Mint Lavender Evil Eye Pouch: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This little crossbody pouch is the perfect project for anyone who wants a quick, satisfying make with a big payoff. Worked in raffia with the textured alpine stitch, it has a lovely raised ribbed surface that looks far more complicated than it really is. The soft lavender body is topped off with a flat mint evil eye appliqué, giving it a minimal bohemian feel that works with everything from summer dresses to jeans. At just 6.5 inches wide and 5 inches tall, it's small enough to finish in an afternoon and makes a thoughtful, handmade early Christmas gift.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Raffia yarn, worsted weight, 100% cellulose rayon — 1 skein lavender (approx. 120 yd) and 1 skein mint (approx. 30 yd)
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional)
• Finished size: 6.5 inches wide x 5 inches tall (excluding strap); strap length 44 inches

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook
• sc — single crochet: insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
• dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops twice
• FPdc — front post double crochet: work a double crochet around the post of the stitch below, from the front, instead of into the top of the stitch
• inc — increase: work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch
• MR — magic ring: an adjustable loop used to start working in the round
• rep — repeat
• st(s) — stitch(es)

Gauge

16 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in alpine stitch. To check, crochet a small swatch in the alpine stitch pattern and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.

Tips Before You Start

• Raffia can be stiff and splitty, so keep your tension relaxed and let the hook do the work rather than pulling tight.
• The alpine stitch relies on alternating FPdc placement — count your stitches at the end of each row to keep the ribbed texture even.
• Work the evil eye appliqué first if you like, so it's ready to sew on as soon as the pouch is joined.
• Keep your starting chain loose; a tight chain will make the bottom edge of the pouch pull in.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pouch (lavender)

Ch 27.

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch across (25 sts).

Row 2: Ch 2, turn, dc in first st, *FPdc in next st, dc in next st; rep from * across, ending with dc in last st (25 sts).

Row 3: Ch 2, turn, dc in first st, *dc in next st, FPdc in next st; rep from * across, ending with dc in last st (25 sts).

Rows 4-15: Rep Rows 2-3 (12 rows total). Fasten off.

Evil Eye Appliqué (mint)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: Inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [Sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [Sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Strap (lavender)

Ch 4.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (3 sts).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (3 sts).

Repeat Row 2 until the strap measures 44 inches. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Fold the pouch in half with right sides together. Join lavender yarn at one side edge and single crochet the sides together (working through both layers) from the bottom corner to the top, then across the bottom, then up the other side. Fasten off. Turn the pouch right side out so the seams sit inside. Using the mint tail, sew the evil eye appliqué centered on the front of the pouch. Sew the ends of the strap to the top corners of the pouch on the wrong side, reinforcing each join with a few extra stitches. Weave in all ends securely. Lightly mist and shape the pouch flat to block, then let it dry completely before wearing.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the mint appliqué for a contrasting color like mustard or coral for a different seasonal look.
• Add a small button and loop closure at the top edge if you want to keep small items secure.
• Make the strap longer or shorter by simply continuing or reducing the repeat rows to suit your preferred crossbody drop.