Christmas wrapping can be beautiful without being disposable.

This crochet Christmas gift bag pattern creates a sturdy reusable drawstring bag that becomes part of the gift itself.

Instead of wrapping a small present in paper that’s immediately torn and thrown away, place it inside a handmade crochet bag, pull the drawstrings closed, and add a gift tag.

After Christmas, the recipient can reuse the bag for another present, seasonal storage, yarn, small accessories, or holiday decor.

The construction is also surprisingly simple.

You’ll crochet:

One flat circular base
A straight cylindrical body
A contrast upper band
One functional eyelet round
Two crochet drawstrings

There are no separate panels to sew together.

Once the base is finished, the rest of the bag is worked upward in easy rounds.

Why You’ll Love This Crochet Gift Bag

This pattern is:

Beginner-friendly
Reusable
Made with worsted-weight yarn
Worked mostly in simple rounds
Designed with a flat stable base
Closed with functional drawstrings
Easy to customize
Great for Christmas gifts
Useful for leftover yarn
Easy to make in several sizes

It also looks polished enough that you don’t need additional gift wrapping.

Skill Level

Easy / Advanced Beginner

You should know how to:

Make a magic ring
Chain
Single crochet
Half double crochet
Increase
Slip stitch
Work in joined rounds
Work into chain spaces
Fasten off
Weave in yarn ends

There is no complicated shaping after the base.

Materials

Main Yarn

Use approximately:

180–220 yards of Category 4 worsted-weight yarn

for the medium bag.

Suggested main color:

Cranberry red

Contrast Yarn

Use approximately:

30–40 yards

in warm cream for the upper band.

Drawstring Yarn

You’ll need approximately:

20–30 yards

in forest green or another contrast color.

Crochet Hook

Use a:

4.5 mm crochet hook

A relatively firm fabric helps the bag stand upright and prevents small gifts from stretching through the stitches.

Other Supplies

Yarn needle
Scissors
Measuring tape
Stitch markers

Optional:

Kraft gift tag
Tissue paper

Crochet Abbreviations

This pattern uses US terminology.

ch – chain
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
st – stitch
sts – stitches
sp – space
rnd – round

Finished Size

The sample medium bag measures approximately:

8–9 inches tall

and:

5½–6 inches wide

when standing flat.

The circular base measures approximately:

5½–6 inches across

depending on gauge.

This size works well for small-to-medium Christmas gifts.

Gauge

Approximately:

16 sc = 4 inches

and:

18 sc rounds = 4 inches

Exact gauge isn’t critical, but it affects the final bag size.

A recent reusable Christmas bag pattern uses the same approximate 16 sc × 18 rounds per 4 inches gauge with worsted yarn and a 4 mm hook. crochetsprout.com

What Fits Inside?

The medium bag works well for gifts such as:

Candle
Small mug
Hat
Gloves
Mini scarf
Bath products
Candy
Small toys
Yarn
Handmade accessories
Several smaller wrapped presents

Very heavy items may stretch crochet fabric, so keep the contents reasonably lightweight.

Construction Overview

The bag begins at the bottom.

First, you’ll increase evenly to create a flat circle.

Then you’ll stop increasing.

Working one stitch into every stitch causes the sides to grow vertically.

Near the top, you’ll change to a contrast color and create evenly spaced chain openings.

Finally, two cords are woven through those openings in opposite directions.

Pull both cords and the bag closes evenly.

PART 1: CROCHET THE FLAT BASE

Using cranberry-red yarn:

Make a:

Magic ring

Round 1

Ch 1.

Work:

8 sc

into the magic ring.

Pull the ring closed.

Join with a sl st.

8 sts

Round 2

Ch 1.

Work:

2 sc in every stitch

around.

Join.

16 sts

Round 3

Repeat:

sc in next st, 2 sc in next st

around.

Join.

24 sts

Round 4

Repeat:

sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st

around.

Join.

32 sts

Round 5

Repeat:

sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st

around.

Join.

40 sts

Round 6

Repeat:

sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st

around.

Join.

48 sts

Round 7

Repeat:

sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st

around.

Join.

56 sts

Round 8

Repeat:

sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st

around.

Join.

64 sts

Check the Base

Lay the circle on a flat surface.

It should lie reasonably flat.

Aim for approximately:

5½–6 inches across

depending on your yarn and gauge.

What If the Base Ruffles?

A ruffled circle usually means you have:

Too many increases
Very loose tension

Check your stitch counts.

If needed, use a smaller hook.

What If the Base Cups?

If the circle begins turning into a bowl before you’re ready:

Your tension may be very tight.

Try a slightly larger hook.

PART 2: TURN THE BASE INTO THE BAG

Now stop increasing.

This causes the sides to grow upward.

Round 9

Ch 1.

Working in the back loop only:

Sc in every stitch around.

Join.

64 sts

Why BLO Here?

Working Round 9 through the back loop leaves a subtle ridge around the base.

That ridge visually separates the bottom from the side wall and helps the bag bend upward more neatly.

PART 3: CROCHET THE BODY

Round 10

Ch 1.

Hdc in every stitch around.

Join.

64 sts

Rounds 11–27

Repeat Round 10.

Keep:

64 sts

in every round.

Check the Height

Your bag should now measure approximately:

6½–7 inches

from the bottom.

If you want a taller gift bag, simply add more rounds before starting the contrast section.

Why Use HDC for the Body?

Half double crochet works faster than single crochet but still creates relatively dense fabric.

It’s a useful balance between:

Speed
Structure
Flexibility
Coverage

PART 4: ADD THE CONTRAST BAND

Switch to warm-cream yarn.

Contrast Round 1

Ch 1.

Sc in every stitch around.

Join.

64 sts

Contrast Round 2

Repeat.

64 sts

PART 5: MAKE THE DRAWSTRING EYELETS

This round creates the holes for the cords.

Eyelet Round

Ch 1.

Repeat around:

Sc in next 3 sts, ch 1, skip next st

You will repeat this sequence:

16 times

Join.

You now have:

16 evenly spaced eyelets

around the bag.

Check the Eyelets

The holes should be:

Large enough for the drawstrings
Evenly spaced
Small enough to keep the upper edge structured

PART 6: FINISH THE TOP BAND

Next Round

Ch 1.

Sc in every sc.

Work:

1 sc into every ch-1 space

Join.

You should return to:

64 sts

Final Rounds

Work:

2 additional rounds of sc

around.

Join after each round.

Fasten off.

Weave in the ends.

Your Bag Body Is Finished

At this stage, your gift bag should:

Stand upright
Have a flat bottom
Have straight sides
Have a cream top band
Have one row of eyelets

Now we’ll make the drawstrings.

PART 7: CROCHET THE FIRST DRAWSTRING

Using forest-green yarn:

Ch approximately:

or until the chain is approximately:

24–26 inches long

Strengthen the Cord

Starting in the second chain from the hook:

Work:

sl st in every chain

back to the beginning.

This creates a stronger, thicker drawstring than a simple chain.

Fasten off.

PART 8: MAKE THE SECOND DRAWSTRING

Repeat exactly.

You should have:

2 matching cords

PART 9: THREAD THE FIRST DRAWSTRING

Choose one side of the bag.

Thread Cord 1 through every eyelet around the bag.

When you return to the starting point, both ends should emerge through adjacent openings on the same side.

Thread the Second Drawstring

Begin on the opposite side.

Thread Cord 2 through all the same eyelets but starting from the opposite direction.

Both ends of this second cord should meet on the opposite side of the bag.

Why Use Two Drawstrings?

Two opposing cords allow the opening to cinch more evenly.

Pull:

both sides outward

and the entire top closes toward the center.

Tie the Cord Ends

You can simply knot the two ends of each cord together.

Or add small tassels.

OPTIONAL TASSELS

Cut several strands approximately:

5 inches long

Gather them.

Fold in half.

Attach securely at each drawstring end.

Trim evenly.

Keep tassels relatively small so they don’t overpower the bag.

Your Reusable Christmas Gift Bag Is Finished

Open the top.

Place your gift inside.

Pull both drawstrings.

The bag should cinch securely around the contents.

Classic Cranberry Version

Use:

Cranberry red body

Cream top band

Forest-green drawstrings

This creates a traditional but slightly muted Christmas palette.

Forest Green Version

Use:

Forest-green body

Cream band

Cranberry cords

This looks especially beautiful with kraft-paper gift tags.

Cream Version

Make the body in:

Warm cream

Use:

Forest-green band

and:

Cranberry drawstrings

for a softer Scandinavian-style look.

Sage Green Gift Bag

Sage with cream creates a modern neutral Christmas palette.

Pair with:

Natural twine
Dried orange
Wooden gift tags

Candy Cane Version

Use alternating:

Cranberry + cream

body rounds.

Finish with a cream band and cranberry drawstrings.

Striped Gift Bag

Change colors every:

3–5 rounds

for broad festive stripes.

Try:

Red + cream

Green + cream

Sage + cranberry

Color-Block Bag

Crochet the bottom half in cranberry.

Change to forest green halfway up.

Finish with cream.

This gives a clean modern color-block look.

Add a Crochet Snowflake

Use your Crochet Snowflake Ornament Pattern.

Make a small cream snowflake.

Sew it securely onto the front of the gift bag.

This creates a beautiful coordinated Christmas collection.

Add a Crochet Bow

Use a miniature version of your Crochet Bow Pattern.

Attach one near the drawstring channel.

Keep the bow flat enough that the bag remains easy to store.

Add a Mini Wreath

A small flat wreath applique can turn a plain cream bag into a very festive gift container.

Add an Initial

Embroider a single large initial on the bag front.

This is particularly useful when several reusable gift bags are placed under the same Christmas tree.

Add a Name

Use surface crochet or simple embroidery to add a recipient’s name.

The bag can then become their reusable Christmas gift sack every year.

Why Reusable Gift Bags Are Useful

A handmade crochet bag can continue being used after the original present has been opened.

Contemporary Christmas crochet bag patterns specifically emphasize this reusable aspect, with one 2025 design describing the bag as part of the gift itself and suitable for repeated use instead of disposable paper wrapping. Banana Moon Studio

Small Gift Bag Version

For a smaller bag:

Stop the base after:

Round 6 – 48 sts

Then work the sides with:

48 sts

Aim for approximately:

6 inches tall

This size is useful for:

Gift cards
Jewelry box
Candy
Small candle
Mini ornaments

Medium Gift Bag

Use the written version:

64-stitch base

and approximately:

8–9 inches total height

This is the most versatile size.

Large Gift Bag

Continue increasing the base beyond 64 stitches.

Round 9

Repeat:

sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st

around.

72 sts

Then begin the vertical body.

Aim for approximately:

10–12 inches tall

This requires significantly more yarn.

Important Large-Bag Tip

The larger the bag becomes, the more likely crochet fabric is to stretch under weight.

For a large gift sack:

Use cotton or sturdy acrylic
Keep a firm gauge
Consider adding a fabric lining

Optional Fabric Lining

A lining is not required for the written pattern.

But it’s useful when you want to place:

Small loose items
Heavier gifts
Objects with corners

inside the bag.

How to Add a Simple Lining

Measure:

Bag circumference
Bag height

Cut fabric slightly larger than those measurements.

Sew the side and bottom.

Place the fabric liner inside the bag.

Fold its upper raw edge inward.

Hand-sew it below the drawstring channel.

Make sure the lining does not block the eyelets.

Best Yarn for a Gift Bag

Worsted Acrylic

Acrylic is:

Affordable
Durable
Available in Christmas colors
Easy to wash
Lightweight

It works very well for reusable gift bags.

Worsted Cotton

Cotton creates:

Stronger structure
Crisp stitches
Less stretch
A sturdy bag

It’s an excellent choice if you expect the bag to be reused frequently.

Cotton/Acrylic Blend

This provides a useful balance between:

Structure
Lighter weight
Softness
Durability

Avoid Very Fuzzy Yarn

Fluffy yarn can make the drawstring eyelets harder to see and may catch on the cords.

For the main bag, choose a smooth yarn.

Can I Use Bulky Yarn?

Yes.

Category 5 bulky yarn will create:

Larger bag
Faster construction
Thicker fabric

Use a larger hook and work according to finished measurements instead of the exact stitch counts.

Can I Use DK Yarn?

Yes.

You’ll need more stitches to reach the same finished dimensions.

DK works especially well for smaller gift pouches.

Use Leftover Yarn

The contrast band, drawstrings, tassels, stripes, and decorations all require relatively small amounts.

This makes the pattern useful for leftover:

Red
Green
Cream
Gold
Sage

Christmas yarn.

Gift Bag for a Mug

Place a small mug inside.

Add:

Tea
Coffee
Hot cocoa
Candy cane

Pull the drawstrings closed.

The reusable crochet bag replaces additional wrapping.

Candle Gift Bag

The medium size can hold many small boxed or jar candles.

Make sure the candle is completely cool before placing it inside crochet fabric.

Crochet Gift Inside Crochet Gift

Fill the bag with:

Crochet beanie
Fingerless gloves
Ear warmer
Mini ornaments

The recipient gets both the handmade project and the handmade packaging.

Teacher Gift

Fill the bag with:

Gift card
Chocolate
Small stationery items

Add a simple kraft tag.

Hostess Gift

Fill it with:

Tea
Coffee
Packaged treats
Small candle

The bag becomes part of the gift.

Yarn Lover Gift

Fill the crochet bag with:

Skein of yarn
Crochet hook
Stitch markers

for an easy crafter’s gift.

Christmas Morning Storage

After gifts are opened, use the bag for:

Small ornaments
Gift tags
Ribbons
Holiday accessories

until next season.

Can It Be Used Outside Christmas?

Absolutely.

Change the colors and this same bag works for:

Birthdays
Baby showers
Weddings
Mother’s Day
Easter
Housewarming gifts

A current Christmas gift bag pattern also notes that changing the colors allows the bag to work for occasions beyond Christmas. My Crochet Space

Birthday Version

Use bright colors.

Skip the Christmas embellishments.

Add a simple bow.

Wedding Version

Try:

Cream
Beige
Soft sage

Use a delicate matching cord.

Valentine’s Gift Bag

Use:

Cranberry
Blush
Cream

Add a crochet heart.

Batch-Making Gift Bags

Making several bags?

Use an assembly-line approach.

Step 1

Crochet all bases.

Step 2

Complete all bodies.

Step 3

Add all contrast bands.

Step 4

Make every drawstring.

Step 5

Thread cords.

Step 6

Add tags or decorations.

This is especially useful if you’re replacing much of your Christmas wrapping with reusable crochet bags.

Quick Gift-Wrapping Strategy

Make:

2 small bags
3 medium bags
1 larger bag

in the same color palette.

Reuse them each year.

You don’t need a different handmade bag for every present under the tree.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Base Won’t Lie Flat

Check your increase sequence carefully.

Each increase round adds:

8 stitches

Losing Stitches in the Body

After the base, maintain:

64 stitches

around the medium bag.

Count every few rounds.

Accidentally Increasing the Sides

Once the base reaches the correct size:

Stop increasing.

Work only:

1 stitch in each stitch

Eyelets Don’t Line Up

The eyelet repeat is:

3 sc, ch 1, skip 1

Because 64 divides evenly by 4, you’ll get 16 eyelets.

Drawstring Too Short

Before finishing the second cord, test the first one through the bag.

It should still have enough length to tie comfortably when the bag is full.

Drawstring Too Thick

If your cord has trouble passing through the holes:

Use a simple chain instead of slip stitching back along it.

Or enlarge the eyelets to:

ch 2, skip 2

and adjust the surrounding stitch pattern accordingly.

Bag Too Floppy

Try:

Smaller hook
Firmer yarn
Cotton
Fabric lining

Bag Too Stiff

Move up a hook size.

You want enough structure to stand, but enough flexibility for the drawstring opening to close.

Blocking

Light blocking is optional.

If the base or body looks uneven:

Shape the bag gently according to your yarn’s care instructions.

Do not stretch the drawstring opening excessively.

Washing

Always follow your yarn manufacturer’s instructions.

Remove:

Paper tags
Tissue
Gifts

before washing.

Reshape the base and let the bag dry completely before storage.

Storage

Store the bag flat or loosely folded.

Place the cords inside so they don’t become tangled.

Because there is no rigid hardware, the bag takes up very little storage space compared with boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this bag worked flat?

No. The base and body are worked in the round.

Does it have a flat bottom?

Yes. The base begins as a flat crochet circle.

What yarn weight is used?

Category 4 worsted-weight yarn.

What hook size is used?

4.5 mm.

How big is the medium bag?

Approximately 8–9 inches tall and 5½–6 inches wide.

How much yarn do I need?

Approximately 230–280 yards total across the main color, contrast band, and drawstrings.

Is the drawstring functional?

Yes. Two cords pass through the eyelets and cinch the opening closed.

Can beginners make it?

Yes. A confident beginner who understands simple increases and working in rounds should be comfortable with the pattern.

Can I make it bigger?

Yes. Add more increase rounds to the base and more straight rounds to the body.

Can I add a lining?

Yes.

Can I use it after Christmas?

Yes. Change the colors and it becomes a reusable gift bag for many occasions.

Final Thoughts

Gift wrapping doesn’t have to disappear the moment the present is opened.

This crochet Christmas gift bag pattern transforms simple worsted-weight yarn into reusable handmade packaging that can become part of the gift itself.

The round base lets the bag stand upright.

The dense body keeps small presents contained.

The contrast band adds a festive finish.

And the two functional drawstrings let you close everything neatly without tape or wrapping paper.

Make one in cranberry, forest green, and cream for classic Christmas decor.

Use sage and neutral shades for a softer holiday palette.

Or crochet several different sizes and reuse them every December.

Save this reusable crochet drawstring gift bag pattern for your handmade Christmas list!