Crocheted Lined Envelope Styled Pouch

Another stash buster is this little envelope styled pouch. And it is oh so easy! Its actually large enough (8 x 10 inches) to hold a book, some crochet hooks, a skein of yarn for a crochet theme although you could use for anything. Remember that I'm stash busting right now so I just grabbed the next yarn in the pack and on hand fabric, but with a very pretty yarn, say a silvery with a satin lining would make a wonderful package to contain a camisole or slip tucked inside! Add emblishments to the outside ... buttons, jewlery, crocheted motifs, or embroidery.

With J hook, ch 31, sc in 2nd chain from hook and across (31 stitches), ch 1, turn

SC in each stich across, ch 1 turn ... continue for 58 rows, place a marker at this point, then continue to work even for another 5 more rows.

On next row decrease one sc at the beginning of the row and one at the end of the row, ch 1 turn,

continue with this to last two stitches

Now sc around entire piece.

Cut a piece of fabric for lining a little bit bigger then your flat crocheted envelope, draw a line around the crocheted envelope to mark the lining

Fold the lining using your marked line as a guide and iron down, place on crocheted piece and sew in place.

Fold the bottom to point of marker, with contrasting color single crochet from bottom (going through both now front and back stitches and then around flap and continue down the other side through both front and back sc's. Fasten off. Put a row of single crochets across the inside edge to finsh off, weave in all ends. Fill with your items and you're finished.

On a smaller scale these would make wonderful "place cards". Embroidering a name, lining with fabric to reflect the holiday or occasion, filling with a lottery ticket, candy kisses, mints, and a little ornament or trinket these would look adorable on a doily covered plate.