Cute Crochet Drawstring Bag Pattern: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
If you’ve been looking for a beginner-friendly crochet project that’s actually useful, a drawstring bag might be exactly what you need. These little bags are endlessly versatile — use them as a gift bag, a jewelry pouch, a makeup bag, a knitting project holder, or even a cute purse for a night out. The best part is that once you learn the basic construction, you can make them in any size, any color, and with any decorative details you love. This tutorial will walk you through every single step, from choosing your yarn to tying that final knot, so you can finish your bag with confidence whether you’re a complete beginner or someone returning to crochet after a long break.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before diving into the pattern, let’s gather all your materials. Having everything ready at your workspace saves a lot of frustration mid-project.
Yarn: For this pattern, a medium-weight yarn (size 4, also called worsted weight) works beautifully. It’s thick enough to give the bag structure but still soft and easy to handle. Cotton yarn is a fantastic choice for bags because it holds its shape, doesn’t stretch excessively, and has a clean, crisp stitch definition. Brands like Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK, or Drops Safran are all wonderful options. You’ll need approximately 150–200 yards for a small to medium bag. For a larger tote-style bag, plan on 300–400 yards.
Hook: A 5.0 mm crochet hook (size H/8 in US sizing) pairs nicely with worsted weight cotton yarn. If you’re using a lighter yarn, size down; if you’re using a bulkier yarn, size up. The hook size affects how tight or open your stitches are, which directly impacts the bag’s structure.
Notions: You’ll also need a yarn needle (also called a tapestry needle) for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers, and a ruler or measuring tape. For the drawstring itself, you can use a length of the same yarn twisted into a cord, a ribbon, a leather cord, or macramé cord — whatever suits your style.
Skill Level: This pattern is suitable for beginners who know how to make a magic ring (or chain ring), single crochet, and slip stitch. All techniques are explained in detail below, so even if you’re brand new to these stitches, you’ll be fine.
Understanding the Stitch Pattern
This bag uses primarily single crochet stitches worked in continuous rounds (also called a spiral). This technique creates a seamless tube of fabric, which is exactly what you want for a bag. There are no visible seams, and the construction is straightforward once you understand the rhythm.
Single crochet is the most fundamental stitch in crochet. To make one: insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (you now have two loops on your hook), yarn over again and pull through both loops. That’s it — one single crochet made.
Working in continuous rounds simply means you don’t join at the end of each round with a slip stitch. Instead, you keep going in a spiral. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each new round so you can track where one round ends and the next begins.
The Pattern: Cute Crochet Drawstring Bag
Finished Dimensions
Using the materials listed above, your finished bag will measure approximately 7 inches wide and 8 inches tall (before the drawstring channel). You can easily adjust the size by adding or reducing rounds in the body section.
Step 1: Make the Base
The base of the bag is worked in the round, starting from a central point. This creates a flat circular bottom.
Round 1: Start with a magic ring. Chain 1 (this does not count as a stitch). Work 6 single crochets into the magic ring. Pull the tail to close the ring. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch. (6 stitches)
If you’re not comfortable with a magic ring yet, you can start with a chain 4 and slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring. Then work 6 single crochets into the ring.
Round 2: Work 2 single crochets into each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Round 3: [Single crochet in the next stitch, 2 single crochets in the next stitch] repeat around. (18 stitches)
Round 4: [Single crochet in the next 2 stitches, 2 single crochets in the next stitch] repeat around. (24 stitches)
Round 5: [Single crochet in the next 3 stitches, 2 single crochets in the next stitch] repeat around. (30 stitches)
Round 6: [Single crochet in the next 4 stitches, 2 single crochets in the next stitch] repeat around. (36 stitches)
Round 7: [Single crochet in the next 5 stitches, 2 single crochets in the next stitch] repeat around. (42 stitches)
Round 8: [Single crochet in the next 6 stitches, 2 single crochets in the next stitch] repeat around. (48 stitches)
At this point your circle should measure approximately 5–6 inches in diameter. If you want a wider base, continue the increase pattern by adding one more stitch between increases in each round. If you want a smaller bag, stop a round or two earlier.
Step 2: Build the Sides
Now that your base is complete, it’s time to build the walls of the bag. This is done by working into the back loops only for one transition round, and then continuing in both loops as normal. Working into the back loop only creates a sharp, defined ridge that forms the corner between the base and the sides — this is what gives your bag that structured, upright shape.
Round 9 (Transition Round): Single crochet into the back loop only of every stitch around. (48 stitches)
Rounds 10–28: Single crochet in both loops of every stitch around. (48 stitches per round)
This is your opportunity to customize the height of your bag. Each round adds approximately half an inch to the height. Keep crocheting until the bag reaches your desired depth. For a standard drawstring pouch, 18–20 rounds of the body section is ideal. For a larger bag, work 25–30 rounds.
As you crochet, you might notice the fabric starts to feel a little stiff. That’s actually great news for a bag — the stiffer the fabric, the more structure it will have. If your fabric feels too floppy, try going down a hook size.
Step 3: Create the Drawstring Channel
The drawstring channel is a row of eyelets that your cord will thread through. It’s easier to make than it sounds, and it adds a beautiful decorative detail to the top of the bag.
Round 29 (Eyelet Round): [Chain 2, skip the next stitch, single crochet in the next stitch] repeat around until the end of the round. At the end of the round, you should have 24 chain-2 spaces evenly distributed around the opening.
Make sure you have an even number of stitches before you start this round. If you’re working with a different stitch count, adjust accordingly — you want the eyelets to be evenly spaced.
Round 30: Single crochet into each stitch and into each chain-2 space around. (48 stitches)
Round 31: Single crochet in every stitch around. (48 stitches)
These extra rounds above the eyelet channel reinforce the top of the bag and give it a neat, finished edge.
Step 4: Finish the Top Edge
There are a few ways to finish the top edge of your bag. The simplest option is a slip stitch bind-off, which creates a tidy, firm edge. Alternatively, you can work a round of crab stitch (reverse single crochet), which adds a decorative rope-like border.
Slip Stitch Bind-Off: Slip stitch into each stitch around, then fasten off and weave in your ends.
Crab Stitch Edge (optional): Instead of working in the usual direction (right to left for right-handed crocheters), work in reverse — left to right. Single crochet into each stitch all the way around, being careful not to twist your stitches. This creates a lovely twisted edge that really polishes the look.
Fasten off and cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave this tail in securely using your yarn needle.
Step 5: Make and Thread the Drawstring
The drawstring is what transforms a plain tube into that iconic gathered-top pouch shape. You have several options for making it.
Twisted Cord Drawstring: Cut 6 strands of yarn, each about 3 times the circumference of your bag (roughly 60–70 inches each). Hold all strands together and knot one end. Ask a friend to hold one end while you twist the other end tightly, or you can tape one end to a table. Once the cord is very tightly twisted, fold it in half and let it twist back on itself. It will naturally form a tight, beautiful cord. Knot both ends to secure.
Braided Drawstring: Cut 3 groups of 2–3 strands each. Braid them together to your desired length. Knot the ends.
Ribbon or Store-Bought Cord: Simply purchase a ribbon or satin cord in a complementary color. This is the quickest option and often results in the most polished look.
To thread the drawstring, use a safety pin or a large yarn needle attached to one end of the cord. Weave it in and out through the eyelet holes all the way around the bag until both ends come out of the same hole. Knot the ends together, or add beads or pom-poms for a decorative touch.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this drawstring bag pattern is how easy it is to personalize. Here are some ideas to make your bag truly unique.
Color Blocking: Change yarn colors partway through the body section to create horizontal stripes or bold color blocks. Carry the unused color up the inside of the bag to avoid too many ends to weave in.
Textured Stitches: Swap out the single crochet for a moss stitch (alternating single crochets and chain stitches) or a half double crochet for a slightly taller, drapier fabric.
Bobble Accents: Work bobble stitches randomly throughout the body for a three-dimensional, bumpy texture that looks incredibly charming.
Surface Embroidery: Once the bag is finished, use a yarn needle to add embroidered flowers, stars, or initials to the outside of the bag. Lazy daisy stitches and straight stitches are especially pretty on crochet fabric.
Fringe or Tassels: Cut lengths of yarn and attach fringe along the bottom of the bag for a boho look, or make a single tassel to hang from the drawstring knot.
Granny Square Base: Instead of a plain circular base, start with a granny square and work the sides up from the edges for a more traditional, vintage-inspired look.
Tips for a Beautiful Finished Bag
A few small details can make a big difference in the final quality of your project.
Use a stitch marker consistently. Moving it up at the start of every round only takes a second, but it prevents that disorienting moment where you’ve lost count of where you are.
Maintain even tension throughout the project. If some rounds feel tighter and others looser, your bag will have an uneven, wavy appearance. Try to keep a consistent grip on your yarn throughout.
Weave in your ends carefully. Use your yarn needle to weave tails back and forth through multiple stitches, changing direction a couple of times. This locks the yarn in place and prevents unraveling. With cotton yarn especially, you want to be thorough here since cotton is more likely to slip than wool.
Block your finished bag if you want a more polished, professional result. For cotton yarn, wet blocking works well. Simply get the bag damp, gently squeeze out excess water, reshape it, and leave it to dry flat. Blocking evens out the stitches and opens up the fabric beautifully.
If the bottom of your bag is slightly uneven or wobbly, you can insert a circular piece of thin cardboard or a bag insert cut to size. This instantly gives the bag a crisp, professional base.
How to Care for Your Crochet Drawstring Bag
Cotton bags are wonderfully easy to care for. Most cotton yarns are machine washable on a gentle cycle in cool water. Lay flat to dry rather than putting in the dryer, which can cause shrinkage and distortion.
If your bag is made with a blend that includes acrylic yarn, it’s likely safe to machine wash and machine dry on low heat. Always check the yarn label for the manufacturer’s specific care recommendations before washing.
How to Use Your Finished Bag
The beauty of a drawstring bag is how many ways you can use it. Here are just a few ideas to inspire you.
Fill it with bath bombs, a candle, and a small lotion bottle for a gorgeous handmade gift set. The bag itself doubles as part of the gift. Line a small version with muslin fabric and use it as a sachet filled with dried lavender. Use a medium-sized bag as a pencil case or to keep your crochet hooks and notions organized. Make several in different sizes and use them as reusable produce bags or bulk-bin bags for grocery shopping — an eco-friendly swap that’s both pretty and practical. Gift them stuffed with candy and small toys as party favors for birthdays or baby showers.
Final Thoughts
This cute crochet drawstring bag pattern is the kind of project you’ll make once and then make ten more times because it’s that satisfying and useful. It works up relatively quickly — most crafters finish a small bag in a single evening sitting — and the end result looks polished and professional even when made by a total beginner.
Don’t worry if your first bag isn’t perfect. Tension evens out the more you practice, and honestly, slight imperfections in handmade items are part of their charm. Every bag you make will be a little different, a little more refined, and a little more uniquely yours.
Share your finished bags on social media and tag other crochet enthusiasts — this community loves seeing what everyone makes. And if you’re looking for your next project after this one, consider making a matching coin purse, a small zipper pouch, or even scaling up this same pattern to a full-sized market tote bag. The skills you used here translate directly to dozens of other patterns, so you’ve already taken a big step forward in your crochet journey.
Happy crocheting!
