Flat-Lay Drawstring Bag Free Crochet Pattern
There is something deeply satisfying about making a bag from scratch. You start with a skein of yarn, a hook, and a simple idea, and within a few hours you have something functional, beautiful, and entirely your own. The flat-lay drawstring bag is one of those projects that feels more impressive than it actually is to make, which is part of why it has become such a beloved staple among crochet enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter looking for a quick weekend project or a newer stitcher wanting to level up from dishcloths and scarves, this pattern is exactly the kind of satisfying make that keeps you coming back to the craft.
This free crochet pattern walks you through every step of creating a flat-lay drawstring bag — the kind with a clean, structured base and a gently gathered top that cinches shut with a simple cord or ribbon. The term “flat-lay” refers to the way the bag is constructed: the body is worked flat in rows before being seamed together, as opposed to being crocheted in the round from the start. This technique gives the bag a lovely, even texture and makes it easier to customize the size and stitch pattern along the way. You can use this bag as a project bag, a gift bag, a farmers market tote, a beach pouch, or even a stylish knitting notions holder. The possibilities are genuinely endless.
Before we dive into the stitches, let’s talk about what you will need, what to expect, and how to set yourself up for success.
Materials You Will Need
Getting your materials together before you begin is always a good idea. Hunting for scissors mid-project is a small frustration that is entirely avoidable.
For this pattern, you will need a medium weight yarn, also called worsted weight or size 4 yarn. Cotton yarn is particularly well-suited for this bag because it has a natural stiffness that helps the bag hold its shape, and it washes beautifully — a major plus if you plan to use this as a produce bag or a beach pouch. That said, acrylic or a cotton-acrylic blend works equally well and gives you a softer, slightly drapier result.
You will need approximately 200 to 250 yards of yarn depending on the size of bag you want. A crochet hook in size 5.0 mm (H/8) pairs well with most worsted weight cottons, but always check the gauge before committing to an entire project.
Beyond yarn and a hook, gather a yarn needle for weaving in ends, a pair of scissors, a length of cording, ribbon, or even a length of crocheted chain for the drawstring, and a stitch marker or two to keep your place.
Gauge for this pattern is approximately 14 stitches and 16 rows to 4 inches in single crochet. Hitting this gauge will give you a finished bag that is roughly 10 inches wide and 12 inches tall before the drawstring channel. If you want a smaller bag — perfect for a little gift pouch or a child’s treasure bag — simply reduce your starting chain. If you want something larger, add more chains in increments of two.
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
This pattern uses beginner-friendly stitches. Here is a quick reference guide so you have everything in one place.
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
sk — skip
rep — repeat
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
sp — space
st(s) — stitch(es)
The Pattern: Flat-Lay Drawstring Bag
Getting Started: The Base Panel
This bag is worked in two identical flat panels that are seamed together along the bottom and sides, leaving the top open for the drawstring channel. Because both panels are the same, you only need to memorize one set of rows and simply make it twice. Easy.
Foundation Chain: Chain 37. (This gives you 36 working stitches, which produces a panel approximately 10 inches wide at worsted weight with a 5.0 mm hook.)
Row 1 (RS): Sc in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. (36 sc) Turn.
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc in each st across. (36 sc) Turn.
Continue repeating Row 2 until your panel measures approximately 12 inches from the foundation chain edge, ending on a WS row. Do not fasten off yet.
At this point, you want to add the drawstring channel, which is worked directly onto the top edge of each panel before assembly. This is one of the features that makes this pattern so clean and professional-looking — instead of adding a separate channel or using an awkward folded hem, the drawstring is threaded through a row of eyelet stitches that you crochet right into the top of the bag.
Drawstring Channel Row
Still working on the panel, you should have 36 stitches across the top edge with your yarn attached.
Eyelet Row: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), sk 1 st, dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st; rep from across to last st, dc in last st. Turn.
You will end up with a series of small holes running across the top of the panel. These are your eyelets, and the drawstring will weave in and out of them later. The row should feel a little lacier and more open than the solid single crochet rows below it.
Top Edging Row: Ch 1, sc in each dc and in each ch-1 sp across. (36 sc) Fasten off, leaving a tail of about 6 inches for weaving in.
Make a second panel identical to the first, including the eyelet row and top edging row. Fasten off with a 6-inch tail.
Assembling the Bag
Now comes the part where your flat panels transform into an actual bag, and it is remarkably satisfying. Lay both panels flat with wrong sides facing each other, aligning all edges as evenly as possible. If your panels have curled slightly (common with cotton yarn), a quick press with a damp cloth and a warm iron will straighten them right out.
You will seam the bag along the bottom edge and both side edges, leaving the top open.
Join your yarn at one of the top corners (either corner is fine) with a slip stitch, working through both layers.
Side and Bottom Seam: Ch 1, sc through both layers all the way down one side, across the bottom, and up the other side. Work one sc per row end along the sides, and one sc per stitch across the bottom. When you reach the last corner, sl st to finish. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
You should now have a bag shape. If you fold it flat along the seams, it will lay completely flat — this is the “flat-lay” quality that gives the bag its name and makes it so easy to store, stack, or display. When you open the bag up and press the corners outward, it takes on a slightly three-dimensional, rectangular form.
Adding the Drawstring
Cut two lengths of cording or ribbon, each approximately 30 to 36 inches long. You can also crochet a chain in a contrasting color by simply chaining until you have a cord about 32 inches long, then fastening off and giving it a gentle tug to even out the chain stitches.
Thread the first cord through the eyelet holes on the front panel, going in through the first eyelet on the left, weaving in and out through every hole, and coming back out through the last eyelet on the left. Both ends of this cord should exit from the same side.
Thread the second cord through the eyelets on the back panel in the same manner, this time starting and ending on the right side.
When you pull both cords outward simultaneously, the bag will gather closed from both directions. Tie the ends of each cord together with a simple overhand knot, or thread them through a small toggle or bead for a polished finishing touch. If you are using a crocheted chain drawstring, a small pom-pom on each end adds a lovely playful detail.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this pattern is how easily it adapts. Once you have made the basic version and feel comfortable with the construction, there are dozens of ways to make each bag feel unique.
Stitch Variations: Swap out the solid single crochet body for a textured stitch like the moss stitch, the linen stitch, or a simple shell stitch pattern. The only requirement is that your finished panel ends up at roughly the same dimensions, so count your stitches and do a small gauge swatch before diving into a full panel with an unfamiliar stitch.
Color Work: This pattern is perfect for stripes. Simply change colors at the end of any row by pulling the new color through the final loop of your last stitch before turning. Even two-row stripes create a bold, graphic look that photographs beautifully. For a more subtle effect, try holding two thin strands of yarn in complementary colors together as one and working through the entire pattern that way.
Size Adjustments: A smaller version of this bag — started on a chain of 21 or 25 — makes a beautiful gift bag for jewelry, small soaps, or loose tea. A larger version started on a chain of 55 or more works well as a market bag or a beach tote, though you may want to use a slightly larger hook and a bulkier yarn to keep the project from becoming too time-consuming.
Lining: For bags that will hold smaller items like jewelry or bulk spices or loose-leaf tea, consider hand-sewing a simple fabric lining inside the crocheted bag. Cut a rectangle of fabric slightly smaller than your panel dimensions, fold the edges under, and whipstitch it to the inside of the bag just below the eyelet row. This keeps small items from poking through the stitches.
Fringe and Embellishments: A row of short fringe along the bottom seam gives the bag a bohemian feel. You can also embroider a simple motif onto one panel before assembly — a leaf, a small flower, or a monogram initial — for a personal touch that makes the finished bag feel like a handcrafted heirloom rather than a simple project.
Yarn Recommendations
If you are not sure where to start in terms of yarn selection, a few varieties consistently produce beautiful results with this pattern. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton is widely available, comes in dozens of colors, and has just the right amount of sheen and stiffness to make a bag that holds its shape beautifully. Paintbox Yarns Simply DK is another excellent option, though being a slightly lighter weight, you may want to hold it double. For a more luxurious feel, try Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK or Drops Paris, both of which have a lovely matte finish and wash well.
If you prefer a natural, organic option, Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist Cotton is worth the splurge for a bag you plan to keep and use daily. Its weight and texture are ideal for this kind of structured construction.
Tips for a Polished Finish
A few small details separate a bag that looks homemade from one that looks handcrafted — and the difference is in the finish.
Block your panels before assembly. Even a light wet blocking (simply soaking the panels in cool water, gently squeezing out excess moisture, and pinning them flat to dry) will even out your tension, flatten any curling edges, and make seaming significantly easier.
Take your time with the seam. Working single crochet through both layers is not difficult, but it is worth going slowly and keeping your tension consistent. An uneven seam will be visible on the outside of the bag, so this is one step where patience really pays off.
Weave in ends generously. For a bag that will be used regularly and washed occasionally, a carelessly woven tail can work its way loose over time. Weave each tail in at least two directions, changing course slightly each time, and give the yarn a gentle tug to make sure everything is secure before trimming.
If your drawstring cording tends to slip back through the eyelets when the bag is empty, a simple fix is to knot the cording at each entry and exit point on the inside of the bag. This keeps the cord from sliding around and makes using the bag much more satisfying.
Using and Caring for Your Bag
A cotton crochet bag is one of the most practical items you can make because it is machine washable on a gentle cycle in cool water. Lay it flat to dry rather than tumble drying to prevent shrinkage and help the bag maintain its shape. If you used a non-cotton yarn, follow the care instructions on your yarn label.
For everyday use, this bag is wonderful as a reusable produce bag, a gift wrap alternative, a lunch pouch, a travel bag for small toiletries, or a holder for knitting or crochet supplies. The drawstring makes it easy to open and close quickly, and the flat construction means it stores easily when not in use.
If you made your bag with a non-washable cord or embellishments like wooden beads or metal toggles, simply remove those before washing and reattach them once the bag has dried.
Sharing Your Make
If you make this bag, sharing your finished project on social media is a wonderful way to connect with the wider crochet community and inspire other crafters. When posting photos, a flat-lay shot (pun very much intended) works beautifully for this bag — lay it on a clean, light-colored surface, arrange the drawstrings attractively, and photograph from directly above for a clean, editorial look that really shows off the stitch texture.
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern at craft fairs, on Etsy, or in any other setting. A kind credit or tag when sharing is always appreciated, but the most important thing is that you enjoy the making.
Final Thoughts
The flat-lay drawstring bag is proof that simple construction and beautiful results are not mutually exclusive. With just a foundation chain, rows of single crochet, one eyelet row, and a seam, you create something genuinely useful and genuinely lovely. It is a pattern that rewards both beginners who are learning the rhythm of consistent tension and experienced crocheters who want a meditative, low-effort project that still produces something worth keeping or gifting.
Make one in natural cotton for your farmers market routine. Make one in a rich jewel tone for a holiday gift. Make a tiny version in a sparkly yarn for a child’s treasure pouch. However you use this pattern, the making of it — the quiet click of the hook, the growing rows, the moment you seam the sides and suddenly have a bag — is its own reward. That is what crochet is, at its best.
Happy hooking.
