A Complete Step-by-Step Tutorial for Stunning Handmade Drawstring Bags

Whether you want to make a cute pouch for gifting, a mini purse, or a stylish storage bag, crochet drawstring bags are one of the easiest and most beautiful projects for beginners. With simple stitches and minimal shaping, you can create a trendy little bag that looks elegant, professional, and totally handmade.

This long article will guide you through materials, stitches, the full pattern, variations, finishing, decoration ideas, and selling tips.

If you’d like a PDF, diagram, round-by-round pattern, or video script, just let me know!

🌼 Why Crochet a Drawstring Bag?

Drawstring bags are loved because they are:

✔ Beginner-friendly
✔ Quick to make (1–2 hours)
✔ Great for gifting
✔ Perfect for storing jewelry, makeup, coins, or small accessories
✔ Easy to customize with color, texture, and decorations
✔ Popular items to sell at craft fairs and online

You can make them small and cute or large and stylish—your creativity decides!

🧶 Materials You’ll Need

✔ Yarn

Choose yarn based on the texture you want:

Cotton yarn – best structure and durability
Acrylic yarn – soft, lightweight, inexpensive
Bamboo yarn – silky and luxurious
T-shirt yarn – chunky and modern
Macramé cord – stiff and structured

Recommended weight:

DK (3) or Worsted (4) for small cute bags
Bulky (5) for a thicker, modern-style pouch

✔ Hook

Match your yarn weight:

3.5 mm – 4.5 mm for DK
4.5 mm – 5.5 mm for worsted
6 mm – 8 mm for bulky

Using a slightly smaller hook than recommended gives tighter and neater stitches, ideal for bags.

✔ Other Tools

Scissors
Yarn needle
Stitch markers
Optional: beads, ribbon, tassels, charms

🧵 Basic Stitches Used

This pattern is perfect for beginners. You’ll only need:

CH – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
HDC – Half Double Crochet
DC – Double Crochet (for decorative rounds)
SL ST – Slip Stitch
BLO – Back Loop Only (optional for texture)

👜 BAG STRUCTURE OVERVIEW

This drawstring bag is worked in 3 easy parts:

A flat circle for the base
Straight sides worked upward
A drawstring channel + cord

Even if you’ve never made a bag before, this is one of the easiest ways to start!

🌸 PART 1 — Crochet the Base (Flat Circle)

We’ll use a simple increasing circle.

⭐ Step 1: Magic Ring

Make a magic ring and secure it.

⭐ Round 1

Work 6 SC into the ring.
Pull tight.
SL ST to join.

⭐ Round 2

2 SC in each stitch around.
(12 stitches)

⭐ Round 3

1 SC, 2 SC in next stitch repeat around.
(18 stitches)

⭐ Round 4

SC in next 2 stitches, 2 SC in next repeat.
(24 stitches)

⭐ Round 5

SC in next 3 stitches, 2 SC in next repeat.
(30 stitches)

⭐ Round 6

Continue increasing until the base reaches:

Mini bag → 3–4 inches
Medium bag → 5–6 inches
Large pouch → 7–8 inches

Your circle should lie flat.
If it begins to wave, skip increases for one round.

🌼 PART 2 — Build the Bag Walls

Once your base is the right size:

⭐ Round 1 of the Walls

SC in BLO around (back loop only).

This makes the bottom edge crisp and professional.

⭐ Rounds 2–15

Work SC or HDC around (your choice).

SC → tight and strong
HDC → soft and pretty
HDC BLO → trendy knit-look style

Continue until the bag is tall enough (usually 6–8 inches).

OPTIONAL TEXTURES

To make the body beautiful:

✔ Option 1: Stripe Pattern

Change color every 2–4 rows.

✔ Option 2: Puff Row

Insert one puff stitch row halfway up for cuteness.

✔ Option 3: Mesh Row

CH 1, skip 1, SC – creates an airy design.

✔ Option 4: Shell Stitch Section

DC shells add elegance and a lace-like feel.

🎀 PART 3 — Make the Drawstring Channel

This part gives the bag its classic drawstring function.

⭐ Step 1: Create Spaces for Cord

Round:
CH 1, skip 1, SC in next stitch, repeat around.

This creates small holes for the drawstring.

⭐ Step 2: Reinforce the Top

Next round:
SC in every stitch and every chain space.

Work 2–3 rows of SC to create a strong channel.

🪢 PART 4 — Make the Drawstring Cord

You have many cute options!

⭐ Option 1: Simple Chain Cord

CH 120–180
SL ST back across the chain to thicken
Tie knots on both ends

⭐ Option 2: Braided Cord

Make 3 long chains and braid them together.

⭐ Option 3: I-Cord (Advanced-looking but easy)

Crochet a simple i-cord using SC.

⭐ Option 4: Ribbon or Satin Cord

Makes the bag look dainty and beautiful.

⭐ Insert the Cord

Use a safety pin or needle to weave the cord through the holes in a full circle.
Pull both ends to close the bag.

Add beads, tassels, or charms to the ends for extra beauty.

🌸 PART 5 — Add Decorations (Make Your Bag BEAUTIFUL)

Here are stunning ways to beautify your drawstring bag:

✔ Crochet Flowers (mini roses, daisies)

Attach near the drawstring area.

✔ Beads

Add wooden or plastic beads to the cord ends.

✔ Lace Trim

Sew around the top of the bag for a soft aesthetic.

✔ Embroidery

Add initials, stars, hearts, or simple floral patterns.

✔ Charms

Tiny metal charms give a modern boutique look.

✔ Color Block Design

Use two or three shades for a trendy gradient.

✔ Puff or Bobble Rows

Make the bag look luxurious.

💡 EXTRA VARIATIONS (EASY FOR BEGINNERS)

1️⃣ Mini Jewelry Pouch

Small base, 5–6 inches tall.

2️⃣ Makeup Bag

Medium size with reinforced rows.

3️⃣ Phone Pouch with Crossbody Strap

Add a long chain strap.

4️⃣ Chunky Modern Pouch

Use t-shirt yarn + 10 mm hook.

5️⃣ Lace Drawstring Bag

Use DC and shell stitches for delicate style.

6️⃣ Gift Bag for Holidays

Red + white for Christmas
Pastel for birthdays
Gold yarn for weddings

These are beginner-friendly and adorable!

🛍️ Selling Your Crochet Drawstring Bags

These bags are excellent items to sell. They are quick, affordable to make, and high in demand.

Best-selling styles:

Minimalist cotton drawstrings
Chunky t-shirt yarn versions
Pastel color pouches
Flower decorated bags
Personalized name bags

Pricing Guide:

Mini pouches: $6–$12
Medium bags: $12–$20
Larger or decorated bags: $20–$35

Add extra value with:

Beautiful tags
Cute packaging
Free charme or tassel
Matching mini pouch

🧼 Care Instructions

Hand-wash in cool water
Use gentle soap
Avoid machine heat
Lay flat to dry
Tighten drawstring before storing

Cotton yarn washes beautifully and keeps shape.

🌟 FINAL THOUGHTS

Crocheting a VERY BEAUTIFUL DRAWSTRING BAG is one of the easiest and most satisfying projects for beginners. Even with basic stitches, you can create a stunning little bag that looks store-bought and stylish.

In just a few hours, you can finish a bag that is perfect for gifts, fashion, storage, or selling. Best of all—you can customize the colors, textures, decorations, and size to create truly unique designs.

If you’d like:
✨ A printable PDF pattern
✨ A diagram or chart
✨ A step-by-step photo list
✨ A video tutorial script
✨ A bigger version or a mini version

Just tell me—I’ll create it for you!