purlJam

# Unexpected Money Bag Crochet Pattern

**A fun little money bag plushie - perfect for gifting cash, storing change, or as a good luck charm!**

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in your choice of:
  - **Option A (Classic Money Bag):** Tan, beige, or brown (approximately 50-60 yards)
  - **Option B (Dollar Bill):** Green (approximately 50-60 yards)
- Small amount of contrasting color for dollar sign (gold, yellow, or dark green)

**Suggested Yarns:** Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, Caron Simply Soft

**Other Materials:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for weaving and embroidery
- Stitch marker
- Optional: Small piece of yarn or ribbon for drawstring (approximately 12 inches)
- Optional: 2 small safety eyes (6mm) for character version

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both, yarn over, pull through 2 loops)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round

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## GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for this project, but for reference:
- 5 sc and 5 rows = 1 inch in single crochet (worked in the round)

**Finished Size:** Approximately 4-5 inches tall and 4 inches wide

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## PATTERN NOTES

- Work in continuous rounds (spiral); use stitch marker to track beginning of round
- Do not join or turn unless instructed
- Stuff firmly as you go for best results
- For invisible decrease: insert hook into front loop only of next 2 stitches, yarn over and pull through both front loops, yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook (creates smoother decrease)

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### Money Bag Body

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*Verification: 6 inc = 12 sts ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
*Verification: 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 sts ✓*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Verification: 6 repeats × 4 sts = 24 sts ✓*

**Rnd 5:** (3 sc, inc) around [30]
*Verification: 6 repeats × 5 sts = 30 sts ✓*

**Rnds 6-12:** sc around [30]
*Work 7 rounds even to create bag body*

**Rnd 13:** (3 sc, dec) around [24]
*Verification: 6 repeats × 4 sts = 24 sts ✓*

**Rnd 14:** sc around [24]

**Rnd 15:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Verification: 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 sts ✓*

**BEGIN STUFFING:** Stuff bag firmly with fiberfill before continuing. Pack stuffing down to bottom to create nice rounded shape.

**Rnd 16:** sc around [18]

**Rnd 17:** (sc, dec) around [12]
*Verification: 6 repeats × 2 sts = 12 sts ✓*

**Rnd 18:** sc around [12]

**For Drawstring Top Effect:**
**Rnd 19:** (sc, ch 2, skip 1 st) around [6 sc + 6 ch-2 spaces]
*This creates small holes for drawstring look*

**Rnd 20:** sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 space around [18]
*Verification: 6 sc + (6 × 2 sc) = 18 sts ✓*

**Rnd 21:** dec around [9]
*Verification: 9 dec = 9 sts ✓*

**Rnd 22:** dec 4 times, sc 1 [5]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 5 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in end securely.

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## FINISHING

### Dollar Sign Embroidery (Recommended for Beginners)

Using contrasting yarn and yarn needle:

1. **Plan your placement:** The dollar sign should be centered on the widest part of the bag (around rounds 6-11)

2. **Vertical line:** Bring needle up from inside bag, make a straight stitch approximately 1.5 inches tall down the center front

3. **Top curve:** Starting at top third of vertical line, create a backwards "C" shape curving to the right, approximately 0.75 inches wide

4. **Bottom curve:** Starting at bottom third of vertical line, create a "C" shape curving to the right (mirror of top), approximately 0.75 inches wide

5. **Optional:** You can backstitch over the lines 2-3 times to make them thicker and more visible

### Alternative: Chain Stitch Dollar Sign Appliqué

If you prefer to crochet the dollar sign:

**Vertical Bar:** Ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Fasten off.

**S Curves:** Using scrap yarn, make a loose chain about 8 inches long. Shape into "S" and pin to bag. Sew in place with whip stitch.

Position appliqué pieces on bag front and sew securely with whip stitch.

### Optional Drawstring

Cut a 12-inch piece of contrasting yarn or thin ribbon. Thread through the ch-2 spaces in Round 19. Tie ends in a bow at front of bag.

### Weaving in Ends

Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely on the inside of the bag.

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## VARIATIONS

**Larger Money Bag:**
- Add one more increase round: Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) around [36]
- Work Rnds 7-14 even [36]
- Add corresponding decrease rounds
- Uses approximately 75-80 yards

**Mini Keychain Version:**
- Use DK weight (3) yarn with 3.0mm hook
- Work through Rnd 4 only for increases [24]
- Work Rnds 5-8 even [24]
- Decrease rounds: (2 sc, dec), then (sc, dec), then dec around
- Attach keychain finding before closing
- Finished size: approximately 2 inches

**Character Money Bag:**
- Add 6mm safety eyes between Rnds 10-11, spaced 4-5 stitches apart
- Embroider small smile below eyes using backstitch
- Gives your money bag personality!

**Different "Money" Styles:**
- **Gold Coins Bag:** Use yellow/gold yarn, stuff with dried beans for weight and sound
- **Bank Bag:** Use white or cream yarn, embroider "BANK" instead of dollar sign
- **Euro/Pound Bag:** Embroider € or £ symbol instead of $

**Textured Burlap Look:**
- Work all stitches in back loop only for ridged texture
- Use a lighter tan or oatmeal colored yarn

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean only or hand wash gently in cool water
- Lay flat to dry
- Do not use if giving to children under 3 years (choking hazard with stuffing)
- If using safety eyes, ensure they're secured tightly before gifting

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## SKILL LEVEL
★☆☆☆ Beginner

**You'll Practice:**
- Working in the round (spiral method)
- Magic ring start
- Increases and decreases
- Stuffing techniques
- Basic embroidery (optional)

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## DESIGNER'S NOTES

This cheerful little money bag is perfect for:
- Gifting cash in a creative way
- Storing loose change
- Good luck charm or desk decoration
- Teaching kids about saving money
- Party favors for financial-themed events

The "520" in the pattern name can represent a fun gift amount, a lucky number, or simply add a playful touch to your gift-giving!

**Time to Complete:** Approximately 2-3 hours for experienced beginners

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Bag is too floppy:**
- Stuff more firmly
- Try going down a hook size for tighter stitches

**Increases creating gaps:**
- Work increases more tightly
- Ensure you're working into the correct stitch

**Can't find starting point:**
- Use a stitch marker or safety pin to mark beginning of each round
- Move marker up as you work

**Dollar sign looks uneven:**
- Draw the design lightly with chalk or removable marker first
- Practice embroidery on a swatch of similar yarn

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## HASHTAG SUGGESTIONS
#moneybagcrochet #crochetplushie #amigurumipattern #beginnercroche #giftideas #crochetdecor #unexpectedmoney #goodluckcharm

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**Pattern by:** Expert Pattern Designer
**Difficulty:** Beginner
**Pattern Date:** 2024

*This pattern is for personal use and small-scale selling of finished items. Please credit the designer. Do not redistribute or republish this pattern.*

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