Heartfelt Hues Drawstring Gift Bag Free Pattern – A Knitted Velvet Valentine Pouch

Wrap your Valentine's treats in this plush, knitted drawstring bag with a heart motif that's as cozy as a hug. The soft velvet yarn and sweet colorwork make it a keepsake they'll treasure long after the chocolates are gone. This beginner-friendly pattern is perfect for crafters looking to create a heartfelt, handmade gift that combines practicality with undeniable charm.

Whether you're new to stranded colorwork or a seasoned knitter seeking a quick weekend project, this drawstring pouch delivers on every level. The combination of Bernat Velvet's luxurious softness and the classic heart motif creates a piece that feels both modern and timeless. Let's dive into this delightful project!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

• Yarn: Bernat Velvet (100% polyester, 300g/315yds) in Dusty Rose (MC) and Cream (CC), or similar bulky weight velvet yarn
• Needles: US 10 (6mm) knitting needles
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, stitch markers (2)
• Gauge: 14 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (always check your gauge for best results)

Pro tip: Velvet yarn can be slippery, so consider using wooden or bamboo needles to keep your stitches secure. If you're substituting yarn, choose a bulky weight with similar drape and softness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bag is knitted flat in one piece, then seamed and finished with a drawstring. The heart motif is worked in stranded colorwork, creating a beautiful, integrated design. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a gorgeous gift bag in no time!

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two together (decrease)
• SSK: slip slip knit (decrease)
• MC: main color (Dusty Rose)
• CC: contrast color (Cream)
• St(s): stitch(es)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side
• YO: yarn over

Bag Body (Worked Flat)

Step 1: Cast On
CO 36 sts with MC. Leave a tail of about 6 inches for seaming later.

Step 2: Garter Stitch Border (Rows 1-6)
Knit all 6 rows. This creates a sturdy, non-curling edge for the bottom of your bag.

Step 3: Begin Heart Motif (Row 7 - RS)
K4 MC, place marker, work Row 1 of heart chart across next 28 sts, place marker, K4 MC. The markers will help you keep track of the colorwork section.

Heart Chart (Worked over 28 sts and 24 rows)

Follow this chart carefully, remembering to keep the 4 MC stitches on each side of the markers. Carry the unused yarn loosely across the back of the work to avoid puckering.

• Row 1: K4 MC, K20 CC, K4 MC
• Row 2: K4 MC, K20 CC, K4 MC
• Row 3: K4 MC, K5 CC, K10 MC, K5 CC, K4 MC
• Row 4: K4 MC, K4 CC, K12 MC, K4 CC, K4 MC
• Row 5: K4 MC, K3 CC, K14 MC, K3 CC, K4 MC
• Row 6: K4 MC, K2 CC, K16 MC, K2 CC, K4 MC
• Row 7: K4 MC, K2 CC, K16 MC, K2 CC, K4 MC
• Row 8: K4 MC, K1 CC, K18 MC, K1 CC, K4 MC
• Row 9: K4 MC, K1 CC, K18 MC, K1 CC, K4 MC
• Row 10: K4 MC, K1 CC, K18 MC, K1 CC, K4 MC
• Row 11: K4 MC, K1 CC, K18 MC, K1 CC, K4 MC
• Row 12: K4 MC, K1 CC, K18 MC, K1 CC, K4 MC
• Row 13: K4 MC, K1 CC, K18 MC, K1 CC, K4 MC
• Row 14: K4 MC, K1 CC, K18 MC, K1 CC, K4 MC
• Row 15: K4 MC, K2 CC, K16 MC, K2 CC, K4 MC
• Row 16: K4 MC, K2 CC, K16 MC, K2 CC, K4 MC
• Row 17: K4 MC, K3 CC, K14 MC, K3 CC, K4 MC
• Row 18: K4 MC, K4 CC, K12 MC, K4 CC, K4 MC
• Row 19: K4 MC, K5 CC, K10 MC, K5 CC, K4 MC
• Row 20: K4 MC, K6 CC, K8 MC, K6 CC, K4 MC
• Row 21: K4 MC, K7 CC, K6 MC, K7 CC, K4 MC
• Row 22: K4 MC, K8 CC, K4 MC, K8 CC, K4 MC
• Row 23: K4 MC, K9 CC, K2 MC, K9 CC, K4 MC
• Row 24: K4 MC, K10 CC, K10 CC, K4 MC (all CC across the middle)

Note: On wrong-side rows, purl the stitches as indicated, maintaining the same color pattern. The chart above is written for right-side rows; for WS rows, simply purl with the same colors.

Main Body (Rows 25-44)

After completing Row 24 of the chart, continue with MC only. Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) for 20 rows. This forms the main body of the bag, giving it height and structure.

Eyelet Row for Drawstring (Row 45 - RS)

K4, *K2tog, YO (yarn over)*, repeat from * to * until last 4 sts, K4. This creates a series of holes around the bag for threading your drawstring. The YO adds a stitch, and the K2tog removes one, keeping your stitch count at 36.

Top Border (Rows 46-51)

Work in garter stitch (knit all rows) with MC for 6 rows. This creates a neat, finished edge that mirrors the bottom border.

Bind Off

Bind off loosely on the WS. A loose bind-off ensures the top of the bag can cinch easily with the drawstring. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving in.

Finishing Touches

Seaming the Bag

Step 1: Fold the bag in half with RS together, matching the cast-on edge to the bind-off edge. The heart motif should be centered on the front.

Step 2: Seam the side edges using mattress stitch or whip stitch, leaving the top open. Use the tails from your cast-on and bind-off, plus additional yarn if needed. Weave in all ends securely.

Step 3: Turn the bag RS out. Gently shape it, and admire your beautiful colorwork!

Creating the Drawstring

Step 1: With CC, CO 3 sts. Knit an I-cord for approximately 24 inches. To make an I-cord: knit 3 stitches, slide them to the other end of the needle, knit again (do not turn the work). Repeat until you reach your desired length.

Step 2: Bind off. Weave the I-cord through the eyelet holes, starting and ending at the front center. This allows the bag to cinch evenly.

Step 3: Tie a small knot at each end of the cord to prevent fraying. For extra charm, add a small tassel to each end—simply wrap CC yarn around a small piece of cardboard, tie at one end, cut the other, and attach.

Tips for Success

• Colorwork tension: Keep your floats loose but not sloppy. Stretch the stitches on your right needle slightly before carrying the yarn across to prevent puckering.
• Velvet yarn care: Hand wash gently in cool water and lay flat to dry to maintain the plush texture.
• Customization: Feel free to adjust the size by adding or removing stitches in multiples of 2 for the eyelet row, or by working more rows in the main body.

This Heartfelt Hues Drawstring Gift Bag is a joy to make and even more delightful to give. The combination of soft velvet and a classic heart motif makes it perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want to show someone you care. Happy knitting!