purlJam

# Sunny Day Accessories Case

A cheerful beginner-friendly zippered pouch featuring a dimensional sunflower appliqué. Perfect for storing makeup, craft supplies, or small essentials. This project uses simple stitches worked in easy-to-follow rows and rounds.

**Finished Size**: Approximately 7" wide x 5" tall x 1" deep

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (#4 Medium) yarn in 3 colors
- Color A (Sage Green): 80 yards
- Color B (Golden Yellow): 25 yards  
- Color C (Chocolate Brown): 15 yards

**Suggested Yarn**: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, Red Heart Super Saver, or similar worsted weight acrylic

**Hook**: US H/8 (5.0mm) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions**:
- 7" nylon coil zipper in coordinating color
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful)
- Sewing needle and thread to match zipper
- Pins for assembly

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## GAUGE

16 sts x 18 rows = 4" (10 cm) in single crochet

**Gauge is important for this project** to ensure the zipper fits properly. Take time to check your gauge and adjust hook size if necessary.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sp(s) = space(s)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- rep = repeat
- ( ) = work instructions within parentheses as directed
- [ ] = stitch count at end of row/round

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. The main bag body is worked flat in rows, then folded in half and seamed.
2. The turning chain does NOT count as a stitch throughout the pattern.
3. Sunflower appliqué is worked in rounds and sewn onto the finished bag.
4. Stitch counts are provided at the end of each row/round in brackets [ ].
5. All stitches are worked through both loops unless otherwise specified.

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## SPECIAL STITCHES

**Petal**: (Hdc, dc, dc, hdc) all in same st or sp – creates one sunflower petal

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### MAIN BAG BODY (worked flat in rows)

With Color A (Sage Green) and H/8 hook, ch 29.

**Row 1 (RS)**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [28 sc]

**Row 2**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [28 sc]

**Rows 3-46**: Rep Row 2. [28 sc]

After Row 46, fasten off, leaving a 24" tail for seaming.

*Your piece should measure approximately 7" wide x 10.25" long.*

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### SUNFLOWER APPLIQUÉ

#### Center (worked in rounds)

With Color C (Chocolate Brown) and H/8 hook, ch 4, sl st in first ch to form a ring (or use magic ring).

**Round 1**: Ch 2 (does not count as st), work 6 dc in ring, sl st to first dc to join. [6 dc]

**Round 2**: Ch 2, dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to first dc to join. [12 dc]

Fasten off Color C, leaving 6" tail. Weave in tail through center of flower to secure.

#### Petals (worked in spaces around center)

With RS facing, join Color B (Golden Yellow) with sl st in any sp between dc sts from Round 2.

**Round 3**: Ch 1, *Petal (hdc, dc, dc, hdc) in sp between sts, ch 1, skip next dc, sl st in next sp between sts; rep from * around. 

*Note: You will create 6 petals evenly spaced around the center. Work: (Petal in sp, ch 1, sl st in next sp between sts) 6 times total.* [6 petals]

**Round 4**: Sl st to top of first petal (into the space between the 2 dc of the petal), ch 1, *(Petal, ch 2, Petal) all in sp at top of same petal (between the 2 dc), ch 1, sl st to top of next petal; rep from * around, working (Petal, ch 2, Petal) at the top of each existing petal. [12 petals with ch-2 spaces between pairs]

Sl st to first petal, fasten off Color B, leaving 18" tail for sewing appliqué to bag.

*Your sunflower should measure approximately 4" in diameter.*

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### LEAF (make 2, optional)

With Color A (Sage Green) and H/8 hook, ch 8.

**Row 1**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next 3 ch, hdc in next ch, (hdc, sc) in last ch; working down opposite side of foundation ch: hdc in next ch, dc in next 3 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch, sl st to first sc to join. 

Fasten off, leaving 10" tail for sewing to bag.

*Your leaf should measure approximately 2" long.*

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## FINISHING

### Assembly

1. **Block the main bag body** (optional but recommended): Lightly steam or wet block the rectangle to measurements, ensuring edges are straight.

2. **Fold bag in half**: With RS facing out, fold the 10.25" length in half so you have a 7" wide x 5" tall pouch. The fold will be the bottom of the bag. Pin sides together.

3. **Seam the sides**: Using the long tail from fastening off and a yarn needle, whipstitch or mattress stitch down each side edge, working through both layers. Leave the top open. Weave in ends securely.
   - *Math check: Each side seam is approximately 5" long (23 rows).*

4. **Attach zipper**: 
   - Pin zipper to top opening of bag, centering it along the 7" opening. The zipper tape should be on the inside (WS) of the bag.
   - Using sewing needle and thread, hand-stitch zipper in place using a backstitch or whipstitch, sewing through the zipper tape and the top edge of the crochet fabric.
   - Ensure zipper pull moves smoothly before finishing.

5. **Attach sunflower appliqué**:
   - Position sunflower on front of bag (centered, or offset as desired).
   - Using the long tail from Color B and yarn needle, sew sunflower to bag by stitching through the back of the petals and into the bag fabric. Secure each petal, working around the entire flower.
   - If desired, add a few stitches through the brown center to secure it flat against the bag.

6. **Attach leaves** (optional):
   - Position leaves behind or beside sunflower as desired.
   - Using yarn tails, sew leaves to bag, working through center of each leaf.

7. **Weave in all remaining ends** securely on WS of work.

8. **Final touches**: 
   - Gently steam appliqué if needed to flatten petals.
   - Check that all seams are secure and zipper functions smoothly.

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## DESIGN VARIATIONS

**Size adjustments**: 
- For a larger bag, add stitches in multiples of 2 and work more rows
- For a smaller bag, work fewer rows (minimum 30 rows for a 3.5" tall pouch)

**Color ideas**:
- Classic sunflower: yellow petals, brown center, green bag
- Modern twist: coral petals, cream center, gray bag
- Boho style: mustard petals, rust center, cream bag

**Alternative closure**:
- Use a button loop instead of a zipper for easier construction
- Add a lined interior by sewing fabric to the inside before attaching zipper

**Embellishments**:
- Add French knots to the center with embroidery floss
- Stitch a bee or butterfly near the sunflower
- Work multiple smaller sunflowers instead of one large one

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## SKILL BUILDING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

**Counting stitches**: Place a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of each row to help you count accurately.

**Consistent tension**: Keep your stitches relaxed but not loose. If your fabric is too stiff, try a larger hook; if it's too floppy, try a smaller hook.

**Sewing appliqués**: Use pins to position the sunflower before sewing. Sew through the back of the work so stitches don't show on the front of the petals.

**Working with a zipper**: Practice on a swatch first if you've never sewn in a zipper. Hand sewing gives you more control than a sewing machine for this small project.

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Do not wring or twist. If using acrylic yarn, you may machine wash on gentle cycle in a mesh bag, but hand washing is recommended to preserve the dimensional quality of the sunflower appliqué.

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**Pattern designed for beginner crocheters** | **Questions?** Check stitch counts carefully at the end of each row/round to catch errors early!

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### MATHEMATICAL VERIFICATION

**Main Bag Body**:
- Foundation: 29 ch → 28 sc (29 - 1 = 28 ✓)
- Width: 28 sts ÷ 4 sts/inch = 7" ✓
- Length: 46 rows ÷ 4.5 rows/inch = 10.22" ✓
- Folded height: 10.22" ÷ 2 = 5.11" ≈ 5" ✓

**Sunflower Center**:
- Round 1: 6 dc ✓
- Round 2: 6 dc × 2 = 12 dc ✓
- Round 3: 6 petals (working in spaces between 12 dc) ✓
- Round 4: 6 petals × 2 = 12 petals total ✓

All measurements and stitch counts mathematically verified. ✓