Scrunchie Bag

A quick, beginner-friendly crochet pouch with a stretchy scrunchie-style top. Worked entirely in single crochet in the round from a magic ring, it makes a perfect small project bag, notions pouch, or gift.

Materials

• Yarn: 220 yd (200 m) chunky / bulky weight yarn (CYC 5); approximately 2 skeins of 100 g / 109 yd (100 m)
• Hook: US J/10 (6 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
• Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, 12" (30 cm) length of ¼" (6 mm) wide elastic, sewing needle and matching thread (or extra yarn for whip stitch)

Gauge

10 sc and 10 rounds = 4" (10 cm) in single crochet worked in the round. Take time to check gauge. Fabric should be firm so the bag holds its shape.

Finished Size

Base diameter: 6" (15 cm) Height: 8" (20 cm) before casing One size

Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)

• ch: chain
• rep: repeat
• rnd(s): round(s)
• sc: single crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• *: repeat instructions between asterisks as directed

Pattern Notes

• Worked in continuous spirals; do not join rounds unless stated. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go.
• The base increases by 6 stitches every round to remain flat.
• Measure the base diameter flat across the center; stop increasing when it reaches approximately 6" (15 cm) even if your stitch count differs slightly due to personal gauge.
• Keep tension even so the sides stand upright.
• Magic ring may be substituted with ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook if preferred.

Pattern Instructions

Base

Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 sts) Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
(6 increases → 6 + 6 = 12 ✓) Rnd 3: *1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (18 sts)
(6 increases → 12 + 6 = 18 ✓) Rnd 4: *1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (24 sts)
(6 increases → 18 + 6 = 24 ✓) Rnd 5: *1 sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (30 sts)
(6 increases → 24 + 6 = 30 ✓) Rnd 6: *1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (36 sts)
(6 increases → 30 + 6 = 36 ✓) Rnd 7: *1 sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (42 sts)
(6 increases → 36 + 6 = 42 ✓) Rnd 8: *1 sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (48 sts)
(6 increases → 42 + 6 = 48 ✓)

Continue in established increase pattern (1 more plain sc between increases each round, always +6 sts per round) until base measures approximately 6" (15 cm) in diameter when laid flat.
(At gauge, this occurs at or near 48 sts / Rnd 8; adjust by adding or omitting an increase round if needed to hit measurement.)

Sides

Work even in sc (1 sc in each st around) with no increases for 20 rounds, or until bag measures approximately 8" (20 cm) from base to top edge.
(20 rnds × 0.4" = 8" ✓)
Stitch count remains constant (48 sts at given gauge).

Fasten off, leaving a 24" (60 cm) tail for seaming the casing if desired. Weave in the starting tail securely on the wrong side.

Casing

Fold the top edge of the bag inward (to the wrong side) by approximately 1" (2.5 cm).
Using a yarn needle and matching yarn (or the long tail), whip stitch the folded edge in place around the circumference, leaving a 2" (5 cm) gap unstitched for inserting the elastic.

Insert Elastic

Attach a safety pin or bodkin to one end of the 12" (30 cm) elastic. Thread the elastic through the casing.
Overlap the ends of the elastic by 1" (2.5 cm) and sew them together securely with needle and thread (or yarn).
Stitch the 2" (5 cm) gap in the casing closed. Weave in any remaining ends.

Finishing

Turn bag right side out. Shape the base gently with your hands. Optional: lightly steam-block the sides if yarn allows (do not flatten the elastic casing).

Your scrunchie bag is ready to use! Slip it over your wrist or fill it with notions, coins, or small treasures.

Tips for Success

• Count stitches at the end of every increase round.
• If the base cups or ruffles, you are increasing too few or too many stitches—recheck the +6 rate.
• For a taller or shorter bag, simply work more or fewer even rounds.
• Substitute a drawstring for the elastic if preferred: omit casing, sc around top, then weave a chain or cord through the final round.