Complete Crochet Bag Tutorial for Beginners

If you’re looking for a beautiful, functional, and super easy crochet project, a crochet tote bag is the perfect choice. Tote bags are stylish, eco-friendly, and ideal for daily use—whether for shopping, books, work essentials, or a casual outing.

The best part? You can make a modern crochet tote bag even if you’re a beginner. This long guide will walk you through every step with clear instructions, tips, variations, and design ideas.

If you’d like a PDF, video script, chart, or step-by-step photo prompts, just ask!

🌸 Why Make a Crochet Tote Bag?

A tote bag is one of the easiest and most satisfying crochet projects. Reasons you’ll love this:

✔ Beginner-friendly
✔ Works up quickly
✔ Practical & reusable
✔ Can be customized endlessly
✔ Great for gifts & craft fairs
✔ Durable enough for everyday use

Whether you want a simple minimalistic tote or a colorful trendy design, this tutorial gives you a strong foundation.

🧶 Materials You’ll Need

Choose materials depending on the style and durability you want.

✔ Yarn

Best options for a sturdy tote:

100% Cotton Yarn (Recommended) – durable, washable, keeps shape
Acrylic Yarn – softer, budget-friendly, good for casual totes
Macramé Cord – structured and modern-looking
T-shirt Yarn – thick, stretchy, great for chunky totes

Yarn Weight Suggestions:

Medium (Worsted 4) – balanced & easy to handle
Bulky (5) – faster project & more structure
Super Bulky (6) – trendy chunky tote

✔ Hook Size

Choose based on yarn:

4.5 mm – 6 mm for worsted
7 mm – 10 mm for T-shirt yarn or bulky

A slightly smaller hook gives firmer stitches, ideal for tote bags.

✔ Other Supplies

Scissors
Yarn needle
Stitch markers
Optional:
- Magnetic snap
- Linings (fabric)
- Wooden handles
- Leather straps
- Buttons
- Decorative appliques

🧵 Basic Stitches Used

You only need beginner stitches for this tote:

CH – Chain
SL ST – Slip Stitch
SC – Single Crochet
HDC – Half Double Crochet
DC – Double Crochet (optional mesh version)

Optional:

BLO — Back Loop Only (for texture)

👜 Tote Bag Construction Overview

This super easy tote bag uses the flat rectangle base method, then builds upward in the round to form the bag walls.

The 4 main parts:

Rectangle base
Bag walls (worked in rounds)
Handles
Finishing & decorations

This is one of the simplest and most beginner-friendly methods.

🌼 PART 1 — Making the Base (Flat Rectangle)

A strong base creates a durable tote.

⭐ Step 1: Foundation Chain

Chain 31.

Small tote → CH 20–25
Medium tote → CH 30–35
Large tote → CH 45–55

⭐ Step 2: Row 1

SC in 2nd CH from hook.
SC across the row.
(You should have 30 stitches.)

CH 1, turn.

⭐ Step 3: Build the Rectangle

Continue working SC or HDC rows.

Repeat until your rectangle base is:

Small: 6–7 inches
Medium: 8–9 inches
Large: 10–12 inches

Want Downward Texture?

Use SC BLO every row to create a modern ribbed bottom.

Want Smooth Texture?

Use HDC for soft, full stitches.

🌸 PART 2 — Build the Tote Body

Now we crochet upward in the round to form the bag walls.

⭐ Step 4: Crochet Around the Rectangle

Start working in rounds around the whole base.

Round 1:

SC along one long side
SC across the short side
SC along the other long side
SC across final short side
SL ST to join

Tip: Place 3 SC in each corner to keep corners from pulling inward.

⭐ Step 5: Building Up the Walls

Continue working in the round without increasing.

Use your preferred stitch:

✔ Option A: HDC (Most Popular Style)

Soft, stretchy, clean look.

✔ Option B: SC BLO

Creates trendy knit-like ridges.

✔ Option C: DC Mesh

Airy and perfect for beach totes.

✔ Option D: Mixed Stitches

Example:
3 rows SC → 3 rows HDC → 2 rows DC mesh

Work 15–25 rounds depending on how tall you want the tote.

Common heights:

Mini tote → 8–9 inches
Medium tote → 12 inches
Large tote → 14–16 inches

🌟 PART 3 — Adding the Handles

Handles complete the bag and must be sturdy.

⭐ Step 6: Mark Your Handle Placement

Lay the tote flat.
Mark two points on each side—this will be where handles attach.

Handle spacing example:

5–6 stitches from the edges.

⭐ Step 7: Crochet the Handles

You have several easy handle options:

✔ Option 1: Simple Crochet Handles (Beginner-Friendly)

Attach yarn at the first marker.

CH 35–45 (short handle)
CH 60–70 (shoulder strap)

Skip stitches until second marker.
SL ST to join.

Turn.
SC across the chain.
Attach again with SL ST.

Repeat for the back side.

✔ Option 2: Double-Strap Handles

Repeat the above process twice for long, doubled handles.

✔ Option 3: Braided Handles

Make three long chains, braid them, then sew securely.

✔ Option 4: Wooden or Leather Handles

Attach with metal rings or single crochet stitches.

🌸 PART 4 — Finishing Touches (Make it Beautiful & Durable)

These steps transform your tote from “handmade” to professionally crafted.

⭐ Step 8: Add a Clean Border

To create a polished top edge:
SC around the entire top for 1–3 rounds.

Optional decorative borders:

Crab stitch (reverse SC)
SL ST edging
HDC in BLO for subtle texture

⭐ Step 9: Add a Lining (Optional)

A fabric lining helps your tote hold shape better.

Use:

Cotton fabric
Canvas
Thick felt

Sew a simple pouch and stitch it neatly inside the bag.

⭐ Step 10: Add Closures

Totes usually remain open, but you can add:

Magnetic snap
Zipper
Button closure
Drawstring for hybrid tote-pouch design

⭐ Step 11: Add Decorative Elements

Make it beautiful and unique!

Popular decorations:

Crochet flowers
Daisy appliques
Hearts
Buttons
Metal charm tags
Leather patches
Pom-poms
Tassels
Color-block designs
Embroidery details

🌈 Design Variations to Try

Take your tote to the next level:

1️⃣ Mesh Top Tote

Add mesh rows near the top for a beach-bag effect.

2️⃣ Color Block Tote

Change colors halfway through.

3️⃣ Chunky T-Shirt Yarn Tote

Perfect for modern fashion.

4️⃣ Mini Handbag Style

Work fewer rows for a small cute purse.

5️⃣ Wide Strap Tote

Make your handles thick and flat for comfort.

6️⃣ Drawstring Top Tote

Add a drawstring channel at the top for secure closure.

💡 Tips for Beginner Success

Use cotton yarn for structure.
Crochet tightly to avoid holes.
Reinforce handles with extra rows.
Keep your tension consistent.
Add lining for durability.
Count stitches frequently to avoid shaping issues.

🛍️ Selling Your Crochet Tote Bags

Crochet totes are always in demand and sell very well.

Best-selling styles:

Natural cotton tote
Pastel aesthetic tote
T-shirt yarn chunky handbag
Boho mesh tote
Daisy-appliqué tote

Price Range:

Mini bag: $18–$25
Medium tote: $30–$45
Lined or decorated tote: $45–$75

Offer customization (initials, colors, appliques) to increase value.

🧼 Care Instructions

To keep your tote bag in perfect condition:

Hand wash in cold water
Use mild soap
Lay flat to dry
Do not wring or twist
Avoid hanging while wet
Spot-clean lining as needed

Cotton totes can be machine washed on gentle cycle.

🎉 Final Thoughts

Crocheting a Super Easy Crochet Tote Bag is a rewarding project that any beginner can master. With simple stitches, a flexible pattern, and endless style options, you can create beautiful totes that are functional, fashionable, and uniquely yours.

Whether you’re making one for yourself, a friend, or your craft shop, this project is both fun and practical.

If you want:
✨ A printable PDF pattern
✨ A diagram or chart
✨ A smaller mini-tote version
✨ A mesh-style tote
✨ A video/script version

Just let me know — I can make it for you!