Intro
A small crochet drawstring pouch is one of those simple projects that feels useful right away. It is quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for holding little everyday items like earbuds, lip balm, keys, stitch markers, or small gifts.
This beginner crochet project uses basic double crochet stitches to build a soft rectangular pouch, then a simple chain cord is woven through the top to close it. The finished pouch is cute, practical, and a lovely first project if you are learning how to crochet in the round.
Description
This crochet drawstring pouch is a small soft bag worked from the bottom up in joined rounds. The main body is made in pink yarn with a neat double crochet texture, giving it a slightly stretchy and flexible feel. A white chain drawstring is woven near the top edge, creating a simple gathered closure. The pouch has a flat bottom, straight sides, and a softly cinched top when the drawstring is pulled. It is a quick handmade crochet accessory for storing small items, gifting tiny treasures, or using as a beginner-friendly practice project.
Materials
- DK or light worsted cotton yarn in pink
- DK or light worsted cotton yarn in white for the drawstring
- 3.0 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch marker
- Measuring tape if adjusting size
Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- dc = double crochet
- st = stitch
- sts = stitches
- rep = repeat
Pattern Notes
- This pattern uses US crochet terms.
- The pouch is worked in joined rounds.
- The foundation chain determines the width of the pouch.
- The number of body rounds determines the height of the pouch.
- Ch 2 at the beginning of each round gives height and does not count as a stitch.
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round to avoid adding extra stitches by mistake.
- You can make the pouch wider by starting with more chains.
- You can make the pouch taller by adding more rounds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Foundation Chain
With pink yarn, make a slip knot.
Ch 16 for a small pouch.
For a wider pouch, chain more. Keep your foundation chain straight and do not twist it.
Ch 2 more. These extra chains give height for the first double crochet and do not count as stitches.
Round 1: Make the Base
Dc in the 3rd ch from hook.
Dc in each chain across until you reach the last chain.
Work 3 dc into the last chain.
Now rotate your work so you can crochet along the opposite side of the foundation chain.
Dc in each chain across the opposite side.
When you reach the last chain space, work 2 more dc into that same last space. This gives you 3 dc total at this end.
Sl st into the first dc to join.
Pull the slip stitch tight so it does not look like an extra stitch.
You should now have an oval base for the pouch.
Round 2: Build the Sides
Ch 2.
Dc in the first st. Place a stitch marker in the top of this first dc.
Dc in each st around.
Sl st into the marked first dc to join.
Pull the slip stitch tight.
Round 3 and Onward
Ch 2.
Dc in the first st. Move the stitch marker into the top of this first dc.
Dc in each st around.
Sl st into the marked first dc to join.
Pull the slip stitch tight.
Repeat this round until your pouch reaches the height you want.
For a small pouch, work about 7–9 rounds total.
For a taller pouch, keep repeating until it is the right size.
Last Body Round
When the pouch is tall enough, finish the final round with a sl st into the first dc.
Ch 1.
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail.
Pull the tail through the loop and tighten to fasten off.
Weave in the end on the inside of the pouch.
Drawstring Cord
With white yarn, make a slip knot.
Ch a long cord that can wrap around the pouch opening with extra length for pulling and tying.
For a small pouch, chain about 70–90, or make the chain long enough to go around the pouch plus several extra inches.
Fasten off and pull the yarn tail tight.
Thread the Drawstring
Thread one end of the white chain cord onto a yarn needle.
Choose a row near the top of the pouch, about 1 row below the upper edge.
Weave the cord around the pouch by going:
- under 2 stitches
- over 2 stitches
- under 2 stitches
- over 2 stitches
Repeat all the way around the pouch opening.
Pull the cord ends so they come out near the same side.
Tie a small knot at the end of each drawstring tail, or tie the two ends together if you prefer.
Finishing
Weave in any loose yarn tails on the inside of the pouch.
Gently shape the bottom with your fingers.
Pull the drawstring to gather the top closed.
Adjust the cord so both sides sit evenly.
Your crochet drawstring pouch is ready to use.
Tips & Variations
Use cotton yarn if you want the pouch to feel neat, smooth, and sturdy. Acrylic yarn works too, especially if you want a softer pouch with a little more stretch.
For a look close to the sample, make the pouch in soft pink and the drawstring in white. You can also try lavender with cream, sage with beige, blue with white, or yellow with pink for a cute gift pouch style.
To make the pouch smaller, start with fewer foundation chains and work fewer rounds. To make it larger, start with more chains and continue the body rounds until it is tall enough.
If your pouch starts getting wider as you crochet, check your slip stitches. Pull each joining slip stitch tight so it does not accidentally count as an extra stitch.
For a cleaner finish, weave in the yarn tails on the inside only so they do not show from the outside.
FAQ
Is this crochet pouch good for absolute beginners?
Yes. This easy crochet pattern is great for beginners because it uses chains, double crochet, slip stitches, and simple joined rounds.
Can I make the pouch wider?
Yes. The foundation chain controls the width. Start with more chains if you want a wider drawstring pouch.
What can I use this pouch for?
You can use it for earbuds, lip balm, keys, stitch markers, coins, jewelry, small gifts, or travel items.
Conclusion
This easy crochet drawstring pouch is a sweet and useful project for practicing basic crochet skills. It works up quickly, uses simple stitches, and can be customized in any color combination you like. Save this beginner crochet pattern and make a few in different sizes for gifts, storage, or everyday little essentials.
