Whimsical Woodland Forager's Drawstring Satchel Free Pattern
Whimsical Woodland Forager's Drawstring Satchel: A Free Tunisian Crochet Pattern
There’s something magical about a bag that feels like it was plucked straight from an enchanted forest. This Whimsical Woodland Forager's Drawstring Satchel is exactly that—a cozy, textured Tunisian crochet project designed for slow, mindful making. Whether you're heading out to gather wild blackberries, stashing a current knitting project, or simply want a rustic, handcrafted carryall, this satchel delivers both charm and function.
Using bulky, plush yarn and the rhythmic Tunisian simple stitch, this pattern creates a dense, woven fabric that stands up beautifully to daily use. The deep forest green body is accented with a creamy oatmeal drawstring and edging, giving it that perfect woodland aesthetic. Best of all, it's beginner-friendly—if you can chain and pull up loops, you can make this bag. Let's dive into the pattern and create something truly special.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather these supplies. The combination of a Tunisian hook with a cable and a standard hook is essential for achieving the bag's structure and the drawstring casing.
Yarn
- 2 skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (or any bulky weight yarn, Category 5) in Forest Green for the main body.
- 1 skein of the same yarn in Oatmeal for the contrast drawstring and top edging.
Hooks & Notions
- Tunisian crochet hook size J/10 (6 mm) with a 16-inch cable. This is crucial for holding the loops comfortably.
- Standard crochet hook size M/13 (9 mm) for the drawstring casing and edging.
- Yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends.
- Scissors.
- Optional: Two large wooden beads for the drawstring ends, and fabric for a lining if you desire extra durability.
Gauge
12 stitches and 10 rows in Tunisian simple stitch (Tss) over a 4-inch square using the J hook. Gauge is important for the final size, but since this is a slouchy bag, a slight variation won't ruin the project.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked flat in one large rectangle, then folded and seamed. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful satchel in no time.
Bag Body (Worked Flat)
Foundation Row (Row 1): With the Forest Green yarn and your Tunisian J hook, make a slip knot and chain 36 stitches. Now, you will work the forward pass of the Tunisian simple stitch. Starting in the second chain from your hook, insert your hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Leave this loop on the hook. Repeat this action in each chain across. You should now have 36 loops on your hook.
Return Pass: Now you will work the return pass to close the row. Yarn over and pull through one loop on the hook (this is your turning chain). Then, *yarn over and pull through two loops* on the hook. Repeat from * to * until you have only one loop left on your hook. That loop counts as the first stitch of the next row. Your foundation row is complete.
Row 2 and Beyond: For the rest of the body, you will repeat the same two steps. Look at your work—you will see a series of vertical "bars" or "V" shapes running down the fabric.
- Forward Pass: Skip the first vertical bar (it's already on your hook). Insert your hook under the second vertical bar, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Leave it on the hook. Continue this across the row, pulling up a loop under each vertical bar. You will again have 36 loops on your hook.
- Return Pass: Yarn over, pull through one loop. Then *yarn over, pull through two loops* across until one loop remains.
Continue: Repeat Row 2's forward and return passes until your piece measures 14 inches from the starting edge. End with a return pass to ensure you have a clean edge.
Final Row (Bind Off): To bind off, work a slip stitch in each vertical bar across the row. Insert your hook under the vertical bar, yarn over, and pull through both the bar and the loop on your hook (a slip stitch). Do this across the entire row. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 18 inches) for seaming.
Seaming the Sides
Fold your rectangle in half with the right sides together, matching the short ends. The fold will be the bottom of your bag.
Thread your yarn needle with the long tail. Using a whip stitch, seam the two open side edges together. Start at the bottom fold and work your way up to the top. Make sure your stitches are snug but not too tight, so the seam lies flat. When you reach the top, secure the yarn and weave in the end. Turn the bag right side out. You should now have a simple, open-topped pouch.
Drawstring Casing & Edging
Now we will add the sturdy top casing and eyelets using the larger M hook and Oatmeal yarn.
Round 1: Join the Oatmeal yarn with a slip stitch to the top edge of the bag. Work a round of single crochet (sc) evenly around the entire top opening. Place about 1 sc in each stitch or row-end along the edge. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.
Round 2: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sc in each sc around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.
Round 3 (Eyelet Round): Chain 1. *Work 1 sc in the next 3 stitches. Chain 2, skip 2 stitches.* Repeat from * to * all the way around the bag. This creates the holes for your drawstring. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. Note: If your stitch count doesn't divide evenly by 5, simply adjust the number of sc between the chain-2 spaces so they are evenly spaced around the bag.
Rounds 4 & 5: Chain 1. Work 1 sc in each sc from the previous round, and work 2 sc in each chain-2 space. This closes up the eyelets and creates a solid, reinforced casing. Join with a slip stitch at the end of each round. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Creating the Drawstring
With the Oatmeal yarn and your M hook, make a loose chain that measures about 40 inches long. Fasten off and leave the ends as they are, or weave them back into the chain to secure them.
Thread the drawstring through the eyelet holes. Start at the front of the bag, weave the chain in and out of the eyelets all the way around, and bring the ends out at the front again. Pull the ends to cinch the bag closed.
Finishing Touches: Tie the two ends of the drawstring together in a simple, secure knot. If you like, slide a large wooden bead onto each end before tying the knot to add a rustic, polished detail. Weave in any remaining loose ends from the body of the bag.
Optional: For a bag that can hold heavier items, consider sewing a simple fabric lining to the inside. Cut a rectangle of fabric slightly larger than the bag, sew the side seams, and slip it inside before adding the drawstring casing.
Your Whimsical Woodland Forager's Drawstring Satchel is now complete! Enjoy the satisfying texture of your Tunisian stitches and the cozy, forest-inspired charm of your new handmade companion.
