If you've been hunting for a versatile crochet drawstring purse pattern, you're in the right place because this project is basically the perfect weekend craft. It doesn't matter if you've been crocheting for years or just picked up a hook last Tuesday; there is something so satisfying about making a bag that's actually functional. You don't need a massive amount of yarn, and you definitely don't need a degree in engineering to figure out how the drawstring works.
I love these little bags because they solve that annoying problem of losing your lip balm, keys, or spare change at the bottom of a larger tote. Plus, they make the absolute best handmade gifts. You can whip one up while watching a movie, and by the time the credits roll, you've got a finished accessory.
Choosing Your Materials
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the crochet drawstring purse pattern, let's talk about yarn. Since this is a bag, you want something that isn't going to stretch out the second you put your phone in it. I almost always recommend a sturdy cotton or a cotton-blend yarn.
Acrylic is fine for scarves, but for a purse, it can get a bit "loopy" and lose its shape. Cotton stays firm. As for the hook size, I usually go down a size from what the yarn label suggests. If the yarn asks for a 5mm hook, I'll grab a 4mm or 4.5mm. This creates a tighter stitch, so your coins don't go flying through the gaps in your crochet work.
You'll also need: * A tapestry needle for weaving in those ends (the worst part, I know). * A pair of scissors. * A stitch marker (or a scrap of different colored yarn) to keep track of your rounds.
Starting with the Base
Most people prefer a circular base for this crochet drawstring purse pattern. It gives the bag a nice bucket-style shape that stands up well. To start, you'll want to make a magic ring. If you find the magic ring too fiddly—honestly, we've all been there—just chain four and slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring.
Work 6 or 8 single crochets into that ring. From there, you're going to increase in every round. Round two is usually two stitches in every stitch. Round three is one stitch, then an increase. You keep going until the circle is about the size of a CD or however wide you want the bottom of your purse to be.
The trick here is to keep your tension even. If the circle starts looking like a bowl too early, you aren't increasing enough. If it looks like a wavy potato chip, you're increasing too much. Find that sweet spot where it lays flat on the table.
Building the Walls of the Purse
Once your base is the perfect size, the hard part is over. Seriously. To start the sides of the bag, you just stop increasing. You'll keep working one single crochet (or double crochet, if you want it to go faster) into every stitch from the previous round.
After a few rows, you'll see the edges start to curl upward. It's like magic. This is where you can really have some fun with the crochet drawstring purse pattern. You can stick to a solid color, or you can switch to a variegated yarn to get some cool stripes without the extra effort of weaving in a dozen ends.
If you're feeling fancy, you can try a "moss stitch" or a "waistcoat stitch" for the body. But honestly, even a basic half-double crochet looks incredible because the texture of the yarn really gets to shine. Keep going until the bag is as tall as you want it. I usually go for about 6 to 8 inches for a small "essentials" pouch.
Adding the Drawstring Holes
You can't have a drawstring purse without the holes for the string, right? This part usually trips people up, but it's actually very simple. About an inch or two from the top of your bag, you're going to create "eyelets."
To do this, crochet a few stitches, then chain two and skip two stitches from the row below. Then crochet a few more, chain two, and skip two again. Do this all the way around. In the next round, you'll just crochet right into those chain spaces. This leaves a neat little window for your drawstring to slide through later.
Making the Drawstring and Strap
Now for the "drawstring" part of the crochet drawstring purse pattern. You have a few options here. The easiest way is to just make a long chain. If you want it a bit thicker, slip stitch back down that chain.
If you want to get a little more "pro," you can make an I-cord. I-cords are great because they're round and sturdy, and they glide through the eyelets really smoothly. Once you have your cord, weave it in and out of those holes we made earlier.
For the main strap, it depends on how you want to wear the bag. If it's a wristlet, a short 6-inch loop is perfect. If you want a crossbody bag, you're looking at a much longer strap—usually around 40 to 50 inches. Just remember that crochet straps will stretch. I usually make mine a little shorter than I think I need, knowing that once I put my wallet in there, it'll settle at the right length.
Finishing Touches and Customization
We're in the home stretch! Once the structure is done, you can really make this crochet drawstring purse pattern your own. I'm a huge fan of tassels. Adding a big, fluffy tassel to the ends of the drawstring gives the bag a "boho" look that's really popular right now.
You could also add beads to the ends of the strings. Not only do they look cute, but they also prevent the drawstring from accidentally slipping back through the holes and getting lost inside the bag.
Pro tip: If you want the bag to be extra sturdy, you can line it with fabric. I know, I know—sewing is the enemy of many crocheters. But even a very basic "bag inside a bag" made from an old t-shirt or some scrap cotton fabric will stop the crochet from stretching and keep tiny items from poking through the stitches.
Why You'll Love This Project
One of the best things about this crochet drawstring purse pattern is that it's a total stash-buster. We all have those random balls of yarn that aren't quite enough for a sweater but are too nice to throw away. This is where they belong.
It's also a very forgiving project. If your stitch count is off by one or two at the top, nobody is going to notice. The drawstring cinches everything together anyway, so it hides a multitude of sins.
Care and Maintenance
Since you probably used cotton (if you listened to my earlier rambling), caring for your purse is easy. Most cotton yarns are machine washable, but I'd still recommend hand washing and laying it flat to dry. It helps keep the shape of the stitches crisp. If you added wooden beads or fancy tassels, definitely take those off before getting the bag wet.
Wrapping Things Up
Making your own accessories is one of the most rewarding parts of this hobby. There's a specific kind of pride that comes with someone saying, "I love your bag!" and being able to respond with, "Thanks, I made it."
This crochet drawstring purse pattern is a great foundation. Once you've mastered the basic shape, you can experiment with different sizes, stitches, and yarns. You might start with a tiny coin purse and end up making a giant drawstring backpack. That's the beauty of crochet—once you know the rules, you can break them however you want. So, grab your hook, find some yarn that makes you happy, and get started!