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Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern

Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern
4.0★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.0K Made This
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Intermediate Level

I deal with 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 approximately 14-16" in diameter using size 10 cotton crochet thread. It features shell and treble-group lace motifs, a neat ch-1 space row for threading drawstrings, and tassel-fringe finishing. The project is worked throughout with two strands held together for a fuller, sturdier fabric.

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

The instructions include every round, clear stitch counts, drawstring construction and tassel assembly. Ideal for gifting or keeping as an elegant accessory.

Why You'll Love This Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it blends delicate lacework with practical construction for a beautiful finished bag. I enjoy how the two-strand thread technique gives the bag structure while preserving a vintage look. The repeating shell and 7-tr groups create a satisfying rhythm as you crochet each round. Sewing in the drawstrings and adding tassels always feels like the perfect finishing touch that transforms the piece. I also love that the pattern is adaptable — you can change thread color or add beads for extra personality.

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 bag by changing thread color to create a modern or vintage vibe; try soft neutrals for a classic look or jewel tones for a bold statement.

I often work the pattern with a single strand of a thicker cotton for a chunkier, more casual tote version; adjust hook size and stitch counts if needed after swatching.

I sometimes add small seed beads into the center single crochet of the 7-tr group to give the lace a subtle sparkle without overwhelming the design.

I also experiment with longer or shorter drawstrings — increasing or decreasing the starting chain of 151 will change how the bag ties and hangs.

I recommend blocking the finished bag to open the lace motifs and keep the shape even; steam or wet-block lightly depending on your thread.

For a festive twist, I attach contrasting-color tassels or multiple tassels at each drawstring end to make the bag pop.

I occasionally line the bag with a lightweight fabric for added structure and to protect small items; sew the lining in before attaching tassels and final weaving of drawstrings.

I like to convert this design into a smaller pouch by reducing rounds and motif repeats; it makes a lovely gift pouch for jewelry or keepsakes.

Use metallic or variegated thread sparingly for special occasion versions — they look gorgeous but can hide the lace detail if too busy.

Finally, I sometimes replace the tassels with wooden beads or a small tassel-and-bead cluster for a boho-chic finish that complements different wardrobe styles.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not working with two strands as instructed will produce a flimsy fabric; always hold two strands together throughout the project for correct gauge and structure. ✗ Skipping stitch counts during increase rounds causes mismatched motif placement; count your stitches at the end of each round to ensure the correct stitch total. ✗ Twisting the drawstring when making the chain strap leads to uneven finish and difficulty threading; lay the chain flat and check for twists before fastening off. ✗ Overstuffing or pulling the fabric too tight when weaving the drawstring can distort the ch-1 spaces; weave gently and adjust tension to maintain even openings. ✗ Rushing the picot and edge rounds will make the final edge look messy; take your time on the picots and join carefully to maintain a neat border.

Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern

Create a charming vintage-style drawstring bag with lacy shell motifs and a classic tassel finish. This pattern guides you step-by-step using size 10 cotton thread and a fine steel hook to achieve a delicate, vintage look. Youll love the textured shells and the practical drawstring closure perfect for gifts or special-occasion use. The pattern is designed with clear rounds and finishing instructions so you can sew and style with confidence.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Vintage Style Drawstring Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Size 10 cotton crochet thread, approximately 450 yards (main fabric worked with two strands held together)
  • 02
    Optional beads for insertion into the "sc in center tr of 7-tr group" (small glass or seed beads)
  • 03
    Extra matching thread for tassels and finishing (small amounts)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Size 0 steel crochet hook (or size C/2.75mm aluminum crochet hook)
  • 02
    Scissors
  • 03
    Yarn/tapestry needle for weaving and sewing ends
  • 04
    4" cardboard square for making tassels/fringe
  • 05
    Measuring tape
  • 06
    Stitch markers (optional for marking rounds)
  • 07
    Pins for blocking and assembly (optional)

Progress Tracker

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— Vintage Style Drawstring Bag :

Info :

Directions-Working with 2 strands throughout entire project

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.

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.

Rounds 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, 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 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 on Round 16, pulling it evenly so the bag closes symmetrically and secure the ends with a knot of the 4" tail.
  • Weave the second drawstring starting on the opposite side of the bag through the same ch-1 spaces on Round 16 and secure its tail as done with the first to form the double-drawstring closure.
  • Make two tassels by wrapping a double strand of thread 12 times around a 4" cardboard square, cut in half and attach each tassel to the secured ends of the drawstrings, trimming to even length.
  • Ensure drawstrings are not twisted before fastening off; lay the bag flat and adjust spacing so the ch-1 openings remain consistent and the motifs align.
  • Optionally add beads in the 'sc in center tr of 7-tr group' when assembling the top rounds to add a bit of bling before finishing round joins.

Important Notes

  • 💡Work with two strands of size 10 cotton thread held together throughout the pattern for correct gauge and texture.
  • 💡Do not twist the drawstring chain when making and attaching it; check the chain lies flat before fastening off.
  • 💡Count stitches at the end of each round, especially after increases and shell rounds, to keep motif placement accurate.
  • 💡Fasten off and weave in ends neatly at motif joins to keep the lacy pattern tidy and durable.

This vintage-style drawstring bag pattern brings classic crochet charm to life with elegant shells and treble groups. Perfect for special gifts, evening events, or as a keepsake accessory. Make it in natural cotton for an heirloom feel, or add beads for a modern twist. 👜🧵

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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 a different yarn weight for this pattern?

Yes, you can adapt the pattern to other yarn weights but the final size, drape, and look will change; adjust hook size accordingly and swatch to check gauge.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and assumes familiarity with dc, tr, picot, working in rounds, and basic increases/decreases.

How are the drawstrings made and attached?

Drawstrings are made by chaining 151, slip stitching back across, leaving 4" tails; weave each drawstring through the ch-1 spaces on Round 16 and secure the tails to close.

Can I add beads to the pattern?

Yes, beads can be added in the 'sc in center tr of 7-tr group' before completing those stitches to add sparkle.