Mini Dumpling Bag Crochet Pattern – Free Bao Bag Drawstring Pouch Tutorial for Beginners

The Cutest Accessory Trend You Can DIY

If you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram lately, you’ve likely noticed the undeniably cute trend of dumpling bags, also known as bao bags. These charming accessories, characterized by their chubby, gathered bases and often ruffled tops, are taking the fashion world by storm. They offer the perfect balance between whimsical charm and everyday practicality.

But why buy one when you can crochet your own in just a few hours?

Today, I’m excited to share this free Mini Dumpling Bag crochet pattern, designed for beginner-to-intermediate crocheters who are comfortable working in the round and want to try a few fun techniques—such as working in the front loop only (FLO) to create a beautiful ruffled detail.

This mini crochet pouch isn’t just adorable; it’s also incredibly useful. It’s perfectly sized for holding AirPods, lip balm, keys, or spare change, and it makes a lovely handmade gift bag for jewelry or small treasures.

So grab your crochet hook, choose your favorite yarn, and let’s dive into making this adorable accessory together!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Why You’ll Love Making This Bao Bag

Before we get into the materials, here’s why this mini dumpling bag crochet pattern is about to become your favorite quick project:

• Stash Buster Extraordinaire
  This project uses very little yarn, making it perfect for using up leftover cotton yarn from larger projects.
• Instant Gratification
  Unlike big projects like blankets or sweaters, you can finish this entire bag—from magic ring to drawstring—in just an afternoon or two.
• Learn New Skills
  While the pattern mainly uses single crochet, you’ll also practice increases, working in a continuous spiral, creating drawstring holes, and using front loop only stitches to add texture.
• Highly Giftable
  Need a last-minute birthday gift or a unique stocking stuffer? A handmade dumpling bag in a favorite color is both thoughtful and stylish.

Materials and Tools Needed

Choosing the right materials is key to ensuring your crochet dumpling bag holds its shape and looks crisp.

1. Yarn Choice

For this pattern, Sport Weight (Category 2) or DK Weight (Category 3) cotton yarn is highly recommended.

• Why cotton?
  Cotton yarn has excellent stitch definition, allowing the texture of your single crochet stitches to really stand out. More importantly, it has very little stretch, which helps prevent the bag from sagging when filled. Mercerized cotton adds a lovely sheen for a polished finish.
• Alternative option:
  If cotton yarn isn’t available, a high-quality anti-pilling acrylic yarn can be used, though the finished bag may be softer and slightly stretchier.

2. Crochet Hook

Choose a hook size that matches your yarn weight and creates a dense fabric.

• Recommended sizes:
  
  • 3.0 mm for sport weight yarn
  • 4.0 mm for DK weight yarn
• Tip:
  Dense stitches help prevent small items from poking through. If your stitches look loose, go down one hook size.

3. Other Essentials

• Stitch markers (essential for working in continuous rounds)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Optional: small wooden or plastic beads for drawstring ends

Pattern Notes and Abbreviations

Before starting, please review the following notes:

• This pattern uses US crochet terminology.
• The bag is worked in a continuous spiral. Do not join rounds unless stated.
• Always mark the first stitch of each round.
• Gauge is not critical, but your tension should be tight enough to create a firm fabric.

Abbreviations

• MR – Magic Ring
• SC – Single Crochet
• INC – Increase (2 SC in the same stitch)
• FLO – Front Loop Only
• CH – Chain
• SK – Skip
• ST(S) – Stitch(es)
• x 6 – Repeat instructions

The Mini Dumpling Bag Crochet Pattern

Part 1: Base and Body

We begin at the bottom center and increase to form a flat circular base before building the sides.

R1: MR, 6 sc. Pull tight to close. (6 sts)

Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the next round.

R2: 6 inc. (12 sts)

R3: [1 sc, inc] x6 (18 sts)

R4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts)

R5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts)

R6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts)

R7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts)

R8: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48 sts)

R9: [7 sc, inc] x6 (54 sts)

R10: [8 sc, inc] x6 (60 sts)

Your base should now be a flat circle.

R11–R24: Sc in each st around. (60 sts per round)

Customization Tip:

Add more rounds here if you want a taller bag.

Part 2: Drawstring Holes and Ruffle Top

R25 (Drawstring Holes):

2 sc, ch 2, sk next 2 sts – repeat around.

R26 (Ruffle – FLO):

Working in the front loop only, make 2 sc in each stitch and chain space.

This heavy increase forces the fabric to ruffle outward, creating the signature dumpling-style edge.

R27:

Sc in each st around, working through both loops.

Fasten off and weave in all ends neatly on the inside.

Part 3: Drawstrings and Assembly

1. Make the Drawstrings

Using the same or a contrasting yarn:

• Chain approximately 90 sts for each cord.
• Make two cords.
• Fasten off and knot the ends.

2. Assembly

• Lay the bag flat with Round 25 facing you.
• Thread Cord A through the holes, starting from the front center.
• Thread Cord B starting from the opposite side.
• Pull both cords to cinch the bag closed evenly.

Tie knots or add beads to secure the ends and trim excess yarn.

Customization Ideas

• Two-Tone Bao Bag: Change yarn color before Round 25.
• Striped Version: Change colors every 3–4 rounds.
• Size Adjustments:
  
  • Smaller: stop increasing at Round 8
  • Larger: continue increases to Round 12 or 13 (ensure stitch count is divisible by 4)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: My base curls instead of lying flat. Why?

A: Your tension may be too tight. Try a slightly larger hook or double-check your increases.

Q: Can I add a fabric lining?

A: Yes! A cotton lining adds durability and prevents small items from slipping through.

Q: How should I wash this bag?

A: Hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry.

Copyright Notice and Terms of Use

This Mini Dumpling Bag Crochet Pattern is the property of AmyLiva Handmade (amyliva.com) and is protected by international copyright laws.

You may:

• Use this pattern for personal use
• Sell finished items on a small scale with proper credit

You may not:

• Redistribute or sell the pattern
• Claim the design as your own

I hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern!

If you make your own Mini Dumpling Bag, be sure to tag @AmyLivaHandmade so I can see and share your beautiful work.

Happy crocheting! 🧶💛

Amy Liva