Project introduction
This page is a planning overview of Stitched by Em’s opossum coin purse, not a complete crochet tutorial. The original web pattern has the full component instructions and assembly details, so use Stitched by Em’s original pattern as your guide while making the purse.
The purse is built from two matching circular pieces, worked in grey and white, with separate crocheted ears, legs, and a tail. The black ears, pink-and-grey legs, and pink tail add the opossum details. Safety eyes and an embroidered nose complete the face on a white section. The designer’s notes place the eyes between rounds 3 and 4, about 7 stitches apart, and the nose between rounds 4 and 5.
At a glance, the components are two main pouch pieces, two ears, four legs, and one tail. The legs may be stuffed if needed. The lining is optional, so the project can be made with or without the fabric insert. Assembly joins the white sections to the kiss clasp, closes the grey sections, and attaches the appendages. Because the source gives lining and assembly information in more than one passage, check its detailed instructions for the intended order if you are adding a lining.
The original pattern also includes finishing notes for shortening the yarn tails on the main pieces and for positioning the facial features. Consult its instructions for the exact stitch sequence and attachment details rather than relying on this overview.
Pattern format and preparation
Materials listed:
- Yarn in white, grey, black, and light pink
- 5 mm crochet hook
- 20 mm safety eyes
- Basic sewing supplies
- Embroidery thread
- Fabric for the optional lining
- 8.5 cm kiss clasp
The supplied materials list does not separately name stitch markers or a finishing needle. It also gives no yarn quantities, gauge, or finished measurements, so those details should not be assumed from this overview.
The pattern’s abbreviations are: MR = Magic Ring; dtc = double treble crochet; Sc = Single Crochet; Inc = Increase; R = Round; Dec = Invisible Decrease; st/sts = stitch/stitches; Fo = Fasten off. These definitions explain the terms used in the original instructions, while the linked pattern remains the place to follow the complete crochet and sewing directions.
For preparation, gather the clasp and sewing supplies alongside the yarn and hook. Decide whether to include the fabric lining before beginning assembly, since the source describes tracing and sewing a separate insert as part of that option. The original instructions also provide the face placement and component attachment guidance needed to finish the character.
For another animal-themed project overview, see Crochet Gary the Snail Opossum.
