by Absolutely! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide and pattern for making a crochet tote handbag—a stylish, functional project suitable for advanced beginners to intermediate crocheters. Tote bags are perfect for everyday use, shopping, or even the beach!
👜 How to Make a Crochet Tote Handbag – Step-by-Step Pattern
A crochet tote handbag combines beauty, practicality, and the charm of handmade craftsmanship. This pattern is simple yet strong, and it’s easily customizable in size and color. We’ll use basic stitches, a rectangular base, and simple handles to complete this stylish tote.
🧰 Materials You’ll Need
🧶 Yarn:
- Worsted weight (medium, category 4) cotton yarn
- Approx. 300–400 grams, depending on the size
- Cotton is ideal because it’s strong, washable, and doesn’t stretch too much
🪝 Hook:
- 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm crochet hook (check yarn label for suggestion)
🧵 Other Supplies:
- Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Optional: Magnetic snap or button closure
- Optional: Lining fabric and sewing tools
🧵 Crochet Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | Chain |
| sc | Single Crochet |
| hdc | Half Double Crochet |
| dc | Double Crochet |
| sl st | Slip Stitch |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| Rnd | Round |
📐 Finished Size
- Approx. 14” wide x 12” tall x 3” deep
- Handles: ~20” long (adjustable)
🧶 Step-by-Step Crochet Tote Handbag Pattern
🪡 Step 1: Base of the Bag (Oval Bottom)
We’ll start by working in rounds to create a solid oval base.
Foundation Chain:
Ch 25 (this will form the length of the base)
🌀 Rnd 1:
- Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 22 sts.
- 3 sc in last ch.
- Continue working on the other side of the chain: sc in next 22 sts, 2 sc in last ch.
- Join with sl st to first sc.
🧮 [50 sc total]
🌀 Rnd 2:
- Ch 1. Sc in next 22 sts.
- 2 sc in next 3 sts (the curve).
- Sc in next 22 sts.
- 2 sc in next 2 sts, 1 sc in last st.
- Join with sl st.
🧮 [56 sc]
🌀 Rnd 3:
- Ch 1. Sc in next 22 sts.
- (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next) × 3.
- Sc in next 22 sts.
- (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next) × 2.
- Sc in last st.
- Join with sl st.
🧮 [62 sc]
👉 You can continue increasing if you want a wider base.
👜 Step 2: Body of the Tote
Now we’ll build upward walls of the bag.
🔁 Rnd 4–30 (or desired height):
- Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each st around.
- Join with sl st at the end of each round.
📝 You can switch to hdc or dc if you want the bag to work up faster or have a different texture.
💡 Optional Stripe Pattern:
- Change yarn color every 5 rounds for a striped look.
✋ Step 3: Create the Handles
We will form handles directly from the top edge of the bag.
Determine handle placement:
- Count your total stitches (e.g., 62)
- Decide how wide and how far apart you want the handles.
- Example: Leave 14 sts between handles and make handles 20 sts wide.
🪝 Rnd 31:
- Ch 1. Sc around to first handle point.
- Ch 40 (or desired handle length), skip 20 sts, sc in next st.
- Sc around to opposite side, ch 40, skip 20 sts, sc in next.
- Finish round and join.
🪝 Rnd 32:
- Sc in each stitch around, including across each chain of the handle.
🪝 Rnd 33–34 (Optional for thicker handles):
- Continue to sc around to reinforce the top and handles.
🧵 Step 4: Fasten Off and Weave Ends
- Cut the yarn.
- Use your yarn needle to weave in all loose ends neatly on the inside.
🪡 Optional Step: Add a Lining
- Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than your bag.
- Fold edges in and hand sew or machine stitch into place.
- This helps keep the shape and adds durability.
🧲 Optional Step: Add a Closure
- Sew in a magnetic snap, button with loop, or zipper to close the bag.
🎨 Customization Ideas
- Add a shell stitch border at the top.
- Create pockets inside or outside the bag.
- Embroider your initials or motifs.
- Use macramé cord or raffia yarn for a summer look.
🧺 Care Instructions
- Hand wash in cold water or machine wash on delicate (if lined, hand wash only).
- Lay flat to dry.
- Avoid using bleach or high heat.
🧡 Final Thoughts
A crochet tote handbag is a fun and practical project that can be tailored to your style. Once you make one, you’ll likely want to make more—in different colors, sizes, or stitch patterns. It’s an ideal gift, market item, or daily essential you can truly say you made by hand.
