LILY Drawstring Bag

LILY Drawstring Bag by Alethea Handmade

What is Being Made

The LILY Drawstring Bag is a small, adjustable crochet pouch designed to securely hold and organize small personal items. This versatile bag is customizable for various objects including tarot decks, eyeglasses, mobile phones, crystal collections, and jewelry. The pattern demonstrates how to create a functional drawstring closure bag that can be sized to fit any small object by calculating the perimeter of the item you wish to store.

Crochet Techniques Used

This beginner-level crochet project employs fundamental techniques that make it accessible to newer crafters while still producing a polished finished item. The construction begins with a foundation chain measured to match your object's perimeter, which is then joined into a circular shape. The pattern uses basic circular crochet construction methods, working in continuous rounds to build the bag's body. The drawstring closure mechanism is integrated into the design, requiring careful attention to thread management and finishing techniques.

Stitches Used

• Chain (CH): Used to create the foundation base and throughout the pattern for structure
• Half-Double Crochet (HDC): The primary stitch used to build the bag's body, worked in each chain around
• Single Crochet (SC): Used for shaping and finishing details
• Slip Stitch (SL ST): Used to join rounds and create seamless transitions

Materials and Tools

Yarn: DK weight yarn (also known as 8 ply or light worsted) is required for this project. You will need approximately 120 to 150 yards (110 to 137 meters) of yarn to complete the bag. The gauge for this pattern is 10 centimeters equals 23 stitches and 17 rows when worked in half-double crochet.

Tools: A 2.5mm crochet hook is the specified hook size for working with the DK weight yarn at the correct gauge. Scissors are needed for cutting and finishing yarn ends.

Pattern Construction Overview

The LILY Drawstring Bag pattern begins with a crucial measurement step where you calculate the perimeter of your chosen object using the formula: (object's width + object's length) multiplied by 2. This measurement determines your foundation chain length. The example provided uses a 48-chain foundation for a tarot deck. The chain is then joined into a circle using a slip stitch, and you proceed to work half-double crochet stitches in each chain around the foundation. The pattern specifically instructs you to leave the beginning thread uncut and unwoven during this initial stage, as it will be utilized later in the construction process, likely for the drawstring closure or finishing.