Retro Spice Drawstring Pouch: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

Meet the Retro Spice Drawstring Pouch, a tiny, cheerful project that's perfect for anyone who has just learned the magic ring and single crochet. Worked in continuous rounds from the center out, it builds a flat circular base, a straight striped body, and a gently tapered top that closes with a braided tri-color cord. The 90s-inspired stripes in paprika, turmeric, and cumin give it a warm, spice-rack glow that looks great on a desk, in a tote bag, or hanging by the door. Small enough to finish in an evening and sturdy enough to hold earrings, crystals, or small treasures, it feels soft and squishy in worsted acrylic and keeps its shape beautifully.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn — 30 yd paprika (A), 20 yd turmeric (B), 20 yd cumin (C)
• Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6) crochet hook
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors
• Finished size: 3.5 inches diameter x 4 inches tall

Abbreviations

• MR — magic ring: an adjustable loop you crochet into to start a circle.
• sc — single crochet.
• inc — increase: work 2 single crochet into the same stitch.
• sc2tog — single crochet 2 together: a decrease that joins two stitches into one.
• rnd(s) — round(s).
• sts — stitches.
• A, B, C — color A (paprika), color B (turmeric), color C (cumin).

Gauge

4 sc x 4 rnds = 1 inch. To check, crochet a small flat swatch in the round and measure a 1-inch square; adjust your hook size if you're far off.

Tips Before You Start

• Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round — continuous rounds spiral, so the marker keeps your count honest.
• Change colors in the last stitch of the previous round by pulling the new color through the final loop, so the stripe edge stays clean.
• Keep your tension even rather than tight; a slightly relaxed fabric makes the pouch soft and helps the drawstring slide easily.
• Count your increases on the base carefully — every round should gain exactly 6 stitches to keep the disc flat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Base (Color A)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).

Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts).

Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts).

Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48 sts).

Body (Stripes)

Rnds 9-12: sc in each st around in A (48 sts).

Change to B.

Rnds 13-16: sc in each st around in B (48 sts).

Change to C.

Rnds 17-20: sc in each st around in C (48 sts).

Change to A.

Rnds 21-24: sc in each st around in A (48 sts).

Change to B.

Rnds 25-28: sc in each st around in B (48 sts).

Change to C.

Rnds 29-32: sc in each st around in C (48 sts).

Change to A.

Rnds 33-36: sc in each st around in A (48 sts).

Top Shaping (Color A)

Rnd 37: [sc2tog, 6 sc] x6 (42 sts).

Rnd 38: [sc2tog, 5 sc] x6 (36 sts).

Rnd 39: [sc2tog, 4 sc] x6 (30 sts).

Rnd 40: [sc2tog, 3 sc] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 41: [sc2tog, 2 sc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 42: [sc2tog, 1 sc] x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 43: sc2tog x6 (6 sts).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail, and weave the opening closed.

Braided Drawstring

Cut three 24-inch strands, one each in A, B, and C. Hold them together and braid to a 12-inch cord. Thread the cord through the stitches of Rnd 36 near the top edge, then tie the ends together to secure.

Assembly and Finishing

Use the long tail from Rnd 43 to weave the final 6-stitch opening closed, drawing it snug from the inside. Weave in all color-change ends on the wrong side, working each tail through a few stitches in its own color so it disappears. Lightly steam or mist block the pouch over a small jar or cup to smooth the stripes and round out the base, then let it dry fully before threading the drawstring. Tie a small knot at each cord end to prevent fraying.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make wider stripes by working each color for 6 rounds instead of 4, or go mini with a 3.5 mm (E/4) hook and finer yarn.
• Swap the braid for a crocheted chain cord in a single color for a quicker, more minimal finish.
• Add a small tassel or bead to each drawstring end for a scrunchie-inspired accent that matches the retro vibe.