Ballet Bun Drawstring Pouch Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This little drawstring pouch is the perfect first project for anyone who has just learned single crochet and wants to make something they will actually use. Worked in smooth worsted weight yarn, it starts with a simple flat circle, rises straight up into a cylinder, and finishes with a row of eyelets for the drawstring. The cobalt blue body makes the orange cord and the sweet little bow appliqué pop, and the whole thing has a soft, squishy feel that is lovely in the hand. It is a quick weekend make, a great scrap-buster, and a charming gift for anyone who loves ballet-core style.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn — 100 yd cobalt blue, 30 yd orange
- Hook: 4 mm (G/6)
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors
- Finished size: Approx. 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) diameter, 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall
Abbreviations
- ch — chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook
- sc — single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
- inc — increase: work 2 single crochet into the same stitch
- sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook
- sk — skip: leave the next stitch(es) unworked
- sp — space: the hole made by a chain
- MR — magic ring: an adjustable loop you crochet into, then pull closed
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- rnd — round: one complete circle of the work
Gauge
16 sc x 18 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm). Work a small swatch in the round and measure a 4-inch section; if you have more stitches than 16, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.
Tips Before You Start
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round — single crochet in the round spirals, and the marker keeps your counts honest.
- Keep your tension even on the increase rounds so the base stays flat; if it cups, your stitches are too tight, and if it ripples, they are too loose.
- Work the eyelet round loosely so the cord slides through easily.
- Leave a long tail on the bow appliqué for sewing it on neatly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pouch (cobalt)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts). Pull the ring closed.
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts).
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts).
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48 sts).
Rnds 9–24: sc in each st around (48 sts).
Rnd 25 (eyelet round): [sc, ch 2, sk 2] x16 (48 sts — 16 sc and 16 ch-2 sps).
Rnd 26: sc in each sc and in each ch-2 sp around (48 sts).
Rnd 27: sc in each st around (48 sts). Fasten off.
Drawstring Cord (orange)
Row 1: Ch 60, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (59 sl sts). Fasten off, leaving a short tail.
Bow Appliqué (orange)
Row 1: Ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (9 sts).
Rows 2–4: sc in each st across (9 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave the orange cord through the round-25 eyelets, going in and out of each ch-2 space all the way around. Bring both ends to the front center and tie them in a bow. Sew the bow appliqué over the knot, using the long tail and a few small stitches at each corner so it sits flat. Weave in all ends on the wrong side. Lightly mist and shape the pouch, then let it dry flat to settle the stitches; no heavy blocking is needed for acrylic.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the orange cord for a satin ribbon for a softer, more delicate look.
- Make a mini version by stopping the increases at Rnd 6 (36 sts) and working fewer body rounds for a coin purse.
- Add a second contrasting color stripe in the body rounds for a playful, color-blocked pouch.
