How to Crochet a Drawstring Bag with Eyelet Stitches

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Create the foundation chain

Begin by creating a foundation chain that will form the base circumference of your bag. The length of this chain determines the final size — for a medium-sized bag, aim for around 60 stitches. Adjust up or down based on the size you have in mind; the chain should sit comfortably around the intended contents without being too tight or too loose. Keep your tension even throughout and check the length against a reference object if you're making the bag for a specific purpose, like holding a particular container or pouch.

Step 2 — Build the body with single crochets

Work single crochets into the foundation chain to begin building the body of the bag. Continue adding rows of single crochet, working in the round, until the bag reaches your desired height — for a medium-sized bag, aim for around 20 to 30 rows. Adjust this count based on the dimensions you need. Working in the round keeps the bag seamless and gives it a clean, even structure on all sides. Keep your tension consistent throughout so the sides of the bag stay straight and don't pull or flare outward.

Step 3 — Add texture with back loops only

To create visually appealing lines or stripes on the body of the bag, switch to the back loops only technique for one or more rows. Instead of inserting your hook through both loops of each stitch as normal, insert it through the back loop only — the loop furthest from you. Work your single crochet as usual but through that single back loop. This leaves the front loop unworked and creates a raised horizontal ridge across the fabric, adding texture and stripe-like interest without changing colors. Use this technique on as many rows as you like to build up the pattern.

Step 4 — Create the eyelet stitches

Once the bag body has reached the desired height, it's time to create the eyelet row where the drawstring will be threaded. To work each eyelet, skip three stitches (or however many you want the opening to be), then insert your hook into the fourth stitch from front to back. Yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook to form a slip stitch. Repeat this sequence — skip three, slip stitch into the fourth — evenly around the entire row, spacing the eyelets at regular intervals. These openings are what the drawstring will pass through to cinch the bag closed.

Step 5 — Reinforce the eyelets with slip stitches

To keep the eyelet openings secure and prevent them from stretching or distorting with use, work a row of slip stitches around each eyelet opening. Insert your hook into the edge of the eyelet, yarn over, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook to form a slip stitch. Work around the full perimeter of each opening. This extra layer of reinforcement adds durability and helps the eyelets hold their shape neatly through repeated tightening and loosening of the drawstring.

Step 6 — Create the drawstring

To make the drawstring, create a long chain — roughly twice the circumference of the bag opening is a good starting point, but experiment with different lengths to find the fit you prefer. Once your chain is complete, slip stitch back down its entire length to give the drawstring body and prevent it from stretching. Leave a small gap of about 3 to 4 inches at the join end, which will make it easier to thread the drawstring through the eyelets. The finished drawstring should be firm enough to hold its shape but flexible enough to pull smoothly through the eyelets.

Step 7 — Thread the drawstring and finish

Weave the drawstring through the eyelet openings around the top of the bag, pulling it in and out of each eyelet in turn until it has passed all the way around. Pull both ends of the drawstring to gather the fabric and create a cinched closure, then tie the ends together in a bow for a neat, charming finish. Adjust the tightness of the bow to control how securely the bag closes. Finally, weave in all remaining loose yarn ends with a yarn needle, threading through several stitches in different directions before trimming close to the fabric for a clean, professional appearance.

Frequently asked questions

How do I create eyelet stitches in a crochet drawstring bag?
Skip three stitches, then insert your hook into the fourth stitch from front to back. Yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over again and pull through both loops to form a slip stitch. Repeat evenly around the bag — these openings are where the drawstring will be threaded.

How do I make sure my eyelet stitches stay secure?
After working the eyelet row, add a row of slip stitches around each eyelet opening. This extra layer of stitching reinforces the openings and helps them hold their shape through regular use, preventing stretching or distortion when the drawstring is pulled.

How long should the drawstring be for a crochet drawstring bag?
Start with a chain roughly twice the circumference of the bag opening, then adjust to taste — you can always trim it shorter. Leave a gap of about 3–4 inches at the join end to make threading through the eyelets easier.

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