How to Crochet a Stylish Tote Bag

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

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 (2 dc 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, making 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 separately, 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.