Drawstring Pouch - Platform 9 3/4

Drawstring Pouch - Platform 9 3/4 by Knit Stitch by Sam Warburton

Project Overview

This is a beginner-friendly knitted drawstring pouch featuring a charted design inspired by Platform 9 3/4. The project uses DK weight yarn in two colors to create a small, functional bag with a decorative motif and practical drawstring closure. This downloadable knitting pattern is ideal for crafters new to colorwork and garment construction.

What Is Being Made

A small drawstring pouch suitable for storing small items, notions, or gifts. The finished piece features a two-color design with a claret base and white charted pattern, completed with a white drawstring for closure. The pouch is constructed as a flat rectangle that is folded and seamed to create a functional bag.

Techniques and Construction

This pattern teaches fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The main construction method uses stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a recognizable V-pattern texture. The project incorporates charted colorwork, where knitters follow a visual grid to incorporate the white design against the claret background by working with two yarn colors simultaneously. The pattern also introduces seaming, a finishing technique where the knitted pieces are joined using a running stitch to form the pouch shape and create the drawstring channel.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the project, created by alternating knit rows and purl rows to form the smooth fabric base
• Cast On: Used to create the initial 50 stitches on the needle
• Cast Off: Used to secure and finish the final row of stitches
• Running Stitch: A hand-sewing technique used to seam the sides together and create the drawstring channel
• Charted Colorwork: Working from a chart to integrate the white design into the claret stockinette base

Materials Required

The pattern calls for 4mm needles and 100g Stylecraft Special DK Wool in two colors: one ball each of shade 1123 Claret and shade 1001 White. DK (double knitting) weight yarn is a medium-weight option that creates a fabric with good drape and durability, making it suitable for a small accessory item.

Pattern Structure

The knitting is worked in three distinct sections. The first section consists of 30 rows of solid claret stockinette stitch, establishing the pouch base. The second section spans 51 rows and introduces the charted design, worked from the top of the chart downward. The third section reverses direction, working the chart from bottom to top over another 51 rows to create a symmetrical pattern. The final 30 rows return to solid claret stockinette stitch, mirroring the opening section. After casting off, the piece is folded in half and seamed along the longest sides to form the pouch shape, with a running stitch sewn approximately 3 inches from the top to create a channel for the drawstring.