A handmade pouch is a beautiful and personal accessory, perfect for keeping your small treasures organized or for giving as a heartfelt gift. The “Sweetheart” Crochet Drawstring Pouch is a perfect project for any crocheter, featuring a simple, classic design with a touch of whimsy. This detailed tutorial will guide you through creating a sturdy, stylish, and fun pouch that is perfect for carrying your essentials or for adding a touch of handmade charm to your home.
This project is an excellent choice for a beginner looking to create a beautiful, practical item or for an experienced crocheter wanting a fast and fun project. The pouch is worked from the bottom up, which makes it a seamless project that is easy to try on as you go.
Why Crochet the Sweetheart Pouch?
- Unique Heart Shape: The pouch features a beautiful heart design that sets it apart from a standard crochet project.
- Sturdy & Functional: The dense nature of the stitch makes the pouch strong and helps it hold its shape.
- Skill Building: You’ll master the art of working in the round and learn how to create a complex-looking design from simple stitches.
- Impressive Look: The finished pouch looks much more complicated than it actually is, making it a great conversation starter.
- Customizable: Easily change the size, colors, or add a different border to make it your own.
1. Planning Your Pouch: Size & Materials
- Finished Size: The pattern is designed for a versatile decorative pouch, approximately 6 inches (15 cm) in height and 5 inches (12.5 cm) wide. You can easily adjust the size by changing your hook size or the number of increase rounds.
- Yarn Choice: Choose a yarn that is durable and holds its shape well.
- Fiber: A sturdy, medium-weight yarn like Worsted Weight (#4) in Cotton or a Cotton Blend is a great choice.
- Color: A single, solid color will best highlight the stitches, but a variegated yarn could also create a beautiful effect.
- Quantity: You will need approximately 50-75 yards (45-70 meters) of yarn in total.
2. Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: Your chosen quantity of Worsted Weight (#4) yarn.
- Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm (G-6 US) or a size that gives you a dense but flexible fabric with your yarn.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in ends.
- Stitch Markers (Optional): To mark the beginning of rounds.
3. Essential Crochet Stitches & Techniques
- Slip Knot
- Chain (ch)
- Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining and neatening.
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Half Double Crochet (hdc)
- Double Crochet (dc)
- Working in the Round: The pouch is worked in continuous rounds from the top down.
4. Let’s Crochet the Sweetheart Pouch!
We’ll start with the base, then work up the body, and finish with the top and drawstring.
Part 1: The Pouch Base (Worked in Oval Rounds)
This creates the flat, bottom part of the pouch.
- Foundation Chain: Ch 21.
- Round 1: Hdc in the 2nd ch from hook. Hdc in each of the next 18 chs. Work 3 hdc in the last ch. Now, working on the opposite side of the foundation chain, hdc in each of the next 19 stitches. Work 2 hdc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the first hdc of the round.
- [43 stitches]
Part 2: The Pouch Body (Worked in Rounds)
This is where you’ll create the height of the pouch.
- Round 2 (Defining the Edge): Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Working in the BLO creates a defined ridge, marking the transition from the sole to the body of the pouch.
- Rounds 3-15: Ch 1. Sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc of the round.
- Continue working these rounds until the pouch reaches your desired height (for this pattern, about 5-6 inches / 12-15 cm tall).
Part 3: The Drawstring & Top Flap
- Top Flap: Ch 15. Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn.
- Rows 2-10: Sc in each stitch across. Ch 1, turn.
- Drawstring: Make a long chain (approximately 24 inches / 60 cm) and weave it through the top of the pouch. Tie a knot at the end.
Enjoy your beautiful and unique “Sweetheart” Crochet Drawstring Pouch. Its elegant design and handmade charm are sure to be a conversation starter!
Video tutorial:
