Easy Crochet Drawstring Pouch Pattern: Perfect for Beginners

Welcome to my latest crochet project! Today, I’m excited to share with you a free pattern for an easy crochet drawstring pouch. This versatile and stylish pouch is perfect for both beginners and seasoned crocheters looking for a quick and satisfying project. Using single crochet in the back loop only, this pattern creates a beautifully textured, unisex design that’s perfect for anyone.

This drawstring pouch is not only practical but also a great way to add a handmade touch to your everyday essentials. Whether you need a small bag for your keys, makeup, or other small items, this pouch has got you covered. Plus, I’ve included a step-by-step video tutorial to guide you through the process, making it even easier to follow along. Grab your yarn and hook, and let’s get started on this fun and functional project!

Please note, this post may contain affiliate links – should you purchase anything using my affiliate link I may get a small commission at no extra cost to yourself!

Inspiration behind the design

The inspiration for this drawstring pouch was the From Us to You Event, a wonderful initiative from myself and SandraStitches that focuses on creating handmade items for those in need. Pouches like this are perfect for donating because they are incredibly handy and versatile. They are just the right size to fit essential items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and a washcloth, making them an ideal addition to care packages. Beyond that, they can be used to store feminine hygiene products, medicines, or even toys to keep children entertained while on the go. And with the unisex texture they are perfect for anyone!

One of the things I love most about this pattern is its adaptability. You can easily modify the size by simply adjusting the number of starting chains, as there is no specific stitch multiple required. This makes it a perfect project for all skill levels and allows you to customize the pouch to suit your needs. Whether you need a small bag for your crochet hooks or a larger pouch for travel essentials, this pattern is flexible enough to accommodate. Creating these pouches not only provides a practical solution for organizing items but also offers a heartfelt way to give back to the community.

Construction of the design

The construction of this drawstring pouch is wonderfully simple, making it an excellent project for beginner crocheters.

It utilizes basic stitches, primarily the single crochet in the back loop only, which creates a lovely textured look.

One of the key features of this design is the use of continuous rounds for the main section. This technique eliminates the need for slip stitching to join rounds, which can sometimes result in a less tidy finish. By working in a spiral, you achieve a seamless and polished look, enhancing the overall appearance of your pouch.

Another advantage of using continuous rounds is that you don’t have to worry about counting rows. You can simply continue crocheting in a spiral until your pouch reaches the desired height.

This makes the process more relaxing and enjoyable, as you can focus on the rhythm of your stitches rather than keeping track of rows. The result is a beautifully tidy and pretty pouch that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The finishing touch on this drawstring pouch is the two ties, which are created with simple chains and threaded through double crochet stitches. This easy method not only keeps the construction straightforward but also ensures that the ties glide smoothly when opening and closing the pouch. The simplicity of the chain ties complements the textured design of the pouch, adding both functionality and a touch of elegance.

To help you achieve the perfect drawstring movement with minimal resistance, I’ve included some helpful hints and tips in the pattern below. These tips will guide you on how to thread the ties evenly and ensure they slide effortlessly, making the pouch easy to use. Be sure to check out these hints to get the best results from your drawstring pouch. Whether you’re using it for personal use or donating it to someone in need, these finishing touches make a big difference in the overall usability and appearance of your crochet creation.

Whether you’re a novice crocheter or have more experience, this straightforward construction method ensures a satisfying and successful project.

The Yarn

For this drawstring pouch, you can use any 4 weight yarn you have in your stash, but I highly recommend opting for a cotton or cotton blend yarn. The drawstrings will see a lot of use, so it’s important to choose a yarn that is durable and long-lasting. Cotton yarn is an excellent choice because it maintains its shape well over time and is less likely to stretch or snap compared to acrylic yarns. This durability ensures that your pouch will stay functional and looking great even with frequent use.

Additionally, cotton yarn has the advantage of being easy to care for. It can be washed and dried without much fuss, making it a practical option for items that will be handled often. Cotton yarns also tend to hold their vibrant colours and crisp texture longer, giving your pouch a polished and professional look for years to come. Whether you’re using this pouch for personal items or donating it to someone in need, the durability and ease of maintenance of cotton yarn make it a fantastic choice for this project.

I would recommend using Paintbox Simply Cotton (aran) or Hobby Lobby’s I love this Cotton.

Get the PDF pattern!

You can find the ad-free PDF Pattern for this one in all of my shops:

From Us to You Event:

This pattern featured in the From Us to You Event in May 2024. While the PDF Pattern is no longer free, you can still visit the roundup post. All of the patterns featured in this event will be forever free on the blog posts!

The pattern specifics:

Materials:

Any 4 weight (aran) yarn of your choosing – I recommend a cotton yarn for durability. You will need approx. 70 yards for the pattern as written. 4mm hook Scissors Tapestry Needle Stitch Markers optional to mark first or last stitch of the row.

Gauge:

Not important for this project – a relaxed tension will work out just fine! You just have to be happy with how it looks.

For reference my gauge was 10 sc BLO sts by 9 rows in 2”

Sizing:

approximately 4.5” wide by 7” tall when completed as written (remember you can adjust the length of your starting chain if preferred!)

Abbreviations used:

Ch(s)–chain(s)

St(s)–stitch(es)

rep—repeat

sk – skip

Sc – single crochet

dc – double crochet

ss – slip stitch

sp (s) – space (s)

BLO – back loop only

FO—fasten off
YO—yarn over

Other notes:

Written in US terms. Ch1 starts do not count as a st unless stated otherwise. This pattern is worked in continuous rounds so the right side is always facing you. You may wish to mark the first st of your round with a st marker, although this is not essential for this project. To adjust the size of your pouch simply adjust the length of your starting chain for this project. There is no stitch multiple – you can use any number of chains to start.

Video Tutorial:

I have video tutorials for both left and right handed crocheters for this pattern:

The Free Pattern for this Crochet Drawstring Pouch:

** This is a free pattern on the SunflowerCottageCrochet.com blog. If you are reading this anywhere else it is stolen content. Please do not copy and paste any part of it or print this pattern out. Please bookmark this page and use the website to work up your pattern. This helps my small business greatly as it provides a little bit of ad revenue which will in turn will allow me to continue to create free content for you!**

Round 1: Ch26, 2sc in second ch from hook, sc in each ch across until you reach the last ch. 2sc in last ch. Turn your work 180 degrees so you are working along the bottom of the chain. Sc in each ch across. SS to join, Ch1.

Round 2: Sc BLO in each st around. Do NOT slip st to join as we will be working in continuous rounds here.

Rounds 3 on : Rep round 2 until your work is approx. 6” tall. At the end of your final round (or making sure to end on a side) ss to join.

Round 4: Ch3 (counts as a dc), dc in each st around. SS to join.

Round 5: Ch1, sc in each st around. SS to join.

Round 6: Ch1, sc BLO in each st around. SS to join.

FO and weave in ends.

Ties (make 2):

Ch 85. FO.

Note: your tie has to be long enough to go all the way around your drawstring pouch once plus a couple of inches.

FO and weave in ends.

Assembly:

Lie your pouch flat.

Tie 1:

Starting with the left side weave the tie over the first dc and under the second dc. Rep this all of the way around until your ends meet again (do not allow them to cross).

Both ends will now be on the left side.

Tie 2:

Repeat the process as for tie 1 BUT:

• Start on the right side so that both ends are on the right side once you have gone all of the way around.
• Do not allow the ends of tie 2 to cross each other.
• Make sure to follow the same route of your first tie so you go over the same dc and under the same dc sts. This makes it much easier to close the pouch!

One I had done this I tied the ends of the ties on the right together and repeated for the left side.

Don’t forget to share your crochet drawstring pouch makes with me in Facebook and Instagram!