Recycled Sari Silk Drawstring Bucket Bag — Free Crochet Pattern No.4 🧵🪣
🪣 Pattern No.4 in the Knitsilk Free Pattern Series. Three balls of Knitsilk Recycled Sari Silk. One bohemian drawstring bucket bag that goes everywhere. Built from the bottom up with a magic ring base, textured HDC sides, a beautiful DC eyelet round for the drawstring, and an adjustable strap. The pattern is beginner-friendly. The yarn — reclaimed from the sarees of India — makes every bag irreplaceably yours.
📌 Project at a Glance
| Skill Level | Beginner+ |
| Yarn | 3 × 100g Knitsilk Recycled Sari Silk (approx. 50 yards per ball) |
| Total Available | Approx. 150 yards |
| Target Usage | Approx. 110–150 yards |
| Hook | 8–9mm; use 9mm if yarn is thick or stiff |
| Finished Size | Approx. 9 in wide × 10 in tall |
| Base Diameter | Approx. 7 in |
| Handle / Strap | Adjustable, approx. 10–12 in drop |
| Gauge | Flexible — prioritise a flat base and even sides |
🧶 Materials
- 3 × 100g balls Knitsilk Recycled Sari Silk (approx. 50 yards each)
- 8–9mm crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Optional: 2 D-rings, magnetic snap, fabric lining, cord for drawstring
📖 Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | Magic Ring |
| ch | Chain |
| sc | Single Crochet |
| hdc | Half Double Crochet |
| dc | Double Crochet |
| sl st | Slip Stitch |
| st / sts | Stitch / Stitches |
| BLO | Back Loop Only |
| rep | Repeat |
🌈 Before You Start: Embrace the Yarn
- Knitsilk Recycled Sari Silk is intentionally irregular — changes in thickness, colour, texture, joins and loose fibres are part of the design
- Keep tension relaxed. If the yarn feels difficult to pull through, move up to a 9mm hook
- Finished dimensions are targets — prioritise a flat base and even side walls over exact measurements
- No two Knitsilk bucket bags will ever be identical — that is the point
🧵 The Pattern — Step by Step
The base is worked in the round from a magic ring, increasing each round until approximately 7 inches across.
Round 1: Ch 2; work 6 SC into the ring; pull closed; SL ST to join. (6 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1; 2 SC in every stitch around. Join. (12 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1; *SC in next, 2 SC in next* around. Join. (18 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1; *SC in next 2, 2 SC in next* around. Join. (24 sts)
Round 5: Ch 1; *SC in next 3, 2 SC in next* around. Join. (30 sts)
Round 6: Ch 1; *SC in next 4, 2 SC in next* around. Join. (36 sts)
Continue the same increase logic if needed until the base measures approximately 7 inches across and lies flat.
- If the base cups upward, add an increase round
- If the base waves or ruffles, you have too many increases — skip one increase round
- A flat, relaxed base gives the bag good structure when filled
Transition round: Work 1 round of SC in the back loop only (BLO). This creates a clean right-angle fold between base and sides.
Continue HDC rounds without increasing until the bag measures approximately 7–8 inches from the bottom.
- If sides flare outward: reduce hook size one step or remove an occasional increase
- If sides pull inward: loosen tension or add an occasional increase every 6–8 stitches
Eyelet round: *DC in next 2 stitches, ch 2, skip next 2 stitches.* Repeat around. Join with SL ST.
If the stitch count does not divide evenly by 4, adjust the final repeat so the openings remain visually balanced. The eyelets don’t need to be perfectly regular — the sari silk colour variation will draw the eye beautifully.
Round 2: SC around. Keep the edge firm but not tight.
SL ST to finish. Fasten off and leave a 10–12 inch tail.
Thread through the eyelets in sequence around the bag.
Tie the ends securely. Add a tassel to each end if desired.
For heavier use, use a twisted or braided cord rather than a loose single strand of sari silk. To twist: cut two lengths, hold together, twist tightly in one direction, then fold in half and let the two halves twist around each other.
D-ring option: Make a 2–3 row SC strap and sew each end around a D-ring. Attach D-rings to the bag for an adjustable, detachable strap.
Reinforce every attachment point with multiple passes of yarn.
Lightly reshape the bag by hand. Avoid aggressive stretching and heat.
Optional: add a magnetic snap inside the top edge, or a simple cotton fabric lining.
Test the strap gently before carrying heavier items — reinforce if needed.
🌈 Colour & Ball-Change Tips
- Natural colour changes: Use Balls 1–3 naturally as each runs out. Overlap the new ball with the old for a few stitches to join — no knots needed. The spontaneous colour transitions are part of the bucket bag’s character
- Deliberate colour blocking: For cleaner transitions, start a new ball at the beginning of a round — especially satisfying at the eyelet round for a colour accent
- No two Knitsilk bucket bags will ever be identical
🔧 Troubleshooting
- Base won’t lie flat: Check your increase count per round matches the pattern. If ruffling, skip an increase round
- Sides flare or pull in: Adjust hook size or tension as described in Step 2
- Magic ring comes undone: Pull the tail tightly and weave it through at least 4–5 stitches in multiple directions before trimming
- Yarn is very stiff: Switch to 9mm hook and keep tension deliberately relaxed
- Eyelets too small for cord: Use a slightly larger chain-2 space, or try ch-3 skip-3 in the eyelet round
- Strap attachment feels weak: Sew through the attachment point at least 3–4 times and weave in ends extensively
🌟 Leftover Yarn Ideas
With 10–40 yards remaining after your bucket bag, try:
- Tassel charm: Wind yarn 20 times around a piece of cardboard, tie at the top, cut at the bottom — attach to the drawstring ends
- Mini keychain pouch: Magic ring, 6 rounds of SC, fasten off
- Decorative flower: Chain 5, join to ring, work 5 petals of (ch 3, 3 DC, ch 3, SL ST)
- Friendship bow: Chain 20, SC back, tie in the centre for a decorative bow
- Combine leftovers from all three balls for a multicolour tassel or mini accessory
🚿 Care Instructions
- 💧 Hand wash gently in cool water
- 🧴 Use mild detergent suitable for delicate fibres
- ❌ Do not wring or twist — press gently to remove water
- 🐕 Lay flat to dry — reshape the bag while damp
- 🔥 Avoid high heat — no tumble dryer, no direct radiator
♻️ From Sari to Bucket Bag — The Story Behind the Yarn
Every ball of Knitsilk Recycled Sari Silk began as a saree — celebrated, worn, and storied across generations. Knitsilk’s artisans in India reclaim the fabric at the end of its wearable life, strip and spin it into yarn that carries the colour, history, and character of its origins. Your bucket bag contains the fibres of multiple sarees. It exists nowhere else on earth.
Reclaimed sari textile given a beautiful second life
Every bag is unique — yours exists nowhere else
Diverts beautiful sari fabrics from landfill
Supports skilled artisan communities in India
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This is the most beautiful bag I’ve ever made and I’ve been crocheting for ten years. The magic ring base gives it a professional round shape and the DC eyelet round is such a clever detail. Carried it to the market the same day I finished it."
— Lieselotte V., Ghent, Belgium
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I’ve made three of these now as gifts — no two look even remotely alike. My friends think I bought them at a boutique. The drawstring detail makes it look so much more sophisticated than a regular tote."
— Camille R., Lyon, France
📌 Pattern No.1 — One-Ball Recycled Sari Silk Knitted Headband
📌 Pattern No.2 — Recycled Sari Silk Statement Tote Bag
📌 Why European Crafters Are Choosing Recycled Sari Silk Yarn
3 × 100g • Approximately 150 yards total • Every set is unique • Ships worldwide from India
Shop Recycled Sari Silk Multicolor →Commercial Sample Note: This pattern is based on approximately 50 yards per 100g ball. Recycled sari silk varies in thickness — individual results will vary. Always check your yardage before beginning.
Knitsilk Europe — Premium Silk Yarns, Ribbons & Fibres. Crafting Luxury, one stitch at a time.