The Bramblewood Basketweave Drawstring Pouch: A Knitted Forest Treasure

Imagine a cozy, textured pouch that feels like a walk through an autumn forest—that's the Bramblewood Basketweave Drawstring Pouch. This charming project combines the timeless beauty of the basketweave stitch with a rustic woodland palette of forest green, moss, and cream. Perfect for storing trinkets, yarn, herbs, or even as a thoughtful handmade gift, this pouch is knit in the round from the bottom up, creating a sturdy, flat base and a soft, textured body. The silky I-cord drawstring and delicate leaf-shaped button add a touch of nature that makes this piece truly special. Best of all, it's beginner-friendly, using simple knits, purls, and basic cables to create a stunning result.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three shades:
  • Forest Green (MC) – approximately 150g
  • Moss (CC1) – approximately 50g
  • Cream (CC2) – approximately 50g
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, 16-inch length
• Notions: Tapestry needle, small cable needle, stitch markers
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in basketweave stitch (knit in the round)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Finished Size & Abbreviations

Finished Size: Approximately 8 inches tall (excluding drawstring) and 6 inches wide, with a flat bottom.

Abbreviations:

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• St(s): stitch(es)
• K2tog: knit two together
• SSK: slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• PM: place marker
• MC: main color (Forest Green)
• CC1: contrast color 1 (Moss)
• CC2: contrast color 2 (Cream)
• C4F: cable 4 front (slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in front, k2, then k2 from cable needle)
• C4B: cable 4 back (slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in back, k2, then k2 from cable needle)

Pattern Notes:

• The pouch is worked in the round from the bottom up, then the top is finished with a drawstring casing.
• The basketweave pattern is created with a combination of knits, purls, and simple cables.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.

Bottom of Pouch

1. With MC, CO 48 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. PM at beginning of round.
2. Round 1: Knit all sts.
3. Round 2: Purl all sts.
4. Repeat Rounds 1-2 once more (4 rounds total).
5. Increase Round: *K1, M1L (make 1 left), repeat from * to end of round – 96 sts.
6. Knit 1 round even.

Body of Pouch (Basketweave Pattern)

Now we'll create the beautiful textured body. Follow these rounds carefully, noting the cable placements:

7. Round 1 (MC): *K4, P4, repeat from * to end.
8. Round 2 (MC): Repeat Round 1.
9. Round 3 (MC): *C4F, P4, repeat from * to end.
10. Round 4 (MC): *K4, P4, repeat from * to end.
11. Round 5 (MC): Repeat Round 4.
12. Round 6 (MC): *C4B, P4, repeat from * to end.
13. Round 7 (MC): Repeat Round 4.
14. Round 8 (MC): Repeat Round 4.
15. Round 9 (MC): *K4, P4, repeat from * to end.
16. Round 10 (MC): Repeat Round 9.
17. Round 11 (MC): *C4F, P4, repeat from * to end.
18. Round 12 (MC): Repeat Round 9.
19. Round 13 (MC): Repeat Round 9.
20. Round 14 (MC): *C4B, P4, repeat from * to end.
21. Repeat Rounds 7-14 two more times (total of 3 basketweave blocks in height).

Color Transition

Now we'll add the beautiful color bands. Change colors as indicated, carrying the unused yarn loosely up the inside of the work:

22. Round 1 (CC1): *K4, P4, repeat from * to end.
23. Round 2 (CC1): Repeat Round 1.
24. Round 3 (CC1): *C4F, P4, repeat from * to end.
25. Round 4 (CC1): Repeat Round 1.
26. Round 5 (CC1): Repeat Round 1.
27. Round 6 (CC1): *C4B, P4, repeat from * to end.
28. Round 7 (CC1): Repeat Round 1.
29. Round 8 (CC1): Repeat Round 1.
30. Round 9 (CC2): *K4, P4, repeat from * to end.
31. Round 10 (CC2): Repeat Round 9.
32. Round 11 (CC2): *C4F, P4, repeat from * to end.
33. Round 12 (CC2): Repeat Round 9.
34. Round 13 (CC2): Repeat Round 9.
35. Round 14 (CC2): *C4B, P4, repeat from * to end.
36. Round 15 (CC2): Repeat Round 9.
37. Round 16 (CC2): Repeat Round 9.

Drawstring Casing

Now we'll create the casing for the drawstring at the top of the pouch:

38. Round 1 (MC): Knit all sts.
39. Round 2 (MC): Purl all sts.
40. Round 3 (MC): Knit all sts.
41. Round 4 (MC): *K2tog, YO (yarn over), repeat from * to end (creates eyelets).
42. Round 5 (MC): Knit all sts.
43. Round 6 (MC): Purl all sts.
44. Round 7 (MC): Knit all sts.
45. Bind off loosely in knit.

Finishing

46. Weave in all ends with tapestry needle.
47. Drawstring: With CC1, CO 5 sts. Work an I-cord for 30 inches. Bind off. Thread the I-cord through the eyelet round, starting and ending at the front. Tie a small knot at each end of the cord to prevent fraying.
48. Leaf Button (optional): With CC2, CO 3 sts. Work a small leaf shape:
    • Row 1: K1, M1L, K1, M1R, K1 (5 sts)
    • Row 2: Purl
    • Row 3: K2tog, K1, SSK (3 sts)
    • Row 4: Purl
    • Row 5: K2tog, SSK (1 st)
    Cut yarn, pull through. Sew the leaf onto the front of the pouch just below the drawstring casing, using a small stitch to secure it. This acts as a decorative button, but the pouch is primarily closed with the drawstring.
49. Block the pouch gently to even out the stitches.

Pro Tips for Success

• Keep your tension even when working the cables—this ensures a uniform, professional-looking basketweave texture.
• Use a lifeline if you're new to cables. Thread a contrasting piece of yarn through your stitches at the end of a round so you can easily unravel back if needed.
• Carry yarns loosely when changing colors to avoid puckering. The inside of the pouch will have floats, which is perfectly fine for a storage bag.
• Blocking is key—a gentle steam block will help the basketweave pattern pop and the pouch stand upright beautifully.

Your Bramblewood Basketweave Drawstring Pouch is now complete! This rustic, woodland-inspired treasure is perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself. The combination of textures and earthy tones makes it a versatile piece that adds charm to any space. Happy knitting!