This is the free pattern for my go-to crochet bag for any occasion. Since the implementation of the ban on plastic bags in shopping malls where I live, I have made numerous re-usable bags to carry with me wherever I go. This free crochet bag pattern makes a simple yet stunning straw tote bag for everyday use. Come on, let’s pick up your crochet hook to make this beautiful bag and start saving the planet! Happy crocheting!
Contents
CROCHET BAG FOR ALL OCCASIONS
In the materialistic world we live in today, we can’t help but want the latest limited edition designer handbag, watch, or clothing. I am also guilty of owning a few of these things. However, I have noticed that although it is fun to have these fancy items in my closet, I am always carrying this easy crochet tote bag around. I wondered what is it about this bag that I loved so much…
Come closer and I’ll tell you why this is my favorite tote bag! Firstly, it is a super versatile bag. I use it anytime and anywhere I go. I use it during the summer months and also during winter when I want a pop of color to complement my outfit. It is a gorgeous bag that never goes out of style! In addition, it suits any occasion. It is a great option as a beach bag, grocery bag, gift bag, market tote, and spring shopping bag, and it is also the perfect companion for your summer vacation.
Furthermore, this free crochet tote bag pattern makes a cute bag of the perfect size. It measures 14.5″ wide, 6″ depth, and 13″ tall. Not too bulky and has just enough space to fit all your daily essentials. It also makes a great gift for your loved ones.
ADDITIONS TO CROCHET TOTE BAG
I am a mom of 2 young children and I also run a business so there are days when things get hectic and messy. I am constantly on the go and I like to keep my things organized when it comes to days like these. Hence, I prefer bags with pockets to compartmentalize my keys, cards, make-up products and so much more that is in my bag. The perfect way to achieve this is to add a lining with pockets to the inside of the bag.
In my own design, I added a beige lining to the crochet tote bag. The fabric is soft and the material is a washable cotton. The fabric lines the inner body of the bag down to the base of the bag. I also added 2 pockets to the bag lining, an 8″ open pocket, and a 9″ zipper pocket.
You may refer to this tutorial on how to sew a zipper pocket. As an option to include it in your crochet project, I have drawn and written the dimension of the lining pattern separately and you may download it by clicking the link.
Besides linings and pockets, you may also add yarn of different colors to make beautiful patterns on your tote bag. In this tutorial, I made a plain white tote bag and another with vibrant colors of Chocolate, White, Sea Blue, Daffodil, Orange, and Kraft yarns. On gloomy days, I love how these bright colors never fail to lighten up my mood.
FREE CROCHET TOTE BAG PATTERN
scroll ⬇️ to get the free pattern & tutorial
TYPES OF CROCHET BAGS
In this written tutorial, I will guide you on how to make a crochet tote bag. I have also posted free patterns on different types of crochet bags such as this beach bag made of giant shell stitches, a raffia bucket bag, a star stitch tote bag, and many others. Some of these patterns may require a higher skill level but worry not as practice makes perfect! Also, feel free to drop me any questions you may have in the comment section.
There are also plenty of crochet bag designs to choose from on social media. These are some patterns I found interesting: crochet market bag pattern for your trips to the farmers market, eyelet purse crochet pattern, and this granny squares tote bag pattern which includes a video tutorial for better understanding.
Get the free crochet fall leaves pattern and the fox sewing pattern, and assemble them into a bag charm to complete the look of the beautiful designer look crochet tote bag.
PREPARATION TO MAKE CROCHET BAG PATTERN
The best part of this tote bag pattern is that it is easy to make. It is written in American crochet terms for avid beginners and intermediate-level crocheters. Basic crochet stitches and abbreviations are used throughout the tutorial such as chain stitches, single crochet stitch, split single crochet, increment stitch and slip stitch (sl st). You may use a stitch marker to keep track of each crochet row.
I used crochet raffia yarn in my design but you could use any type of yarn including cotton yarn, worsted weight yarn or tape yarn to achieve different textures. Next, you should choose your crochet hook size based on the weight of yarn of your choice. For example, the size commonly used for medium-weight yarn ranges from 5.00mm crochet hook to 6.50mm.
The tools I used include a sewing needle, wax coated thread or a strong thread, and a tapestry needle. The wax-coated thread was used to sew the leather shoulder strap to the main portion of the bag. I used simple stitches to sew the ends of the strap through the pre-punched hole on the leather strap.
Crochet Tote Bag
This is the pattern for my crochet straw tote bag. It makes a simple yet stunning tote bag for everyday use. I added leather shoulder straps, lining with pockets and a magnetic closure to complete the bag. Get some raffia yarns today and start to crochet this cute tote.
Download and print separately: Lining Pattern
Enjoy crocheting them!
Materials
- Crochet raffia yarn, Raffia With Passion, 170 gram / 250 m, 3 rolls
- Crochet hook 3.5mm
- Leather shoulder straps, Brown or Black
- Fabric for lining, approx. 3/4 yard, 43″ bolt width (optional)
- Magnetic closure (optional)
Tools
- Sewing needle and matching thread for lining
- Wax coated thread or strong thread (for sewing the straps)
- Tapestry needle
Instructions
Finished dimension:
Width: 14.5″
Depth: 6″
Tall: 13″ (excluding the shoulder straps)
Tension gauge:
Approx 19.5 sts x 22 rows split single crochet in 4 inches square
Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
ssc = split single crochet / knit stitch / waistcoat stitch
inc = increment stitch / 2sc in a stitch
slst = slip stitch
st = stitch
STRAW TOTE CROCHET PATTERN
in American crochet terms
Purse Base (Oval bottom)
sl knot, ch 29
Round 1: 2sc to second st from hook, sc in next 26 sts, 4sc in last ch, rotate the piece and work around on the back loop of the foundation chain, sc in next 26 sts, 2sc in next st, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {60}
Round 2: ssc, 2ssc, ssc in next 26 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 2 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 26 sts, 2ssc, ssc, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {64}
Round 3: ssc, 2ssc, ssc in next 27 sts, [2ssc, ssc] 3 times, ssc in next 26 sts, 2ssc, ssc, 2ssc, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {70}
Round 4: [2ssc, ssc in next 2 sts] 2 times, ssc in next 26 sts, [2ssc, ssc in next 2 sts] 3 times, ssc in next 26 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 2 sts, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {76}
Round 5: 2ssc, ssc in next 2 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 28 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 5 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 2 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 28 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 5 sts, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {82}
Round 6: ssc, [2ssc, ssc in next 2 sts] 2 times, ssc in next 30 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 4 sts, [2ssc, ssc in next 2 sts] 2 times, ssc in next 30 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 3 sts, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {88}
Round 7: 2ssc, ssc in next 4 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 30 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 7 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 4 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 30 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 7 sts, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {94}
Round 8: [ssc in next 4 sts, 2ssc] 2 times, ssc in next 28 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 12 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 4 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 28 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 8 sts, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {100}
Round 9: ssc in next 2 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 38 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 10 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 38 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 8 sts, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {104}
Round 10: ssc in next 7 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 37 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 5 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 7 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 37 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 5 sts, 2ssc, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {110}
Round 11: ssc in next 5 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 43 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 10 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 43 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 5 sts, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {114}
Round 12: ssc in next 3 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 49 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 6 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 49 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 3 sts, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {118}
Round 13: 2ssc, ssc in next 5 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 45 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 6 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 5 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 45 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 6 sts, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {124}
Round 14: ssc in next 3 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 53 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 7 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 53 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 4 sts, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {128}
Round 15: ssc in next 11 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 41 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 9 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 11 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 41 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 9 sts, 2ssc, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {134}
Round 16: ssc in next 8 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 49 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 16 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 49 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 8 sts, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {138}
Round 17: ssc in next 13 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 41 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 26 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 41 sts, 2ssc, ssc in next 13 sts, slst to first st, ch1, turn. {142}
Purse Body (vertically upward)
Round 1 – Round 72 (or, until the tote measure 13″ tall): ch1, ssc around, slst to the first st of the round, turn. {142}
Fasten off and hide yarn ends.
Important Note: Pull the slst and chain stitches snug at the end and beginning of every round to tighten these transition stitches in order to give a less obvious seam.
CROCHET CHART
Click here to enlarge
MORE DETAILS ON HOW TO CROCHET THE STRAW TOTE BAG
- The oval base of the tote upon completion of round 17. Press it with a warm iron to block it in shape.
- a. Trace the outline of the oval base on a piece of paper; this is the initial stage of drafting the lining pattern.
b. Set the traced pattern aside and continue with the crochet.
- Continue to work on the crochet pattern. This is the yield of a roll of raffia yarn. Join yarn and continue with the crochet.
- Crochet in an upward round direction until you reach round 72, or until the tote measures about 13″ tall. Fasten and weave in all yarn ends.
- Sew the leather shoulder straps to the center of the tote, about 7″ apart.
- Sew the shoulder straps to the bag through the pre-punched holes by using strong thread.
- a. Download the Lining Pattern, follow the template to measure the lining pieces.
b. Shrink the oval base pattern you have traced about 1/2″ smaller by deducting 1/4″ from each side.
c. Adjust the shape by making it more symmetrical.
d. Measure the circumference of the oval base, this will be the width of the tote lining.
e. Check with the actual width measurement of the tote, the lining width shall be a little smaller than the measured width.
f. Add the necessary seam allowances to the fabric pieces before cutting them out.
g. Sew pockets to the lining. You may refer to this tutorial on how to sew a zipper pocket.
- a. Join the sides of the lining together, seam the oval base to it.
b. Fold the top and stitch in place.
- Install the magnetic closure to the lining. If you are using capped rivet, increase the fabric thickness by adding some layers of felt so that it is thick enough for the rivet to sit properly.
- a. Insert the lining into the tote, make sure the magnetic closure is at the center of the tote and the straps are aligned.
b. Clip or pin the lining to the tote in place.
- Hand stitches the lining to the tote at the top edge.
- Lastly, topstitch these few places with a sewing machine so that the lining stays nicely and neatly. Not forgetting the bottom of the lining, make a few stitches so that the bottom stays at the bottom.
Paint the plain white tote bag with colorful raffia yarns. I used Chocolate, White, Sea Blue, Daffodil, Orange and Kraft yarns for this spring/summer tone striped tote.
Embellish the tote bag with fall leaf and Fox charm. The fall leaf crochet pattern is available here, while the Freddy the fox sewing pattern is here. You may buy the leather Freddy the Fox here.
A quick bag to lug on when you are out for a coffee, just dunk in a book or your WIP craft, and you are good to go. Enjoy your ME-TIME, relax and re-energize.
Notes
Depending on the speed and hours you are spending on the project, the total time needed is only an approximation.
Get the full article at https://www.craftpassion.com/crochet-tote-bag/
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Carolyn
Tuesday 5th of July 2022
Took me a while to get this going but now I am doing fine. I just had to figure out my raffia was wider than the one you used and so I am using a larger hook and doing just sc and it looks great. So excited to get this done now!
Craft Passion
Wednesday 6th of July 2022
I am happy to know that it is working well after going through the adaptation curve. Please keep in mind that using a bigger hook and wider raffia, your tote will come out bigger. Happy crochet and I am sure it will be an awesome tote for you!
Hebatallah Farag
Tuesday 8th of June 2021
I am starting doing it but from round 4 I found 3 extra stiches , and I need to know if I can use sc instead of ssc .... thanks in advance
Hebatallah Farag
Sunday 20th of June 2021
@Craft Passion, thanks for your reply
Craft Passion
Saturday 12th of June 2021
Please make sure that you don't crochet on the slst stitch that joins to the first stitch of the round. Yes, you may use sc stitch instead if you prefer and with sc stitch, you need fewer rounds to crochet to the same length of the design.
Mehtap
Sunday 27th of September 2020
Hi , thank you for the pattern . At the R4 ( oval bottom ) my stitches not meeting where is the round ending . After following and counting 76 still 4 st to go till my marking . Up to that point all the number off stitches right .
Hebatallah Farag
Tuesday 8th of June 2021
@Mehtap, having the same problem??!!
Craft Passion
Sunday 27th of September 2020
That's weird, the pattern is correct and I can confirm that. Perhaps you are making some additional increase stitches in the round, otherwise, it should be matched. Please check and count your stitches again.
Viktoria
Friday 5th of June 2020
Thanks a lot! It's just what I want. Such a nice tote ❤️!
Alison
Thursday 19th of September 2019
I'm working on the base and it's starting to get wavy and curly. What causes this and how can I prevent it?
Craft Passion
Thursday 19th of September 2019
It will curl up a little but it will get flatten after you block it with iron.