This delightful drawstring makeup touch-up pouch is an excellent small crochet project that combines practicality with creativity. Perfect for holding your makeup essentials, this pouch is both stylish and functional. Made with worsted-weight cotton yarn, it features a lovely peach-coral color that’s sure to brighten up your day. The simple drawstring closure allows for easy access to your items while helping to keep them secure.
The construction of this pouch involves working in the round, beginning with a magic ring technique. This method helps create a neat and sturdy base. As you progress, you will work on the body of the pouch, keeping your rows uniform and elevating it to the desired height. This project is not only fun but also a great way to practice key crochet skills, including increasing, working in back loops, and finishing with drawstrings. For some additional inspiration, you might also want to explore making a cute bow bag charm to accompany your new pouch!
Pattern at a Glance
Skill level: Easy
Terminology: US Crochet Terms
Construction: Worked in rounds
Finished size: Approximately 5 inches in diameter and 4 inches high
Yarn weight: Worsted-weight #4 cotton yarn
Hook: 4mm crochet hook
Main stitch: Single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc)
Gauge: Not critical for this project
Motifs: None
Layout: Round base leading to sides
Joining: Not applicable
Border: None
Materials
For this project, you will need:
- Worsted-weight #4 cotton yarn: both in peach-coral and cream for the drawstrings
- 4mm crochet hook: suitable for the yarn weight
- Tapestry needle: for weaving in ends
These materials will yield a beautiful pouch that you can customize in various colors if desired.
Yarn and Color Notes
Choosing the right yarn is essential for achieving the best results. Worsted-weight #4 cotton yarn is a popular choice because it balances strength and softness, ensuring that your pouch not only looks good but can also withstand daily use. The peach-coral color creates a lovely aesthetic, while the cream for the drawstrings adds contrast and visual interest.
When selecting yarn, consider a smooth finish that will hold its shape well. Avoid fuzzy yarns that may fuzz out patterns or stitches, as they can obscure the neatness of your work.
Finished Measurements
Once finished, the pouch measures approximately 5 inches in diameter at the base and 4 inches high. These dimensions can accommodate a small selection of cosmetic items, making it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups or traveling.
Gauge
Although gauge is not critical for this project, it is always good to maintain a consistent tension while crocheting. This way, the size of your finished products aligns with your expectations. If you’re concerned about your tension, practice a few stitches and check the size; it helps avoid any size discrepancies.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- BL: back loop only
Important Pattern Notes
- Magic Ring: This is a technique used to create a tightly closed circle for the foundation.
- Back Loop Only (BLO): This method of working allows for a different texture and could be used to create a subtle ridge on the side of your pouch.
- Turn your work: Always turn your work after finishing each round if specified, especially when there are consecutive rounds to maintain a consistent look.
Special Stitches and Techniques
This project employs several key techniques:
- Magic Ring: Essential for starting in the round without leaving a hole in the center.
- Single Crochet (sc): Provides the structure for the pouch.
- Double Crochet (dc): Used to create the eyelet round for threading the drawstring.
Understanding these techniques will enhance your crochet skills and prepare you for a variety of projects in the future.
Understanding the Construction
The pouch is constructed as a single piece, starting from the base and working up. You will create a circular base, then form the sides by continuing to work in single crochet. After the body reaches the desired height, you will add an eyelet round to accommodate the drawstrings. This straightforward construction allows for quick completion, even for novice crocheters.
Full Pattern Instructions
Foundation
- Begin with a magic ring.
- Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), then 8 single crochet into the ring.
Round 1
- Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around (16 total).
Round 2
- Round 3: *Work 1 sc, then 2 sc in the next stitch; repeat from * around (24 total).
Round 3
- Round 4: *Work 2 sc, then 2 sc in the next stitch; repeat from * around (32 total).
Rounds 4 and onward
Continue performing evenly spaced increases until the base measures approximately 5 inches in diameter.
Side Round
- Work 1 round sc in the back loop only.
Body
Continue working sc rounds without increases until the body measures approximately 4 inches high.
Eyelet Round
- Eyelet round: Double crochet in the next 2 stitches, ch1, skip 1 stitch around.
Finishing
- Work 1 final round of sc in each stitch.
- For the drawstrings: Make 2 cords in cream yarn, chain 55-65 for each.
- Weave the first cord through the eyelets starting from one side and the second cord from the opposite side, allowing the cords to pull together to close the pouch.
- Knot the cord ends securely.
Checkpoints
- After the eyelet round, ensure your pouch continues to align with your desired dimensions.
- The base should be 5 inches across and confirm that there are no skipped stitches through your rounds.
Assembly
This pouch does not require complex assembly since it’s created as a single piece. Ensure all ends are woven in neatly and the drawstrings are aligned correctly for ease of use.
Finishing
Once completed, you may consider blocking your pouch to achieve a more polished look. Gently stretch it to shape and allow it to dry flat. Be careful not to distort the eyelets while blocking.
How to Resize
To adjust the size of this pouch, you can modify the number of increases in the base or the height by adding or removing rounds of single crochet. For example, to make a larger version, continue increasing beyond the stated round counts until achieving the desired diameter before beginning the body rounds.
Useful Variations
- Explore using different colors for your pouch or add embellishments like beads or appliques.
- You could also create a larger version for a beach bag, linking it to another pattern, such as a charming seashell bag charm!
Troubleshooting
Why Is My Project Getting Wider?
Check your increase counts and make sure you are only working in the specified stitches.
Why Is My Edge Wavy?
Ensure you are maintaining a consistent tension throughout your rounds.
Why Is My Eyelet Round Not Opening Up?
Make sure that your chains are not too tight; loosen the threading as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different yarn weight?
Yes, but switching yarn weights may affect the size and structure of your finished pouch.
Can I use cotton?
Definitely! Cotton yarn works beautifully for this project, yielding a sturdy and washable pouch.
Can I make it larger?
You can! Adjust the increase rounds or the height of the body as desired.
Is the pattern reversible?
No, due to the nature of the stitches used, it is best utilized with the right side facing out.
In summary, the drawstring makeup touch-up pouch is a practical, fun crochet project that combines essential skills with a functional design. Enjoy crafting your pouch, adding your unique twist to it, and using it to keep your makeup essentials handy!
