The Spectral Snuggle Purse: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Modern Ghost Coin Purse

Introducing the Spectral Snuggle Purse

This isn't your grandmother's ghost; it's a chic, textured little purse with a soft, squishy body and a delicate, scalloped edge. Perfect for holding your lucky charms or a few spare coins, this amigurumi project is a quick, satisfying make for Halloween or any time you want a touch of whimsy. The modern, heathered charcoal body paired with a creamy white scalloped border creates a sophisticated, moody aesthetic that stands out from typical holiday crafts. Whether you're a confident beginner or an intermediate crocheter, this pattern will guide you through creating a charming, functional accessory that's as fun to make as it is to use.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact yarn weights and hook size will ensure your purse matches the intended size and texture.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton or acrylic yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC): A soft, heathered charcoal or dusty lavender (approx 50g).
  • Contrast Color (CC): A pale, creamy white or soft blush (approx 20g).
  • A small amount of black or dark grey for the face embroidery.
• Hook: Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Yarn needle for weaving ends and embroidery, stitch markers (optional), fiberfill stuffing, scissors.
• Gauge: 4 sc and 4 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension will ensure a neat finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps carefully. The pattern uses US crochet terms. Take your time with the increases and decreases to maintain a smooth, even shape.

Abbreviations (US terms)

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• inc: increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• dec: decrease (sc 2 together)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• MC: Main Color
• CC: Contrast Color

Body (Make 2 identical pieces)

Using MC.

1. Round 1: Make a magic ring, ch 1, work 6 sc into ring. Pull tight to close. (6 sts)
2. Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
3. Round 3: *Sc in next st, inc* repeat around. (18 sts)
4. Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, inc* repeat around. (24 sts)
5. Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, inc* repeat around. (30 sts)
6. Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, inc* repeat around. (36 sts)
7. Rounds 7-12: Sc in each st around. (36 sts) - This creates the body height.
8. Round 13: *Sc in next 4 sts, dec* repeat around. (30 sts)
9. Round 14: *Sc in next 3 sts, dec* repeat around. (24 sts)
10. Round 15: *Sc in next 2 sts, dec* repeat around. (18 sts)

For the first piece: Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 18 inches) for sewing. Stuff the piece firmly with fiberfill, ensuring it's evenly filled and has a nice, rounded shape.

For the second piece: Do NOT fasten off after Round 15. Instead, continue to the edging section below. This piece will become the front of the purse.

Scalloped Edging (on the second piece only)

With the right side facing you, attach CC with a sl st to any stitch on the last round (Round 15).

• *Skip next st, work 5 dc in next st, skip next st, sl st in next st.*
• Repeat from * around. You will have 6 scallops total.
• Fasten off and weave in the CC ends securely.

Assembly

1. Place the two body pieces together with wrong sides facing each other. The piece with the scalloped edge is the front.
2. Using the long tail from the first piece (the back piece), sew the two pieces together along the edges using a whip stitch or mattress stitch. Work carefully to keep the stitches even and close together. Leave a 2-inch (5 cm) opening at the top for the purse opening. This opening should be centered between the scallops.
3. Turn the purse right side out (the scalloped edge will be on the front). Gently push out the scallops with your fingers.
4. Create the face: Using black or dark grey yarn, embroider two small eyes (French knots or satin stitches) and a small, slightly open mouth (a few straight stitches) on the front piece, centered above the scalloped edge. Position the eyes about 1 inch apart and 1/2 inch above the scallops.
5. Create the strap: With MC, ch 40 (or desired length). Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off, leaving 6-inch tails. Sew each end of the strap securely to the inside of the purse opening, one on each side. Make sure the strap is not twisted.
6. Optional: Add a small button or a loop of yarn to the inside of the opening for a closure. If adding a button, sew it to the inside of the back piece, and create a small chain loop on the inside of the front piece to fit over it.

Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends using a yarn needle. Trim any excess yarn close to the work. Gently shape the purse by squeezing and fluffing the scallops. Your Spectral Snuggle Purse is now complete and ready to hold your treasures!