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Creating handmade gift bags adds a personal touch to any present while showcasing your crochet skills. These elegant drawstring pouches from the Magical Forest collection come in two versatile sizes and feature a beautiful textured stitch pattern that works perfectly with both solid colors and variegated yarns. Whether you’re crafting a special container for jewelry, small treasures, or holiday gifts, these drawstring bags combine functionality with handmade charm.
This comprehensive tutorial walks you through creating both the large and small versions of these delightful drawstring gift bags. The pattern uses basic crochet stitches and techniques, making it accessible for intermediate beginners while offering enough detail to satisfy experienced crocheters looking for a quick, satisfying project.
Materials Needed for Your Crochet Gift Bags
Before beginning your crochet journey, gather these essential materials:
Yarn Options:
- Light to medium weight cotton yarn (recommended for best structure)
- Approximately 50-75g for the small bag
- Approximately 75-100g for the large bag
- Suggested colors: Soft mint green, natural beige, or any color that complements your gift theme
Tools Required:
- Crochet hook size appropriate for your yarn (typically 3.5mm-4.5mm)
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional)
Drawstring Understanding the Pattern Terminology
This pattern uses standard crochet techniques including:
- Magic ring (MR): The foundation for beginning the circular base
- Single crochet (sc): The primary stitch used throughout
- Increase (inc): Working two single crochets in one stitch
- Decrease (dec): Combining two stitches together
- Chain (Ch): Creates chains for the drawstring opening
- Slip stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds
- Double crochet (DC): Used for decorative edging
Each round instruction includes the total stitch count in square brackets to help you track your progress.
Drawstring Large Gift Bag Pattern Instructions
Creating the Base and Main Body
Round 1: Begin with a magic ring and work 6 single crochets into the ring [6 stitches total]
Round 2: Work an increase in each stitch around (work 2 single crochets in each stitch) [12 stitches total]
Round 3: Work 1 single crochet, then increase repeat around (alternating one single crochet and one increase in each stitch) [18 stitches total]
Round 4: Work 2 single crochets, then increase repeat around [24 stitches total]
Round 5: Work 3 single crochets, then increase repeat around [30 stitches total]
Round 6: Work 2 single crochets, increase, 2 single crochets repeat around [36 stitches total]
Round 7: Work 5 single crochets, then increase repeat around [42 stitches total]
Round 8: Work 3 single crochets, increase, 3 single crochets repeat around [48 stitches total]
Round 9: Work 7 single crochets, then increase repeat around [54 stitches total]
Round 10: Work 4 single crochets, increase, 4 single crochets repeat around [60 stitches total]
Round 11: Work 9 single crochets, then increase repeat around [66 stitches total]
Round 12: Work 5 single crochets, increase, 5 single crochets repeat around [72 stitches total]
Round 13: Work 11 single crochets, then increase repeat around [78 stitches total]
Rounds 14-29: Work single crochet in each stitch around, maintaining 78 stitches for 16 rounds [78 stitches total]
Creating the Tapered Top and Drawstring Opening
Round 30: Work 11 single crochets, then decrease repeat around [72 stitches total]
Round 31: Work single crochet in each stitch around [72 stitches total]
Round 32: Work 5 single crochets, decrease, 5 single crochets repeat around [66 stitches total]
Round 33: Work single crochet in each stitch around [66 stitches total]
Round 34: Work 9 single crochets, then decrease repeat around [60 stitches total]
Round 35: Work single crochet in each stitch around [60 stitches total]
Round 36: Chain 2, skip 1 single crochet, work 2 single crochets repeat around to create eyelets for the drawstring [60 stitches including chains]
Rounds 37-39: Work single crochet in each stitch around, maintaining 60 stitches for 3 rounds [60 stitches total]
Round 40: Skip 1 stitch, work 5 double crochets in the same stitch, skip 1 stitch, work 1 slip stitch repeat around to create a decorative scalloped edge
Fasten off and weave in ends securely.
Creating the Drawstring
Chain 120 stitches (or adjust length as needed). Fasten off. Thread the chain through the eyelet spaces created in Round 36, weaving in and out around the entire bag. Tie the ends together or finish with decorative tassels if desired.
Small Gift Bag Pattern Instructions
Creating the Base and Main Body
Round 1: Begin with a magic ring and work 6 single crochets into the ring [6 stitches total]
Round 2: Work an increase in each stitch around [12 stitches total]
Round 3: Work 1 single crochet, then increase repeat around [18 stitches total]
Round 4: Work 2 single crochets, then increase repeat around [24 stitches total]
Round 5: Work 3 single crochets, then increase repeat around [30 stitches total]
Round 6: Work 2 single crochets, increase, 2 single crochets repeat around [36 stitches total]
Round 7: Work 5 single crochets, then increase repeat around [42 stitches total]
Round 8: Work 3 single crochets, increase, 3 single crochets repeat around [48 stitches total]
Round 9: Work 7 single crochets, then increase repeat around [54 stitches total]
Round 10: Work 4 single crochets, increase, 4 single crochets repeat around [60 stitches total]
Round 11: Work 9 single crochets, then increase repeat around [66 stitches total]
Rounds 12-25: Work single crochet in each stitch around, maintaining 66 stitches for 14 rounds [66 stitches total]
Creating the Tapered Top and Drawstring Opening
Round 26: Work 9 single crochets, then decrease repeat around [60 stitches total]
Round 27: Work single crochet in each stitch around [60 stitches total]
Round 28: Work 8 single crochets, then decrease repeat around [54 stitches total]
Round 29: Work single crochet in each stitch around [54 stitches total]
Round 30: Work 7 single crochets, then decrease repeat around [48 stitches total]
Round 31: Work single crochet in each stitch around [48 stitches total]
Round 32: Chain 2, skip 1 single crochet, work 2 single crochets repeat around to create eyelets for the drawstring [48 stitches including chains]
Rounds 33-35: Work single crochet in each stitch around, maintaining 48 stitches for 3 rounds [48 stitches total]
Round 36: Skip 1 stitch, work 5 double crochets in the same stitch, skip 1 stitch, work 1 slip stitch repeat around to create a decorative scalloped edge
Fasten off and weave in ends securely.
Creating the Drawstring
Chain 120 stitches (or adjust length as needed). Fasten off. Thread the chain through the eyelet spaces created in Round 32, weaving in and out around the entire bag. Tie the ends together or finish with decorative tassels if desired.
Creative Variations and Gift Ideas
These versatile gift bags can be customized in numerous ways:
Color Options:
- Use seasonal colors for holiday gifting
- Create ombré effects by gradually changing colors
- Work with variegated yarn for a multicolored effect
- Try metallic or sparkle yarns for special occasions
Embellishment Ideas:
- Add small embroidered flowers or motifs
- Attach small wooden beads to the drawstring ends
- Include tiny bells for a festive touch
- Sew on small fabric appliqués
Perfect Gifts to Place Inside:
- Jewelry or small accessories
- Bath products or homemade soaps
- Small candies or chocolates
- Gift cards or small treasures
- Holiday ornaments
- Crystals or polished stones
Tips for Perfect Crochet Gift Bags
- Maintain consistent tension throughout for even stitches
- Count your stitches at the end of each round to ensure accuracy
- Block your finished bag lightly if needed to enhance the shape
- For a stiffer bag that holds its shape better, consider using a slightly smaller hook than recommended for your yarn
- To create a more substantial drawstring, try using a cord maker or work the chain with double strands of yarn
Check this out :Crochet Doll Pattern with Green Overalls and Yellow Shirt Tutorial
Care Instructions
- Hand wash in cool water if needed
- Reshape while damp and allow to air dry completely
- Store flat or lightly stuffed with tissue paper to maintain shape
These enchanting crochet gift bags from the Magical Forest collection add a personal, handmade touch to any present. The drawstring closure keeps contents secure while the beautiful texture showcases your crochet skills. Whether made for personal use or crafted as gifts themselves, these versatile bags will surely be treasured.
Remember to share photos of your finished work and tag the original designers as mentioned in the pattern credits. Happy crocheting!
This pattern is based on the original “Magical Forest” Christmas CAL 2021 design co-created by Les Mailles du Rocher and Mes Mignonneries. When sharing your finished projects, please credit the original designers and use the hashtag #magicalforestcal.
