Some crochet projects are beautiful because they’re complicated, while others win your heart simply because they’re charming and useful. This Terracotta Marigold Drawstring Pouch belongs to the second category. It’s small, cheerful, and has just enough floral detail to make it feel special.
I wanted to create something inspired by warm autumn colors, handmade accessories, and those gorgeous little marigold flowers that brighten up a room. The combination of earthy terracotta yarn and golden yellow petals gives this pouch a cozy, slightly bohemian appearance.
The best part? You can use it for jewelry, crochet notions, hair accessories, makeup essentials, or little gifts. This Terracotta Marigold Drawstring Pouch Free Crochet Pattern combines a sturdy rounded base, textured body, decorative flowers, and a simple drawstring closure.
About This Pattern
This pouch is worked from the bottom up in joined rounds. You’ll begin with an oval base, build the sides using textured single crochet stitches, and finish with a decorative drawstring channel.
Two small marigold flowers are crocheted separately and attached to the front. Their golden petals stand out beautifully against the terracotta background.
- Skill level: Advanced beginner to intermediate.
- Construction: Oval base worked in rounds, followed by a cylindrical body.
- Finished size: Approximately 6 inches tall and 5 inches wide.
- Closure: Crocheted drawstring cord.
- Decoration: Two golden marigold appliqués.
- Stretch: Slight natural flexibility without becoming floppy.
You can adjust the height by adding or removing body rounds. The pouch is designed to hold small everyday items rather than heavy objects.
Materials You’ll Need
Yarn
Choose a smooth cotton yarn because it gives the pouch structure and makes the floral details easier to define.
- Color A – Terracotta: Approximately 100 yards of worsted-weight cotton yarn for the pouch.
- Color B – Marigold Yellow: Approximately 20 yards for the flowers.
- Color C – Golden Brown: Approximately 8 yards for flower centers.
- Color D – Sage Green: Approximately 10 yards for small leaves.
Allow approximately 15% extra yarn for gauge variation and finishing.
Crochet Hooks
- 4.0 mm crochet hook for the pouch body.
- 3.5 mm crochet hook for the flowers and leaves.
- 3.5 mm hook for the drawstring cord if you prefer a firmer finish.
Notions
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Blocking mat and pins
- Optional small wooden beads for drawstring ends
Abbreviations and Terminology
This pattern uses US crochet terminology.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | Chain |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| sc | Single crochet |
| hdc | Half double crochet |
| dc | Double crochet |
| tr | Treble crochet |
| inc | Increase (2 stitches in one stitch) |
| st | Stitch |
| sts | Stitches |
| sp | Space |
| BLO | Back loop only |
| FLO | Front loop only |
| rep | Repeat |
| rnd | Round |
| FO | Fasten off |
Stitch Explanations
- Chain (ch): Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
- Slip stitch (sl st): Insert the hook into a stitch, yarn over, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
- Single crochet (sc): Insert the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and pull through both loops.
- Half double crochet (hdc): Yarn over, insert the hook, pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through all three loops.
- Double crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert the hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops twice.
- Treble crochet (tr): Yarn over twice, insert the hook, pull up a loop, then work through two loops three times.
- Increase (inc): Work two single crochet stitches into the same stitch.
Important: Turning chains do not count as stitches unless a step specifically says otherwise. Join rounds with a slip stitch where instructed.
Gauge
Gauge is important because you want the pouch to hold its shape without becoming too loose.
Using the 4.0 mm hook and terracotta yarn, work:
- 16 single crochet stitches across.
- 18 rounds high.
Your swatch should measure approximately 4 × 4 inches.
If your swatch is larger, switch to a smaller hook. If it’s smaller, try a larger hook.
A slightly firm fabric is ideal for this project.
Main Pattern Instructions
Part 1: Crocheting the Oval Base
Start with Color A and your 4.0 mm hook.
Foundation: Ch 21.
Round 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook and in the next 18 ch. Work 3 sc in the final chain. Working along the opposite side of the foundation chain, sc in the next 18 chains. Work 2 sc in the last available chain. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (42 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1. Sc in the next 19 sts, work 2 sc in each of the next 3 sts, sc in the next 18 sts, work 2 sc in each of the final 2 sts. Join. (47 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1. Sc in the next 19 sts, *2 sc in the next st, sc in the next st*. Repeat twice more. Sc in the next 18 sts, *2 sc in the next st, sc in the next st*. Repeat once more. Join. (52 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1. Sc around, increasing evenly at both rounded ends as needed to keep the base flat. Join. (Approximately 56 sts)
Check your base before moving forward. It should lie flat without curling or ruffling.
Part 2: Building the Pouch Body
Now you’ll create the sides of the pouch.
Round 5: Ch 1. Sc in BLO around. Join. (56 sts)
This round creates a clear turning edge between the base and the body.
Round 6: Ch 1. Sc in each stitch around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 7: Ch 1. *Sc in the next stitch, hdc in the following stitch.* Repeat around. Join.
Round 8: Ch 1. *Hdc in the next stitch, sc in the following stitch.* Repeat around. Join.
Rounds 9–16: Repeat Rounds 7 and 8 four times.
The alternating stitch heights create a subtle woven texture. It’s simple, but it makes the pouch look much more detailed than plain single crochet.
Rounds 17–19: Ch 1. Sc in every stitch around. Join.
Fasten off and weave in the yarn ends.
At this point, the pouch should measure approximately 5 inches wide and 5 inches tall from the bottom.
Part 3: Creating the Drawstring Channel
The drawstring channel keeps the cord secure while allowing the opening to close smoothly.
Rejoin Color A at the top edge.
Round 20: Ch 1. *Sc in the next 2 sts, ch 1, skip the next stitch.* Repeat around. Join.
Round 21: Ch 1. Sc in every stitch and work 1 sc into each chain space around. Join.
Round 22: Ch 1. Sc around. Join and fasten off.
The small spaces from Round 20 form the openings for your drawstring.
Special Techniques: Marigold Flower Appliqués
The flowers are the main decorative feature of this pouch. I recommend making two matching flowers using golden yellow yarn.
Part 4: Crocheting the Marigold Centers
Using Color C and the 3.5 mm hook:
Round 1: Make a magic ring. Ch 1 and work 8 sc into the ring. Join with a sl st. (8 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1. Work 2 sc in each stitch around. Join. (16 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Part 5: Adding Golden Petals
Attach Color B to any stitch around the flower center.
Petal Round: Repeat the following sequence in each of the 16 stitches:
Sl st, ch 3, 2 dc, ch 3, sl st.
This creates 16 small rounded petals around the center.
Fasten off and weave in the loose end.
Gently shape the petals with your fingers so they spread evenly.
Make two flowers.
Part 6: Crocheting Small Sage Leaves
Using Color D:
Leaf 1: Ch 8.
Starting in the second chain from the hook:
- Sl st in the first chain.
- Sc in the next chain.
- Hdc in the next chain.
- Dc in the next 2 chains.
- Hdc in the next chain.
- Sc in the final chain.
Now work along the opposite side of the foundation chain:
- Sc in the next chain.
- Hdc in the next chain.
- Dc in the next 2 chains.
- Hdc in the next chain.
- Sc in the next chain.
- Sl st to finish.
Fasten off, leaving a sewing tail.
Make four leaves.
The leaves don’t need to be perfectly identical. Slight differences give the arrangement a natural handmade appearance.
Part 7: Crocheting the Drawstring Cord
Use Color A and the 3.5 mm hook.
Step 1: Ch 110.
Step 2: Starting in the second chain from the hook, work a sl st into every chain.
Step 3: Fasten off and weave in the ends.
The finished cord should measure approximately 27 inches, depending on your tension.
If you want a thicker drawstring, make a second identical cord and twist the two together.
Assembly and Finishing
Now comes the fun part: bringing everything together!
Attaching the Marigold Flowers
Lay your pouch flat with the front facing you.
Position the first flower approximately 1½ inches below the drawstring channel.
Place the second flower slightly lower and to one side of the first. This creates a relaxed floral arrangement rather than a perfectly symmetrical design.
Arrange two leaves around each flower.
Use the tapestry needle and matching yarn to sew each piece securely to the pouch.
Make a few small stitches through the flower centers and leaf bases. Avoid pulling too tightly because you want the appliqués to retain their natural shape.
Adding the Drawstring
Thread your crocheted cord through the chain spaces of Round 20.
Use a blunt tapestry needle or a safety pin to guide it through each opening.
Start at the front, travel around the pouch, and bring both ends back to the starting point.
Tie the ends together in a small knot.
If desired, attach wooden beads to the ends for a pretty boho finish.
Pull the cord gently to test the closure. The opening should gather evenly without twisting.
Final Finishing
- Weave in every remaining yarn tail.
- Trim loose fibers.
- Check that both flowers are firmly attached.
- Smooth the pouch into its intended shape.
- Test the drawstring several times.
Your little marigold pouch is ready!
Blocking and Care
Cotton yarn responds well to gentle wet blocking.
Fill a bowl with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the pouch for a few minutes, then rinse gently.
Press out excess water using a clean towel. Never twist or wring the pouch.
Shape the base into an oval and gently arrange the sides. Adjust the flowers and leaves so they sit naturally.
Allow the pouch to dry completely on a flat surface.
Care instructions:
- Hand wash with mild detergent.
- Avoid harsh bleach.
- Dry flat.
- Never hang the pouch while wet.
- Store away from excessive moisture.
If you use wooden beads, remove them before washing if possible.
Fit and Troubleshooting Tips
1. The Base Is Curling Up
Your tension may be too tight, or you may need additional increases. Try using a slightly larger hook or adding evenly spaced increases to the next base round.
2. The Base Looks Wavy
Too many increases can cause ruffling. Check your stitch counts and reduce the number of increases if necessary.
3. The Pouch Feels Too Loose
Cotton crochet fabric should have enough structure to support small items. Try a smaller hook or use a slightly firmer yarn.
4. The Drawstring Doesn’t Close Properly
Check that your cord passes through every chain space. Make sure it isn’t accidentally trapped behind a stitch. A slightly longer cord may also make gathering easier.
5. The Flowers Curl
If the petals curl inward, gently wet-block the flowers and pin the petals into position while drying.
6. You Want a Larger Pouch
Add more rounds to the body before beginning the drawstring channel. For a wider pouch, increase the oval foundation chain and adjust the base increases evenly. Remember to check the stitch count before starting the textured body.
Final Thoughts
I love how this Terracotta Marigold Drawstring Pouch brings together simple crochet techniques and beautiful little details. The warm terracotta background makes the golden flowers pop, while the textured body gives the finished pouch a lovely handmade character.
It’s a wonderful project when you want something useful without committing to a large crochet project. You can make one for yourself, create a few as handmade gifts, or experiment with different flower colors to give each pouch its own personality.
Try cream, mustard, dusty pink, or olive green for different seasonal looks.
I hope you enjoy making this Terracotta Marigold Drawstring Pouch Free Crochet Pattern as much as I enjoyed designing it. Don’t forget to share your finished pouch, save your favorite color combinations, and let your creativity bloom one stitch at a time!







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