Boba Tea Reticule Pillow Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This little boba tea reticule pillow is the perfect project for anyone who loves tiny, charming accessories but doesn't want to fuss with complicated shaping. Worked flat in soft natural chenille and folded into a purse-like shape, it has a cozy, plush feel and a sweet Victorian-inspired silhouette. The boba tea cup appliqué on the front is made with simple no-sew amigurumi circles, so even beginners can add a playful, detailed finish. Whether you fill it with small treasures or simply display it, this pillow purse is quick, satisfying, and utterly adorable.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight chenille yarn (approx. 150 yds / 100g per skein). Color A: natural undyed, about 1 skein. Color B: brown, a small amount for the boba pearls.
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker (optional), and a small amount of polyester fiberfill if you'd like a lightly stuffed pillow (optional).
- Finished size: Approx. 8 inches wide x 6 inches tall (20 cm x 15 cm), excluding the handle.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec – decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- MR – magic ring
- R – row
- Rnd – round
Gauge
12 sts and 14 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. To check, crochet a small swatch in sc and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Chenille yarn can shed and is tricky to unravel, so work with a gentle, even tension and avoid frogging where possible.
- Keep your single crochet stitches loose enough to see clearly; tight stitches make the chenille fuzzy and hard to count.
- Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each row of the body to keep track of your 24 stitches.
- When sewing on the appliqué, use matching yarn and small stitches so the cup sits flat against the pillow.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pillow Body (Color A)
R1: Ch 25, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (24 sts).
R2–28: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (24 sts). Fasten off.
Fold the piece in half widthwise to form a 6" x 4" rectangle.
Joining sides: With A, sc evenly along both side edges to close, leaving the top open. Do not fasten off.
Edging: Sc evenly around the top opening. Fasten off.
Handle (Color A)
R1: Ch 30, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (29 sts).
R2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (29 sts). Fasten off.
Attach handle ends to the top corners of the pillow.
Boba Tea Appliqué – Cup (Color A)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).
Rnd 2: Inc x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [Sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnds 4–8: Sc in each st around (18 sts).
Rnd 9: [Sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 10: Dec x6 (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the cup to the front of the pillow.
Straw (Color A)
R1: Ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (9 sts). Fasten off. Sew the straw to the top of the cup at an angle.
Boba Pearls (Color B) – Make 5
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts). Fasten off. Sew the pearls to the bottom of the cup.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends securely, especially on the appliqué pieces. Sew the cup, straw, and pearls to the front of the pillow using small, even stitches and matching yarn. Attach the handle ends firmly to the top corners. If desired, lightly stuff the pillow before closing the top edging. Block the finished piece gently by misting with water and shaping it flat; avoid heavy steam on chenille. Let dry completely.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the natural chenille for a pastel color to make a flavored boba tea look.
- Add a fabric lining or a small button closure inside the top opening for a more functional purse.
- Use a contrasting yarn for the straw, or embroider a tiny smile on the cup for extra personality.
