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Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern

Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern
4.1★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
4.2K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern

This pattern creates a vintage-style drawstring bag about 14–16" in diameter worked in size 10 cotton thread using two strands held together. The bag features shell motifs, treble stitch groups and a lacy appearance with neat drawstrings and tassels. The instructions include detailed rounds for the bag body plus directions for two drawstrings and two tassel fringes.

Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Worked with two strands throughout, the pattern uses size 0/C hook and about 450 yards of size 10 cotton thread. It is adaptable to other yarns and hook sizes for different finished sizes.

Why You'll Love This Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it blends vintage elegance with straightforward construction, making a special accessory that feels timeless. I enjoy the repetitive shell and treble stitch motifs — they create a lovely texture without becoming tedious. Working with two strands gives the bag a sturdy, substantial feel while keeping the lacy look. I also love that the pattern includes simple finishing details like drawstrings and tassels that make the bag feel complete and gift-ready.

Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern step 1 - construction progress Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I like to experiment with color — try using two different colors held together for a subtle marl effect or change colors every few rounds for stripes.

I often add small glass or wooden beads into the "sc in center tr of 7-tr group" for a touch of sparkle and texture.

To change the finished size, I change yarn weight and hook size; bulky yarn with a larger hook makes a chunkier version while fine thread and a smaller hook create a petite bag.

I sometimes line the bag with lightweight fabric to protect delicate contents and to make the interior sturdier; hand-sew the lining to the top edge before adding drawstrings.

I recommend trying a braided or crocheted cord for the drawstrings instead of the stitched tube for a different finish and easier construction.

For a boho look I lengthen the tassels and add multiple smaller tassels around the drawstring ends for extra movement.

Consider embroidering a small motif on the lining or adding a tiny inside pocket for cards or keys to increase functionality.

Swap the tassel for a leather tab or wooden bead cluster if you want a more modern or rustic aesthetic.

I sometimes add a sewn-on button loop and decorative button at the opening for a decorative closure option instead of using only drawstrings.

Try working the shell rounds with one strand and the body rounds with two strands to get a mixed texture and a slightly different drape for a unique look.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the instruction to work with two strands throughout; switch to two equal strands before beginning and maintain them for consistent fabric and gauge. ✗ Forgetting to join rounds exactly as described which causes misaligned stitch counts; always join to the top of the beginning ch as written and count stitches after each round. ✗ Not keeping track of ch-1 spaces created in Rnd. 16 which are needed for the drawstrings; mark the first ch-1 space or count carefully so you can weave the drawstrings evenly. ✗ Pulling trebles too tight when making 7-tr groups which distorts the shell shape; maintain relaxed, even tension and pull up loops to full height for consistent treble groups.

Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern

Make a charming vintage-style drawstring bag with delicate shell and treble stitch motifs. This intermediate-level crochet pattern guides you through working with two strands of size 10 cotton thread to create a 14–16" diameter bag with matching drawstrings and tassels. The design has a soft, lacy texture that looks great for gifts or special-occasion accessories. Clear round-by-round instructions make shaping and finishing simple.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Size 10 cotton crochet thread, approximately 450 yards (used held double throughout)
  • 02
    Two strands of size 10 thread held together throughout the entire project
  • 03
    Optional small beads for adding to the 'sc in center tr of 7-tr group' for a bit of bling (quantity as desired)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 0 steel (or size C/2/2.75mm crochet hook)
  • 02
    Scissors
  • 03
    Yarn/tapestry needle for weaving ends and sewing tassels
  • 04
    4" cardboard square for wrapping tassels/fringe
  • 05
    Stitch markers (optional, for marking rounds or ch-1 spaces)
  • 06
    Measuring tape or ruler

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Materials :

Info :

Supplies: Size 0 steel crochet hook (or size C/2/2.75mm Crochet Hook), 450 yds size 10 cotton crochet thread. (Note: Pattern may easily be adapted with most any size hook and any weight yarn and worked with single or double strand) For a little bling, beads can easily be added in the "sc in center tr of 7-tr group"

Info :

Stitches Used: ch (chain), slst (slip stitch), sc (single crochet), scdec (decrease single crochet), dc (double crochet), tr (treble), picot (ch3, slst in 3rd ch from hook).

Info :

Gauge: with 0 hook: 8 dc = 1 inch, 2 dc rows = 1 inch.

— Directions :

Info :

Directions-Working with 2 strands throughout entire project:

Round 1 :

ch 4, join with sl st to form ring, ch 3 (counts as first dc of next rnd).

Round 2 :

work 15 dc in ring, join to top of beginning ch 3, ch 3, do not turn. 16 dc

Round 3 :

dc in same st, *2 dc in next dc*, repeat from asterisks 14 times, join with sl st to top of beginning ch 3, ch 3, do not turn. 32 dc

Round 4 :

dc in first st, *2 dc in next dc*, repeat from asterisks 30 times, join with sl st to top of beginning ch 3, ch 3, do not turn. 64 dc

Round 5 :

skip next dc, 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc in next dc, skip next dc, *dc in next dc, skip next dc, 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc in next dc, skip next dc*, repeat from asterisks 14 times, join with sl st to top of beginning ch 3, ch 1, do not turn. 16 shells

Round 6 :

sc in same st, 7 tr in next ch 1 sp, *sc in next dc, 7 tr in next ch 1 sp*, repeat from asterisks 14 times, join to beginning sc, ch 4 (counts as first tr of next rnd), turn. 16-7 tr groups

Round 7 :

6 tr in same sc, sc in center tr of next 7 tr group, *7 tr in next sc, sc in center tr of next 7 tr group*, repeat from asterisks 14 times, join with sl st to top of beginning ch 4, ch 1, turn. 16-7 tr groups

Round 8 :

7 tr in first sc, sc in center tr of next 7 tr group, *7 tr in next sc, sc in center tr of next 7 tr group*, repeat from asterisks 14 times, join to top of beginning tr, ch 1, turn.

Round 9-11 :

repeat rnd. 8.

Round 12 :

tr, ch 1 in first sc (7 times), sc, ch 1 in center tr of next 7 tr group, * tr, ch 1 (7 times) in next sc, sc, ch 1 in center tr of next 7 tr group*, repeat from asterisks 14 times, join with sl st to beginning tr, ch 1, turn.

Round 13 :

repeat rnd. 12, join with sl st to beginning tr, ch 1, do not turn.

Round 14 :

sc in each st and sc in each ch 1 sp around, join with sl st to beginning sc, ch 1, do not turn. 256 sc

Round 15 :

sc in first 4 sc, scdec over next 2 sc, *sc in next 4 sc, scdec over next 2 sc*, repeat around, join with sl st to beginning sc, ch 5, do not turn. 215 sc

Round 16 :

skip next sc, *tr, ch 1 in next sc, skip next 2 sc*, repeat from asterisks around, join to 4th ch of beginning ch 5, sl st to next ch 1 sp, ch 1, do not turn. 72-ch 1 spaces

Round 17 :

sc in same sp, skip next ch 1 sp, 7 tr in next ch 1 sp, skip next ch 1 sp, *sc in next ch 1 sp, skip next ch 1 sp, 7 tr in next ch 1 sp, skip next ch 1 sp*, repeat from asterisks around, join with sl st to beginning sc, ch 1, do not turn. 18-7 tr groups

Round 18 :

sc, ch 1 in first sc, tr, ch 1 in next tr (7 times), *sc, ch 1 in next sc, tr, ch 1 in next tr (7 times)*, repeat from asterisks around, join with sl st to beginning sc, ch 1, do not turn. 18-7 tr, ch 1 groups

Round 19 :

sc in first sc, sc, picot in next ch 1 sp, *sc in next tr, sc, picot in next ch 1 sp*, repeat from asterisks 6 times, [sc in next sc, sc, picot in next ch 1 sp, **sc in next tr, sc, picot in next ch 1 sp**], repeat from ** 6 times], repeat from brackets around, join with sl st to beginning sc, fasten off.

Item Name (Drawstrings-Make 2) :

Rnd. 1: leaving 4 inch tail, ch 151, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, being careful not to twist, fasten off leaving 4 inch tail.

Info :

Weave drawstring through ch 1 spaces at rnd. 16, pull 2 strands of tail through the end sl st of drawstring, tie to secure drawstring closed.

Info :

Starting at opposite side of bag, weave 2nd drawstring through ch 1 spaces on rnd. 16, secure as done with first drawstring.

Item Name (Fringe-Make 2) :

Wrap double strand of thread 12 times around 4 inch cardboard square, cut in half. Attach tassel on secured end of drawstring, trim if necessary.

Assembly Instructions

  • Weave the first drawstring through the ch-1 spaces created in Round 16, pulling the drawstring evenly so the bag gathers symmetrically, then tie the 2 tails at the end sl st to secure the drawstring closed.
  • Weave the second drawstring starting at the opposite side of the bag through the same Round 16 ch-1 spaces so it interlaces with the first drawstring and secure it the same way with the tails tied at the end sl st.
  • Make two tassels/fringes by wrapping a double strand of thread 12 times around a 4" cardboard square, cut in half and attach the tassel to the secured end of each drawstring; trim tassel ends for neatness.
  • Leave tails on drawstrings as instructed (about 4" tail) when fastening off so you have material to tie and secure the drawstrings; trim excess after securing.

Important Notes

  • 💡Work with two strands held together throughout the entire project for correct gauge and fabric stability.
  • 💡Count your stitch groups after each increase or shaping round to ensure the correct number of shells and treble groups are maintained.
  • 💡When making 7-tr groups, keep tension even and do not pull trebles too tightly to maintain the lacy, rounded shell shape.
  • 💡Do not twist the drawstrings when joining and working the slip stitches across the chain foundation; keep them flat and untwisted before fastening off.

This vintage-style drawstring bag brings a timeless handmade charm to your accessories collection. The lacy shell motifs and treble groups create a delicate, elegant texture that dresses up any outfit. Perfect for gifting or for carrying special items—add a tassel or beads for a personal touch. 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished bag measures approximately 14–16" in diameter when worked with two strands of size 10 cotton thread and a size 0/C hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can adapt the pattern to other yarn weights, but final size and drape will change; adjust your hook size and consider working single or double strands as needed.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is intermediate; you should be comfortable working rounds, trebles, shell groups and reading repeat instructions for best results.

How do I make and attach the tassels?

Wrap a double strand of thread 12 times around a 4" cardboard square, cut the looped strand in half, attach the tassel to the secured end of the drawstring, and trim to your desired length.