Orelia Drawstring Bucket Purse Knitting Pattern Overview
Create your own Orelia Drawstring Bucket Purse. This knitting pattern combines sophisticated texture with a timeless silhouette. Plus, enjoy easy maintenance with machine washable cotton yarn. Includes step-by-step PDF guides and video support for a professional finish. Elevate your handmade wardrobe today.
With the completion of my very first knitted bag pattern, the Knitted Cotton Market Bag, I felt a surge of confidence that inspired me to design a purse, something large enough to hold my not only my everyday items, but also dog treats, leashes, harnesses, and other pet essentials. I knitted this purse mostly on the fly, where the only thing I knew I had to design it around was the Spine Stitch. Everything came together nicely, as I was able to find various items at the local craft store as well as on Etsy. I have to say, that’s the beauty of not having to have a clear, concise plan and just completely go with the flow. It left no room for major disappointments that would typically come with mapped out designs in the event that things didn’t go as planned. I added extra features as I saw fit and let the project morph and take a life on its own. I know that sounds silly, but that’s exactly how it came about.
Overall, I’m incredibly happy with my first purse pattern. I’ve decided to call it Orelia. If I were to knit this again, I would make the strap shorter, maybe by an inch or so, since I’m petite. However, for the average woman, the length that I’ve included in the pattern would work just fine.

Just like the market bag, I went with cotton yarn for easy maintenance. To give the purse structure, I ordered a purse insert organizer, which allows me to keep all of the contents in place. I was surprised to find an insert that fit perfectly in the purse (I completed the purse before I decided to look for this product). This part of the purse is optional, however, I highly recommend it.
The Orelia pattern is available for free through the Pattern Street app or available for purchase through Etsy.
Affiliate Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love and use myself.

Skill Level
Intermediate
Materials
- 1 Cone of Peaches and Cream
- Color: White
674 yards / 616 m
14 oz / 400 g
Approx. 500 yards used
- Color: White
- Purse Strap Hardware Set
- Color: Gold
Size: 25 mm
Quantity: 2-pack
Types used: Swivel Clasp, D-Ring
- Color: Gold
- 3 Round Wooden Bead (Loops & Threads)
- Color: Maple
Size: 20 mm
Quantity: 1-pack (16) – I used 3
- Color: Maple
- Purse Organizer (OPTIONAL but highly recommended)
- Color: Color B/Khaki
Finish: Style 2 (Birkin 30)
- Color: Color B/Khaki
- US 7 16” circular needles
- US 7 DPNs (for 3-needle bind off)
- Stitch marker
- Yarn needle
Finished Measurements
Height: 14” (approx. 35.5 cm) – without strap
Height: 23” (approx. 58.5 cm) – with strap
Width: 13” (33 cm)
Depth: 5” (approx. 13 cm)
Circumference: 32″ (approx. 81 cm)
Knitting Abbreviations
CO: Cast On
BO: Bind Off
K: Knit
P: Purl
C2B (Cable 2 Back): Slip next st onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit next st from left-hand needle, then knit st from cable needle.
C2F (Cable 2 Front): Slip next st onto cable needle and hold at front of work, knit next st from left-hand needle, then knit st from cable needle.
sts: stitches
DPNs: double pointed needles
Click HERE for more knitting abbreviations.






