Burgundy Autumn Leaf Barrel Purse: Pattern Overview

Project introduction

This is a project overview, not a complete crochet tutorial. The Burgundy Autumn Leaf Barrel Purse combines a single-crochet body with fabric leaf panels, wrapped handles, a zipper, and an acorn charm. The design and full pattern are by Made with Sally: Original designer’s pattern and instructions.

Get the Ad-Free PDF Pattern Overview

The designer provides the pattern free to read online. A paid, ad-free printable PDF is also available from the designer’s shop. The crochet itself uses straightforward single crochet, while the zipper, fabric panels, and handle tabs call for careful finishing. This overview can help you plan the materials and assess the construction, but it does not replace the full directions. See the printable PDF option.

About This Crochet Pattern Overview

The purse is built from a firm crochet rectangle, joined into a cylinder with a zipper, and finished with fabric circles at both ends. It also has fabric-wrapped handles and an acorn charm. The stated skill range is adventurous beginner to intermediate. Confident single crochet is useful, and makers should be prepared for hand sewing. The main challenges are accurate assembly, zipper placement, and neat finishing, rather than complex crochet stitches.

The source estimates 6 to 9 hours for the crochet, with extra time for hand sewing and, if glue is used, drying. Its body-panel checkpoint is about 11.2 inches (28.5 cm) by 21.25 inches (54 cm), and the tube is expected to be close to 6.75 inches (17 cm) in diameter. These are construction checkpoints, not a separate stated finished-dimensions list.

Materials You’ll Need

Gather the supplies before starting. The yarn amount below is the source’s stated estimate, and substitutions or different tension may affect what you need.

• About 220 yards (201 meters) of worsted-weight burgundy yarn for the body.
• Small amounts of brown, tan, and gold yarn or embroidery floss for optional accent stitching.
• A 3.5 mm (US E-4) crochet hook, or a size that gives the stated gauge.
• A tapestry needle, stitch markers, sewing needle, sharp scissors, and pins or clips.
• Two fabric circles for the end panels. Suggested fabrics include cotton canvas, quilting cotton backed with interfacing, or faux leather.
• An 11-inch (28 cm) zipper, two D-rings, and eight rivets or Chicago screws.
• Two short handle cords or purse handle bases.
• Optional extras: an acorn charm with a short chain, and fabric glue or textile adhesive for temporarily securing tabs before stitching.

Suggested yarns are Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran, and Lily Sugar’n Cream Solids. The source favors firm worsted yarn that creates dense, non-stretchy fabric, with cotton or a cotton blend preferred for the barrel shape. Lily Sugar’n Cream may work up larger, so swatch carefully. Acrylic is another option if the gauge is firm and the body is lined.

Gauge

The gauge after blocking is 15 single crochet stitches and 15 rows over 4 inches (10 cm). Check both stitch and row gauge before beginning. Row gauge affects the barrel circumference and therefore the fit of the end panels. If your swatch differs, use the designer’s full directions to assess the adjustment before continuing.

Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions

The instructions use US crochet terms: ch means chain, rep means repeat, rnd means round, RS means right side, sc means single crochet, sl st means slip stitch, st(s) means stitch(es), and WS means wrong side. Single crochet forms the body fabric; slip stitch is used mainly to join rounds.

The end panels combine hand sewing and crochet. Evenly spaced blanket stitches around each fabric circle create loops that can be worked into with the crochet edging. Follow the full instructions for the specific sewing and assembly sequence.

A Quick Note Before You Begin

Yarn choice, tension, hook size, and finishing technique can change the result, so small adjustments may be needed. Left-handed crocheters can keep the same stitch counts and mirror the placement of the zipper pull, charm, and handle tabs to suit their preferred opening direction.

Body Panel Construction Overview

The body is worked flat in rows, and its side edges later meet the end panels. The sample checkpoint is 42 single crochet stitches across and 80 rows, so consistent tension and tidy edges are useful. The stated panel measurement is about 11.2 inches (28.5 cm) by 21.25 inches (54 cm). When curved into a tube, the expected diameter is close to 6.75 inches (17 cm). Check gauge and measurements before assembly; row gauge affects the circumference.

Creating the Barrel Opening

The rectangle becomes a tube when its first and last rows are brought together, with the right side facing out and the rows at the top opening. The zipper sits between those rows, with its teeth centered in the gap and its tape inside the purse. The source describes hand sewing it to the crochet without pulling the fabric out of shape, then neatly closing the short zipper-tape ends at the side openings. Do not gather the body edges. If the zipper ripples, basting it before final sewing may help; avoid stretching the crochet while attaching it.

End Panels and Side Assembly

Two matching fabric circles close the barrel. The source specifies circles cut 7.25 inches (18.5 cm) across, with a 0.25-inch (6 mm) seam allowance folded to the wrong side to make a finished visible circle of 6.75 inches (17 cm). Each circle has 80 evenly spaced blanket-stitch loops, with quarter marks set 20 points apart. Two crochet edging rounds each have 80 single crochet stitches. The sewing tail is left for joining the panel to the body.

For assembly, align the panel’s quarter marks with the body side edge, then join one panel stitch to one body row end at a time. The source’s checkpoint is 80 joins per side. Even spacing helps the panel lie flat. If it puckers, check that the fabric edge has 80 marked points and the body has 80 row ends, then align the quarters. Rippling can indicate a circle that is too large or blanket stitches that are too close together.

Handles, Tabs, and Details

The handles are wrapped in the same autumn leaf fabric as the end panels. The source gives handle strips measuring 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) wide by 15 inches (38 cm) long, folded around a cord or handle base. The finished handle arch is about 6 inches (15 cm) high. Four tabs, each 1 by 3 inches (2.5 by 7.5 cm), attach the handles to the body. Tabs can be faux leather, cotton canvas, or stabilized fabric.

The stated placement is 2.25 inches (5.5 cm) from each side opening and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the zipper line. Hand-stitch the tabs securely, and add rivets or Chicago screws when using faux leather. Keep metal hardware clear of the zipper tape. Place one D-ring near each upper side edge. The acorn charm attaches to the front handle tab with a short chain; a second decorative chain on a D-ring is optional. If a tab pulls, add an interior backing patch and fasten through the layers.

Color Palette

The suggested autumn palette includes burgundy for the body, brown and tan accents, gold details, and leaf-orange fabric. Deep plum is an optional accent. Using the leaf fabric for both the panels and handle covering coordinates those details.

Size Customization

The source describes changing length by adjusting the foundation chain and changing circumference by adjusting the row count. At the stated gauge, each 15 added stitches corresponds to about 4 inches (10 cm) of length. Adding 15 rows corresponds to about 4 inches (10 cm) of circumference and changes the diameter by about 1.27 inches (3.2 cm). For a resized purse, the number of marked fabric edge points should match the body rows so the panel can join one-to-one.

Finishing and Blocking

Secure the yarn ends inside the purse. The source recommends light steaming from the wrong side, holding the iron above the fabric rather than pressing the crochet flat. A soft towel inside the purse can help maintain a rounded barrel shape while it dries. A lightweight lining is optional; add it before sewing on the second end panel.

Care Construction Overview

Spot clean with a damp cloth. The source advises against machine washing once the zipper, fabric panels, hardware, and charm are attached. Store the purse lightly stuffed with tissue to help preserve its cylinder shape between uses.

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

• If the body feels too soft, consider a smaller hook, firmer yarn, or a lining or interfacing layer.
• If an end panel puckers, check the count of 80 marked points and 80 body row ends, then match the quarter marks before sewing.
• If a panel ripples, check its finished 6.75-inch (17 cm) diameter and whether the blanket stitches are evenly spaced.
• If the zipper waves, baste it before final sewing and avoid stretching the crochet edge.
• If handle tabs pull, add backing patches inside the purse and stitch or rivet through all layers.
• If the barrel diameter is off, revisit row gauge. The source checkpoint for 80 rows is about 21.25 inches (54 cm); adjust the hook before continuing if measurements differ substantially.

Maker Checkpoints

Use these sample checkpoints when reviewing your progress:

• Body panel: 42 single crochet stitches across and 80 rows.
• End-panel edging: 80 single crochet stitches in each round.
• Side seam: 80 joins per side.
• Handles: four tabs, placed symmetrically.

These figures summarize construction checks, not the full sequence of instructions.

UK Terms Note

This pattern uses US crochet terminology. If you usually follow UK crochet terms, keep in mind that a US single crochet is called a double crochet in UK terminology. The stitch name changes between systems, so use this equivalent when reading the pattern. This note is intended to clarify that terminology difference for readers working in UK terms.

Wrapping Up Your Burgundy Autumn Leaf Barrel Purse

This design brings simple single crochet together with fabric panels, a zipper, handles, and hardware. It is a useful choice for a crocheter interested in combining yarn work with hand-sewn details. Careful measuring and finishing matter to how the pieces fit together, so check the project details and supplies before starting.

Want a Quick & Easy Printable Version?

The complete instructions are available to read online for free, and the designer also offers a paid ad-free printable PDF. The PDF is described as formatted for printing or saving on a device. View the printable PDF option.

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