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Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern

Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern
4.5★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.5K Made This
✂️

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.

✨

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 measuring approximately 14-16" in diameter when made with two strands of size 10 cotton thread. The design features shell motifs and clustered treble groups for a lacy, textured look. Complete instructions include stitch counts, shaping rounds, drawstring construction and tassel fringe.

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

Worked with two strands throughout, the bag is sturdy and decorative, suitable for gifts or personal use. The pattern includes optional bead placement and clear finishing steps for professional results.

Why You'll Love This Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it captures the nostalgic charm of vintage crochet while remaining practical and sturdy. The combination of shells and treble groups gives it a beautiful texture that looks intricate but is very satisfying to stitch. Working with two strands gives the bag body and drape I adore, and the finishing with drawstrings and tassels adds a lovely handmade flourish. I enjoy that it can be adapted with beads or different thread weights to create many unique variations.

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 love customizing this pattern by changing thread color or adding beads to the center of the 7-tr groups to create a little sparkle.

I often try different thread weights and single vs double strand to make minis or larger totes; a bulkier yarn with a larger hook gives a chunkier, cozier bag.

I sometimes shorten the foundation chain for a smaller bag or lengthen the chain and add extra motif repeats for a larger market-style pouch.

I enjoy experimenting with contrasting drawstrings or braided cords for a bold finishing touch that stands out against the lace body.

For a more rustic look, I swap the cotton thread for hemp or jute and keep the tassels simple and untrimmed.

Try embroidering simple motifs on the finished bag or attaching a small crocheted flower to the drawstring for a feminine accent.

To make the bag sturdier, I occasionally line it with fabric and slipstitch the lining into place along the top edge before weaving the drawstring.

I sometimes replace the tassels with wooden beads or leather tabs for a modern twist that still complements the vintage stitchwork.

If I want a prettier closure, I make a longer drawstring and add a slider bead or button to cinch the bag decoratively.

I recommend testing a swatch for gauge when switching yarns and adjusting hook size so the lace motifs keep their intended proportions.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the instruction to work with two strands throughout will change the fabric density and final size; always hold two strands together as directed. ✗ Failing to join rounds correctly can create gaps or spirals; join each round where specified and count stitches after increases to confirm stitch counts. ✗ Twisting the drawstring while slipping stitches will prevent the bag from closing neatly; be careful to work the drawstring flat and avoid twisting as you slst across. ✗ Not counting shells or groups during the shell/tr cluster rounds leads to mismatched motif placement; mark the start of rounds and recount motifs after each repeat. ✗ Over- or under-stuffing tassels or trimming too early can make tassels uneven; fold and trim tassels only after attaching and checking length against the bag.

Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern

Make a charming vintage-style drawstring bag using size 10 cotton thread and a small steel or C hook. This intermediate pattern guides you step-by-step through a lacy shell and treble motif to create a 14-16" diameter pouch. You will enjoy the texture and vintage look, plus instructions for drawstrings and tasseled fringe to finish it beautifully.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Size 10 cotton crochet thread - approximately 450 yards (worked with two strands held together throughout project)
  • 02
    Small amount of beads (optional) to add to the 'sc in center tr of 7-tr group' for a little bling

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Size 0 steel crochet hook (recommended)
  • 02
    Size C/2.75mm (C) crochet hook (alternative)
  • 03
    4-inch cardboard square (for wrapping fringe/tassels)
  • 04
    Scissors (for cutting fringe and trimming tassels)

Progress Tracker

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— Vintage Style Drawstring Bag :

Infos :

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). Gauge: with 0 hook: 8 dc = 1 inch, 2 dc rows = 1 inch. Directions-Working with 2 strands throughout entire project:

Round 1 :

ch4, join with slst to form ring, ch3 (counts as first dc of next rnd).

Round 2 :

work 15 dc in ring, join to top of beginning ch-3, ch3, do not turn. 16 dc

Round 3 :

dc in same st, *2 dc in next dc*, repeat from *to* 14 times, join with slst to top of beginning ch-3, ch3, do not turn. 32 dc

Round 4 :

dc in first st, *2 dc in next dc*, repeat from *to* 30 times, join with slst to top of beginning ch-3, ch3, 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 *to* 14 times, join with slst to top of beginning ch-3, ch1, do not turn. 16 shells

Round 6 :

sc in same st, 7 tr in next ch1 sp, *sc in next dc, 7 tr in next ch1 sp*, repeat from *to* 14 times, join to beginning sc, ch4 (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 *to* 14 times, join with slst to top of beginning ch-4, ch1, 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 *to* 14 times, join to top of beginning tr, ch1, turn.

Round 9-11 :

repeat rnd. 8.

Round 12 :

tr, ch1 in first sc (7 times), sc, ch1 in center tr of next 7 tr group, *tr, ch1 (7 times) in next sc, sc, ch1 in center tr of next 7-tr group*, repeat from *to* 14 times, join with slst to beginning tr, ch1, turn.

Round 13 :

repeat rnd. 12, join with slst to beginning tr, ch1, do not turn.

Round 14 :

sc in each st and sc in each ch-1 sp around, join with slst to beginning sc, ch1, 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 from *to* around, join with slst to beginning sc, ch5, do not turn. 215 sc

Round 16 :

skip next sc, *tr, ch1 in next sc, skip next 2 sc*, repeat from *to* around, join to 4th ch of beginning ch-5, slst to next ch-1 sp, ch1, 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 *to* around, join with slst to beginning sc, ch1, do not turn. 18-7 tr groups

Round 18 :

sc, ch1 in first sc, tr, ch1 in next tr (7 times), *sc, ch1 in next sc, tr, ch1 in next tr (7 times)*, repeat from asterisks around, join with slst to beginning sc, ch1, do not turn. 18 7-tr, ch1 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 *to* 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 slst to beginning sc, fasten off.

Drawstrings-Make 2 (P1) :

Rnd. 1: leaving 4" tail, ch151, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, being careful not to twist, fasten off leaving 4" tail.

Drawstrings-Weave :

Weave drawstring through ch-1 spaces at rnd. 16, pull 2 strands of tail through the end slst of drawstring, tie to secure drawstring closed. Starting at opposite side of bag, weave 2nd drawstring through ch-1 spaces on rnd. 16, secure as done with first drawstring.

Fringe-Make 2 (P1) :

Wrap double strand of thread 12 times around 4" 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 at Round 16, pulling the drawstring flat so it does not twist, then tie the 2 strands of tail through the ending slst to secure the drawstring closed.
  • Starting at the opposite side of the bag, weave the second drawstring through the ch-1 spaces on Round 16 in the same manner and secure it as you did the first to ensure even closure.
  • Make tassels by wrapping a double strand of thread 12 times around a 4-inch cardboard square, cut in half and attach each tassel to the secured end of a drawstring; trim tassels for even length.
  • Position shells and treble groups evenly around the bag by aligning motif centers before finishing, then fasten off and weave in ends on the wrong side to hide tails.
  • If adding beads, work them into the 'sc in center tr of 7-tr group' during construction before joining rounds to secure them in place.

Important Notes

  • 💡Work with two strands held together throughout the entire project to achieve the intended fabric density and size.
  • 💡Be careful not to twist the drawstring while slip stitching across the chain foundation to allow smooth weaving through the ch-1 spaces.
  • 💡Count motifs and stitch groups after each round, especially during rounds with repeats, to maintain consistent shell and treble placement.
  • 💡When making tassels, trim only after attaching to the drawstring to ensure all tassels match in length and finish evenly.

This vintage-style drawstring bag pattern brings timeless charm to your crochet lineup with lacy shells and treble clusters. 🧶 The finished bag is both decorative and functional, perfect for gifting or everyday use. ✨ Create matching tassels and add beads for extra flair — make one in natural cotton or bright colors to suit your style. 🎀

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished bag measures approximately 14-16 inches in diameter when worked with two strands of size 10 cotton thread and the recommended hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

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

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and uses stitches like trebles, shells, picots and group repeats, so basic experience with these stitches is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this bag in 5-7 hours, though time may vary based on experience level, yarn choice and embellishments.