Free Knitting Pattern for a Drawstring Bag

Drawstring bag knitting pattern
This cute knitting pattern for a drawstring bag makes a great gift bag for small items. It is a great size for fitting a deck of cards or maybe a small box of crayons, a gift card, jewelry, or a case of stitch markers.
It will look sweet in a Christmas stocking or under the tree. The basic stockinette stitch surface would be ideal for adding your own colorwork elements.
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Where can I get this drawstring bag knitting pattern?
The knitting pattern for a drawstring bag is free right here in this post! Just scroll down for the free version.
If you decide to use the free version, please bookmark this page and come back to it when you work on your project rather than trying to print or screenshot the page. Your time on this page helps me get paid for my work, so thank you!
In addition to the usual options, there is also an opportunity to get this knitting pattern download free on December 20th! This pattern is featured in Marly Bird & Friends 24 Days of Quickies and as such, the download will be free on that day only.
To get all the free crochet and knitting pattern downloads for this event, click the graphic below to visit Marly’s event page!
If you prefer you can purchase an ad-free PDF that is perfect for downloading and printing. That can be purchased on either Etsy or Ravelry.
What materials do I need to knit this bag?
First up, you will need yarn. I used Universal Yarn Uptown DK in colors #101 White and #113 Root. You just need a small amount of each color.
You will also need knitting needles. I used a 40 inch long circular needle in US size 6 (4 mm) for the bag and size 6 DPNs for the icord drawstring. You could knit the bag with DPNs as well if you prefer that.
My favorite set of interchangeable needles is the Prism Aluminum Interchangeable set from KnitPicks. A set like this is more expensive than an individual needle, of course, but if you plan to do a lot of knitting it is the more economical choice as it gives you lots of sizes and lengths all in one set.
KnitPicks also has a nice set of metal DPNs that I used to knit the icord. And of course, you’ll need a tapestry needle for weaving in your ends when you are finished.
What stitches and techniques will I use to knit this bag?
You’ll start by casting on. I like to use a longtail cast on most of the time, but you can use whatever cast on you like best. From there, you’ll be working in the round.
When it comes time to make the holes for the drawstring, you’ll need to use the k2tog (knit 2 stitches together) decrease, and I have a tutorial here for that. You will also yarnover.
You will bind off once the bag is finished. And you will knit about 12 inches of I-cord to make the drawstring. See my knit I-cord tutorial here.

Durham Drawstring Bag, a Knitting Pattern
By April Garwood of Banana Moon Studio
(C)2025 April Garwood. As with all my patterns, please do not make paper or digital copies for others. Instead, please direct them to my website to get their own. Thank you!
Difficulty Level: Easy
Finished Measurements: About 8 1/2 inches around x 5 3/4 inches tall.
Yarn: Universal Yarn Uptown DK (100% Acrylic; 273 yds; 100 g; yarn weight category: DK/3/light): 1 skein each of #101 White and #113 Root.
Knitting Needles: US size 6 (4 mm) 40 inch circulars and/or US size 6 double pointed needles (DPNs).
Notions: Tapestry needle.
Gauge: 24 sts x 33 rnds = About 4 inches in stockinette.

Bag
Leaving a long tail for sewing, CO 50 sts and divide in half to work with long circulars in magic loop method, or divide into quarter to use DPNs. Join to work in the round.
Work in stockinette st for 36 rnds.
Drawstring holes rnd: *K3, yo, k2tog, repeat from * around.
Work 10 more rnds in stockinette st.
Bind off. Weave in ends.
Drawstring
Need help learning to knit I-cord? See my tutorial here.
With DPNs, CO 3 sts.
Rnd 1: Slide all 3 sts to the right end of the left needle, k3, do not turn work.
Repeat Rnd 1 until piece measure 12 inches in length. K3tog and fasten off last st.
Finishing
Using a tapestry needle and long beginning tail, turn bag WS out and sew through both layers across bottom edge to seam.
Weave in all ends.
Turn bag RS out, using a crochet hook, pull drawstring back and forth through holes of drawstring rnd starting just left of center on one side and coming out just right of center.
And that finishes this cute little knit drawstring bag! I’d love to see your in-process or finished bag! You can share it on Instagram and tag me, or you can join my Facebook group and share it there.
Happy knitting!

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