How to Crochet Tote Bag

Let’s learn how to crochet a tote bag! This easy crochet pattern is so much fun, plus you get to style a super cute crochet tote bag wherever you go. You can enjoy this beautiful crochet tote bag as a stylish accessory this summer, or any time of the year.

Crochet Tote Bag Pattern (Free)

Making this fun summer tote bag is a lot of fun, and I am excited to share my free pattern for the crochet tote bag with you. The process of making this cute tote bag is quite basic, and I will walk you through the step-by-step instructions on how to do it.

The basic process for making this pattern is to start by creating the bottom of the tote bag, then work up the sides of the bag, and finally finish it off by adding the handles for the tote bag. You can also add accents to the tote bag if you want, by adding bows, crochet keychains, or crochet flowers. I like this bag pattern, and I hope that you will have fun making it too!

Stitches Used In The Crochet Pattern

When learning how to crochet a tote bag, there are a few basic stitches that you will want to know. Although this pattern can be made with a single stitch, like a single crochet, half double crochet, or double crochet, in this specific pattern I am going to show you how to use a stitch pattern to make a beautiful textured tote bag.

In order to make this stitch pattern, you will need to know a few basic stitches. Here are the basic crochet stitches you will need to know when making this crochet tote bag pattern.

The Basic Crochet Stitches

Chain. The chain stitch is a basic crochet stitch, that is used as the foundation for making this crochet tote bag.

Slip Stitch. A slip stitch can be used in a variety of ways, from joining stitches together, to getting from one place to another, and also as a crochet stitch itself. See how to make a slip stitch, in my learning how to crochet tutorial.

Single Crochet Stitches. Single crochet stitches are another type of basic crochet stitch. This is the shortest basic stitch. Watch this short video to see how it is easily made.

Double Crochet Stitches. Double crochet stitches are another type of crochet stitch that is used in this pattern. It is twice the height of a single crochet stitch. See this short video to learn how it is made.

Are You a New Crocheter Who Needs Extra Help with the Basics?

If you are new to crocheting and just learning the basics, you will want to be sure to check out my easy tutorial for learning how to crochet! In that post, you and I will walk together through the basics of each crochet stitch, and how it is made with pictures for each step.

You might also be interested in taking advantage of my free download, which includes an abbreviation cheat sheet for all of the crochet stitches, as well as other helpful crochet and knitting tips and tricks!

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Check out the free crochet pattern!

Easy Crochet Tote Bag Pattern – Free

Now, let’s jump into the crochet pattern, starting from the bottom of the bag, and working our way up! This crochet pattern is so much fun, let’s get started!

Tote Bag Crochet Pattern Details

Skill Level: Easy

Size: 14 inches by 14 inches

Materials

4 skeins (720 yards) 100% cotton yarn in your favorite colors

F Crochet Hook Size

Stitch Marker

Gauge: 9 stitches in 2 inches

Abbreviations

sl st – slip stitch

st/sts – stitch/stitches

ch – chain

sc – single crochet

dc – double crochet

BLO – back loop only

How to Crochet a Tote Bag

Crochet Tote Bag Bottom

Start off by making the bottom of the bag, beginning with a foundation chain.

Chain 47 sts

Round 1: in the 3rd ch space from the hook, make 7 dc sts. Dc in each of the next 43 ch spaces until you reach the last ch space. Make 7 dc sts in the last space. Turn the project, working in the back loops, dc in each space across. Join with a sl st to the first dc st made. (100 dc sts)

Round 2: ch 2 sts, make 2 dc sts in each of the next 7 dc sts. Dc in the next 43 dc sts. In the next 7 dc stitches, make 2 dc stitches. Dc in the next 43 sts. Join with a sl st to the first dc st. (114 dc sts)

Round 3: ch 2 sts, in the first dc st, (make 2 dc sts, dc in the next st), repeat 7 times. Dc in the next 43 sts, until you reach the other end. Make (2dc in the next st, dc in next), repeat 7 times. Dc in the last 43 sts. Join with a sl st to the first dc st made in this round. (128 dc sts)

Crochet Tote Bag Body

Round 4: Ch 1 st, working in the BLO make sc, dc, repeat the alternating sc and dc sts in the BLO around. Join with a sl st.

Round 5: Ch 2, dc in the first sc st made, sc in the next dc made. Repeat alternating dc and sc around, until you reach the beginning of the round. Do not join.

The next rounds will repeat round 5, working in continuous rounds. Make sure to work dc sts, on top of sc sts, and sc on top of dc sts. Work this stitch pattern, until your bag is as tall as you want it to be. Feel free to change colors as desired.

TIP: If your stitch count doesn’t quite work out to alternate stitches, working on top of opposite stitch types, you may need to make a sc or dc decrease to join two stitches together and fix your stitch count. It should then be corrected for the rest of your project.

Making the Top of the Bag

Once my bag is just about as tall as I want it to be, I like to change my stitch pattern to make sure the top inch or two is nice and solid.

I would suggest changing your stitches to single crochet stitches and working several rounds until your project measures approximately 1-2 inches. Now it’s time to add the straps.

Finishing and Assembly

Crochet Bag Straps

There are two ways you can make the straps for your crochet tote bag. That is to crochet the straps right into your bag, or make them separately and come back and sew them on. I will explain how to do this both ways, but my preference is to make them right into the bag, which is what you will see pictured here.

Making the Straps in the Bag

I like to add my straps approximately 2 ½ inches in from each end, this is approximately 12 stitches from each end for me. Once I crochet these stitches, I am going to make a chain that is approximately 70 stitches long. Then skip over to 12 stitches, or 2 ½ inches in from the other side of my bag, then continue making the single stitches.

Work the single crochet stitches, until you reach the other side, approximately 2 ½ inches in, chain 70 stitches, and skip to the other end, make your single crochet stitches beginning approximately 2 ½ inches in from the other side.

Single crochet around, until you reach the beginning single crochet stitch. Do not join, keep working in continuous rounds.

Work your single crochet stitches in each stitch around. When you reach the chain section, it is best to work your stitches in the back loops of the chain if possible. Work a single crochet stitch, in each chain stitch.

Keep working your single crochet continuous rounds, until your straps measure at least 1 inch wide, feel free to make them wider if you wish.

To finish out, join with a slip stitch to the first stitch made on that round. Cut your yarn, pull the loose end through the loop on your hook, and weave in the ends.

Making the Straps Separate

If you wish to make your straps separate, I would suggest that you still make an inch or two wide of single crochet rounds. This will help to strengthen the rounds. When your single crochet section is as wide as you want it to be, you can finish off the project and weave in the ends.

To make the separate crochet straps, create a chain, that is approximately 19 inches long.

In the second chain stitch from your hook, make a single crochet. Single crochet in each stitch across the row. Chain 1, and turn. Continue working single crochet stitches in each stitch.

Repeat the repeat row of single crochets until your strap measures 1-2 inches wide. Finish off and leave a long tail of yarn for sewing.

Make 2 straps.

Strap Placement

Determine where you would like the straps to be placed on each side of your crochet tote bag. Then secure the straps in place using clips, or straight pins.

Thread a tapestry needle with the yarn and sew both ends of the strap securely to the top of your crochet tote bag. Finish off and weave in the ends.

Tips and Tricks

The Yarn I Used for This Crochet Tote Bag

There are a ton of different yarn options, so what is the best type to use when making a crochet tote bag? The best yarn to use is going to be 100% cotton yarn. You can find this in the 24/7 brand yarn, or I have also found that Hobby Lobby carries a nice selection of 100% cotton yarn, which is what I used for this project, Walmart even sometimes carries 100% cotton yarn in a few colors.

The reason why I highly recommend that you use 100% cotton yarn over your basic acrylic yarn is because it will hold its shape much better. Cotton yarn doesn’t have the give to it that acrylic does, therefore it makes a much better yarn to use when making bags.

Work in Continuous Rounds

I have found the best way to work this stitch pattern for a crochet tote bag is to work in continuous rounds, after the bottom of the bag is created. This way there are no lumps and bumps up the side of your project.

When you work in continuous rounds, I would highly recommend using a stitch marker to help you keep track of where you are. Then just move it up a row, as you go past it each time.

FAQs

What Materials Do I Need to Crochet a Tote Bag?

The basic materials you will need to crochet a tote bag are 100% cotton yarn, a crochet hook, and some scissors. It’s also a good idea to use a stitch marker. If you are making your straps separately, you will want to have a yarn needle on hand as well.

What are the Best Yarns to Use for Tote Bags?

The best yarn to use for a tote bag is 100% cotton yarn. You can find this at almost any craft store, in different brands. This is the best yarn because it is much more durable, and will hold its shape better than acrylic yarn for a crochet bag.

How Are Tote Bags Constructed?

This tote bag is made by starting at the bottom, making a flat bottom, then working your way up the body of the crochet bag. When it reaches your desired size, you can add straps as part of the bag, or attach them separately.

How Long Does It Take To Crochet That?

How long it takes to crochet this bag depends on how fast you crochet, and how much time you have to dedicate to it. For me, this bag took several days of working on it for a few hours at a time.

Free Crochet Tote Bag Pattern for Beginners

Now that you know how to crochet a tote bag, it is time for you to get started making your own beautiful bag. I hope that you have enjoyed this pattern, and are now inspired to start your crochet project.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Happy Crocheting

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