The Shiloh Hat features a dense, warm ribbed texture that sits comfortably against the forehead without feeling too heavy or stiff. This design works up quickly for makers who want to build their confidence with basic stitches while creating a functional winter accessory. You will work in back loops to gain that signature stretchy ribbing which makes the garment fit securely on a variety of head sizes. Whether you are a beginner looking for your first wearable piece or a seasoned crafter needing a quick gift, this project offers a soothing rhythm. The construction relies on a simple flat rectangle transformed into a cozy beanie through basic seaming techniques.

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Why This Project Is Worth Making

This simple crochet drawstring bag relies on basic single crochet stitches worked in a continuous spiral, making it an ideal project for those looking to practice tension control. The small size makes it a perfect stash-buster, requiring less than 100 yards of medium-weight yarn to complete. Because the bag is worked in one piece from the bottom up, there is minimal assembly required, leaving you with only the drawstring to thread and secure. Its compact structure makes it durable enough to hold stitch markers, small notions, or even a pair of earbuds.

I managed to finish this little bag in a single afternoon while watching a movie. The pattern is clear, and the resulting pouch is surprisingly sturdy for how quickly it works up.

— Sarah, beginner crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 2 to 3 hours
Construction: Worked in continuous rounds from a circular base upward, finished with an eyelet row for the drawstring.
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 5 inches wide by 6 inches tall when lying flat.

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4), 100% cotton yarn, approximately 80 yards. Cotton provides the structural integrity needed for a bag.
Hook Size: 4.5 mm (US size 7) to create a dense fabric that prevents items from slipping out.
Notions: Tapestry needle, one stitch marker to track the start of the round, and scissors.
Safe Yarn Substitutions: Acrylic yarn of the same weight can be used, though it will produce a stretchier fabric. Using wool may result in a softer, more pill-prone bag. If you change the yarn weight, the final dimensions will shift accordingly.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR: Magic Ring (or alternative: ch 3 and sl st to first ch to form a ring).
ch: chain.
sc: single crochet.
inc: 2 sc in same stitch.
st/sts: stitch/stitches.
yo: yarn over.
sl st: slip stitch.
yo, pull up a loop: Insert hook into stitch, yo, pull through, yo, pull through both loops on hook (standard sc).
dc: double crochet (used for the eyelet row).
ch-sp: chain space.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Bag Base and Body

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in MR. Do not join rounds; use a stitch marker to track the first stitch of each round (6 sts).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [1 sc in next st, inc] 6 times (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [1 sc in next 2 sts, inc] 6 times (24 sts).
Rnd 5: [1 sc in next 3 sts, inc] 6 times (30 sts).
Rnd 6: [1 sc in next 4 sts, inc] 6 times (36 sts).
Rnd 7-20: Sc in each st around (36 sts).

Eyelet Row and Finishing

Rnd 21: [dc, ch 1, skip 1 st] repeat around (36 sts, including 18 ch-sps).
Rnd 22: Sc in each dc and ch-sp around (36 sts).
Finishing: Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail to weave into the interior of the bag.
Drawstring: Chain 80. Fasten off. Weave the chain through the eyelet row created in Round 21. Tie the ends in a knot to secure.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash the bag in cold water with mild detergent to prevent the cotton fibers from shrinking.
Lay the bag flat on a clean towel to air dry, reshaping it into its circular base form while damp.
If the bag becomes misshapen, steam it lightly with an iron on a low setting, keeping the iron a few inches away from the surface.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain consistent tension throughout the body of the bag to ensure the fabric remains dense enough to contain small items.
Use a locking stitch marker at the start of every round to keep an accurate count, as continuous spirals can make it easy to lose your place.
When weaving in ends, run the tail through the back side of several stitches horizontally to ensure the yarn is locked and invisible from the outside.
If you wish to make the bag larger, simply add more increase rounds at the base (e.g., [1 sc in next 5 sts, inc] 6 times for 42 sts), keeping in mind that this will require more total yardage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the cotton yarn for wool?

Yes, you can use wool, but be aware that wool has more “give” and may stretch out significantly when the bag is filled with heavy items. Cotton is recommended for better shape retention.

Is this pattern suitable for a total beginner?

Yes, this pattern uses only basic stitches and avoids complex color changes or seaming, making it a perfect introduction to working in the round.

How do I adjust the height of the bag?

You can easily increase the height by repeating Round 7 additional times before moving on to the eyelet row in Round 21.

Am I allowed to sell bags made from this pattern?

You may sell finished items made from this pattern, provided you credit the designer and use your own original photographs for your listings.

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Your finished hat provides a soft and reliable layer for cold mornings once you weave in the final yarn tail. You might consider adding a faux fur pompom to the top or using a variegated wool blend to give the solid stitch pattern a completely different look. Post a photo of your work online to show off the color choice you made for this project. Check out the archives on this blog for more simple accessories that require basic supplies and just a few hours of your time.