Natural Sunburst Crochet Zip Clutch Free Pattern

Natural Sunburst Crochet Zip Clutch – Free Pattern

Introduction

This flat, rectangular clutch is made from six solid granny "sunburst" squares worked in undyed recycled cotton, then joined into a simple 2-by-3 panel and finished with a neat single crochet border and a hand-sewn zipper. It's written for the advanced beginner who is comfortable with double crochet and working in the round, and it comes together quickly because every square is identical. The result is a soft, earthy, neutral cream pouch that looks clean and modern and feels sturdy but gentle in the hand. Because there are no color changes, no handles, and no fussy shaping, it's a relaxing project you can finish in a weekend.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) recycled cotton, 100% cotton, undyed natural color — approximately 200 yards (183 m) total.
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, matching sewing thread, hand sewing needle, and one 7-inch (18 cm) zipper.
• Finished size: Approximately 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) wide by 7 inches (18 cm) tall, excluding the zipper tab.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, 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, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
• sp – space: the gap formed by a chain or between stitches.
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• rep – repeat.

Gauge

One square measures 3.5 inches (9 cm) square after blocking, and the single crochet border works up at 4 stitches and 4 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm). Check your gauge by making one square, blocking it, and measuring across the middle; adjust your hook size if it is noticeably larger or smaller.

Tips Before You Start

• Make all six squares first and block them to exactly 3.5 inches (9 cm) before joining — even squares make the seams lie flat.
• Keep your tension consistent on the corner (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) groups so all squares match in size.
• Work the border with an even, relaxed hand; if the edge ripples, use a slightly larger hook for the border rounds.
• Pin the zipper in place and check that it opens smoothly before you sew — it's much easier to adjust now than after stitching.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sunburst Square (make 6)

With A, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.

R1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, [ch 2, 3 dc in ring] 3 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

R2: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 2 dc, *[2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in ch-2 sp, dc in next 3 dc; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (28 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

R3: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 4 dc, *[2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in ch-2 sp, dc in next 7 dc; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (44 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

R4: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 6 dc, *[2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in ch-2 sp, dc in next 11 dc; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (60 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

Fasten off. Weave in ends. Block squares to 3.5 inches (9 cm).

Assembly

Arrange the six squares in 2 rows of 3 squares each, with right sides facing up. Using A and whipstitch or sl st, join squares along the vertical edges to form a rectangle, then join the horizontal edges. You will have a rectangle 3 squares wide and 2 squares tall (10.5 inches by 7 inches).

Border

With right side facing, join A with sl st to any corner ch-2 sp.

R1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire perimeter, working 3 sc in each corner; join with sl st to first sc. (Approx. 120 sc)

R2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in each corner; join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Zipper

Pin the 7-inch (18 cm) zipper along the top edge of the clutch, with the zipper tape extending slightly beyond the edges. Hand sew the zipper in place using matching thread and backstitch, ensuring the zipper opens smoothly. Fold the zipper tape ends under and stitch them securely.

Assembly and Finishing

After the border is complete, weave in all remaining ends on the wrong side, threading each end through a few stitches before trimming. Block the finished clutch lightly: mist it with water, shape it flat to 10.5 inches by 7 inches, and let it dry completely before sewing in the zipper. Sew the zipper as described above, then give the clutch a final light press through a cloth if needed. If you'd like extra structure, add a small fabric lining before sewing the zipper (optional).

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use a contrasting cotton for the border rounds to frame the squares and make the clutch pop.
• Add a small fabric lining in a coordinating print for a more polished, durable interior.
• Make a wider version by joining squares in 2 rows of 4 for a larger pouch, adjusting the zipper length to match.