by This tutorial guides you through crocheting a beautiful and unique wallet using the Wheatear Granny Square Motif. The wheatear stitch creates a lovely, textured spike that resembles a stalk of wheat, giving the traditional granny square a modern, rustic twist. This design is perfect for a small, sturdy wallet, purse, or clutch.
Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: Approximately 50-80 grams of worsted weight (aran/10-ply) yarn. Cotton or a cotton blend is highly recommended for its durability and structure.
- Main Color (MC): For the majority of the squares and joining.
- Accent Color (AC): For the wheatear spike row.
- Crochet Hook: A hook size appropriate for your yarn, typically a 4.0mm (G/6) or 5.0mm (H/8) hook.
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Essential for weaving in ends and seaming the wallet.
- Closure (Optional): A zipper (approx. 6 inches) or a magnetic snap closure.
Key Crochet Stitches and Techniques
- Magic Ring: To start the square neatly.
- Chain (ch): The basic stitch.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): To join rounds and blocks.
- Double Crochet (dc): The main stitch for the standard granny sections.
- Wheatear Stitch (WS): This is the decorative spike stitch, achieved by working a double crochet two rounds below.
Part 1: Crocheting the Wheatear Granny Square
You will need to make two identical squares for the front and back of your wallet.
Round-by-Round Pattern (Using MC)
- Foundation (MC): Start with a Magic Ring.
- Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Work 2 dc into the ring.
(Ch 2, 3 dc into the ring). Repeat from()two more times. Ch 2, sl st to the top of the initial Ch 3 to join. (Four 3-dc clusters, four ch-2 spaces).
- Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Work 2 dc into the ring.
- Round 2 (MC): Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the corner ch-2 space.
- In the same corner,
(ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). This is your first corner. - **Ch 1. Skip the next 3 dc cluster. In the next ch-2 corner space,
(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).** Repeat from ** to ** two more times. Ch 1, sl st to the top of the initial Ch 3 to join.
- In the same corner,
- Round 3 (MC): Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the corner ch-2 space.
- In the same corner,
(ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). - Ch 1. (3 dc, ch 1) in the next ch-1 space.
- In the next corner,
(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). - Continue this pattern around. Sl st to the top of the initial Ch 3 to join.
- In the same corner,
Part 1A: The Wheatear Row (Accent Color)
This round creates the defining spike.
- Round 4 (AC): Join Accent Color (AC) with a sl st to the first corner ch-2 space.
- In the same corner,
(ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). - Ch 1. Skip the next cluster. Wheatear Stitch (WS): Work 1 dc into the ch-1 space two rounds below (the space from Round 2). The spike should anchor in this space.
- Ch 1. (3 dc, ch 1) into the next ch-1 space (the center of the side).
- Ch 1. Wheatear Stitch (WS): Work 1 dc into the ch-1 space two rounds below.
- Ch 1. In the next corner,
(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). - Continue this pattern around. Sl st to the top of the initial Ch 3 to join. Fasten off AC.
- In the same corner,
Finishing the Square (MC)
- Round 5 (MC): Join Main Color (MC) with a sl st to the first corner ch-2 space.
- In the same corner,
(ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). - Ch 1. (3 dc, ch 1) into each ch-1 space across the side.
- In the next corner,
(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). - Continue this pattern around. Sl st to the top of the initial Ch 3 to join.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail on one square for joining.
- In the same corner,
Part 2: Assembling the Wallet
You will be joining the two squares along three edges, leaving the top edge open.
- Preparation: Place the two squares together with the Wrong Sides (WS) facing each other and the Right Sides (RS) facing out. Line up the stitches and corners perfectly.
- Joining: Use the long tail from one of the squares and your Yarn Needle (or use a Slip Stitch Join with your hook).
- Starting at one corner, sew/slip stitch together the sides and the bottom. Stop when you reach the third corner.
- Ensure the corners are firmly secured to prevent separation.
Part 3: Edging and Closure
Adding a Clean Edge
- Top Edge (MC): Join MC with a sl st at one corner of the open top.
- Round 1 (Sc): Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each stitch and ch-1 space around the entire top opening of the wallet. Sl st to the first sc to join.
- Round 2 (Reverse Sc/Crab Stitch – Optional): Ch 1. Work 1 reverse single crochet (crab stitch) in each sc around. This creates a beautifully tight, rope-like border. Sl st to join. Fasten off.
Adding the Zipper (Recommended)
- Zipper Insertion: Open the zipper. Lay it flat across the top opening of the wallet.
- Hand Sewing: Using a standard sewing needle and thread (matching your yarn or zipper), carefully hand-sew the zipper to the inside edge of the crocheted top opening. Stitch close to the teeth for a neat look.
Adding a Magnetic Snap (Alternative)
- Placement: Determine the center of the wallet’s opening.
- Installation: Insert the prongs of the male snap piece through the stitches on the inside of the front panel. Fold the prongs down. Repeat with the female snap piece on the inside of the back panel, ensuring they align perfectly when the wallet is closed.
Part 4: The Finishing Touches
- Weave in All Ends: Use your yarn needle to carefully weave in any remaining loose ends on the inside of the wallet.
- Blocking (Optional): Because the wheatear stitch adds texture, blocking can help flatten the wallet and straighten the seams. Gently mist it with water, shape it flat, and allow it to air dry.
Congratulations! You have successfully crocheted a durable and stylish Wheatear Granny Square Wallet.
