Starburst Slouch Pouch: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured Makeup Bag

Are you ready to add a pop of dimension to your crochet repertoire? The Starburst Slouch Pouch is a stunning, textured crochet bag that's perfect for stashing cosmetics, trinkets, or any small treasures. Featuring a radiant spike stitch that creates a beautiful starburst effect, this pouch is both sturdy and squishy, worked seamlessly in the round for a professional finish. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner, this free pattern will guide you through creating a gorgeous, functional accessory that you'll be proud to show off.

This pattern is designed to be accessible and enjoyable. The combination of simple single crochet and the slightly more advanced spike stitch creates a visually striking fabric that's surprisingly easy to achieve. Let's dive in and create something beautiful together!

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (e.g., Lily Sugar'n Cream) in two contrasting colors:
  • Main Color (MC): 120 yards (e.g., rich teal)
  • Accent Color (AC): 80 yards (e.g., warm mustard yellow)
• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook
• Other: Stitch marker, yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors

Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size, so take a moment to check your tension.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let's get started! This pattern is worked in continuous spiral rounds, which means you won't join at the end of each round unless specifically instructed. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round.

Special Stitches

Spike Stitch (sp st): Insert your hook into the stitch two rows below the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a long loop to the height of the current row, yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook (worked as a single crochet). This stitch creates the beautiful, elongated starburst effect.

Pattern Notes

• Worked in continuous spiral rounds; do not join unless instructed.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
• The spike stitch is worked on the accent color rounds, creating the starburst pattern.

Base (worked in MC)

We'll start with a flat, circular base that forms the bottom of your pouch.

• Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 8 sc into ring. (8 sts)
• Round 2: Work 2 sc in each st around. (16 sts)
• Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (32 sts)
• Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (40 sts)
• Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48 sts)
• Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (56 sts)
• Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (64 sts)
• Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (72 sts)
• Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (80 sts)
• Round 11: *Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (88 sts)
• Round 12: *Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (96 sts)
• Round 13: Sc in each st around. (96 sts)

Sides (alternating colors)

Now we'll build the body of the pouch, alternating between solid MC rounds and AC rounds featuring the spike stitch. The pattern below creates a beautiful, rhythmic starburst design.

• Round 14 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 15 (AC): *Sc in next 3 sts, sp st in next st* repeat around. (96 sts – 24 spike stitches)
• Round 16 (AC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 17 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 18 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 19 (AC): *Sc in next 3 sts, sp st in next st* repeat around. (96 sts)
• Round 20 (AC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 21 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 22 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 23 (AC): *Sc in next 3 sts, sp st in next st* repeat around. (96 sts)
• Round 24 (AC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 25 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 26 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 27 (AC): *Sc in next 3 sts, sp st in next st* repeat around. (96 sts)
• Round 28 (AC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 29 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 30 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 31 (AC): *Sc in next 3 sts, sp st in next st* repeat around. (96 sts)
• Round 32 (AC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 33 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 34 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 35 (AC): *Sc in next 3 sts, sp st in next st* repeat around. (96 sts)
• Round 36 (AC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 37 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 38 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 39 (AC): *Sc in next 3 sts, sp st in next st* repeat around. (96 sts)
• Round 40 (AC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 41 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 42 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 43 (AC): *Sc in next 3 sts, sp st in next st* repeat around. (96 sts)
• Round 44 (AC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 45 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 46 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 47 (AC): *Sc in next 3 sts, sp st in next st* repeat around. (96 sts)
• Round 48 (AC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 49 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 50 (MC): Sc in each st around. (96 sts)

Top Edge (worked in MC)

We'll finish the body with a slight flare to create a beautiful opening.

• Round 51: Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 52: Sc in each st around. (96 sts)
• Round 53: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (110 sts) – this slight increase helps the top flare open.
• Round 54: Sc in each st around. (110 sts)
• Round 55: Sc in each st around. (110 sts)
• Fasten off and weave in ends.

Drawstring (optional)

Add a simple, functional drawstring to close your pouch.

• With AC, chain 120. Fasten off.
• Weave the chain through the stitches of Round 53, spacing evenly. Tie ends in a bow.

Finishing

Your Starburst Slouch Pouch is almost complete! Follow these final steps for a polished look.

• Weave in all ends securely with your yarn needle.
• Block lightly if desired to even out stitches.
• Turn right side out.
• Your pouch is now ready to hold your makeup, notions, or treasures!

Congratulations! You've created a beautiful, textured Starburst Slouch Pouch. The combination of the sturdy cotton yarn and the dimensional spike stitch makes this a durable and eye-catching accessory. Whether you keep it for yourself or gift it to a fellow crafter, this pouch is sure to be a favorite. Happy crocheting!