Introducing my newest pattern Squiggle Squares. This pattern is an inset mosaic crochet pattern with instructions on how to make it into a fully crocheted purse or a pillow. It is a very versatile pattern. It is striking when you choose a bold color contrast or a subtle texture with a milder contrast. The mosaic pattern is continuous so it can easily be sized to your preference by changing the number of repeats.
This pattern includes complete instructions for a fully crocheted purse with crochet strap and for a pillow with a button closure. If you would like to add a lining to your purse, zipper or a leather bottom I have written out full instructions available free on the blog. I have also provided some extra information on how to use the pattern and blog posts to make the larger lined purse with leather bottom and the small pouch with zipper at the end of this post under Pattern Variations.
- Important Links
- Format
- Measurements and Materials
- The Design Process (or the Story of the Yellow Purse)
- Pattern Variations
Important Links
The pattern is available for purchase as a PDF in my Ravelry and Etsy shops.
Bonus Instructions
Format
The pattern is written in English with US terms and standard crochet abbreviation. The pattern contains progress pictures and photo explanation of the tricker spots.
In addition to fully written out, a chart is provided for the mosaic section along with instructions on how to read the chart.
Measurements and Materials
For all variations of the pattern, I used the same hooks:
- 3mm crochet hook
- 3.5mm crochet hook (for fully crocheted purse only)
Included in the pattern file are full instructions for a Medium fully crocheted purse and a Pillow, with the following sizes and material requirements.
Medium Fully Crocheted Purse:
approximately 27 x 25 x 6cm (10.5 x 10 x 2.5 in) not including strap
Scheepjes Catona (100% Mercerised Cotton; 50g/125m)
- Color A: 124 Ultramarine x 3 balls
- Color B: 130 Old Lace x 2 balls
Pillow with button closure: approximately 35 x 35cm (14 x 14 in)
Scheepjes Catona (100% Mercerised Cotton; 50g/125m)
- Color A: 242 Metal Grey x 3 balls
- Color B: 172 Sliver x 4 balls
Buttons and Pillow insert or stuffing and fabric
These sizes are easily adjusted to your preferences.
Scheepjes Catona is available from Jimmy Beans Wool* as well as other Scheepjes retailers.
* Shopping through this affiliate links may gain me a small commission to support my design work at no additional cost to you. Thank You!
The Design Process (or the Story of the Yellow Purse)
In my mind, the design process unfolds as follows: conceive an idea, experiment with it to develop a pattern, write it down, test it, and then publish. But often it’s just not that straightforward. The process for making the Squiggle squares pattern was extra “squiggly” and I hope to learn from the experience, so I’ve decided to tell you the story.
I plan a beautiful design then pick the completely wrong yarn for it.
I enjoy designing blankets, but they are time consuming, so I’ve been exploring smaller project options. I thought would design a purse with a leather bottom and handles. I was inspired by the pattern on a plant pot, worked up a test sample with some spare cotton 8, and drew a sketch. Remembering an old yellow purse while I selected my yarns, I pulled out my Scheepjes Terrazzo color pack and chose Limone-702 and Piuma-740. In hindsight, I realize that Terrazzo and Cotton 8 are both lovely but are extremely different yarns. When the Terrazzo arrived, it was not suitable for the pattern I had designed. I liked the pattern and the yarn but not together.
I create a completely new design based on an old idea but only use part of it.
I liked the yarn, felt compelled to use it, and still wanted to design a yellow purse. After making a lot of swatches I remembered a robot design idea I had several years ago when I designed the “Ziggy-Zaggy Mosaic Panel” for the Friends Around the World 6th Anniversary CAL (FATW6). At the time it didn’t fit the size requirements, but I didn’t have that limitation on this project. So, I developed an inset mosaic crochet panel featuring robots surrounded by a squiggly square geometric pattern to fill the space. However, the low contrast between Limone-702 and Piuma-740 resulted in a subtle texture rather than a distinct pattern, as a result I omit the robots and focus solely on the squiggle squares pattern. (Don’t worry, though—if you’re a fan of robots, I still have that pattern saved.) At this point I was happy with the pattern and the purse; I made a nice sturdy yellow purse with a leather bottom and started a pillow sample as well.
Getting feedback because no one wants to test the pattern.
When I made a testing call, there was almost no interest in the design. Seeking honest feedback from my regular testers, I learned several valuable lessons. First, most crochet testers just want to test crochet (makes sense). Additional components like the leather bottom, sewing a lining, dealing with a zipper were a big deterrent. They require different skills, and they use different tools and materials that add cost. The pattern always included a non-leather option but since the main sample was leather that was the focus. Second, the color contrast was too low to properly show the pattern in photos. Thirdly, I will admit that the photo I used for the testing call was not great. Typically, I don’t have the final photo ready for testing calls, but it needed to be a bit better.”
The terrible photo I used for my first testing call
Restructuring the pattern and making new samples.
If there’s little interest in testing the pattern, I assume there won’t be much interest in buying it either, so I realized significant changes were necessary. First, I restructured the pattern to focus on the fully crocheted versions of the purse and pillow, eliminating the need for additional materials such as leather and lining. Optional instructions, like adding a lining, zippers or leather bottoms, were moved to the blog, and rewritten to be more flexible so they could be used to supplement almost any purse, bag or pillow pattern. I like that this approach allows those interested in the leather-bottom version to review the instructions, assess the materials needed, and decide whether they would like to try it without the commitment of purchasing a pattern. Additionally, I created new samples: a fully crocheted purse in high-contrast Ultramarine and Old Lace, along with a cheerful little pouch. With improved photos, the response to a second testing call was significantly more positive.
My improved Photos for the second testing call
Reflecting on what I have learned from this.
I tend to let struggles with patterns affect me emotionally. I need to remind myself that it is okay for things to not go as expected, sometimes it even works out better than planned. I really got myself down when I realized that the yarn I had picked was not a good match for my pattern. However, the result was that instead of just one pattern, I have three designs. The other two will be released as soon as I catch up on writing, blogging, and testing. Also, now I usually make swatches with yarn that matches or closely resembles my intended final choice, as yarn weight and texture have a significant impact on certain designs.
I also find it painful when I put out a pattern and the response is not what I hoped. I need to thank my tester again for providing such kind and constructive feedback when I requested it. My pattern is much better because of the feedback and outside perspective. It is easy to get caught up in my head; taking a step back, talking it out with people I trust, and getting feedback can be very helpful. I also must remember that while I hope that people will like my patterns, I will never design a pattern that absolutely everyone likes and that is a good thing: wouldn’t life be boring if everyone had the same tastes?
Pattern Variations
I think that this pattern is extremely versatile. It can be sized to your preference by changing the number of repeats and the various elements in the pattern and the additional blog posts can be mixed and matched to customize your creation. For example, you might make a fully crocheted purse but add a lining and/or a zipper. Or you might make a smaller pillow with no closure. Or even a blanket, the mosaic pattern is continuous and can be made as large or small as you would like.
Here I have included the instruction deviations for the two additional variations that I have made.
Large Purse with Leather Bottom and Lining
My original plan for this design was for this to be the main version of the pattern. I think adding the leather bottom and lining can make the purse a bit more durable and can add something special. However, I realized that many people are not interested in working with leather or sewing a lining.
If you are up for something a bit different, you can read the instructions for adding a leather bottom to a purse on the blog post here: “Adding a leather Bottom to a Crocheted Purse” and see if it looks like something you want to try out. I kept the materials and tools needed to a minimum and as simple as possible.
This variation results in a purse that is approximately 32 x 29 x 11.5cm (12.5 x 11.5 x 4.5 in) not including straps. I used a 3mm crochet hook and 4 balls of Scheepjes Terrazzo, you may wish to get one extra of each color as I nearly ran of both. You will also need some leather and fabric for lining.
Scheepjes Terrazzo (70% Recycled Mulesing Free Wool, 30% Recycled Viscose; 50g/175m)
- Yarn A: 702 Limone x 2 balls
- Yarn B: 740 Piuma x 2 balls
Instruction deviations:
- Read through the instructions on the “Adding a leather Bottom to a Crocheted Purse” blog post before choosing your materials. Particularly the section about handles.
- In the written pattern start with the “Beginning instructions for Mosaic Pannel”, make 10 repeats of mosaic (N = 10, foundation will be 162)
- Following the charted or written Mosaic instructions, make 5 vertical repeats.
- Follow the instructions for “Sewing Panel together for Purse”.
- Follow the instructions on the “Adding a leather Bottom to a Crocheted Purse” blog post to add the leather bottom
- Follow the instructions on the “Adding a Lining to a crocheted Purse” blog post to line the purse.
Small pouch with Zipper and lining
I made a small Zipper pouch when I redesigned the pattern mainly to show the pattern in some more vibrant colors and show the versatility of the pattern. I also wanted to include instructions on how to put in a zipper with the lining instruction but didn’t want to put a zipper on my purse. I ended up making 2 pouches as I forgot to take specific photos of the first one. Both used less than 50 g of Scheepjes Catona, Scheepjes Catona Chroma. You will also need a zipper and a bit of fabric if you are going to add a lining.
Pouch A Materials:
Scheepjes Catona (100% Mercerised Cotton; 25g/62.5m)
- Yarn A: 390 Poppy Rose x < 1 ball
- Yarn B: 253 Tropic x < 1 ball
Pouch B Materials:
Scheepjes Catona (100% Mercerised Cotton; 25g/62.5m)
- Yarn A: 110 Jet Black x < 1 ball
Scheepjes Catona Chroma (100% Mercerised Cotton; 50g/125m)
- Yarn B: 023 Zinnia x < 1 ball
Instruction deviations:
- In the written pattern start with the “Beginning instructions for Mosaic Pannel”, make 4 repeats (N = 4, foundation will be 66)
- Following the charted or written Mosaic instructions, make 2 vertical repeats.
- Follow the instructions for “Sewing Panel together for Purse”.
- Use the instructions for “Closing Top and Bottom of Pillow” to close only the bottom of the pouch. I used Yarn A for this to make a fun contrasting stitch.
- Optional: ss around the top edge of pouch opening for a nice edge finish.
- Go to the “Adding a Lining to a Crocheted Purse” blog post for instructions on lining pouch and adding a zipper.
Detailed photo of the contrast color bottom closer
Yes, I edited the background of this photo, I was actually standing in my bathroom, this looked a bit cooler.
It took a while to get here but I am very happy with the pattern as it is now, and I hope that you enjoy it too. I also hope that a few of you enjoy my additional instructions and try adding a leather bottom to your own purse. If you do, please share a photo and link or tag me, I would love to see it.
Happy Crafting!
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Thank you for reading my blog, you are supporting my design work just by being here! Here are some other ways you can support my design work.
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