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Easy Tote Bag with Straps – Free Crochet Pattern

Make a beautiful crochet tote bag with this simple and easy pattern that’s perfect for beginners and fun to use for shopping, school, or daily adventures.

Creating a beautiful and useful crochet tote bag is a fun and simple project that anyone can enjoy. This tote bag is both stylish and functional, making it perfect for carrying groceries, books, or even your everyday essentials. Its lightweight mesh design gives it a unique and trendy look, while the sturdy straps ensure it can hold your items securely.

Free Crochet Tote Bag Pattern with Perfect Strap Placement Tips

Crochet Basic Tote Bag Tutorial Step by Step tutorial 1

Made using soft cotton yarn, the bag feels comfortable to carry and has a natural, eco-friendly touch. The pattern is easy to follow, making it a great option for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and relaxing project. Its versatility allows you to customize the size and colors to match your personal style. Perfect for every occasion, this handmade tote combines practicality with beauty, making it a must-try project for crochet lovers.

Crochet Basic Tote Bag Tutorial Step by Step tutorial 2

Step-by-Step Crochet Tote Bag Pattern

Materials

To complete this project, you will need:

  • Yarn: 100% cotton yarn, weight 4 (medium) – approximately 180 g.
    • While cotton is recommended, acrylic yarn can also be used. However, note that acrylic may stretch over time.
  • Crochet Hook: 5 mm (H-8).
  • Stitch Markers: At least four for marking straps and key stitches.
  • Darning Needle: For weaving in ends and joining straps.
  • Scissors: For cutting the yarn.

Special Techniques

  • Slip Knot: Used to start your chain foundation.
  • Chain (ch): Creates a foundation and turning chains.
  • Single Crochet (sc): Used for the base of the bag.
  • Double Crochet (dc): Forms the body of the bag and straps.
  • Stacked Single Crochet: A two-step stitch that counts as one double crochet.
  • Double Crochet Decrease (dc2tog): Combines two stitches into one for shaping straps.
  • Slip Stitch (sl st): Joins rounds seamlessly.
  • Joining with Needle: Used to sew the straps together cleanly.

Finished Size

  • Bag Body Dimensions: Approximately 28 cm wide × 34 cm high (11" × 13") before straps are added.
  • Straps: Adjustable based on personal preference during the pattern steps.

Suggestions for Personalization

  • Size Modifications: Adjust the number of chains (for width) or rounds (for height) to create a smaller or larger bag.
  • Color Choices: Use multiple colors for stripes or patterns in the body and straps.
  • Additional Features: Add lining, buttons, or a drawstring for extra functionality.

Pattern Instructions

Step 1: Foundation Chain

  1. Begin with a slip knot on your hook.
  2. Chain 38 to form the base foundation.Crochet Basic Tote Bag Tutorial Step by Step tutorial 3

Step 2: Base of the Bag

The base consists of eight rows of single crochet.

Row 1:

  1. Turn the chain over to work into the back bars (small bumps on the underside of the chain).
  2. Skip the first back bar and insert your hook into the second back bar.
  3. Yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops – this creates a single crochet.
  4. Work one single crochet into each back bar across the chain. Ensure you have 37 single crochets at the end of the row.

Rows 2–8:

  1. Chain 1, turn your work. Skip the chain and insert your hook into the first stitch of the row.
  2. Work one single crochet in each stitch across the row.
  3. Each row should end with 37 single crochets.
  4. Repeat steps for a total of eight rows.Crochet Basic Tote Bag Tutorial Step by Step tutorial 4

Step 3: Body of the Bag

The body is worked in rounds of double crochet, starting from the edges of the base.

Round 1:

  1. Chain 1, then crochet along the short edge.
  2. Locate the holes along the short side of the base (7 holes). Work one double crochet (dc) into each hole. Place a stitch marker in the first dc for reference.
  3. Rotate the work and crochet into the long edge. Work 37 double crochets along the edge (into the braided stitches from Row 1 of the base).
  4. At the opposite short edge, crochet 7 double crochets into the holes.
  5. On the remaining long edge, work 37 double crochets back to the starting point.
  6. Join the round with a slip stitch into the first stitch.Crochet Basic Tote Bag Tutorial Step by Step tutorial 5

Rounds 2–19:

  1. Chain 1 and turn your work (optional, turning creates a neater finish).
  2. Skip the chain and slip stitch, then work double crochet into the first stitch (remove and replace the stitch marker as needed).
  3. Continue crocheting double crochets all around the bag.
  4. At the end of each round, join with a slip stitch into the first stitch.
  5. Continue repeating until you have completed a total of 19 rounds, ensuring that each round has 88 double crochets.

Step 4: Straps

Marking Strap Positions:

  1. Place stitch markers for the straps as follows:
    • From the last double crochet of Round 19, count 5 stitches and place a marker.
    • Skip 27 stitches and place a marker in the 28th stitch.
    • Skip 15 stitches, place a marker in the 16th stitch.
    • Skip 27 stitches, place a marker in the 28th stitch.
  2. Verify spacing between markers:
    • There should be 17 stitches between the first and second markers, and between the third and fourth markers.Crochet Basic Tote Bag Tutorial Step by Step tutorial 6

Strap Pattern:

  1. Attach yarn to the stitch marked for the strap using a slip knot.
  2. Start with a stacked single crochet:
    • Work one single crochet, then insert hook into the top loop of the stitch and make another single crochet. This counts as one double crochet.
  3. Continue working one double crochet in each stitch across the strap section (total of 17 double crochets).
  4. Turn your work and repeat the strap pattern:
    • Start with a stacked single crochet.
    • Work dc2tog decreases at the beginning and end of the row, and regular double crochets in between.

Strap Shape:

  • Row 1: 17 double crochets.
  • Row 2: 15 double crochets (1 decrease on each end).
  • Row 3: 13 double crochets (1 decrease on each end).
  • Row 4: 11 double crochets (1 decrease on each end).
  • Row 5: 9 double crochets (1 decrease on each end).
  • Row 6: 7 double crochets (1 decrease on each end).
  • Row 7: 5 double crochets.
  • Rows 8–17: Maintain 5 double crochets across each row.

Strap Joining:

  1. When both straps are complete, cut a long tail of yarn (approximately 30 cm).
  2. Use a darning needle to sew the two straps together:
    • Pass the needle through corresponding loops of both strap ends.
    • Sew evenly and securely across the width of the straps.
  3. Flip the work and repeat on the opposite side.
  4. Tie the tails together into a knot, trim, and weave the ends into the straps.Crochet Basic Tote Bag Tutorial Step by Step tutorial 7

Step 5: Final Touches

  1. Check the edges and ensure all ends are securely woven in.
  2. Block the bag if desired to shape it evenly.

Finishing

Congratulations! Your crochet tote bag is complete, ready for everyday use or gifting!Crochet Basic Tote Bag Tutorial Step by Step tutorial 8

Final Words

This basic tote is a versatile project that is beginner-friendly and customizable. Whether you use bold colors, add embellishments, or modify dimensions, the pattern gives you the flexibility to create something unique. Care for the bag by handwashing if made with cotton yarn, and enjoy its practicality and charm.

Tips to Maintain the Pattern

  • Avoid Overstretching: If using acrylic yarn, be mindful of the stretch and avoid overloading the bag.
  • Stitch Count: Regularly count stitches at the end of each row and round to maintain symmetry.
  • Mark Key Points: Use stitch markers generously to keep track of strap placement and round starts.

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