This Earthy Terracotta Drawstring Bucket Bag is the fall project you did not know you needed. Warm terracotta, caramel, and cream stripes give it that cozy autumn energy while the chunky yarn means you finish it faster than most bags. The drawstring closure and brass chain strap make it both practical and boutique-ready. If you can single crochet in the round, you can absolutely nail this one.
Why You Will Love This Crochet Tutorial
This bag sits right in the sweet spot between stylish and sturdy. Super bulky yarn creates a fabric that holds its shape without any liner. The vertical stripes look intentional and polished, yet you create them with simple color changes. No intarsia, no carrying yarn across the back in complicated ways.
The brass chain strap adds a little sophistication, and the twisted drawstring with wooden beads gives it that handmade boho vibe. You end up with something that works for farmers markets, weekend brunches, or just looking put-together while running errands.
Honestly, the moment you attach that chain and cinch the top, it suddenly looks store-bought. That feeling never gets old.
Finished Dimensions
Width: approximately 10 inches across at the widest point
Height: approximately 9 inches tall (not including the strap)
Depth: approximately 8 inches deep at the base
The rounded bucket shape cinches nicely at the top once you pull the drawstring. It feels substantial without turning into a giant tote that swallows everything.
Materials Needed
Grab these before you start so the momentum stays strong.
Yarn (super bulky weight cotton or cotton-blend, category 6):
- Color A: Terracotta/Rust (about 150 yards)
- Color B: Caramel/Tan (about 150 yards)
- Color C: Cream/Off-White (about 80 yards)
I recommend tube yarn or t-shirt yarn. The matte, slightly textured finish looks gorgeous and gives excellent stitch definition. Regular super bulky works too if that is what you have.
Hook and notions:
- 9 mm crochet hook (or size needed for gauge)
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- One brass or antique gold chain strap (about 24 inches with large links)
- Two large brass or antique gold rings (about 1.5 inches diameter)
- Two wooden beads (about 15 mm with holes big enough for doubled cord)
- Scissors
Gauge
8 single crochet stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches in single crochet worked in the round.
Gauge matters here. Too loose and the bag goes floppy. Too tight and you risk running out of yarn or ending up with a tiny version. Take five minutes to check. Your future self will appreciate it.
Skill Level
Intermediate beginner.
You should feel comfortable with continuous rounds, single crochet, increases, color changes, and basic finishing. Nothing fancy required beyond that.
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- BLO = back loop only
That is the full list. The entire bag lives in single crochet territory.
Pattern Notes
You work this bag from the bottom up in continuous rounds. No joining at the end of each round. Use a stitch marker and move it up as you go.
The vertical stripes happen by dividing the stitches into sections and switching colors at set points. Carry the unused yarns loosely up the inside of the bag. Do not cut after every section. Just drop the old color and pick up the new one.
When you change colors, finish the last stitch of the old color until two loops sit on the hook. Yarn over with the new color and pull through both loops. Clean transitions every time.
The Pattern
Base of the Bag
Use Color B (caramel) for the entire base. Work increases to create a flat circle that becomes the sturdy bottom.
Round 1: With Color B, create a magic ring. Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull tight. Place marker. (6 sts)
Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Round 3: *Sc in next st, inc in next st* repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st* repeat around. (30 sts)
Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st* repeat around. (36 sts)
Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, inc in next st* repeat around. (42 sts)
Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, inc in next st* repeat around. (48 sts)
Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, inc in next st* repeat around. (54 sts)
Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, inc in next st* repeat around. (60 sts)
Your base should measure about 7 to 8 inches across. Adjust with an extra increase round or a smaller hook if needed.
render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper-detailed 8K close-up of hands crocheting the flat circular base of an earthy terracotta drawstring bucket bag in caramel super bulky yarn, magic ring and increasing single crochet rounds visible, stitch marker in place, realistic yarn texture and tight stitches, soft natural craft lighting, clean white surface background orientation is portrait
Sides of the Bag
Transition Round (Round 11): Working in BLO only, sc in each st around. (60 sts). This creates a crisp ridge where the base meets the sides and helps the bag stand upright.
Now set up the vertical stripe pattern. Divide the 60 stitches into six sections of 10 stitches each. The sequence repeats twice around:
- Section 1: Color B (caramel) for 10 sts
- Section 2: Color A (terracotta) for 10 sts
- Section 3: Color C (cream) for 10 sts
- Section 4: Color B (caramel) for 10 sts
- Section 5: Color A (terracotta) for 10 sts
- Section 6: Color C (cream) for 10 sts
Rounds 12 through 30: Work sc in each stitch, changing colors according to the sections above. Carry unused yarns loosely inside. (60 sts per round)
That is 19 rounds of sides. Your bag should stand about 7 to 8 inches tall. The first few colorwork rounds feel a bit messy on the inside. Totally normal. By round 5 or 6 you find your rhythm, and those carried strands actually add structure.
render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper-detailed 8K photograph of the vertical stripe sides of the earthy terracotta drawstring bucket bag in progress, caramel terracotta and cream color sections clearly visible in continuous single crochet rounds, hands holding the growing bag, realistic super bulky yarn texture, soft natural daylight, clean craft table orientation is portrait
Drawstring Eyelets
Round 31: *Sc in next 3 sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts* repeat around, adjusting to create 6 evenly spaced eyelets. (60 sts including the chains)
Round 32: Sc in each st and each ch around. (60 sts)
Upper Edge
Rounds 33 and 34: Sc in each st around using Color B. (60 sts)
Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.
Finishing
Attaching the Rings
Position one brass ring on each side of the bag around Round 25 level (about 2 inches down from the top). Place them directly opposite each other.
Using a length of Color B yarn and your tapestry needle, whip stitch firmly around each ring. Go around several times. These rings carry the weight of the strap and whatever you load into the bag, so make the attachments strong.
Adding the Chain Strap
Thread the chain strap through both rings. Most straps come with lobster clasps or jump rings that make this easy. If yours lacks hardware, use pliers to open a link and attach directly.
Creating the Drawstring Cord
Cut two 60-inch lengths each of Color A and Color C. Hold all four strands together. Secure one end to a doorknob or have a friend hold it.
Twist the strands tightly in one direction until they start to kink when you ease the tension. Fold the twisted cord in half at the center and let the two halves twist around each other naturally. Knot both ends.
You now have a gorgeous marbled terracotta-and-cream twisted cord about 28 inches long.
render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper-detailed 8K step-by-step image of hands creating a twisted drawstring cord for the earthy terracotta bucket bag using terracotta and cream yarn strands, twisting process shown with tension and natural twist forming, realistic yarn fibers and texture, soft bright lighting, clean workspace background orientation is portrait
Threading the Drawstring
Start at the front center and weave the cord through the eyelets, going over and under all the way around. Both ends should come out at the front.
Adding Wooden Beads
Thread one wooden bead onto each cord end. Tie a knot below each bead to secure. Trim excess and lightly unravel the ends if you want tiny tassels.
render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper-detailed 8K close-up of the finished earthy terracotta drawstring bucket bag with vertical caramel terracotta and cream stripes, brass chain strap attached via rings, wooden beads on the twisted drawstring cord, bag cinched at top, realistic yarn and metal texture, soft golden hour lighting, clean studio background orientation is portrait
render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper-detailed 8K lifestyle photograph of the completed Earthy Terracotta Drawstring Bucket Bag sitting on a wooden surface with autumn leaves nearby, brass chain strap draped, drawstring cinched with wooden beads visible, warm natural light, ultra realistic fabric texture and color detail orientation is landscape
Customization Ideas
Color options are wide open. Try navy, gray, and white for a nautical vibe. Or go bold with emerald, plum, and gold for jewel-tone drama.
Strap variations: swap the chain for a crocheted strap made from the same yarn. Chain to the length you want, then single crochet back along the chain for a flat sturdy strap.
Size adjustments: for a smaller bag, stop increasing at Round 8 (48 sts) and work fewer side rounds. For a larger tote, continue increasing through Round 12 and add extra height rounds.
Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry. The cotton yarn may stretch a little with use but usually returns to shape after washing.
Avoid hanging the bag when it is heavily loaded for long periods. Store it flat or stuffed with tissue paper so it keeps its shape.
FAQ’s
Can I use regular super bulky yarn instead of tube or t-shirt yarn?
Yes. Tube yarn gives that matte textured look in the photos, but any super bulky cotton or cotton blend works fine. Just check your gauge.
How long does this bag take to make?
Most people finish in two to four evenings. The base goes quickly, and once the stripe rhythm clicks the sides fly by.
Do the carried yarns on the inside look messy?
They do at first. That is normal. The carried strands actually add structure and strength. Once the bag is finished and in use, you never notice them.
What if I cannot find brass rings or a chain strap?
Any large metal rings and a sturdy chain or leather strap will work. You can also crochet a matching strap if you prefer everything yarn.
Can I add a lining?
You can, but the dense fabric from super bulky yarn usually holds its shape well without one. Add a simple fabric lining only if you want extra security for small items.
Final Thoughts
Watching those vertical stripes grow round after round feels surprisingly satisfying. Then you add the chain and the wooden beads and suddenly the whole thing looks like it came from a high-end market stall. That moment never fails to make me grin.
This bag is sturdy enough for everyday use and pretty enough for special outings. Pack it for the farmers market, brunch, or just because you want to feel put-together while grabbing coffee.
Thanks for making this pattern. Tag me when you finish yours. I love seeing every color combination and personal twist people add. Happy hooking. You have got this.
