How to Crochet Tote Bag | Step by Step for Beginners👜👜🧵

Crocheting a tote bag is an excellent project for anyone looking to create a practical, handmade item. This tutorial is specifically designed for beginners, breaking down each step into simple, manageable parts. We’ll use a straightforward design and basic stitches to create a sturdy, reusable tote that’s perfect for groceries, a trip to the beach, or carrying your daily essentials.

Skill Level: Beginner

This project is a great choice if you’re comfortable with:

• Chain (ch): The foundation of all crochet projects.
• Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining stitches and rounds neatly.
• Single Crochet (sc): A dense, sturdy stitch that is perfect for a bag.
• Increasing: Making your work wider to create the bag’s base.
• Working in Rounds: Crocheting in a continuous circle.
• Fastening Off: Securely ending your yarn.
• Weaving in Ends: The crucial final step for a polished and durable bag.

Finished Tote Bag Dimensions (Approximate):

Using worsted weight yarn (Medium #4) and the suggested hook, your finished tote bag will typically be:

• Base: 12 inches (30 cm) long by 4 inches (10 cm) wide (oval shape).
• Height: 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) (excluding handles).
• Handles: 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) tall loop (from bag edge to top of handle).

These dimensions are easy to adjust! For a bigger bag, start with a longer chain for the base. For a taller bag, add more rounds to the body.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Yarn: Approximately 300-400 yards (275-365 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton or a sturdy cotton blend.
  • Why cotton? It’s strong, durable, holds its shape well, and won’t stretch out as much as acrylic when carrying heavier items.
• Crochet Hook: Size I/5.5mm. This hook size creates a dense fabric that gives the bag great structure.
• Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Essential for weaving in yarn tails.
• Scissors: Any sharp pair for cutting yarn.
• Stitch Marker (Optional but Recommended): A helpful tool for marking the beginning of each round.

Let’s Crochet Your Easy Tote Bag!

We’ll build this tote bag from the bottom up in three main parts:

1. The Oval Base: Creating a sturdy foundation.
2. The Body: Working straight up to form the bag’s walls.
3. The Handles: Adding comfortable, integrated handles.

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Part 1: The Oval Base

The base of your bag needs to be sturdy and flat. We’ll achieve this by working single crochet stitches around a starting chain in continuous rounds.

1. Starting Chain:
   • Make a slip knot.
   • Chain (ch) 26. This determines the length of your bag’s base.
2. Round 1 (Working Around the Chain):
   • Work 2 single crochet (sc) stitches into the 2nd chain from your hook.
   • Work 1 sc into each of the next 23 chains.
   • In the last chain (the 26th chain from your hook), work 4 sc stitches. This turns the corner.
   • Now, work back down the other side of your starting chain. Work 1 sc into each of the next 23 stitches.
   • In the last stitch (the same chain where you placed your very first 2 sc), work 2 sc.
   • You should now have a total of 54 sc stitches. Do NOT join with a slip stitch. You will work in a continuous spiral for the base. Use your stitch marker to mark the first stitch of the next round.
3. Round 2 (Continuing the Oval Shape):
   • Work 2 sc into the very first stitch of the round (the one with your stitch marker).
   • Work 1 sc into the next stitch.
   • Work 1 sc into each of the next 23 stitches.
   • Work 2 sc into each of the next 3 stitches. (These are the increases on one of the rounded ends).
   • Work 1 sc into the next stitch.
   • Work 1 sc into each of the next 23 stitches.
   • Work 2 sc into each of the next 2 stitches. (These are the increases on the other rounded end).
   • You should now have 60 sc stitches. Continue in continuous rounds.
4. Round 3 (Final Base Round):
   • Work 2 sc into the first stitch.
   • Work 1 sc into each of the next 24 stitches.
   • Work 2 sc into each of the next 3 stitches.
   • Work 1 sc into each of the next 24 stitches.
   • Work 2 sc into each of the next 2 stitches.
   • You should now have 66 sc stitches. Do not join yet. Remove your stitch marker.
   • Slip stitch (sl st) into the next stitch to join, completing your oval base and preparing for the body.

Part 2: The Body of the Tote Bag

Now, we’ll work straight up from the finished base to create the walls of your bag. We’ll use single crochet throughout and work in joined rounds to maintain a neat, vertical line.

1. Round 4 (First Side Round – Defining the Edge):
   • Chain 1 (ch 1 – this does NOT count as a stitch).
   • Work 1 single crochet (sc) into the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch around the entire round. (66 sc)
     • Working into the back loop creates a crisp ridge where the base transitions to the sides.
   • Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of the round to join.
2. Rounds Onwards (Body Height):
   • Chain 1.
   • Work 1 sc into both loops of each stitch around the round. (Your stitch count remains the same: 66 sc).
   • Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of the round to join.
   • Repeat this round until your tote bag reaches your desired height. This will be about 20-25 more rounds, for a total of 24-29 rounds for the body. The single crochet creates a dense and sturdy fabric, perfect for a bag.

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Part 3: The Handles

Now you’ll create comfortable, integrated handles that extend directly from the top of your bag. We’ll continue using single crochet for consistency and durability.

1. Handle Placement Round:
   • After your last body round, make sure you’ve joined with a slip stitch.
   • Chain 1.
   • Work 1 sc into the first 10 stitches.
   • Chain 40 (ch 40 – this creates the length of your first handle. Adjust this number for a longer or shorter handle).
   • Skip the next 13 stitches.
   • Work 1 sc into the next 20 stitches.
   • Chain 40 (ch 40 – this creates the length of your second handle).
   • Skip the next 13 stitches.
   • Work 1 sc into the next 10 stitches.
   • Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of the round to join.
2. Handle Strengthening Round:
   • Chain 1.
   • Work 1 sc into each sc stitch along the top edge of the bag.
   • When you reach a chain-handle loop, work 1 sc into each of the 40 chains of the loop.
   • Continue working sc stitches into the bag top and then around the second chain-40 handle loop.
   • Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of the round to join.
   • Fasten Off (FO), leaving a tail of about 6 inches (15 cm).

Final Finishing Touches

1. Weave in All Ends:
   • Thread your yarn tails onto your yarn needle.
   • Weave each tail into existing stitches on the inside of your bag for at least 3-4 inches. Change direction to “lock” the tail in place and prevent unraveling.
   • Trim any excess yarn close to the fabric.
2. Blocking (Optional but Recommended):
   • Gently mist the entire bag with cool water.
   • Stuff the bag lightly with towels to help it hold its rectangular shape.
   • Allow the bag to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully crocheted an easy and sturdy tote bag. This is a fantastic accomplishment, and you now have a beautiful, handmade accessory. What will be the first thing you carry in your new tote?

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