Easy Drawstring Pouch Free Crochet Pattern

If you’ve been looking for a beginner-friendly project that’s practical, quick to finish, and genuinely useful in everyday life, you’ve found it. This easy drawstring pouch crochet pattern is exactly the kind of project that makes people fall in love with crochet all over again. It works up fast, requires minimal yarn and supplies, and the finished product is something you’ll actually use — or gift to someone who will.

Whether you’re new to crochet or a seasoned maker looking for a satisfying weekend project, this free pattern has you covered. By the end of this post, you’ll have everything you need to make your own drawstring pouch from start to finish.

Why You’ll Love This Drawstring Pouch Pattern

Before we dive into the pattern itself, let’s talk about why this particular project is worth your time.

Drawstring pouches are endlessly versatile. Use them to hold jewelry, hair accessories, loose change, crystals, dice for tabletop games, small cosmetics, phone chargers, snacks, or even a small notebook. They make beautiful gift bags for weddings, baby showers, and holiday presents. You can scale the size up or down depending on your needs, and the simple construction means you can experiment with different yarn weights, textures, and colors without worrying about a complicated stitch pattern throwing you off.

This pattern uses only the single crochet stitch and the chain stitch, both of which are foundational stitches every beginner learns in their first few sessions. If you can chain and single crochet, you can make this pouch. And if you’re more experienced, this project is a great way to use up small amounts of leftover yarn from your stash.

Materials You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand before you begin.

Yarn: Approximately 100–150 yards of worsted weight yarn (size 4). Cotton yarn works especially well for this project because it’s sturdy, washes easily, and gives the pouch a clean, structured look. That said, acrylic yarn is a perfectly fine choice if that’s what you have available.

Hook: A 5.0mm crochet hook (US size H/8) is recommended for worsted weight yarn. If you’re using a different yarn weight, match your hook to the yarn label’s recommendation.

Scissors: A sharp pair for cutting yarn cleanly.

Yarn needle: A blunt tapestry needle or yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Stitch marker: Optional but helpful, especially for beginner crocheters who are working in the round.

Cord or ribbon: About 24–30 inches of paracord, satin ribbon, cotton rope, or even a length of crochet chain for the drawstring.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for this project, but for reference: 14 single crochets and 16 rows = 4 inches using worsted weight yarn and a 5.0mm hook.

If your finished pouch turns out slightly larger or smaller than the finished measurements below, that’s perfectly fine. This is a flexible pattern.

Finished Size

With the materials listed above, the finished pouch measures approximately 5 inches wide and 6 inches tall (not including the drawstring). To make a larger pouch, simply start with more chains at the foundation. To make a smaller pouch, start with fewer.

Abbreviations

Throughout this pattern, the following abbreviations are used. These are standard US crochet terms.

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
st(s) — stitch(es)
sp — space
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
rep — repeat
rnd — round
YO — yarn over

Pattern Notes

This pouch is worked in continuous rounds from the bottom up, so you’ll want to use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round. At the end, a simple channel is created near the top of the pouch so the drawstring can be threaded through easily.

The pouch does not require any sewing or seaming because it’s worked in the round. The only finishing you’ll need to do is weave in your two yarn ends (from the beginning and the end of the project) and thread your drawstring.

If you’d like to make a flat-bottomed pouch, follow the oval or circle base instructions included at the start. If you prefer a simpler tube-style pouch, you can skip the base section and begin with a foundation chain joined into a ring.

Pattern Instructions

Step 1: Create the Base

To begin, you’ll make a small oval base that will give the pouch a flat, stable bottom — similar to the base you’d find on a market bag or toiletry pouch.

Chain 10.

Round 1: Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc in each of the next 8 chains, 3 sc in the last chain. Now rotate your work and continue along the other side of the foundation chain. Sc in each of the next 8 chains, then place 2 sc in the same stitch where you placed your very first sc. Place a stitch marker in the last stitch to mark the beginning of your rounds. (22 sts)

Round 2: 2 sc in the first st, sc in each of the next 8 sts, 2 sc in each of the next 3 sts, sc in each of the next 8 sts, 2 sc in each of the last 2 sts. (28 sts)

Round 3: Sc in the first st, 2 sc in the next st, sc in each of the next 8 sts, [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in each of the next 8 sts, [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] twice. (34 sts)

Round 4: Sc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in each of the next 8 sts, [sc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in each of the next 8 sts, [sc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] twice. (40 sts)

At the end of Round 4, you should have a nice oval shape with 40 stitches around the perimeter. This is your base.

Step 2: Work the Body of the Pouch

Now that your base is complete, you’ll work straight up in continuous rounds without any increases or decreases. This creates the walls of the pouch.

Rounds 5–22: Sc in each st around. (40 sts per round)

Continue until the pouch measures approximately 5 inches tall from the base, or until you’ve completed 18 rounds of the body section. You can make the pouch taller or shorter depending on your preference — just keep in mind that you’ll need a couple of rounds at the top for the drawstring channel.

Step 3: Create the Drawstring Channel

The drawstring channel is what sets this pouch apart from a plain crochet bag. It creates a row of eyelets — small holes — through which you’ll thread your cord or ribbon.

Round 23: Ch 2, skip the next st, sc in the next st. Repeat from to all the way around. If you end with an odd stitch count, simply sc in the last stitch without chaining. (You should have approximately 20 ch-2 spaces around the round.)

Round 24: Sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 space around. (40 sts)

Round 25: Sc in each st around. (40 sts)

Round 26: Sl st in each st around, then fasten off.

The slip stitch round at the top gives the edge a neat, finished look and prevents it from curling.

Step 4: Finishing

Cut your yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches. Pull the tail through the last loop to secure it, and use your yarn needle to weave in both ends (the starting tail and the finishing tail) securely into the body of the pouch.

Step 5: Thread the Drawstring

Take your cord or ribbon and attach a safety pin or bobby pin to one end. This will help you thread it through the drawstring channel easily.

Insert the pinned end into one of the ch-2 eyelets from Round 23 and weave it in and out through each eyelet until you’ve gone all the way around and come back out the same eyelet where you started. Pull both ends of the cord to gather the top of the pouch, and tie them together in a knot or bow.

If you prefer a more polished look, thread two separate pieces of cord from opposite sides of the pouch so that pulling each cord cinches the opening from both directions — this is sometimes called a “two-cord drawstring” and it’s the style you’d see on gym bags or backpacks.

Tips for Making This Pattern Your Own

One of the best things about this pattern is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to help you make it uniquely yours.

Change the yarn weight. Using a fingering weight or sport weight yarn with a smaller hook will give you a delicate, lacy-looking pouch perfect for jewelry or small keepsakes. Using bulky yarn will give you a chunkier, more rustic pouch that’s great for toiletries or produce.

Try different stitches for the body. While this pattern uses single crochet throughout, the body section (Rounds 5–22) is a great place to experiment. Try half double crochet for a slightly taller, drapier fabric, or work in back loops only for a ridged, stretchy texture. You could even use a simple shell stitch or moss stitch for the body section if you want a more decorative look.

Add color. This pattern works beautifully in a single color, but striped versions are stunning and a great way to use up leftover yarn from other projects. Simply join a new color at the beginning of any round and carry the old color up the inside or cut and weave in as you go.

Embellish the finished pouch. Add a crocheted flower, a button, a tassel, or a fabric patch to the outside of the pouch for a personalized touch. You can also embroider initials or a simple motif onto the front using a contrasting yarn color and a yarn needle.

Make a set. Try making three pouches in graduating sizes — a small one for jewelry or pins, a medium one for cosmetics or toiletries, and a large one for project yarn or snacks. Using coordinating colors or the same base color in different textures makes them look intentional and cohesive as a set.

How to Care for Your Finished Pouch

If you used cotton yarn, your pouch can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and air dried. Cotton holds its shape well and becomes softer with each wash, so a cotton pouch will actually get nicer over time.

If you used acrylic yarn, it’s also machine washable — just avoid high heat in the dryer, which can distort the stitches. A cool or low heat dryer setting, or air drying, will keep the pouch looking its best.

If you used a more delicate fiber like wool or alpaca, hand washing in cool water with a gentle soap is the safest approach. Press gently to remove excess water (don’t wring), and lay flat to dry.

Common Questions About This Pattern

Can I use this pattern to sell finished items? Yes! This is a free pattern, and you’re welcome to sell finished pouches made from it. A credit or link back to this post is always appreciated but not required.

What if I lose count of my rounds? A stitch marker is your best friend. Place it in the first stitch of each new round and move it up as you go. You can also use a row counter app on your phone, or simply keep a tally on a sticky note.

The pouch opening isn’t cinching closed all the way — what’s wrong? This usually happens if the drawstring cord isn’t long enough, or if you’ve skipped too many stitches in the eyelet round. Try a longer cord, or check that you have the right number of ch-2 spaces in Round 23.

My pouch has gaps or holes in the body — did I do something wrong? Small gaps can happen if your tension is on the looser side. Try going down a hook size or being more intentional about keeping your tension consistent. A small amount of texture variation is totally normal and won’t affect the function of the pouch.

Can I make this without a base? Absolutely. For a tube-style pouch, simply chain 40, join with a slip stitch to form a ring, and begin working in continuous rounds. Work straight through the body and drawstring channel sections, and then use a length of cord threaded through the bottom to cinch it closed just like the top — or sew the bottom closed with a whipstitch using your yarn needle.

Skill Level Summary

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly. You only need to know how to:

Chain, single crochet, slip stitch, work in continuous rounds, and weave in ends.

That’s truly it. If you’ve completed a simple dishcloth or a few rows of granny squares, you have more than enough skill to complete this pouch.

A Few Words About Yarn Choices

If you’re not sure which yarn to reach for, here are a few that work wonderfully for this kind of project.

Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton is a popular choice for pouches and bags. It’s smooth, durable, strong, and comes in a wide range of colors. It also has a slight sheen that makes finished items look polished and professional.

Paintbox Simply DK is a great option if you want a little more drape and softness. It’s an acrylic blend that’s easy to work with and comes in a gorgeous range of solid colors.

Paintbox Simply Chunky or Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick are excellent picks if you want a chunkier, faster-working version of this pouch. With a bulkier yarn, you can complete the entire project in an hour or two.

For something more sustainable, try Cascade 220 Superwash (a machine washable wool) or any organic cotton yarn you can find at your local craft store or online. Natural fibers tend to give finished pouches a slightly more artisanal, handcrafted look that’s particularly appealing when the pouch will be used as a gift.

Final Thoughts

This easy drawstring pouch is one of those evergreen crochet patterns that never goes out of style and never stops being useful. Once you’ve made one, you’ll want to make ten more in every color and size imaginable — and that’s the sign of a truly great pattern.

Whether you’re making this for yourself, as a gift, to sell, or simply to practice your stitches and build confidence with the craft, it’s a project that delivers a satisfying finished object without overwhelming you in the process. The construction is logical and easy to follow, the materials are affordable and widely available, and the result is genuinely beautiful.

Grab your hook, pick out your favorite yarn, and get started. You’ll be surprised how quickly this little pouch comes together — and how much you’ll love it when it does.

If you make one, share it! Tag your creation on social media and let the crochet community see your work. Seeing how different makers interpret the same pattern with their own yarn choices and color combinations is one of the most joyful parts of being part of the crochet world.

Happy hooking!