become the front and back of the purse.

• Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc into ring. (6)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
• Round 3: (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around. (18)
• Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (24)
• Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (30)
• Round 6: (Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (36)
• Round 7: (Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (42)
• Round 8: (Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (48)
• Rounds 9-20: Sc in each st around. (48) – This forms the sides of the purse. Fasten off and weave in ends. Make a second piece identically.

Part 2: Joining the Purse Pieces

Now we'll connect the two circles to create the pouch shape.

• Place the two pieces together with wrong sides facing (the right sides are the outside of the purse).
• Using main color, sc through both layers around the entire edge, working 1 sc in each stitch. This creates a sturdy seam and a flat bottom. Do not fasten off yet.

Part 3: Purse Top Edge and Buttonholes

We'll now work around the top opening to create a clean edge and spaces for the button closure.

• Continue working in the round around the top edge of the joined pieces. Work 1 round of sc evenly around the top opening. (48 sts)
• Next round: (Sc in next 6 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st) around. This creates small buttonholes for the flap closure. (48 sts, 6 ch-1 spaces)
• Next round: Sc in each st and in each ch-1 space around. (48 sts)
• Fasten off and weave in ends.

Part 4: Handles

Create sturdy, comfortable handles for little hands or shoulders.

• Attach main color yarn to one side of the purse top edge.
• Chain 60 (or desired length for your child). Slip stitch to the opposite side of the purse top edge.
• Work 1 round of sc along the chain. Fasten off and weave in ends.
• Repeat to make a second handle on the other side if desired, or make one long handle that goes over the shoulder. For a shoulder bag, make the chain longer (80-100 chains).

Part 5: Rainbow Flower Motifs (Make 6 – One in Each Color)

These charming flowers have a colored center and a white petal layer. Make one in each rainbow color: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.

Colored Center (make 6):

• Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc into ring. (6)
• Round 2: (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around. (9)
• Round 3: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (12)
• Round 4: (Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (15)
• Round 5: (Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (18)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

White Petal Layer (make 6):

• Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc into ring. (6)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
• Round 3: (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around. (18)
• Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (24)
• Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (30)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Assembling Each Flower: Place the colored center on top of the white petal layer. Using the long tail from the colored center, sew the two pieces together, stitching through both layers around the edge. This creates a beautiful flower with a colored center and white petals. Weave in ends.

Part 6: Leaf Flap

This leaf-shaped flap folds over the top of the purse and secures with a button. It's worked in rows, not rounds.

• Row 1: With dark green yarn, chain 16. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (15)
• Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (15)
• Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts. (16)
• Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts. (17)
• Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 8 sts. (18)
• Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 8 sts. (19)
• Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts. (20)
• Row 8: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts. (21)
• Row 9: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 10 sts. (22)
• Row 10: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 10 sts. (23)
• Row 11: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts. (24)
• Row 12: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 12 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts. (25)
• Row 13: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 12 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 12 sts. (26)
• Row 14: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 13 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 12 sts. (27)
• Row 15: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 13 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 13 sts. (28)
• Row 16: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 14 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 13 sts. (29)
• Row 17: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 14 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 14 sts. (30)
• Row 18: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (30)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Part 7: Assembly

Now for the fun part—bringing it all together!

1. Attach the Leaf Flap: Sew the leaf flap to the back top edge of the purse, aligning the straight edge of the leaf with the back edge of the purse opening. Sew securely along the straight edge using the long tail.
2. Add the Button: Sew a button to the front of the purse, centered under the leaf flap, so it aligns with one of the ch-1 spaces (buttonholes) in the top edge. The leaf flap will fold over and button closed.
3. Sew on the Flowers: Sew the six rainbow flowers onto the front of the purse in a cheerful cluster, spacing them evenly. You can arrange them in a circle, a line, or as a playful spray. Sew each flower securely using the long tails.
4. Weave in All Ends: Use your yarn needle to hide any remaining tails inside the work.

Part 8: Finishing Touches

• Optional Embellishments: Add a few small green leaves (using the same leaf pattern but starting with fewer chains, e.g., chain 8) to tuck between the flowers for extra garden charm.
• Final Check: Ensure all seams are secure and the button closes properly. Give the purse a gentle shape by hand.

Your Rainbow Sprout Garden Fairy Purse is complete! This delightful accessory is ready to hold fairy dust, tiny treasures, and endless adventures. The combination of soft cotton, vibrant colors, and whimsical design makes it a cherished handmade gift that will be loved for years. Happy crocheting!