Knitting Pattern: Drawstring Bag
Craft Type: Knitting
Techniques: Worked flat (though can also be worked in the round); Stockinette stitch
Suggested Yarn Weight: Worsted
Difficulty: Beginner
This is a pattern of my own design, adapted from a weaving pattern I've come across. It's worked flat and then the pieces are sewn together, though I've also included instructions for working in the round at the bottom.
You'll need:
US size 6 knitting needles
Worsted weight yarn in the color(s) of your choice
Yarn needle
1) CO 22 sts.
2) K in St st until the piece measures about 5 inches.
3) Decrease: K 2 rows, then for row 3, *k1, k2tog; rep from * to end of row. There should now be 15 sts on your needle. Row 4: k as normal.
4) Increase: Row 5: *k1, yo; rep from * to end of row. You should now have 22 sts on your needle again, as well as 7 holes for the drawstring to go through. Row 6: k as normal.
5) K until the piece reaches about 6.5 inches from CO edge.
6) BO.
7) Repeat steps 1 - 6 for the other side of the bag.
8) Place both pieces front-to-front, and then sew them together, threading the needle down one side, along the bottom, and up the other side. When you're done, turn the bag inside out.
9) For the drawstring, cut off 9 strands of yarn, each measuring about 20 inches long. While holding all the strands together, tie a knot in one end, divide the strands into groups of three, and then braid the yarn. Once you reach the bottom, tie a knot in that end.
10) Finally, thread the drawstring through the holes, pull tight, and voila! a drawstring bag. :)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Instructions for knitting in the round:
US size 6 circular needles
Worsted weight yarn in the color(s) of your choice
Yarn needle
1) CO 44 sts.
2) K in St st until the piece measures about 5 inches from CO edge.
3) Decrease: K 2 rnds, then for rnd 3, *k1, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. There should now be about 30 sts on your needle. Rnd 4: k as normal.
4) Increase: Rnd 5: *k1, yo; rep from * to end of row. You should now have 44 sts on your needle again, as well as about 14 holes for the drawstring to go through. Rnd 6: k as normal.
5) K until piece measures about 6.5 inches from CO edge.
6) BO.
7) For the drawstring, cut off 9 strands of yarn, each measuring about 20 inches long. While holding all the strands together, tie a knot in one end, divide the strands into groups of three, and then braid the yarn. Once you reach the bottom, tie a knot in that end.
8) Finally, thread the drawstring through the holes, pull tight, and voila! a drawstring bag. :)