How to Crochet a Multicolor Tote Bag

Let’s crochet a vibrant and practical multicolor tote bag! This project is a fantastic way to combine different yarn colors, whether you’re using up yarn scraps or simply love the look of bold stripes. This detailed tutorial will guide you step-by-step through creating a sturdy and eye-catching tote, perfect for shopping, the beach, or adding a pop of handmade charm to your everyday.

This guide will take you through each stage of creating your colorful tote: building a solid base, working up the sides with your chosen color pattern, and adding comfortable, integrated handles.

Skill Level: Beginner

This project is perfect if you’re comfortable with (or ready to learn!):

Chain (ch): The very first step in crochet.
Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining rounds.
Single Crochet (sc): A tight, sturdy stitch, ideal for bag bases and handles.
Half Double Crochet (hdc): A slightly taller stitch that works up quickly and creates a good fabric for the bag’s body.
Working in rounds: Crocheting in a circular fashion.
Changing colors: Learning how to switch yarn colors neatly.
Fastening off: Securing your yarn so your work doesn’t unravel.
Weaving in ends: Tiding up all those loose yarn tails.

Finished Tote Bag Dimensions (Approximate):

Using worsted weight yarn and the suggested hook, your finished tote bag will typically measure around:

Base: 10 inches (25 cm) wide by 3 inches (7.5 cm) deep oval
Height: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) (excluding handles)
Handles: 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) tall loop

You can easily adjust the size of your bag by changing the initial chain length for the base or the number of rounds for the body.

Materials You’ll Need:

Gathering your materials before you start will ensure a smooth and enjoyable crocheting session.

Yarn: Approximately 400-500 yards (365-457 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton or Cotton Blend Yarn.
- Why Cotton? Cotton yarn is highly recommended for bags because it’s durable, holds its shape well, and creates a sturdy fabric that resists stretching.
- Color Choices: Choose 2 or 3 distinct colors for your stripes, or gather your yarn scraps of similar weight.
  - Color A (Main/Base Color): Approx. 250-300 yards (228-274m) – this will be used for the base and some stripe sections (e.g., a neutral like white, black, or navy).
  - Color B (Stripe Color 1): Approx. 100-125 yards (91-114m) – (e.g., a bright contrasting color or a pastel).
  - Color C (Stripe Color 2 – Optional): Approx. 100-125 yards (91-114m) – (e.g., another coordinating color if you want more than two stripes).
Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm. This hook size works well with worsted weight cotton yarn to create a firm, dense fabric that will help your tote bag stand up on its own.
Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Essential for seamlessly weaving in your loose yarn tails at the end. It has a blunt tip and a large eye, making it easy to thread yarn through.
Scissors: Any sharp pair of scissors.
Stitch Marker (Optional but Recommended): This little tool helps you keep track of the first stitch in each round, especially when working in continuous spirals for the base.

Let’s Crochet Your Multicolor Tote Bag!

You’ll build this bag from the bottom up: starting with a strong oval base, then working the body in colorful stripes, and finishing with integrated handles.

Part 1: The Oval Base (Color A)

You’ll start by creating a flat, sturdy oval shape that forms the bottom of your tote bag. You’ll achieve this by working around a starting chain.

Starting Chain (with Color A):
- Make a slip knot with Color A and place it onto your H/5.0mm crochet hook.
- Chain (ch) 21. (This length determines the initial width of your bag. If you want a wider or narrower bag, adjust this chain. It should always be an odd number.)
Round 1 (Working around the chain):
- Work 2 single crochet (sc) stitches into the 2nd chain from your hook.
- (Optional: Place a stitch marker in the first sc you just made. This will be the first stitch of your round for tracking.)
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 chains.
- In the last chain (the 21st chain from your hook): Work 4 sc into this single chain. This neatly turns the corner.
- Now, work back down the other side of your starting chain, into the bottom loops.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- In the last stitch (the same chain where you placed your first 2 sc): Work 2 sc into this chain. This turns the other corner.
- You should now have a total of 44 sc stitches (2+18+4+18+2). Do NOT join with a slip stitch yet. For the base, you’ll work in continuous rounds (spirals) to avoid a visible seam.
Round 2 (Continuing the Oval Shape):
- Work 2 sc into the first stitch of the round (where your stitch marker is).
- (If using, move your stitch marker to this new first sc of the round.)
- Work 1 sc into the next stitch.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 3 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 2 stitches.
- You should now have 50 sc stitches. Continue working in continuous rounds.
Round 3 (Final Base Round):
- Work 2 sc into the first stitch of the round (where your stitch marker is).
- (If using, move your stitch marker to this new first sc of the round.)
- Work 1 sc into the next 2 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 3 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 2 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 2 stitches.
- You should now have 56 sc stitches.
- Stop here! When you finish the last sc of this round, remove your stitch marker.
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of this round to join. This flattens the end of the round and prepares for working straight up the sides of the bag.
- Fasten off Color A, leaving a 4-inch (10 cm) tail for weaving in.

Part 2: Building the Body of the Bag (Multicolor Stripes)

Now, you’ll work straight up the sides of the bag, using your chosen colors to create the striped pattern. You’ll work in joined rounds to maintain a neat seam.

Round 4 (First Side Round – with Color B):
- Join Color B with a slip stitch (sl st) into the same stitch where you just fastened off Color A.
- Chain 2 (ch 2 – counts as your first half double crochet (hdc)).
- Work 1 hdc into the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch around the entire round. (56 hdc)
  - Why BLO? Working into the back loop creates a nice, defined edge that helps the bag sides stand up straight from the base, giving a crisp corner.
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the top of the beginning ch 2 to join the round.
- Do NOT fasten off Color B yet!
Round 5 (Second Side Round – with Color B):
- Chain 2.
- Work 1 hdc into each stitch around the round. (56 hdc)
- Crucial Step: Color Change! When you make the very last half double crochet of this round (the 56th hdc), stop when you have two loops left on your hook.
  - Drop your current color (Color B). Pick up your next yarn color (e.g., Color A or Color C).
  - With the new color, yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook to complete the stitch. The new color is now active on your hook.
- Now, complete the round by doing a slip stitch (sl st) with your new color into the top of the beginning ch 2 you made at the beginning of this round.
- Fasten off the previous color (Color B), leaving a 4-inch (10 cm) tail for weaving in.
Continue Stripes:
- Repeat the process from Step 2, changing to a new color for each new round or every two rounds, depending on your desired stripe thickness. For a simple pattern, you can alternate between Color A and Color B, working 2 rounds of each. If using a third color, you could do 2 rounds of A, 2 of B, 2 of C, then repeat.
- Always remember to change colors on the last yarn over of the last hdc of the last row for that color segment.
- Keep going until your bag reaches your desired height (approximately 20-25 rows total for the body, after the base).
- End with the color you want your handles to be (often your main color, Color A, or a solid complementary color).

Part 3: Creating the Handles

The handles will extend directly from the top of your bag, using single crochet stitches for a consistent and sturdy look.

Round for Handle Placement:
- After your last body round (with your chosen handle color active on your hook, e.g., Color A), chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).
- Work 8 single crochet (sc) stitches. (This positions the stitches for the first handle’s attachment point on the front of the bag).
- Chain 30 (ch 30 – this creates the length of your first handle. Adjust this number to make the handle longer or shorter for shoulder or hand carrying).
- Skip the next 12 stitches. (This creates the open space for the bag’s opening).
- Work 16 sc stitches. (This will take you across the back/front to the other side for the second handle).
- Chain 30 (ch 30 – this creates the length of your second handle).
- Skip the next 12 stitches.
- Work 8 sc stitches. (This should bring you back to the start of the round).
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of this round to join.
Round for Handle Finishing (Strengthening):
- Chain 1.
- Work 1 sc into each of the 8 sc stitches from the previous round.
- Now, work 30 sc stitches around your chain-30 handle loop. Make sure to work into the chain itself and not just the top. This reinforces the handle and makes it sturdy.
- Work 1 sc into each of the 16 sc stitches between the handles.
- Work 30 sc stitches around the second chain-30 handle loop.
- Work 1 sc into each of the remaining 8 sc stitches.
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of the round to join.
Fasten Off:
- Cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail.
- Yarn over with your hook, pull the cut tail completely through the loop left on your hook, and gently tug to secure the knot.

Part 4: Final Finishing Touches

Weave in All Ends:
- This is the most crucial step for a neat and professional-looking bag, especially with multiple color changes. You’ll have tails from your starting chain, all your color changes, and the final fasten-off from the handle.
- Use your yarn needle to meticulously weave in every loose yarn tail.
- How to Weave Neatly: Thread the yarn tail onto your yarn needle. Weave the tail into the stitches of the same color as the tail. Go in one direction for at least 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm). To truly secure it, subtly change direction (e.g., weave along a stitch, then turn and weave back through some of the same stitches diagonally or perpendicularly) to “lock” the tail in place and prevent it from unraveling. Trim any excess yarn close to the fabric, being careful not to cut any of your actual stitches.
Blocking (Optional):
- Blocking can significantly improve the shape, even out any tension inconsistencies, and give your bag a more polished, professional look. It helps the bag stand up nicely.
- Method: Gently mist the bag evenly with cool water using a spray bottle until it’s damp but not soaking wet. Stuff the bag lightly with tissue paper, old t-shirts, or a small towel to help it hold its intended shape (especially the corners and handles). Allow the bag to air dry completely and thoroughly in a well-ventilated area. This might take a day or two.
Optional: Bag Lining:
- For extra durability and to prevent small items from slipping through the stitches, consider adding a fabric lining. This is a separate sewing step. Measure the finished dimensions of your crocheted bag. Cut fabric pieces slightly larger, sew them into a matching pouch, and then hand-stitch or machine-stitch it inside your crocheted bag.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully crocheted your very own Multicolor Tote Bag! This project is a fantastic accomplishment for any beginner, and you now have a sturdy, handmade bag that’s both functional and stylish.

What beautiful items will you carry in your new multicolor tote?

How to Crochet a Multicolor Tote Bag – Step by Step👜👜🧵