The Harvest Moon Drawstring Pouch: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured Pumpkin Bag

Capture the cozy essence of autumn with this charming drawstring pouch, crocheted in warm terracotta and sage tones with a delicate leaf motif. Perfect for stashing trinkets, yarn, or seasonal treasures, this pattern is a delightful weekend project for crocheters of all levels. The Harvest Moon Drawstring Pouch combines simple stitches with clever construction to create a rounded, pumpkin-like shape that's as functional as it is beautiful. Whether you're looking for a gift idea, a market bag, or just a fun fall project, this pattern delivers rustic charm with every stitch.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project uses basic materials that are easy to find at any craft store.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in three colors:
  • Terracotta (MC) – for the main pouch body and drawstring
  • Sage green (CC1) – for the leaf accents
  • Cream (CC2) – for optional decorative beads/buttons
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm). Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size, but this pouch is forgiving—slight variations will still produce a lovely result.
• Extras: Yarn needle for weaving ends, scissors, and optionally two small cream buttons or beads for the leaf centers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds (spiral) for the pouch body, which creates a seamless, smooth fabric. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds. The entire project uses only single crochet (sc), increases (inc), and decreases (sc2tog), making it perfect for confident beginners.

Pouch Body (worked in continuous rounds)

Round 1: With MC (terracotta), make a magic ring. Ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail to tighten the ring closed. (6 sts)

Round 2: Inc in each stitch around. (12 sts)

Round 3: *Sc in next st, inc* repeat around. (18 sts)

Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, inc* repeat around. (24 sts)

Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, inc* repeat around. (30 sts)

Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, inc* repeat around. (36 sts)

Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, inc* repeat around. (42 sts)

Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, inc* repeat around. (48 sts)

Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, inc* repeat around. (54 sts)

Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, inc* repeat around. (60 sts)

Rounds 11-20: Sc in each stitch around. (60 sts) – This creates the pouch body. Work these 10 rounds evenly without increases to establish the height of the bag.

Round 21: Work in back loops only: Sc in each stitch around. (60 sts) – This creates a ridge on the outside of the pouch, which will serve as the casing for your drawstring.

Rounds 22-26: Sc in each stitch around. (60 sts) – These rounds form the top section above the drawstring casing.

Now begin decreasing to shape the top of the pouch:

Round 27: *Sc in next 8 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (54 sts)

Round 28: *Sc in next 7 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (48 sts)

Round 29: *Sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (42 sts)

Round 30: *Sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (36 sts)

Round 31: *Sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (30 sts)

Round 32: *Sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (24 sts)

Round 33: *Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (18 sts)

Round 34: *Sc in next st, sc2tog* repeat around. (12 sts)

Round 35: Sc2tog around. (6 sts) – Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches). Thread the tail through a yarn needle, weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches, pull tight to close the hole, and secure with a knot. Weave in the end.

Drawstring Casing (worked in rows)

Row 1: With MC, ch 65, turn.

Row 2: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (64 sts) – Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Assembly: Thread the drawstring through the ridge created in Round 21. To do this, insert the drawstring from the outside of the pouch into one of the spaces between stitches, then out the next space, continuing in and out all the way around. Pull both ends to gather the pouch, then tie a bow. The drawstring should slide easily through the back-loop-only ridge.

Leaf Accents (make 2)

Row 1: With CC1 (sage green), ch 10.

Row 2: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, hdc in the next ch, dc in the next 4 ch, hdc in the next ch, sc in the next ch, ch 1, turn to work down the other side of the chain. Now work in the remaining loops of the foundation chain: sc in the same ch, hdc in the next ch, dc in the next 4 ch, hdc in the next ch, sc in the last ch. (18 sts total) – Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly: Sew the leaves to the front of the pouch, just below the drawstring casing, angled slightly outward like pumpkin leaves. Position them symmetrically on either side of the front center. Use the yarn tail to stitch securely through the leaf and into the pouch body, then weave in the end.

Finishing

Step 1: Weave in all remaining ends using a yarn needle. Make sure all tails are securely hidden inside the work.

Step 2 (Optional): Add a small cream-colored button or bead to the center of each leaf for a decorative touch. Sew them on securely with matching thread or yarn.

Step 3: Give your pouch a gentle block if desired—spritz with water and shape while damp, then allow to dry flat. This helps even out the stitches and gives the pouch a professional finish.

Tips for Success

• Mark your rounds: Since you're working in continuous rounds, use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round to avoid losing your place.
• Keep tension consistent: Cotton yarn has less stretch than wool, so maintain even tension throughout to ensure the pouch holds its shape.
• Test the drawstring: Before finishing, make sure the drawstring slides smoothly through the casing. If it's too tight, gently stretch the ridge stitches.
• Customize: Feel free to swap colors to match your decor—this pattern works beautifully in any seasonal palette.

Your Harvest Moon Drawstring Pouch is now complete! This versatile little bag is perfect for holding jewelry, craft supplies, or as a gift bag for small treasures. The textured pumpkin shape and leafy accents make it a standout piece for autumn decorating or gifting. Happy crocheting!