Create your own beautiful and practical tote bag with this easy-to-follow crochet pattern! Inspired by a detailed tutorial, this design guides you through crafting a spacious and functional bag with a classic striped pattern. This bag is a wonderful way to add a handmade, modern accessory to your collection.
Skill Level: Beginner
Finished Size (Approximate):
- Dimensions: Varies based on yarn, hook, and tension.
- The finished bag is a medium-sized tote, perfect for everyday use.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn in at least two different colors for the striped pattern.
- The video uses a specific yarn type and weight, but you can use any yarn of a similar weight.
- Crochet Hook: A hook size appropriate for your chosen yarn. The video uses a specific hook size.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker (Optional): To mark the beginning of rounds.
Gauge (Crucial for Bag Consistency!):
Achieving consistent gauge for your project is crucial to ensure the bag holds its shape. Work a swatch to ensure your stitches are tight and consistent. If your fabric is too loose, go down a hook size.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- FO: Fasten off
Let’s Crochet Your Striped Tote Bag!
This bag is constructed by first crocheting a flat, rectangular base, then working in the round to create the sides, and finally adding the handles.
Part 1: The Bag Base
- Start with Color A: Ch 20 (or your desired length for the base of the bag).
- Row 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across.
- Continue crocheting in the round: The video shows how to continue crocheting around the chain to create a flat, rectangular base. You will be working on both sides of the initial chain.
- Continue crocheting rows of single crochet until the base is the desired size.
Part 2: The Bag Body
- Work on the sides: Once the base is complete, the video shows how to begin working on the sides of the bag. You will now be working in continuous rounds, not turning your work at the end of each round.
- Change Colors: The video demonstrates how to change yarn colors to create a striped pattern on the bag’s body.
- To change colors, complete the last stitch of the old color with the new color. Drop the old color and continue with the new color.
- Continue crocheting rounds of single crochet, changing colors at the end of each stripe, until the bag is the desired height.
Part 3: The Handles
- Create the Handles: Once the body of the bag is the desired height, the video shows how to add the handles. This is done by creating a series of chains for the handle opening and then skipping stitches.
- Attach the Handles: The video shows how to crochet the handles onto the bag by working a few rounds of single crochet, decreasing stitches at the handle opening to create a sturdy handle.
- Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to neatly weave in any remaining loose yarn tails.
Video tutorial
Versatile Uses for Your Striped Tote Bag:
- Everyday Tote: A stylish and unique accessory for daily use.
- Shopping Bag: A reusable and stylish alternative for groceries or market trips.
- Beach Bag: Perfect for towels, sunscreen, and beach reads.
- Gift: A thoughtful and impressive handmade gift.
Customization & Tips:
- Color Combinations: Experiment with different color palettes for your stripes to create a unique effect. You could use two contrasting colors, or a gradient of colors.
- Size Adjustment:
- Larger Bag: Start with a longer chain for the base and crochet more rounds for the body.
- Smaller Bag: Start with a shorter chain for the base and crochet fewer rounds for the body.
- Handle Style: Explore different handle options, such as two short handles for a handbag, or a longer strap for a crossbody bag.
Enjoy crocheting your own beautiful, practical, and unique tote bag! It’s a fantastic way to create a personalized accessory that’s sure to become a favorite.
