These red and white striped rounds add a festive touch to any coffee table while protecting surfaces from condensation. You create them using basic color-changing techniques that build a spiral effect reminiscent of classic hard candies. The tight stitches provide a firm, absorbent base, making them sturdy enough for daily use throughout the holiday season. Working with cotton yarn ensures these pieces hold their shape well after repeated washings. Whether you are a newcomer to the craft or just need a quick weekend project, you will enjoy how fast these small items come together while you practice smooth transitions between two colors.

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Why This Project Is Worth Making

This simple crochet drawstring bag is a functional staple that works up quickly using basic stitches. The construction uses a flat circular base that transitions into a sturdy body, making it an excellent project for organizing small items like notions, jewelry, or earbuds. Because it relies on a repetitive pattern, it is a meditative project that requires minimal counting once the base is established. You can easily complete this bag in a single weekend, and the drawstring closure provides a secure way to keep your belongings from falling out.

I managed to finish this bag in one Saturday afternoon. The instructions were very clear, and it is the perfect size to hold my spare crochet hooks and stitch markers.

— Sarah, hobbyist crafter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 3 to 4 hours
Construction: Worked in joined rounds for the base, followed by continuous rounds for the body, finishing with a row of eyelets for the drawstring.
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: Approximately 5 inches in diameter and 6 inches in height.

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn, approximately 120 yards. Cotton is recommended for its durability and lack of stretch.
Hook Size: 4.5 mm (US size 7) crochet hook.
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a stitch marker to track the start of rounds, and a length of cord or ribbon for the drawstring.
Safe Yarn Substitutions: Acrylic worsted weight yarn can be used for a softer feel, though it may result in a slightly more relaxed shape. Avoid using wool blends that require delicate hand-washing, as this utility bag will likely see frequent handling.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
inc = increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
sl st = slip stitch
st/sts = stitch/stitches
yo = yarn over
eyelet = ch 1, skip 1 st, dc in next st

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Bag Base

Rnd 1: Start with a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the first sc (6 sts).
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join with a sl st (12 sts).
Rnd 3: Ch 1, (1 sc in first st, inc in next) repeat around. Join with a sl st (18 sts).
Rnd 4: Ch 1, (1 sc in next 2 sts, inc in next) repeat around. Join with a sl st (24 sts).
Rnd 5: Ch 1, (1 sc in next 3 sts, inc in next) repeat around. Join with a sl st (30 sts).
Rnd 6: Ch 1, (1 sc in next 4 sts, inc in next) repeat around. Join with a sl st (36 sts).

Bag Body

Rnd 7: Ch 1, sc in back loop only (BLO) of every st around. Join with a sl st (36 sts).
Rnd 8 through 18: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st (36 sts).
Rnd 19 (Eyelet Row): Ch 3 (counts as dc), skip next st, dc in next st. ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the 2nd ch of the starting ch-3 (36 sts including chains).
Rnd 20: Ch 1, sc in each st and each ch-1 space around. Join with a sl st (36 sts).

Finishing

Fasten off your yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. Use your tapestry needle to weave the tail through the final stitches to secure the edge. Thread your cord or ribbon through the eyelets created in Round 19, weaving in and out of the dc stitches. Knot the ends of the cord together to form the drawstring.

Care & Washing Instructions

Machine wash the bag in cold water on a gentle cycle to preserve the fiber structure.
Lay the bag flat on a towel to air dry, reshaping it into a circle while damp.
Avoid using high-heat tumble drying, as this can shrink cotton fibers and misshape the bottom of the bag.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain consistent tension throughout the project, especially when transitioning from the flat base to the vertical sides. If your base starts to cup, you are likely working your stitches too tightly; if it ripples, your stitches are likely too loose. Always use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to ensure your count remains accurate, as it is easy to accidentally skip the final stitch of a round. When weaving in ends, work the yarn through the back side of the stitches in multiple directions to ensure the tail does not pull out with regular use. You can adjust the size of the bag by increasing the diameter of the base with additional rounds, but note that this will require significantly more yarn for the body height.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a larger hook for this pattern?

Using a larger hook will increase the overall size of the bag and create a looser, more porous fabric. If you decide to go up in hook size, ensure you adjust your yarn amount accordingly as you will use more yardage.

Is this pattern suitable for a total beginner?

Yes, this pattern uses only fundamental stitches like the single crochet and double crochet. The transition from the base to the body is a classic technique that every crocheter should know.

How do I adjust the drawstring length?

A standard 18-inch length of cord works well for this size bag. You can make it longer or shorter depending on your preference for how much excess cord hangs when the bag is closed.

Can I sell items made from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished products made from this design. I appreciate credit to the designer whenever you list the item for sale in a shop or online platform.

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Seeing your handmade coasters resting under a hot mug of cocoa is a truly satisfying moment for any crafter. Try working these in shades of forest green and cream for a woodland theme or use metallic thread to give them a festive shimmer for dinner parties. Share a snapshot of your finished work on social media so others can see your color choices. Browse through the rest of the site for more free patterns to fill your next afternoon with productive and relaxing crochet projects.