by Crochet and macrame are two fiber arts that blend beautifully, and one of the trendiest projects today is a crochet macrame-style tote bag—a lightweight, stylish, durable bag perfect for summer. Whether you’re heading to the beach, farmers’ market, café, or vacation getaway, this tote is the ultimate warm-weather accessory.
What makes this project so appealing is that it offers the look of macrame knots while using simple crochet techniques, making it accessible even to those who have never tried macrame before. The open, airy texture is fashionable, functional, and incredibly fun to make.
This comprehensive tutorial includes everything you need:
✔ Step-by-step instructions
✔ Clear stitch explanations
✔ A full printable-style pattern
✔ Tips for customization
✔ How to assemble and finish your macrame tote
Let’s get started!
🌼 Why This Crochet Macrame Tote Bag Is Perfect for Summer
This tote bag combines style and practicality:
- Lightweight & breathable — perfect for hot weather
- Stretchy but sturdy — great for carrying beach essentials or produce
- Trendy macrame-inspired texture
- Beginner friendly
- Minimal sewing
- Works up fast
- Customizable in size and color
It also makes a wonderful handmade gift for birthdays, vacations, bridal showers, or Mother’s Day.
🧶 Materials You Will Need
Yarn
The best yarn choices for a summer macrame-style bag are:
- Cotton (most recommended)
- Cotton blends
- Macrame cord (3–4 mm thickness)
- Raffia yarn (for a boho summer look)
Choose sturdy, non-stretch yarn that can hold weight.
Recommended yarn weight:
- Medium (4) or
- Bulky (5) for a chunkier, faster project
Crochet Hook
- 4.0 mm – 6.0 mm (depending on your yarn)
Use the hook size your yarn recommends for best tension.
Other Tools
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
- Measuring tape
- Optional: purse handles, leather straps, fabric lining
🧵 Crochet Stitches You Need to Know
This bag uses easy stitches:
- CH – Chain
- SC – Single Crochet
- DC – Double Crochet
- SL ST – Slip Stitch
- TR – Treble Crochet (optional for macrame look)
- “Crossed DC” – two DC crossed over one another
- “Net Stitch” / Mesh stitch – CH 1, skip stitch, SC or DC in next
If you know these basic stitches, you can make the entire project.
🔶 Construction Overview
This macrame-style tote bag is made in three main sections:
- The Base (solid rectangle/oval)
- The Macrame-Style Body (mesh or crossed stitches)
- The Straps/Handles
The bag is crocheted from the bottom up, with the macrame texture forming naturally as you work.
👜 Free Pattern: Crochet Macrame Tote Bag
Below is a detailed, step-by-step, beginner-friendly pattern.
✨ Step 1: Make the Base (Rectangle)
Using your cotton yarn:
Foundation
CH 31
(This creates a base approx. 28–30 cm wide. Adjust chains for wider or narrower bags.)
Row 1
SC in 2nd CH from hook
SC across (30 SC)
CH 1, turn
Row 2–10
SC across each row
Turn at the end of every row
Continue until your rectangle measures about:
- 10–12 cm tall (for a short base), or
- 15–18 cm tall (for a sturdier base)
You now have a solid rectangle that forms the bottom of the bag.
✨ Step 2: Crochet Around the Base to Build Up the Sides
Now we work in the round around the rectangle.
Round 1 (Transition Round)
- SC around the entire rectangle
- Place 3 SC in each corner to keep edges smooth
- Join with SL ST to first stitch
This creates the foundation for the bag’s walls.
✨ Step 3: Begin the Macrame-Style Body
You can choose from two popular macrame-look stitches:
Option A: Mesh Stitch (Easy + Classic)
This gives the bag an airy, net-like texture.
Round Pattern
Repeat the following for 12–18 rounds:
- CH 1
- SC, CH 1, skip 1 stitch
- Repeat around
- Join with SL ST
This creates a beautiful mesh resembling macrame knotting.
Option B: Crossed Double Crochet Stitch (Modern Macrame Look)
How to Make Crossed DC
- Skip 1 stitch
- DC into next stitch
- Go back and DC into the skipped stitch
This forms an “X.”
Round Pattern
CH 3
Crossed DC around
Join with SL ST
Repeat for 10–15 rounds.
This gives your tote a textured, knotted, braided appearance—very bohemian!
✨ Step 4: Optional Macrame-Inspired Knot Rows
To add interest, insert decorative rows:
Treble Knot Rows
- CH 3
- TR in every stitch around
- Adds dramatic open knots
Chain-Lacing Rows
- CH 3, skip 2 stitches, SC
- Repeat around
Mix and match these rows for a personalized macrame look.
✨ Step 5: Shape the Bag Top
Once your bag reaches desired height (28–38 cm is typical), switch back to:
Round 1
SC in each stitch around
No increases or decreases
Round 2
HDC or DC for a smoother, thicker top edge
Join with SL ST
Repeat if you want a chunkier rim.
✨ Step 6: Add Handles or Crochet Straps
You can make:
Option A: Simple Crochet Handles
Round (Handle Spacing)
Count 10 stitches from the side
Mark with stitch markers for handle placement
Handle Rows
- CH 40–60 (depending on desired length)
- Skip marked stitches on bag
- SC to next marker
- Attach chain to form handle
Repeat for second handle
Work 2–3 rounds of SC around the handle base to reinforce
Option B: Thick Macrame-Style Rope Handles
- Crochet I-cords
or - Braid 3 strands of yarn and attach securely
These add a professional finish.
Option C: Purchased Wooden or Leather Handles
Sew or crochet them on for a premium look.
🎀 Finishing Touches
Once handles are secured:
- Weave in all ends
- Gently block the bag to shape
- Add optional tassels, wooden beads, or fringe
- Line the bag with fabric if you prefer a closed interior
The open mesh is beautiful, but lining is recommended if you plan to carry small items.
🌿 Customization Ideas
1. Colorwork
- Stripes
- Colorblock sections
- Gradient cotton yarn
- Bright summer hues (sunset orange, ocean blue, sand beige)
2. Texture Variations
- Alternate mesh + crossed DC
- Add bobble rows
- Add twisted cord straps
3. Shape Adjustments
- Make a deeper tote
- Make a shorter beach basket style
- Add a drawstring closure
4. Add Pockets
- Crochet a small square and sew to the inside lining.
☀ Perfect Uses for Your Summer Tote Bag
This tote bag is ideal for:
- Beach trips
- Pool days
- Shopping & farmers’ markets
- Travel & vacations
- Yoga or gym essentials
- Books & magazines
- Everyday summer outings
Its breathable structure makes it stylish yet practical for warm weather.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can beginners make this bag?
Absolutely—this project is very beginner-friendly.
Q2: How long does it take to complete?
- Beginners: 2–4 days
- Intermediate: 6–8 hours
Q3: Can I make it larger?
Yes—just increase the base rectangle size.
Q4: Will the mesh stretch?
Cotton yarn stretches slightly but remains sturdy. You may line the bag if desired.
Q5: Is macrame cord OK?
Yes! It gives a firm, rigid structure.
🌞 Conclusion
The crochet macrame-style tote bag is truly the perfect summer accessory—airy, stylish, useful, and fun to make. With its boho charm and lightweight feel, it pairs beautifully with sundresses, beach looks, casual weekend outfits, and travel days.
Whether you keep it simple with the mesh stitch or create intricate macrame-inspired crossed designs, the result will always be a fashionable, handmade masterpiece you can be proud of.
If you want, I can also create:
✔ A printable PDF pattern
✔ Step-by-step photo guide
✔ A video script tutorial
✔ A larger beach-bag size version
✔ A matching pouch or accessory bag
Just tell me!
