Mermaid Tears Toddler Purse

Dive into this magical mermaid-inspired toddler purse, covered in shimmering crocodile-stitch scales that look just like a mermaid tail. Little ones are obsessed with this bag — it is the perfect size for tiny treasures, and the scales beg to be touched.

The purse works from the bottom up in the round, starting with a magic circle, and finishes at about 6 1/2 inches tall (not counting the strap). The crocodile stitch — five double crochets, chain one, five double crochets — is what creates those overlapping scales, and the pattern walks you through it along with V-stitches and third-loop half double crochet for a polished top edge.

You will need a J hook (6 mm) and one skein of Red Heart Super Saver Stripes in Retro Stripes (any size 4 yarn works — a self-striping colorway gives you that scale-by-scale color shift automatically). Add a tapestry needle, scissors, and an optional stitch marker.

This is an instant PDF download. If there is an ocean-loving little in your life, this is the birthday gift that wins the day — and it uses barely any yarn.