Drawstring Bag Free Crochet Pattern: Make Your Own Stylish and Functional Bag Today

There is something deeply satisfying about crocheting an item you will actually use every day. A drawstring bag is one of those perfect beginner-to-intermediate projects that combines practicality with creativity, giving you a finished object you can take to the farmers market, the gym, a yoga class, or use as a reusable produce bag at the grocery store. The best part? You do not need to spend money on a pattern. This free crochet pattern will walk you through every step of making a beautiful, sturdy drawstring bag that looks like it came from a boutique shop.

Whether you are just getting started with crochet or you have been hooking for years, this project is accessible and endlessly customizable. You can change the yarn weight, swap the stitch pattern, or adjust the size to create something entirely your own. Let’s dive into everything you need to know.

Why You Should Make a Crochet Drawstring Bag

Before we get into the pattern itself, it is worth talking about why this particular project deserves a spot on your to-do list.

Crochet drawstring bags are versatile in a way that few other handmade items are. A small version works beautifully as a gift bag, a jewelry pouch, or a sachet holder. A medium version makes the ideal project bag for your own yarn and hooks. A large version becomes a beach tote, a gym bag, or a market bag that holds far more than you expect. The same basic construction — a flat circle for the base, straight sides worked in the round, and a simple drawstring channel — adapts to any size you need.

They also make wonderful gifts. A handmade drawstring bag with a bar of artisan soap, a small candle, or a set of stitch markers tucked inside looks thoughtful and polished. If you are crocheting for markets or an Etsy shop, this is one of those items that sells consistently because it solves a real problem for people.

Finally, this project is an excellent way to practice working in the round, increasing evenly, and maintaining stitch count — all foundational skills that will make every future project easier.

Materials You Will Need

One of the reasons this pattern is so appealing is that the materials list is short and inexpensive. Here is what you will need to make a medium-sized drawstring bag that measures approximately 10 inches tall and 8 inches wide when finished.

Yarn: Approximately 200 to 250 yards of worsted weight yarn (size 4). Cotton yarn is strongly recommended for this project because it holds its shape well, washes easily, and gives the bag a clean, structured look. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK (held double), or WeCrochet CotLin are all excellent choices. You can absolutely use acrylic yarn if that is what you have on hand — it just produces a slightly softer, less structured result.

Hook: 5.0 mm (size H/8) crochet hook. If you tend to crochet tightly, go up to a 5.5 mm hook. If your gauge runs loose, try a 4.5 mm.

Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (or scrap yarn), and approximately 1.5 yards of ribbon, cord, or a length of crochet chain for the drawstring.

Gauge: 14 single crochets and 16 rows equal 4 inches in single crochet. Gauge is not critical for this project, but checking it will help you predict the finished size of your bag.

Abbreviations and Stitch Guide

This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
sc2tog — single crochet two together (decrease)
inc — increase (two single crochets in one stitch)
BLO — back loop only
FLO — front loop only
MR — magic ring (also called magic circle)
st — stitch
rnd — round
rep — repeat

If you are not familiar with the magic ring, do not worry. You can substitute a chain-4 joined in a ring with a slip stitch. The magic ring does give you a tighter, neater center, but it is not essential.

The Pattern: Free Crochet Drawstring Bag

Getting Started: The Base

The base of this bag is worked in continuous rounds, creating a flat circle that gives the finished bag a sturdy, even bottom. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round so you do not lose your place.

Round 1: Make a magic ring (or ch 4 and join with sl st). Work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)

Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)

Round 3: Sc 1, inc rep around. (18 sts)

Round 4: Sc 2, inc rep around. (24 sts)

Round 5: Sc 3, inc rep around. (30 sts)

Round 6: Sc 4, inc rep around. (36 sts)

Round 7: Sc 5, inc rep around. (42 sts)

Round 8: Sc 6, inc rep around. (48 sts)

At the end of Round 8, you should have a flat circle measuring approximately 4 to 4.5 inches in diameter. If your base is curling upward rather than lying flat, your tension is too tight — try loosening your grip or moving up a hook size. If it is ruffling, your tension may be too loose.

Building the Sides

This is where the bag takes shape. To transition from the flat base to the straight walls, you will work into the back loop only for one round. This creates a crisp fold line at the base of the bag and is the same technique used in amigurumi and baskets.

Round 9 (Transition Round): Working in BLO, sc in each st around. (48 sts)

From this point forward, work through both loops unless the pattern says otherwise.

Rounds 10 through 28: Sc in each st around. (48 sts per round)

This gives you approximately 9 to 10 inches of height on the body of the bag, which is perfect for a medium bag. If you want a shorter bag, stop at Round 22 or 24. If you want a taller bag, continue to Round 32 or beyond.

As you work these rounds, this is a good time to try a texture stitch if you want more visual interest. Instead of plain single crochet, you can substitute moss stitch (also called linen stitch), which alternates single crochet and chain-1 with offset placement to create a woven, textured fabric. Or you can work the entire body in half double crochet for a slightly taller, softer fabric. The base stitch count stays the same no matter which stitch you choose.

Creating the Drawstring Channel

The drawstring channel is simply a row of evenly spaced holes through which your cord or ribbon will thread. It is easier to make than it sounds.

Round 29 (Drawstring Round): Ch 2, skip 1 st, sc in next 2 sts rep around. You should end up with 16 chain-2 spaces evenly distributed around the bag. If your stitch count does not divide evenly into this repeat, adjust by working sc in 3 sts instead of 2 between a couple of the chain spaces.

Round 30: Sc in each st and 2 sc in each ch-2 space around. (48 sts)

This round closes up the channel and returns you to your full stitch count, creating a neat band with eyelet holes running through the middle of it.

Finishing the Top Edge

Rounds 31 through 33: Sc in each st around. (48 sts)

Round 34: Sl st in each st around. Fasten off and weave in the end.

The slip stitch round at the top creates a clean, slightly firmer edge that prevents the top of the bag from rolling or stretching out over time.

Adding the Drawstring

Cut two lengths of cord, ribbon, or I-cord each measuring approximately 30 inches. You can also crochet a chain about 80 stitches long and use that.

Thread the first length all the way around the bag through the chain-2 eyelets, starting and ending at the same eyelet so both ends come out on the same side. Knot the ends together or tie them in a bow.

Thread the second length starting from the opposite side of the bag, so that the two lengths create a crisscross effect inside the channel. When you pull both drawstrings simultaneously, the bag closes evenly from both sides — this is the classic two-cord drawstring method used in everything from gym bags to gift bags, and it makes opening and closing much easier than a single cord.

If you want to add a little decorative touch, thread the cord ends through a few large wooden beads before knotting them. This gives the bag a polished, finished look and makes the drawstrings easier to grip.

Tips for a Beautiful Finished Bag

Blocking your bag makes a significant difference in the final appearance, especially if you used cotton yarn. Wet the finished bag thoroughly, gently squeeze out excess water in a towel, and then stuff the bag with a plastic bag or crumpled newspaper to hold its shape while it dries. Let it air dry completely before removing the stuffing. The result is a bag that looks neat, professional, and holds its shape beautifully.

Weave in your ends carefully. With a bag that will be used regularly, ends can work loose over time if they are not secured well. Thread your yarn needle and weave each end through at least four or five stitches in one direction, then back through a few stitches in a different direction before trimming. This locks the end in place far more securely than a simple weave.

Add a lining if you want the bag to hold small items without them slipping through the stitches. Cut a piece of fabric slightly smaller than the circumference and height of your bag, sew it into a tube, fold the top edge down, and hand stitch it to the inside of the bag just below the drawstring channel. Cotton quilting fabric or a lightweight canvas works well.

Experiment with color changes to add stripes or a color-blocked effect. Simply join a new color at the beginning of any round by working the last pull-through of the final stitch in the new color. Carry the old color up along the inside of the bag if you are alternating every two rounds, or cut and join as needed for more widely spaced stripes.

Size Variations

This pattern is extremely easy to resize, which is part of what makes it so useful.

For a small drawstring bag (about 5 inches tall and 5 inches wide), work the base through Round 5 instead of Round 8, giving you 30 stitches. Work the sides for about 12 rounds before adding the drawstring channel. This size is perfect for a gift bag or a small accessory pouch.

For a large drawstring bag or market bag (about 14 inches tall and 11 inches wide), work the base through Round 11, ending with 66 stitches. Work the sides for 30 or more rounds before adding the drawstring channel. With a cotton yarn in a neutral color, this size makes a gorgeous, eco-friendly grocery bag.

For a really large beach bag or laundry bag, switch to a bulky weight yarn and a 6 or 6.5 mm hook, and scale up the base accordingly. Bulky cotton or jute string gives you a bag with real structure that can hold a surprising amount of weight.

Yarn Substitutions and Color Ideas

Choosing the right yarn transforms this simple pattern into something really special. Here are a few combinations worth considering.

Natural cotton in ecru or off-white gives the bag a timeless, minimalist look that goes with everything. Add a leather or jute drawstring cord for a sophisticated finish.

A variegated or self-striping yarn does all the visual work for you — the simple single crochet stitch lets the color changes take center stage without any extra effort on your part.

Jute twine or macramé cord creates a bag with incredible structure and a beautiful natural texture. Note that jute is not machine washable and can be a bit rough on the hands while you work, but the finished result is stunning.

For a baby shower gift bag, a soft pastel cotton or a cotton-bamboo blend in a gentle color like sage green, dusty rose, or soft yellow looks sweet and feels luxurious.

For holiday gift bags, consider working in traditional colors — deep red and cream for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or a pale blue and silver combination for a winter celebration. These bags can be reused year after year, which makes them a far more sustainable choice than disposable gift wrap.

Caring for Your Crochet Drawstring Bag

Cotton crochet bags are wonderfully practical because they wash well. Turn the bag inside out and machine wash it on a gentle cycle in cold water. Lay it flat or stuff it to shape and allow it to air dry. Avoid putting a cotton bag in a hot dryer because heat can cause some yarns to shrink or distort.

If you used acrylic yarn, it is even more forgiving — most acrylic is machine washable and dryer safe, though a gentle cycle and air drying will extend the life of the bag.

Spot clean with a damp cloth for minor dirt rather than washing the entire bag each time.

Sharing Your Make

Once you finish your bag, share a photo in a crochet community — Ravelry, Instagram with the hashtag #drawstringbagcrochet, or a Facebook crochet group. Seeing finished objects made from the same pattern by different makers is one of the most inspiring parts of the crochet world. Your color choice or yarn substitution might be exactly the push someone else needs to start their own version.

If you make this bag and adjust the pattern — a different base size, a different stitch for the body, a different drawstring method — note your changes down. Your modified version might become the pattern that works best for you, and it is always satisfying to have a reliable go-to project you have truly made your own.

This free crochet drawstring bag pattern is the kind of project that stays in your rotation for years. It is quick enough to finish in a weekend, useful enough that you will want to make a dozen of them, and simple enough that it never feels stressful. Pick up your hook, choose a yarn that makes you happy, and enjoy every stitch.