Paintbox Yarns Festi Crochet Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Festi Bobble Pouch - Crochet Bag Pattern

What is Being Made

The Festi Bobble Pouch is a small crocheted accessory bag designed as a practical storage solution. The completed pouch measures 15 cm (6 inches) wide and 20 cm (7¾ inches) deep, making it an ideal size for carrying small personal items. This pattern offers two variations: a single-color version in Pale Lilac and a multi-colored striped version featuring Champagne White, Washed Teal, Sky Blue, Sailor Blue, and Granite Grey.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project incorporates several key techniques that make it engaging for crafters with some experience. The pouch is worked flat, meaning pieces are created in a two-dimensional form before being assembled, which simplifies the construction process for beginners moving into intermediate projects. The pattern features stripe work, allowing crafters to practice color changes and create visually interesting patterns by alternating between different yarn colors. A buttonhole is incorporated into the design, providing functional closure and teaching an essential finishing technique. The signature element is the bobble stitch, a decorative raised stitch created by working multiple yarn overs and loops through a single stitch point, then drawing all loops together to form a textured, three-dimensional bobble.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout this pattern is double crochet (single crochet in US terminology), which forms the foundation of the pouch structure. This fundamental stitch creates a fabric with moderate drape and density, ideal for a small bag. The bobble stitch is the decorative focal point, created using the technique of yarn over, inserting the hook as indicated, drawing yarn through, and drawing through two loops, repeated five times, then drawing through all six loops on the hook in a single motion. This creates the characteristic raised, bumpy texture that gives the pouch its name and visual appeal. Chain stitches are used for foundation and shaping elements throughout the pattern.

Materials Required

This pattern uses Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK, a medium-weight cotton yarn ideal for creating structured, breathable fabric suitable for accessories. For the single-color version, crafters need two 50g balls of Pale Lilac. For the multi-colored striped variation, one 50g ball each of Champagne White, Washed Teal, Sky Blue, Sailor Blue, and Granite Grey is required. The recommended hook size is a 3½mm (UK size 9 / US size E4) crochet hook. The pattern also calls for one button approximately 25mm (1 inch) in diameter for closure. The tension (gauge) is set at 15 stitches and 18 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over the pattern using the specified hook size, making it essential to crochet a test swatch before beginning to ensure the finished pouch achieves the correct dimensions.

Pattern Notes

• Instructions are written using UK crochet terminology with US terminology provided in parentheses
• Yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements
• Checking tension (gauge) before starting is vitally important to achieve the correct finished size
• The pattern is classified as easy/intermediate level, suitable for crafters with basic crochet knowledge
• Cotton DK yarn provides structure and durability for a functional pouch