How to crochet a simple tote bag that can hold everything🧶

Ready to dive into a project with fantastic texture and a vibrant design? This stunning bag uses a chevron stitch, also known as a ripple or wave stitch, to create its signature pattern. The combination of a solid base and a multi-colored body makes it an eye-catching accessory that’s perfect for any occasion.

This pattern is worked from the bottom up, starting with a sturdy base and building the body with continuous rounds of the beautiful chevron stitch. The handles are worked directly from the top, creating a strong and seamless finish.

What You’ll Need:

Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran/10 ply) cotton yarn is ideal for this project, as it creates a dense, sturdy fabric that holds its shape and drapes well.
- Color A (Main): A dark, main color for the body and handles (the burnt orange/brown in the example). Approximately 250-300 yards.
- Color B (Stripe 1): A light accent color (the dark green in the example). Approximately 40-50 yards.
- Color C (Stripe 2): A second accent color (the lime green in the example). Approximately 40-50 yards.
Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm (or hook size to achieve a firm fabric).
Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
Scissors
Stitch Marker (optional): To mark the beginning of each round.

Abbreviations Used:

ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
dc3tog: double crochet three together (a decrease stitch)
st(s): stitch(es)
rnd: round
FO: fasten off
[ ]: repeat instructions in brackets
( ): stitch count at the end of the round

Gauge:

For the chevron pattern to work correctly, your stitch count must be a multiple of 12 for the round. The finished base should be approximately 28 cm x 10 cm (11 inches x 4 inches).

Part 1: The Base (in Color A)

We will create a rectangular base by working in rows and then working in the round around the perimeter.

Using Color A, ch 27.
Row 1: Dc in the 4th ch from the hook and in each ch across. (24 dc)
Row 2: Ch 3, turn. Dc in each st across. (24 dc)
Repeat Row 2 for a total of 6 rows, or until your rectangle measures approximately 10 cm (4 inches) wide.

Now, we will work in the round around the perimeter of the rectangle.

Without turning, ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). Dc in each dc across the long edge. Work 3 dc in the corner. Continue working down the side, working 1 dc for each row end. Work 3 dc in the corner. Repeat for the remaining two sides. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3. (Approx. 60 dc total)
Sl st to the next stitch, then start the next round with ch 3, dc. Repeat for 2 more rounds of dc around, for a total of 3 rounds. (The stitch count should be a multiple of 12 for the chevron pattern).

Part 2: The Body (Chevron Pattern)

We will now build the sides of the bag using the chevron pattern. The pattern is created by a combination of increases and decreases that form the “waves.”

You will work in continuous rounds, not joining at the end of each. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round to keep track.

Rnds 1-2 (Main Color – in Color A):
- Work dc3tog over the first 3 stitches.
- [Dc in the next 4 stitches, 3 dc in the next stitch, dc in the next 4 stitches, dc3tog over the next 3 stitches] – Repeat this around the bag. Continue for 2 full rounds.
Rnd 3 (First Stripe – in Color B): Switch to Color B. Work the same chevron pattern for 1 round.
Rnds 4-5 (Main Color – in Color A): Switch back to Color A. Work the same chevron pattern for 2 rounds.
Rnd 6 (Second Stripe – in Color C): Switch to Color C. Work the same chevron pattern for 1 round.
Rnds 7-10 (Main Color – in Color A): Switch back to Color A. Work the same chevron pattern for 4 more rounds, or until your bag is the desired height. At the end of the last round, sl st into the next stitch to level off the spiral.

Part 3: The Top Edge & Handles (in Color A)

We will now create the handles directly from the top of the bag.

Preparation: To transition to the handles, you’ll need to work a round of single crochet to flatten the top edge of the chevron. Ch 1, sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st.
Rnd 1 (Handles): Ch 1, sc in the first 10 stitches. Ch 20 (or to your desired handle length). Skip the next 20 stitches. Sc in the next 20 stitches. Ch 20. Skip the last 20 stitches. Sl st into the first sc.
Rnd 2 (Securing Handles): Ch 1, sc in each of the 10 sc. Sc in each of the 20 chains. Sc in the next 20 sc. Sc in each of the 20 chains. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Rnd 3 (Finishing Handles): Ch 1, sc in each st around the entire bag (including the handles). Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Rnd 4 (Finishing Handles): Ch 1, sc in each st around the entire bag. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
FO and weave in all remaining ends.

Video tutorial

Finishing Touches:

Weave in all remaining ends securely.
Blocking (optional but recommended for cotton): To help your bag hold its shape, steam it lightly or spray with water. Stuff it with a towel and shape it as it air dries.

You’ve now created a beautiful and unique bag with a stunning chevron pattern! Enjoy your new accessory.