Crochet Purse “Monster. Trick or Treat?”

With these instructions, you can crochet an original handbag—perfect for Halloween, but also a real eye-catcher for children who love monsters. The bag looks like a little monster that can swallow either candy or your secrets. The unusual mouth in the shape of a bag frame gives it a special expression, and the round, sad-looking eyes make the overall picture even more expressive and charming.

If you also like to knit, you can find knitted monsters here: Link

Monsters can be customized to look completely different, making this project ideal for using up leftover yarn—provided the lengths of yarn are similar.

You will need the following materials to crochet:

– cotton yarn 50 gr /300 m

– Crochet hook 1,25 mm (important, the size should match the yarn so that the stitches are even).

– Needle, scissors, glue, eye buttons or black eyes to sew on, purse frame

Abbreviations:

ch – chain

sc – single crochet

inc – increase

dec – decrease, two single crochets together

hdc – half double crochet 

Body

I chose gray for the main part of the body. Of course, you can decide for yourself which color you want to use. I would love to see your monsters in lots of different colors!

1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring

2. 6 inc = 12 sc

3. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 18 sc

4. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 24 sc

5. (3 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 30 sc

6. (4 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 36 sc

7. (5 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 42 sc

8. (6 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 48 sc

9. (7 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 54 sc

10. (8 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 60 sc

11. (9 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 66 sc

12. (10 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 72 sc

13. (11 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 78 sc

14. (12 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 84 sc

15. (13 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 90 sc

16. (14 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 96 sc

17 – 40. 96 sc

41. 20 sc, сast on 30 stitches and skip 30 stitches in the previous round, then continue crocheting 46 single crochet stitches. = 96 sc

This is where the opening for the future monster mouth is created, into which the pocket frame will later be inserted.

The size of my pocket frame is approximately 2.5 cm high and 5 cm wide, as shown in the photo.

It is important to ensure that the chosen bag frame fits the crochet piece. Try inserting the frame into the intended opening – it should fit exactly. If the opening is too large or too small, you can adjust the number of chain stitches accordingly.

For example, if the bag frame is smaller than the opening, simply chain as many stitches as the frame is long. Make sure that the monster's “mouth” is as centered as possible – this ensures a harmonious overall appearance.

But remember: these are monsters! And they're allowed to be a little crooked. A slightly crooked mouth can even give the monster its own unique, charming expression.

42 – 60. 96 sc

61. (14 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 90 sc

62. 90 sc

63. (13 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 84 sc

64. 84 sc

65. (12 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 78 sc

66. 78 sc

67. (11 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 72 sc

68, 69. 72 sc

70. (10 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 66 sc

71, 72. 66 sc

73. (9 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 60 sc

74, 75. 60 sc

76. (8 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 54 sc

77. 54 sc

78. (7 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 48 sc

79. (6 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 42 sc

80. (5 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 36 sc

81. (4 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 30 sc

82. (3 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 24 sc

83. (2 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 18 sc

84. (1 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 12 sc

85. 6 dec = 6 sc

Close, cut the thread.

Mouth (2 pieces in the main color, mine is gray)

You can crochet the pieces separately and then sew them along the opening. Or you can attach the thread to the edge of the opening and crochet the mouth pieces directly onto it. I have shown both versions in the photos.

That's why I crocheted the lower part directly onto the monster's body. The upper part, on the other hand, I worked separately and then sewed on. I find that crocheting directly onto the body is faster and saves time when sewing together.

Variation 1: If you are crocheting the pieces directly onto the body:

1. First, work 30 single crochet stitches along the skipped stitches from row 40 for the lower part. (Once the lower part is finished, crochet 30 single crochet stitches along the chain stitch for the upper part from above.

Please note that you are not working in rounds. Start with the lower part first and then crochet the upper part. This creates the monster's “mouth” piece by piece – first one side, then the other.

Turn the work.

Variation 2: If you want to crochet the parts separately:

1. Chain 31, crochet 30 single crochets starting 2 chains from the needle, turn the work

From row 2 onwards, the instructions are the same for both variations.

1. 30 sc chain along the line of row 40 (and then along the edge of row 41), ch, turn

2. 1 ch, (1 dec, 2 sc) х 7, 1 dec = 22 ch, turn

3. 22 sc, ch, turn

4. (1 dec, 2 sc) х 5, 1 dec = 16 sc, ch, turn

5 – 7. 16 sc, ch, turn

8. 7 sc, 1 dec, 7 sc = 15 sc, ch, turn

9. 15 sc, ch, turn

10. (1 dec, 3 sc) х 3 = 12 sc, ch, turn

11. 12 sc, ch, turn

12. (1 dec, 2 sc) х 3 = 9 sc, ch, turn

13. 9 sc, ch, turn

14. (1 dec, 1 sc) х 3 = 6 sc, ch, turn

15. 3 dec = 3 sc

Close, trim the thread. Leave a long end of the thread for further work.

Ears (2 pieces in the main color, mine are gray)

1. ch 6 in the ring

2. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 9 sc

3 – 5 = 9 sc

6. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 12 sc

7. 12 sc

8. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 18 sc

9, 10. 18 sc

11. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 24 sc

12 – 14. 24 sc

15. (2 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 18 sc

16, 17. 18 sc

18. (1 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 12 sc

19. 12 sc

20. 6 dec = 6 sc

21. (1 sc, 1 dec) х 3 = 3 sc

Close, trim the thread. Leave a long end of the thread for further work. Leave the part without filler.

Eyes (2 pieces)

Part I in white.

1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring

2. 6 inc = 12 sc

3. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 18 sc

4. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 24 sc

5 – 13. 24 sc

14. (2 sc, 1 dec) х6 = 18 sc

15, 16. 18 sc

17. (1 sc, 1 dec) х6 = 12 sc

18. 6 dec = 6 sc

Close, trim the thread. Leave a long end of the thread for further work. Leave the part without filler.

Eyes (2 pieces)

Part II in blue.

1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring

2. 6 inc = 12 sc

3. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 18 sc

4. (5 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 21 sc

5 – 7. 21 sc

8. (5 sc, 1 dec) х 3 = 18 sc

9, 10. 18 sc

11. (4 sc, 1 dec) х3 = 15 sc

12. (3 sc, 1 dec) х3 = 12 sc

13. 6 dec = 6 sc

Close, trim the thread. Leave a long end of the thread for further work. Leave the part without filler.

Hair (I used yellow dye for the hair)

1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring

Next, all rounds are crocheted exclusively into the back loop. This leaves the front loops free and can be used later for crocheting the hair.

2. 6 inc = 12 sc

3. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 18 sc

4. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 24 sc

5. (3 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 30 sc

6. (4 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 36 sc

7. (5 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 42 sc

In the photo, I show what the rounds with the relaxed mesh links look like for further work.

Now continue crocheting the strands of hair in a spiral direction, this time in reverse order, working towards the center. Crochet into the open chain stitches, picking up any number of stitches to create the strands of hair. Example: 9 ch, starting 2 ch from the needle, 8 sc along this chain — this creates a strand of hair.

Then work 3 sc in the next 3 stitches and start another chain for a strand of hair. This time work 6 sc so that the strands are different lengths. Starting 2 ch from the needle, work 5 sc back along this chain. Continue in any order to create strands of different lengths. Secure the thread, cut it, and leave a small piece for further work.

Teeth (white color)

1. Chain 6, starting from the 3rd chain from the hook, crochet 4 hdc,

chain 6 again and crochet another 4 hdc.

Repeat this 2 more times to crochet two more teeth.

I added a row in gray to help the teeth blend seamlessly with the main piece — see the photo for reference.

Fasten off, cut the yarn, and leave a small tail for later use.

ASSEMBLY

The eyes:

First, sew the blue pieces onto the white eye areas. For a more expressive look, you can move the blue piece slightly upward—this makes the eye appear more lifelike. Then attach the finished eyes to the upper part of the body. It's worth experimenting with different positions to find out what gives your figure the best expression.

Finally, sew the ears on securely – here, too, you can play around with the placement to give your monster an individual character.

Next, carefully sew the closure (purse frame) onto the mouthpiece.

For the eyes, I sometimes choose different types of buttons. Keep an eye out for these when shopping—you may find unexpected and interesting options that are perfect for our projects. I have tried several eye options myself. See what you have and choose the one that best suits your character.

When attaching or sewing on the eyes, please pay special attention to secure fastening—especially if the monster is intended for small children. There is a risk of swallowing if small parts are loosely attached. You are responsible for ensuring that the craft is child-safe. Please check carefully that all parts are stable and securely attached. To give the face more expression, I added a few eyebrow stitches with black thread and painted on white dots with paint.

Finally, sew the hairpiece onto the head.

Sewing on teeth – two options for added expression.

You can sew the teeth inside the mouth – this creates a funny surprise effect when the mouth is opened. Alternatively, you can attach the teeth to the outside of the mouth, as shown in the photo. This gives the face a particularly expressive and striking character.

I hope this unusual little monster helps you collect lots of candy and other exciting treasures—and maybe even changes its expression to a happier one in the process!