Crochet Drawstring Bucket Bag Pattern
Beginner Friendly
Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques
Single-Day Project
A satisfying project you can complete in a single afternoon or evening.
Handmade Gift
A beautiful keepsake — free forever. Read online or print at home.
About This Crochet Drawstring Bucket Bag Pattern
This crochet drawstring bucket bag pattern creates a beautiful everyday shoulder bag with a structured round base, decorative openwork body and simple drawstring closure. The long crocheted strap makes it comfortable to carry over the shoulder, while the warm caramel color gives the finished bag a natural boho look.
The lower section is worked densely for strength, while the upper section changes to an airy shell-and-chain pattern. A crocheted cord is woven around the top and tied into a relaxed bow at the front.
Materials
- Worsted #4 cotton, cotton blend or raffia-style yarn in caramel 350-450 g
- 4.0 mm crochet hook 1
- 3.5 mm crochet hook for cords optional
- Yarn needle 1
- Scissors 1 pair
- Stitch markers 4
- Magnetic snap optional
- Cotton fabric for lining optional
Abbreviations
MRmagic ringchchainsl stslip stitchscsingle crochethdchalf double crochetdcdouble crochetspspaceskskipinc2 sc in same stitchFOfasten offFinished Measurements
- Width: approximately 28-30 cm / 11-12 in
- Height: approximately 31-33 cm / 12-13 in
- Base diameter: approximately 22 cm / 8.5 in
- Strap drop: approximately 45-50 cm / 18-20 in
- Drawstring: approximately 100-110 cm / 39-43 in
Round Base
Using caramel yarn, make a MR.
R1: Ch 1, work 8 sc into MR. Join with sl st. (8)
R2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join. (16)
R3: Ch 1, *sc in next st, inc in next st*. Repeat around. (24)
R4: *Sc in next 2 sts, inc*. Repeat around. (32)
R5: *Sc in next 3 sts, inc*. Repeat around. (40)
R6: *Sc in next 4 sts, inc*. Repeat around. (48)
R7: *Sc in next 5 sts, inc*. Repeat around. (56)
R8: *Sc in next 6 sts, inc*. Repeat around. (64)
R9: *Sc in next 7 sts, inc*. Repeat around. (72)
R10: *Sc in next 8 sts, inc*. Repeat around. (80)
Continue increasing in the same manner until the circle measures approximately 21-22 cm across.
Turning the Base Upward
Once the base reaches the desired diameter:
Next round: Ch 1, sc in the back loop only of every stitch around. Join.
This creates a clear fold between the bottom and sides of the bag.
Next 3 rounds: Sc in every stitch around.
Solid Lower Body
Continue working evenly in joined rounds.
R1-R12: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to first sc.
Do not increase.
The solid section should measure approximately 10-12 cm / 4-4.75 in from the base.
Transition to the Lace Section
R1: Ch 3, dc in next st, *ch 1, sk 1, dc in next 2 sts*. Repeat around. Join.
R2: Sl st to first ch-1 sp. Ch 3, work 2 dc into same sp, ch 2, 3 dc into same sp.
*Ch 1, skip to next suitable ch-1 sp, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into sp.*
Repeat around.
Join with sl st.
Openwork Shell Body
The decorative body is formed with stacked shells.
Shell: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same space.
R1: Work one shell into each marked shell space, with ch 1 between shells.
R2: Sl st to center ch-2 sp of first shell. Work one shell into the center of each shell from the previous round.
Ch 1 between shells.
R3-R10: Repeat R2.
The lace section should measure approximately 15-17 cm / 6-6.75 in.
Upper Solid Band
After completing the lace section, create the stronger top band.
R1: Ch 1. Work sc evenly around, placing approximately 2-3 sc across each shell section as needed.
Keep the edge flat and avoid adding too many stitches.
R2-R5: Ch 1, sc in every st around. Join.
Drawstring Eyelet Round
Next round: Ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, *ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in next 4 sts*.
Repeat around.
Adjust the final repeat slightly if necessary so the eyelets remain evenly spaced.
Next round: Sc in every sc and work 2 sc into every ch-2 sp.
Top Edge
Work 2 additional rounds of sc around the opening.
For the final round, work:
Sl st loosely in every stitch around.
FO and weave in the end.
Drawstring Cord
Make a cord approximately 100-110 cm / 39-43 in long.
Option 1 – Crochet cord:
Ch approximately 180-200, depending on your tension.
Beginning in the 2nd ch from hook, sl st in every chain.
FO.
Option 2 – Stronger cord:
Ch to the desired length and work one row of sc back across the chain.
FO.
Adding the Drawstring
Starting at the center front, weave the cord alternately through the eyelet openings.
Bring both ends back out through the two front eyelets.
Pull gently until the top gathers slightly.
Tie the ends into a relaxed bow.
Leave approximately 18-22 cm hanging from each side of the bow.
Long Shoulder Strap
Ch until the strap measures approximately 95-105 cm / 37-41 in.
R1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across.
R2: Ch 1, turn, sc in every st.
R3: Repeat R2.
For a slightly thicker strap, work one additional row.
FO leaving long tails at both ends for sewing.
Attaching the Strap
Lay the bag flat and mark the left and right side points.
Position one end of the strap approximately 2-3 cm below the upper edge.
Using a yarn needle and matching yarn, sew through several rows of the solid upper band.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Sew each attachment point several times in a square or X-shaped pattern for strength.
Optional Reinforced Strap Edge
For a more polished strap:
Join yarn to one end of the finished strap.
Sl st evenly along the first long edge.
Work 2-3 sl sts around the end.
Continue along the opposite edge.
FO and weave in securely.
This gives the strap a firmer, cord-like appearance.
Optional Fabric Lining
A lining is recommended if you plan to carry small items because of the open crochet section.
- Measure the width and height of the finished bag.
- Cut two fabric pieces slightly larger than these measurements.
- Sew the side and bottom edges together.
- Fold the upper raw edge inward.
- Insert the lining inside the crochet bag.
- Hand sew the lining just below the top band.
Optional Inner Pocket
Cut a small rectangle of lining fabric approximately 18 x 14 cm.
Fold and sew the edges neatly.
Attach it to the lining before inserting the lining into the bag.
This makes a useful pocket for a phone, cards or keys.
Final Finishing
- Weave in every loose yarn end.
- Check the strap attachments for strength.
- Shape the round base with your hands.
- Gently stretch the lace shells into an even pattern.
- Thread and center the drawstring.
- Tie the front bow loosely.
- Lightly steam or block the bag if your yarn allows it.
- Allow the bag to dry completely before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Continue increasing the base until it reaches your desired diameter. You can then add extra solid and lace rounds to increase the height.
Cotton cord, sturdy cotton yarn or raffia-style yarn works especially well. Very soft acrylic yarn may stretch more when the bag is filled.
Yes. Measure from one side of the bag over your shoulder to the opposite side before making the strap. Adjust the starting chain to your preferred length.
A lining is optional, but it is useful because the decorative upper section contains open spaces. It also gives the finished bag additional structure.
Yes. You can add a magnetic snap beneath the drawstring band or replace the bow with a cord lock for a more practical everyday closure.
Yes. A solid caramel base with a cream lace section works beautifully. You could also combine beige and brown, ivory and sage, or burgundy and cream.
The finished Crochet Drawstring Bucket Bag Pattern
