Two Calliope Crochet Bag Patterns
Two ways to make one colorful accessory — the Calliope Festival Pouch includes both a crochet crossbody bag pattern and a free drawstring pouch pattern in one design. Perfect for summer markets, concerts, and craft fairs, it’s built from a single granny‑style motif that’s easy to customize with bold colors or scrap yarn. Choose a buttoned crossbody strap for hands‑free wear or turn it into a drawstring pouch for gifting and storage. Quick to finish and beginner‑friendly, it’s a great weekend make with endless color options.
The Calliope Festival Pouch is a cute and colorful project for summer festivals and more! Which of the 2 fun finishes will you make? The handy drawstring pouch – perfect for holding dice, tarot cards, or your fave trinkets! Or the cute buttoned crossbody bag, that holds your essentials like keys, cash, phone and lip balm while you dance the night away, or walk your fave festival? This quick pattern will have you using your stash and festival ready in a few hours! Keep reading to find out more!
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About the Free Calliope Festival Pouch Design
The Calliope Festival Pouch is my own original design inspired by traditional granny squares, but with a fresh twist that’s full of color and texture. The Calliope pattern uses bold stitch clusters and playful color changes to create a vibrant, eye‑catching motif that works beautifully for both the crossbody bag and drawstring pouch styles.
You’ll love the detailed photos and step‑by‑step directions are included along with photo tutorials and links to helpful videos. You’ll learn techniques like the stacked double crochet, stacked treble crochet, magic circle, and invisible join — making it a great project for adventurous beginners who want to practice new stitches while making something practical and fun.
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What I’m Watching & Listening To (While I Crochet)
I love to binge a series on Prime and/or book on Audible while I Crochet. I know that many of y’all do too! The simple, repetitive stitches of fab drawstring pouch pattern mean you can get into a rhythm and enjoy crocheting, while still leaving plenty of attention for that new show you’ve been dying to see. Plus, this cute crochet crossbody bag pattern is a relatively quick project, so you can easily finish your own in an afternoon or weekend!
Right now, for me, I’m obsessed with anything dystopian and/or fantasy, with a dash of horror and sci-fi as always.
I have just started binge watching The Last of Us (again) so that we can watch the new season and I’m already hooked all over again… (pun intended!) Ha! I am also currently devouring Still the Sun by Charlie N. Holmberg on Audible. I highly recommend this excellent book if you like unique fantasy and world building. I’m also listening to The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo. I’ve read almost every book she’s written and they do not disappoint!
What are you watching and listening to these days? Tell me in the comments! 🧶💜
What Is the Calliope Stitch?
The Calliope stitch began as an idea for a boho‑inspired handbag. I wanted a design that had the playful look of granny squares with endless color options, but with a twist that felt unique to me. That’s how the Calliope wheel first came to life.
The very first pattern to feature this design was the Calliope Crossbody Boho Bag — a vibrant summer accessory that quickly became a favorite. Built with linked stitches for extra structure, it held its shape beautifully without needing a liner. Its roomy size made it perfect as a day bag or even a project bag for crocheters on the go. Yes! Now you have TWO crossbody bag pattern options!
After that, I couldn’t stop at just one design. The Calliope wheel soon turned up in new patterns, like the Calliope Wash Cloths, which included both round and square versions for even more ways to use the motif.
The Calliope Coasters followed next, blending elements from the original and the wash cloths. One tester mentioned they looked like they could sit inside a little plant pot thanks to the picot edging, so I added a matching pot pattern for a sweet storage set.
The biggest twist yet came with the Calliope No-Sew Turtle Amigurumi! The colorful Calliope wheel became the turtle’s removable shell, making it a hit for anyone who loves no‑sew amigurumi projects. I do love a fun challenge like this one – and you’ll love the detailed instructions and many photo tutorials to guide you through this adorable pattern!
From there, the Calliope Mandala Wall Hanging joined the collection, and now the newest release is the Calliope Festival Pouch. This design combines a crochet crossbody bag and a free drawstring pouch pattern, both worked from the same vibrant motif. It’s a fun way to use up scraps, experiment with colors, and make something cute for summer markets, concerts, or gifting.
And the best bit of all, is that every one of the Calliope wheel patterns are free to view here on the blog, with optional ad‑free PDFs available on Etsy and Ravelry if you prefer a printable version.
Woo hoo! 💜🧶
What’s the Global Designer Collab?
I’m super excited to tell y’all about this year long collaboration! Myself and 8 other patterns designers have come together to create fun and FREE Patterns and to help each other too.
Y’all know that I just love collaborative projects. Not only do we get to bring you lots of new patterns, but you get to meet new designers you may not have been introduced to before, and new patterns, designs, styles and more. It’s a way that everyone benefits!
Global Collab Designers:
You can read a bit more about the event on this blog post from Audrey of Canoe Mtn Designs. Check out the blog post below, and watch for fun new FREE Patterns coming at your from lots of amazing designers this year. Including me of course! 😝
https://www.cmdcrochet.com/post/global-crochet-pattern-collaboration
Like Free Patterns? Then make sure you check out my most popular Free Pattern –> DC Dice Bag and Rolling Tray! Want to see even more? You can find all of my other Free Crochet Patterns <– Right here!!
The FREE Calliope Crochet Festival Bag Pattern
Make Your Own Crochet Drawstring Pouch!!
Materials:
- YARN: Lion Brand Cotton Hemp Worsted Weight 4 yarn, (70% Cotton, 30% Hemp, 100 g/3.5 oz, 164 yds/150 m)
- YARDAGE: TOTAL: 100 – 120 yds, Colors 1 & 2 (Aster + Teal): 15-20 yds each, Color 3 (Mineral): 70-110 yds
- Sample Colors: Mineral, Aster, Teal
Experience Level: Intermediate
Gauge: 10 rows x 16 hdc = 4” x 4”
Gauge is not very important for this pattern.
Size:
BUTTON BAG: 6” wide x 6.75” tall
DRAWSTRING: 6” wide x 8.5” tall
Pattern Key: Written in US English Crochet Terms
st(s) – stitch(es)
sp(s) – space(s)
sl st – slip stitch
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
tr – treble crochet
st dc – stacked dc – see special stitches
sc2tog – single decrease by sc 2 sts together
BLO – back loop only
yo – yarn over
FO – fasten off
C1, C2, C3 – Color 1, Color 2, Color 3
Special Stitches + Tutorials:
Magic Circle Tutorial: VIDEO TUTORIAL: https://youtu.be/iPx5PpxT8HA
STEP 1: Create a loop, place hook through the loop, yo and pull the yarn through the loop, keeping the loop open, not pulling the yarn tight, ch 2. STEP 2: Yo, insert hook back in circle, yo and pull up a loop through the circle. STEP 3: Yo again and pull through 1st 2 loops on the hook, yo and pull through last 2 loops on hook, dc completed! Repeat Steps 2-3 to create additional stitches. Hold stitches with one hand, gently pull yarn end to close the circle.
Stacked Double Crochet (st dc) Tutorial:
STEP 1: Single crochet in magic circle (or next st), insert hook into front vertical bar of single crochet, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through both loops on hook. St dc complete.
OPTIONAL INVISIBLE JOIN: (Video Tutorial: https://youtu.be/ngbIlUHOres)
STEP 1: Finish last stitch but do NOT sl st to join. Cut yarn, leave a 6 inch tail and pull on the loop on your hook until the yarn end pulls through. Thread the yarn end on an embroidery needle, or just use your hook.
STEP 2: From the front of your work, pass the yarn under the front and back loops of the first stitch of the round.
STEP 3: From the back of your work, pass the needle over the back loop of the last stitch and through the middle space between the front and back loop. Invisible join complete!
The Best Yarn for this Drawstring Pouch Pattern!
Selecting the perfect yarn for your Calliope Festival Drawstring Pouch Pattern is essential for both functionality and sturdiness. Plant based yarns, especially cotton and cotton blends, is my recommendation for ease of use and durability.
The yarn I selected for this free drawstring pouch pattern is called Lion Brand Cotton Hemp. It was sent to me as part of the Lion Brand Yarn Gifting Campaign.
Lion Brand Cotton Hemp is perfect for this project! It is sturdy and soft, will last without pilling, and is strong enough to hold its shape without stretching. It offers the breathability of cotton and the texture of hemp, and made using renewable materials so its easier on the planet too!
LB Cotton Hemp is a soft and durable cotton and hemp blended yarn. This yarn offers a nice stitch definition and is truly a pleasure to work with! I love working with plant based fibers, for their washability and durability. This yarn also comes in a beautiful range of colors from earthy jewel tones to boho pastels and classic neutrals – currently 18 shades to choose from.
Order Cotton Hemp online from Lion Brand here.
Order Cotton Hemp online from Amazon here.
Cotton Hemp brings a natural touch to every stitch, with a soft touch and clean stitch definition. If you’re looking for a soft, durable yarn for knitting or crocheting that leans into sustainability, this one fits the bill beautifully.
Lion Brand Cotton Hemp:
- 70% Cotton, 30% Hemp
- 164 yds/164 m, 3.5 oz/100 g
- Recommended hook/needle size is 4 mm/US 6
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NOTES:
- Read through the entire pattern first.
- Beginning chain does not count as a stitch. First st of each round should be placed in the same st as beginning ch.
- Repeat stitches between [ and ] the number of times indicated.
- Place/work all stitches between ( and ) in the same stitch.
- Colors can be carried between rounds, just drop the yarn after the round is complete and pick it back up when you’re ready to use it. You can also cut the yarn after each round and weave in ends if you prefer a neater back.
- New colors should be joined in last stitch of the previous round at the final pull through for the final stitch.
- Instructions to create a Drawstring Pouch or Festival Crossbody Bag.
- Blocking the squares before continuing is recommended.
- This pattern is FREE, and has been thoroughly tested and tech edited. Please feel free to share any comments or ask any questions you may have! I welcome your feedback!!
- This post and all it contains including the pattern and photographs are my intellectual property and copyright protected property of GreenFoxFarms LLC © 2025. You are welcome to make as many as you like to sell, giveaway, etc. You may NOT sell, or alter and claim as your own this pattern. You may not use my photographs. This pattern is not for mass production.
- If you want to share this pattern online, you must only share a link to my blog post. You may not copy and paste my text or the pattern to another site. Thank you for respecting my work.
- By using this pattern, you are agreeing to abide by these terms.
Discover MORE Free Dice Bag Patterns!
Discover more free dice bag patterns to satisfy the cravings of
- DC Dice Bag and Tray Ravelry | Etsy
- Potion of Moonlight Amigurumi Pattern Ravelry | Etsy
- Evan’s 8 Pocket Dice Bag Ravelry | Etsy
- Magical Mushroom Dice Bag Ravelry | Etsy
- Bag of Tricks Dice Bags Ravelry | Etsy
- Baby Dragon Egg Dice Bag Ravelry | Etsy
- Mini Mushroom Dice Bag Ravelry | Etsy
- Fourfold Fate 4 Pocket Dice Bag Ravelry | Etsy
- Calliope Festival + Dice Pouch Ravelry | Etsy
Drawstring Pouch Pattern Testers!
I feel so lucky to have such an amazing group of pattern testers. They worked hard to bring the Calliope designs to life, including the newest crochet crossbody bag pattern and matching drawstring pouch pattern. Their feedback helped refine the instructions and make sure every step was clear and beginner‑friendly.
Seeing the beautiful versions they created is one of my favorite parts of designing. Each tester brought their own colors and style, turning the Calliope Festival Pouch into something unique while still showing off the fun granny‑style motif.
A huge thank you to Kami Jones, Beryl Wilson Hartmann, Joanne Melling, Linda Woodthorpe, Natasha Dobbs-St-Denis, Lisa Reinsch-Johnson, Robin Sullivan, and Jamie Sutch for testing and sharing their work.
Calliope Festival Pouch Pattern Release Details
This gorgeous 2-in-1 crochet crossbody bag pattern and matching drawstring pouch pattern is now available for purchase in my Etsy and Ravelry Shops! The pattern is free here on my blog, OR you can purchase the ad-free, printer friendly, PDF copy for a couple of dollars. The PDF also includes a detailed written instructions and photo tutorials as well as complete pattern support. I want you to succeed when you make my patterns and I’m here to help as needed.
I would love it if you would visit and save the pattern on your platform of choice, which helps my patterns get seen by more people and makes it easier for you to find it too! Thanks so much for your amazing support!! Just click the button below to find the pattern PDF available for purchase!
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Pattern Download ETSY
Click the Buy NOW button below to purchase a Printer Friendly, Ad-Free, PDF Download FULL Premium version with detailed photo tutorials of the 2-in-1 Calliope Crochet Crossbody Bag + Drawstring Pouch Pattern on ETSY!
Pattern Download RAVELRY
Click the Buy NOW button below to purchase a Printer Friendly, Ad-Free, PDF Download FULL Premium version with detailed photo tutorials of the 2-in-1 Calliope Crochet Crossbody Bag + Drawstring Pouch Pattern on RAVELRY!
FREE DRAWSTRING POUCH PATTERN:
2-in-1 CALLIOPE CROCHET CROSSBODY BAG:
Pattern Directions:
CALLIOPE SQUARE:
(Make 2)
Round 1: Make a Magic Circle with C1, ch 1, st dc and 11 dc in magic circle, sl st to join, (12 dc). Drop C1, do not FO.
Round 2: With C2 ch 1, (st dc, dc) in next st, 2 dc in next 11 sts, sl st to join, (24 dc). Drop C2, do not FO.
Round 3: With C3 ch 1, (st dc, 2 dc,) in sp below join, [3 dc in sp between pairs of dc sts,] 11 times, sl st to join, (36 dc). Drop C3, do not FO.
For Round 4 skipped stitch before the sc2tog may be hidden by the last double crochet.
Round 4: With C1 ch 1, (st dc, 2 dc,) in sp below join, skip next st, sc2tog in BLO next 2 sts, [3 dc in sp between sts, skip next st, sc2tog in BLO of next 2 sts,] 11 times, sl st to join, (12 sc, 36 dc). FO C1.
Round 5 will create 4 corners and transform the circle motif into a square.
Round 5: With C2 ch 1, [2 sc, sc, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, 2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts,] 4 times, sl st to join, (4 ch-2 sp, 12 sc, 16 hdc, 16 dc, 16 tr). FO C2.
Round 6: With C3 ch 1, [hdc in next 9 sts, (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc,) in ch-2 sp, hdc in next 6 sts,] 4 times, sl st to join, (4 ch-2 sp, 76 hdc).
On Round 7, hdc on the side after the corner may be hidden by the last sc of the corner.
Round 7: Ch 1, [sc in next 11 sts, (2 sc, ch 2, 2 sc,) in ch-2 sp, sc in next 8 sts,] 4 times, invisible join, (4 ch-2 sp, 92 sc). FO and weave in ends. Continue with Finishing.
FINISHING BAG:
SEAMING SQUARES:
BLOCKING INDIVIDUAL SQUARES BEFORE SEAMING IS RECOMMENDED!
SEAM: Holding the 2 squares wrong sides together, use a mattress stitch, whipstitch, or other stitch of your choice to stitch the squares together, on 3 of the 4 sides. Next we will join yarn at the open side and work several rounds to add length. You can opt to make your bag into a pouch with drawstring top or festival bag with crossbody strap.
FINISH WITH FESTIVAL BAG TOP:
Round 1: Join C3 yarn to 1st st after ch-2 sp at the corner of a square. Ch 1, 48 sc around the tops of the 2 squares working in each st and 1 sc in each seam, sl st to join, (48 sc).
Rounds 2-4: Ch 1, hdc in each st around, sl st to join, (48 hdc, 3 rounds).
Round 5: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join, (48 sc).
Round 6: Ch 1, sl st in next 14 sts, ch 12 to form button loop, sl st in same st and next 34 sts, invisible join, (49 sl st). FO and weave in ends. Stitch a 1” – 1.5” button to the bag centered, opposite the button loop, at rounds 2-3. Continue with Crossbody strap.
CROSSBODY STRAP FOR FESTIVAL BAG:
- You can use any color you like!
- Straps are made long enough that you can easily tie a knot to adjust the fit.
- You can also add beads, charms, or other embellishments to the strap.
SHORT (48 in): Ch 241, turn and sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each ch, (240 sl sts). FO and leave a long tail. Sew strap to upper edge of bag on each side, at round 6.
MEDIUM (54 in): Ch 271, turn and sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each ch, (270 sl sts). FO and leave a long tail. Sew strap to upper edge of bag on each side, at round 6.
LONG (60 in): Ch 301, turn and sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each ch, (300 sl sts). FO and leave a long tail. Sew strap to upper edge of bag on each side, at round 6.
FINISH WITH DRAWSTRING BAG TOP:
Round 1: Join C3 yarn to 1st st after ch-2 sp at the corner of a square. Ch 1, 48 sc around the tops of the 2 squares working in each st and 1 sc in each seam, sl st to join, (48 sc).
Rounds 2-5: Ch 1, hdc in each st around, sl st to join, (48 hdc, 4 rounds).
Round 6: Ch 1, st dc, ch 2 and skip next 2 sts, [dc, ch 2 and skip next 2 sts,] 15 times, sl st to join, (16 ch-2 sp, 16 dc).
Round 7: Ch 1, [hdc, (3 hdc) in ch-2 sp,] 16 times, sl st to join, (64 hdc).
Round 8: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join, (64 sc). FO and weave in ends. Continue with Drawstrings.
DRAWSTRINGS FOR POUCH:
- Choose Single OR Double Drawstring. You can use any color you like!
- You can also add beads or other embellishments to the ends of the drawstrings.
- If you prefer a thicker drawstring, instead of fastening off after chaining, slip stitch back into each chain like the crossbody bag strap!
DOUBLE DRAWSTRING: (Make 2)
STEP 1: Ch 81, FO and trim ends.
STEP 2: Weave drawstring through the spaces in round 6, and knot the ends together. Repeat with the other drawstring, weaving through the same holes, but place the knotted ends on the opposite side. Pull both knotted ends away from the center to cinch the bag.
SINGLE DRAWSTRING: (Make 1)
Ch 111, FO and trim ends. Weave drawstring through the spaces in R6. Tie in a bow to close.
If you enjoyed this free Calliope set of crochet crossbody bag pattern and matching drawstring pouch pattern, and you would like to see more Free Crochet Patterns (<– like these) going forward, please help me grow by sharing Blog Post ❤️ and subscribe to my newsletter?!? You can use the social media buttons below the post to easily share!
Thank you so much for your amazing support! If you have any questions or need assistance with the pattern, feel free to contact me or leave a comment on the blog. I would love to help!
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