Welcome back, yarn friends! If you are looking for a quick, eco-friendly, and charming project, learning how to crochet a drawstring gift bag is an absolute game-changer. These versatile little bags are perfect for holiday gifts, jewelry packaging, or even organizing your smaller crochet notions.
Working from the bottom up in the round, this beginner-friendly pattern creates a sturdy, reusable pouch with a custom drawstring closure. Let’s grab our hooks and dive right in!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton yarn. Cotton provides great structure and durability for gift bags.
- Crochet Hook: US G/6 (4.0 mm) or the size needed to achieve a firm, neat fabric.
- Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a stitch marker.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terms
- Ch: Chain
- Sl st: Slip stitch
- Sc: Single crochet
- Dc: Double crochet
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Note: The bag is worked continuously in the round from the bottom up, unless otherwise indicated. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the start of your rounds.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- The Base: Start with a magic ring. Work 6 sc into the ring; join with a sl st to the first sc (6 sts).
- Round 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each st around; join with a sl st (12 sts).
- Round 3: Ch 1, *1 sc in first st, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around; join with a sl st (18 sts). Continue increasing in this manner until your base reaches your desired width.
- The Body: Ch 1, work 1 sc in the back loop only of each st around for the first round of the sides. For subsequent rounds, work normal sc in both loops for every st until the bag reaches your desired height (about 4 to 6 inches). Join with a sl st.
- The Drawstring Channel: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc + 1 ch-1 space), skip next st, *dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to the 3rd chain of the starting ch-4.
- The Top Edging: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each ch-1 space around. Join with a sl st, fasten off, and weave in your ends.
- The Cord: Chain a length of 60 to 70 stitches (or braid three strands of yarn together) to create your drawstring. Weave the cord in and out through the ch-1 spaces of the channel.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Maintain Even Tension: Keep your stitches relatively firm so the bag holds its shape and small items won’t slip through the weave.
- Customize the Size: Easily make larger bags by adding more increase rounds to the base, or make them taller by working more body rounds.
- Weave Securely: Always use a yarn needle to weave in all loose ends securely inside the bag for a professional, clean finish.
- Add Personal Touches: Embellish your finished bag with a cute crochet flower, wooden beads on the drawstring ends, or seasonal colors to match any celebration!
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: