Need a cute way to gift rolled cash? This little crochet mushroom hides money inside its hollow stem and doubles as a charming keychain or bag charm.
A spotted mushroom cap and a neat white stem give this crochet money holder a playful shape, while the compact size makes it useful for Amplop Lebaran gifts, small notes, or everyday carrying.
The crochet pattern uses simple increases, decreases, BLO, and double crochet rounds, with an adjustable stem length for different needs. Follow along to shape the stem, cap, spots, and final hanging loop.
Credit Erfin R. Tangdilintin
Materials & Tools Needed
- Main Cap Yarn: Red, light brown, or another preferred color
- Stem Yarn: White
- Spot Yarn: Dark brown, white, or another contrasting color
- Crochet Hook: Appropriate for your yarn, such as a 2.0-2.5 mm steel or ergonomic hook
- Scissors
- Yarn/Tapestry Needle
- Metal Key Ring or Swivel Clasp: Optional
The finished mushroom measures approximately 10-12 cm in length, including the stem and cap. You can change the stem length by adding or removing rounds if you want more or less space for rolled bills. Festive cap and spot colors can also be chosen to suit an Amplop Lebaran or other gift theme.
Pattern Abbreviations
- ch: Chain
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- sc: Single Crochet
- dc: Double Crochet
- inc: Increase – work 2 stitches in the same stitch
- dec: Decrease – work 2 stitches together
- BLO: Back Loop Only
- MR: Magic Ring
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- (…) Repeat the instructions inside parentheses for the specified number of times
Crochet the Mushroom Stem
The white stem comes first because it forms the hollow pocket that will hold the rolled money. Keep this tube open at the bottom throughout the process; it should not be stuffed or closed.
The stitch count stays at 15 double crochet in every round, creating a straight tubular shape. If you already know you want a longer or shorter money holder, this is the section you can adjust later by changing the number of repeated rounds.
Round 1: Create a MR, ch 3 (counts as the first dc), work 15 dc into the ring, then join with a sl st into the top of the initial ch 3 (15 dc).
Rounds 2-10: Ch 3, work 1 dc into each stitch around, then join with a sl st (15 dc per round).
After Round 10, you should have a narrow white tube with an open lower end. That opening is important because the rolled note will enter through it after assembly.
Make the Hanging Loop
The hanging loop is made directly from the top of the stem, so there is no separate loop to attach afterward.
Keychain Loop: At the end of Round 10, ch 40, then cut the yarn and pull tight to secure, forming the hanging loop.
Fasten off and weave in the ends. The 40-chain loop can later hold a metal key ring or swivel clasp if you want to use the mushroom as a keychain or bag charm.
Shape the Mushroom Cap
Switch to the main cap color. The cap begins with double crochet increases that steadily widen the circle. Once it reaches 40 stitches, the pattern changes to single crochet decreases to bring the edge inward and form the mushroom shape.
Round 5 is especially important because it is worked in BLO. Work through the back loops only as specified rather than working through both loops.
Round 1: Create a MR, ch 3 (counts as the first dc), work 10 dc into the ring, then join with a sl st (10 dc).
Round 2: Ch 3, work 1 dc inc in each stitch around, then join with a sl st (20 dc).
Round 3: Ch 3, work (1 dc inc, 1 dc) around, then join with a sl st (30 dc).
Round 4: Ch 3, work (1 dc inc, 2 dc) around, then join with a sl st (40 dc).
At the end of Round 4, the cap should be considerably wider than the beginning circle. The next round starts narrowing the shape.
Round 5 (BLO): Ch 1, working in BLO, work (1 sc dec, 2 sc) around, then join with a sl st (30 sc).
Round 6: Ch 1, work (1 sc dec, 1 sc) around, then join with a sl st (20 sc).
The cap should now curve inward, leaving an opening underneath where the stem will be inserted.
Finishing Border: Ch 1, work 1 sl st in each stitch around, then fasten off and leave a long tail for assembly.
Keep this tail long enough to sew the cap securely to the stem.
Make the Mushroom Spots
The spots are small individual circles made separately from the cap. Making them this way lets you position them exactly where they look balanced on the rounded upper portion.
Make 3 spots using the contrasting yarn.
Spot 1: Create a MR, ch 1, work 5 sc into the magic ring, then join with a sl st. Fasten off, leaving a short tail for sewing or gluing.
Spot 2: Create a MR, ch 1, work 5 sc into the magic ring, then join with a sl st. Fasten off, leaving a short tail for sewing or gluing.
Spot 3: Create a MR, ch 1, work 5 sc into the magic ring, then join with a sl st. Fasten off, leaving a short tail for sewing or gluing.
Keep all three spots separate until you are ready to position them on the cap.
Attach the Spots
Place the three contrasting spots around the upper curve of the mushroom cap, spacing them evenly so the cap has a balanced appearance.
Use a yarn needle to sew each spot securely in place, or use fabric glue if preferred. Check their positions from the front before securing them permanently; this makes it easier to correct uneven spacing.
Join the Cap and Stem
Now the two main crochet pieces can be joined. The white stem must remain hollow because this is where the money will be stored.
Thread the long tail from the cap onto a yarn needle. Insert the open end of the white stem into the bottom opening of the mushroom cap.
Whipstitch or otherwise secure the edge of the cap to the upper rows of the stem. Work securely around the joining area, making sure you do not stitch across the inside of the stem.
Before weaving away the remaining yarn, check the bottom opening with your fingers. You should still be able to reach into the hollow stem freely.
Check the Money Holder
Roll up a piece of paper currency or a small note and slide it into the hollow stem through the bottom opening.
The note should tuck neatly inside the tube. If you changed the stem length, test it with the note you plan to use before gifting.
For a keychain or bag charm, attach a metal key ring or swivel clasp to the 40-chain hanging loop. For Amplop Lebaran, simply tuck the rolled money inside the stem and present the mushroom as a small handmade gift holder.
