A crochet gift bag is a lovely way to wrap a present, and unlike paper it can be used again every December. Here you will find two free drawstring patterns in UK terms: a small treat bag for sweets or a tiny gift, and a larger bag for books, toiletries or a handmade hat.
At a glance: Yarn and hook: DK yarn and a 4.00mm (UK 8) hook (US G-6). Time: 2 to 5 hours. Terms: UK, with US conversions.
Both crochet gift bags are worked in rounds from a flat circular base, so there is no sewing up. You will find exact stitch counts for every round, an eyelet round for the drawstring, a simple tassel, and optional Christmas stripes or a little tree motif.
All instructions use UK crochet terms. A UK double crochet (dc) is a US single crochet, and a UK treble (tr) is a US double crochet. Our UK vs US crochet terms guide has a full conversion chart.
Why make a crochet gift bag?
Wrapping paper is used for a few minutes and then thrown away. A crochet Christmas gift bag becomes part of the present, and it can be passed back and forth for years.
- It is reusable. The crochet gift bag can hold the next present, or become a storage pouch.
- It is beginner friendly. The pattern uses only chains, slip stitches, double crochet and one round of trebles.
- It suits awkward shapes. Round tins, bottles of bubble bath and bundles of sweets are easy to bag but hard to wrap.
- It uses stash yarn. Stripes on a crochet gift bag are a cheerful way to finish off part balls.
What you need for a crochet gift bag
- Yarn: DK (double knitting) yarn. A firm acrylic or cotton holds its shape well. Allow about 20g to 25g for the small bag and 50g to 60g for the large bag, plus a little extra for the drawstring and tassel.
- Hook: 4mm (UK 8, US G-6), or the size that gives you a firm fabric.
- Notions: a stitch marker, a tapestry needle, scissors and a piece of card for the tassel.
If you are unsure what counts as DK, the Craft Yarn Council yarn weight system shows the standard weights. DK is category 3, “light”.
Abbreviations (UK terms)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| ss | slip stitch |
| dc | double crochet (US single crochet) |
| tr | treble (US double crochet) |
| inc | 2 dc in the same stitch |
| dc2tog / dc3tog | double crochet two (or three) stitches together |
| BLO | back loop only |
| st(s) / sp(s) | stitch(es) / space(s) |
Tension and finished sizes
As a guide, we work to about 18 dc and 20 rounds to 10cm in DK on a 4mm hook. Exact tension is not vital, but a looser fabric makes a bigger, floppier bag, so go down a hook size if your stitches look open.
| Bag | Stitches around | Approx. size when flat | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small treat bag | 36 | 10cm wide x 13cm tall | Sweets, jewellery, a gift card |
| Large gift bag | 60 | 16cm wide x 20cm tall | Books, toiletries, a hat or socks |
How the crochet gift bag is made
Both sizes of crochet gift bag follow the same simple plan, so once you have made one you can easily make the other.
- Base: a flat circle of double crochet, with 6 increases in every round.
- Turning ridge: one round worked in the back loops, which gives a crisp edge so the bag stands up.
- Sides: plain rounds of double crochet, with no further increases.
- Eyelet round: a round of trebles with chain spaces for the drawstring.
- Top edge: three rounds of double crochet and a picot trim.
We work in joined rounds rather than a spiral, which keeps stripes neat. At the start of each round, ch 1 (this does not count as a stitch) and make the first dc into the same stitch as the join. At the end, ss into the first dc.
Small treat crochet gift bag pattern
Base
Round 1: make a magic ring, ch 1, 6 dc into the ring, ss to first dc. (6)
Round 2: ch 1, inc in each st around, ss to first dc. (12)
Round 3: ch 1, (dc in next st, inc) 6 times, ss to first dc. (18)
Round 4: ch 1, (dc in next 2 sts, inc) 6 times, ss to first dc. (24)
Round 5: ch 1, (dc in next 3 sts, inc) 6 times, ss to first dc. (30)
Round 6: ch 1, (dc in next 4 sts, inc) 6 times, ss to first dc. (36)
The base should lie flat and measure about 6.5cm across. If it ripples, your tension is loose, so try a smaller hook.
Sides
Round 7: ch 1, dc in BLO of each st around, ss to first dc. (36)
Rounds 8 to 26: ch 1, dc in each st around, ss to first dc. (36)
Eyelet round and edging
Round 27 (eyelets): ch 4 (counts as tr and ch 1), skip next st, *tr in next st, ch 1, skip next st*; repeat from * around, ss to 3rd ch of ch-4. (18 tr, 18 ch-1 sps)
Round 28: ch 1, dc in each tr and in each ch-1 sp around, ss to first dc. (36)
Rounds 29 and 30: ch 1, dc in each st around, ss to first dc. (36)
Round 31 (picot edge): ch 1, *dc in next 3 sts, ch 3, ss in 3rd ch from hook*; repeat from * around, ss to first dc. (36 dc, 12 picots)
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Large crochet gift bag pattern
Base
Rounds 1 to 6: work as for the small bag. (36)
Round 7: ch 1, (dc in next 5 sts, inc) 6 times, ss to first dc. (42)
Round 8: ch 1, (dc in next 6 sts, inc) 6 times, ss to first dc. (48)
Round 9: ch 1, (dc in next 7 sts, inc) 6 times, ss to first dc. (54)
Round 10: ch 1, (dc in next 8 sts, inc) 6 times, ss to first dc. (60)
The base should measure about 10.5cm across.
Sides
Round 11: ch 1, dc in BLO of each st around, ss to first dc. (60)
Rounds 12 to 44: ch 1, dc in each st around, ss to first dc. (60)
Eyelet round and edging
Round 45 (eyelets): ch 4 (counts as tr and ch 1), skip next st, *tr in next st, ch 1, skip next st*; repeat from * around, ss to 3rd ch of ch-4. (30 tr, 30 ch-1 sps)
Round 46: ch 1, dc in each tr and in each ch-1 sp around, ss to first dc. (60)
Rounds 47 and 48: ch 1, dc in each st around, ss to first dc. (60)
Round 49 (picot edge): ch 1, *dc in next 3 sts, ch 3, ss in 3rd ch from hook*; repeat from * around, ss to first dc. (60 dc, 20 picots)
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Changing the height: each extra plain side round adds about 5mm. Add or remove rounds before the eyelet round, keeping the stitch count the same.
Drawstring and tassel
Making the drawstring
A slip stitch cord suits a crochet gift bag because it is firm, smooth and easy to pull through the eyelets.
- Small bag: ch 100 (about 50cm). Ss in the back bump of 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (99 ss)
- Large bag: ch 180 (about 90cm). Ss in the back bump of 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (179 ss)
Fasten off and weave in the ends. The cord should be roughly two and a half times the width of the bag, which leaves enough to tie a bow.
Threading the drawstring
Start at the centre front. Weave the cord in and out of the eyelets all the way around. Both bags have an even number of eyelets (18 and 30), so the two ends come out next to each other at the front.
For the large bag you can use two cords instead. Thread one all the way round starting at the left side, and the other starting at the right. Pulling both pairs of ends closes the bag evenly, like a classic duffle bag.
Making a tassel
- Cut a piece of card 7cm tall for the small bag or 10cm tall for the large bag.
- Wrap the yarn around the card 20 times (small) or 30 times (large).
- Slide a 20cm length of yarn under the wraps at the top and tie it tightly. Keep the ends for attaching.
- Cut through all the wraps at the bottom and slide the tassel off the card.
- Wrap another length of yarn three times around the tassel, about 1.5cm below the top. Knot it and thread the ends down into the tassel.
- Trim the ends level.
Tie a tassel to each end of the drawstring, or sew one to the centre of the base so it hangs below the bag.
Christmas stripes for a crochet Christmas gift bag
Stripes are the easiest way to make a crochet gift bag look festive. Choose two or three colours and follow one of these plans, or invent your own.
| Plan | Small bag | Large bag |
|---|---|---|
| Candy cane | Base and Rounds 7 to 12 red, then 2 rounds white and 2 rounds red to Round 26, eyelet round and edging white | Base and Rounds 11 to 16 red, then 2 rounds white and 2 rounds red to Round 44, eyelet round and edging white |
| Traditional band | Rounds 1 to 14 green, 15 and 16 cream, 17 to 20 red, 21 and 22 cream, 23 to 31 green | Rounds 1 to 24 green, 25 and 26 cream, 27 to 32 red, 33 and 34 cream, 35 to 49 green |
| Snowy top | Rounds 1 to 20 red, 21 to 31 white | Rounds 1 to 34 red, 35 to 49 white |
How to change colour: on the last ss of a round, insert the hook into the first dc, drop the old colour and pull the new colour through. Carry the unused colour up the inside of the bag for stripes of 2 rounds or fewer. For wider gaps, cut it and weave in the end.
Optional tree motif
A little tree sewn to the front turns a plain crochet gift bag into a Christmas one. It is worked flat in rows, which is simpler than colourwork. Use green for the tree and brown for the trunk.
Tree for the large bag (about 6cm wide)
Row 1: ch 12, dc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (11)
Row 2: ch 1 (does not count as a st), dc2tog, dc in next 7 sts, dc2tog, turn. (9)
Row 3: ch 1, dc in each st across, turn. (9)
Row 4: ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 5 sts, dc2tog, turn. (7)
Row 5: ch 1, dc in each st across, turn. (7)
Row 6: ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog, turn. (5)
Row 7: ch 1, dc in each st across, turn. (5)
Row 8: ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next st, dc2tog, turn. (3)
Row 9: ch 1, dc in each st across, turn. (3)
Row 10: ch 1, dc3tog. (1)
Fasten off. Trunk: turn the tree upside down. Working into the other side of the foundation chain, join brown in the 5th st, ch 1, dc in same st and in next 2 sts, turn. (3) Next row: ch 1, dc in each st across. (3) Fasten off.
Tree for the small bag (about 4cm wide)
Row 1: ch 8, dc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (7)
Row 2: ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog, turn. (5)
Row 3: ch 1, dc in each st across, turn. (5)
Row 4: ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next st, dc2tog, turn. (3)
Row 5: ch 1, dc in each st across, turn. (3)
Row 6: ch 1, dc3tog. (1)
Fasten off. Trunk: working into the other side of the foundation chain, join brown in the 3rd st, ch 1, dc in same st and in next 2 sts, turn. (3) Next row: ch 1, dc in each st across. (3) Fasten off.
Finishing the tree: add a star with a few straight stitches of yellow yarn at the top. Pin the tree to the front of the bag and sew around its edge with matching yarn. Keep one hand inside the bag so you only stitch through the front layer.
Tips for a neat crochet gift bag
- Count after every base round. The numbers in brackets help you catch a missed increase before it shows.
- Keep the join straight. Always work the first dc into the same stitch as the join, so the seam line runs straight up the side.
- Turn the seam to the back. When you thread the drawstring, start opposite the join so the seam sits at the back.
- Do not skip the BLO round. It creates the fold line that lets the base sit flat.
- Use a firm tension. A dense fabric hides the contents and keeps the bag upright.
- Press lightly. If the bag leans, steam it gently from above without touching the iron to the yarn, then let it dry upright.
Filling your crochet gift bags
The small crochet gift bag is the right size for a few wrapped sweets, a pair of earrings, a lip balm or a folded gift card. The large bag holds a paperback, a candle, bath treats, or a handmade hat or scarf.
Looking for handmade things to put inside? Our easy crochet gifts round-up has plenty of quick ideas. If you are buying for a fellow maker, our guide to gifts for crocheters explains what to look for.
A row of small crochet gift bags also makes a lovely countdown. Number them with stitched or felt numbers and hang them along a cord, or try our full crochet advent calendar pattern.
Safety and care
Drawstrings and cords can be a strangulation risk for babies and young children. Keep crochet gift bags, and especially the cords, out of reach of little ones, and never give a drawstring bag to a baby as a toy.
To wash a crochet gift bag, check the yarn label. Most acrylic and cotton DK can be hand washed in cool water. Squeeze out the water gently, reshape the bag and dry it flat or stuffed with a tea towel so it keeps its shape.
Frequently asked questions about crochet gift bags
Is this crochet gift bag pattern written in UK or US terms?
It is written in UK terms. A UK double crochet (dc) is a US single crochet, and a UK treble (tr) is a US double crochet.
How much yarn do I need for a crochet gift bag?
About 20g to 25g of DK for the small bag and 50g to 60g for the large bag, plus a little extra for the drawstring and tassel.
Can I make the crochet gift bag bigger?
Yes. Keep adding base rounds with 6 increases each, such as (dc in next 9 sts, inc) 6 times for 66 stitches, then (dc in next 10 sts, inc) 6 times for 72. A total that divides by 4 gives an even number of eyelets, and one that divides by 3 suits the picot edge, so 72 works well. Then add as many side rounds as you need.
Why does my base curl up or ripple?
A base that cups is usually worked too tightly, and one that ripples is too loose. Try a hook half a size larger or smaller, and check you have exactly 6 increases in each round.
Is a crochet gift bag safe for children?
The crochet gift bag itself is fine for older children, but drawstrings can be dangerous for babies and toddlers. Keep the cords out of their reach and supervise young children.
