This crochet drawstring bag pattern is a great beginner-friendly pattern that is really easy!
With some basic crochet knowledge, you will be able to create a really pretty bag to wear during the summer months.
Made from raffia in a natural colour, this bag can go with any outfit.
An Easy Level Crochet Pattern
This pattern is for anyone who is an advanced beginner.
The bag is a simple design, you create a circle base first then continue to single crochet.
Once the bag reaches the height you want, you stop and weave through a cord, which can be pulled together to close the bag.
The drawstring pulls the top of the bag closed and I tied it into a bow.
Alternatively, you could knot the ends or weave through two lengths of cord, pulling through to each end, so that you can pull the drawstrings closed in a more traditional way.
I also added a raffia tassel with beads and bits I found in a local craft store.
Crocheting With Raffia
I used raffia from King Cole in a natural colour.
If you have never crocheted with raffia before, it is quite an easy material to work with.
However, you can use raffia alternatives as there are many around, like Ra Ra Raffia from Wool and the Gang.
There are also other gorgeous colour choices from King Cole Raffia, including browns, greens and reds.
More Crochet Bag Patterns
There are many other free crochet bags on my blog that you can view by clicking on the links below;
- Large Beach Bag Crochet Pattern
- Crochet Circle Bag Pattern
- Crochet Circle Bag Pattern With Fringing
- Crochet Clutch Pattern
- Crochet Beach Bag Pattern
- Crochet Boho Bag Pattern
Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern:
This pattern is great for any advanced beginners.
- You should be comfortable making a slip knot and creating a chain.
- You should be comfortable working single crochet.
- You should also be comfortable reading crochet patterns.
- And understanding crochet abbreviations and terms.
Crochet Drawstring Bag Pattern
Purchase the inexpensive ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.
- Please do not copy, sell, redistribute or republish this pattern.
- If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
- You may sell items produced using this pattern.
- Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
- For the copyright T&C’s please read my Terms of Use.
*Please note*
- For the base – Do not turn at the end of the round, but continue working in a spiral, with the right side (RS) always facing.
- Keep count of the sts by placing a marker (PM) on the last st of each round.
- There are no turning chains in this pattern.
Measurements
- The drawstring bag measures – base diameter = 6 inches
- Height – 9.5 inches
- *You can adjust the number of sts you ch for the bag strap if you want to make it longer or shorter*
- Strap = 43 inches
- Tassel charm length = 12 inches
Gauge = 15 stitches, 19 rows to 10cm/4″
The Supplies You Need
Yarn
- 2 x King Cole Raffia – in the colour Natural – (1456) 100g
- Alternative raffia yarn – Ra Ra Raffia from Wool and The Gang
Hook
Crochet Hook – Size 5.5mm (US 9/I)
Notions
Other Materials
- Thread or cord for the tassel.
- Key ring clip x 1 for the tassel – 1.5 inch / ring – 1 inch
- Keyring clips x 2 for the bag chain – 1 inch
- Gold bag chain – 43 inches
- Pliers (for the keyring clips/bag chains)
Abbreviations
- CH – Chain
- PM – Place marker
- SC – Single crochet
- SS – Slip stitch
- RS – Right side
Pattern
The base of the bag
Make a 4 ch and join with an ss in the first ch to form a ring.
- Round 1: (RS) – 1 ch; 8 sc in ring (8 sts) PM (see notes)
- Round 2: 2 sc in each sc (16 sts)
- Round 3: *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to end. (24 sts)
- Round 4: 1 sc in each sc
- Round 5: *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to end. (36 sts)
- Round 6: 1 sc in each sc
- Round 7: *1 sc in each of next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to end. (48 sts)
- Round 8: 1 sc in each sc
- Round 9: *1 sc in each of next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to end. (60 sts)
- Round 10: 1 sc in each sc
Round 11 – sc all the sts into the back loop only
The body of the bag
*Please note – keep the marker to denote which is the beginning/end of the round.
Continue to work in a spiral – sc all of the sts in every round (in both loops) – until the bag measures = 9.5 inches (rounds worked- 30)
You can make the bag as tall as you want.
Finish the last st with a ss and cut the yarn.
Secure and weave in the ends.
Weave in all other loose ends.
The drawstring cord
With the cord (around 1 metre) weave through the bag leaving 3 sts (or holes) between stitches.
About 1.5 inches or 2 inches below the top of the bag.
Pull together and tie in a bow to close the bag.
Finishing
Add the bag clips and chain to each side of the bag, the raffia is strong, so they will not pull the side of the bag out of shape.
You may need to use pliers to open the clasp on the key ring clip to attach the bag chain.
You can also add a bag charm – if you wish, made from beads and a raffia tassel.
You can see how to make a tassel in this tutorial here.
I love seeing your finished projects!
If you enjoyed making the bag, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
If you are on Facebook, stop over to the handylittleme Facebook page and share a photo! I’d love to see your work!
Happy Making! xoxo
Christine says
I’m having trouble finding raffia yarn in my area, what could I use in its place?
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Christine, can you order the raffia online? There are many choices from the King Cole Raffia to Ra Ra Raffia by Wool and the gang, Katia – Rafia or Universal Yarn – Yashi. To substitute you would change the look of the bag but you could try using cotton? This would also have a light summery vibe. I hope that helps 🙂
Yvonne says
Just finished my crochet bag and gave it as a gift to my friend for her birthday. She’s a knitter and is wondering if you have a knitting pattern for this bag.
Thank you!
~Yvonne
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Yvonne,
I’m so happy you made the bag as a gift, what a lovely idea!
I’m sorry I don’t have this as a knitting pattern, only crochet.
Thanks,
Louise