🧶 DIY Crochet Tote Handbag Tutorial + Video

Creating a “beautiful” crochet tote handbag involves more than just selecting a pretty color. It’s about combining a sturdy stitch, a functional design, and professional finishing touches to create a bag that’s both attractive and durable. This tutorial will guide you through making a classic tote with a lovely ribbed texture, built to hold its shape and serve you well.

How to Make a Beautiful Crochet Tote Handbag Tutorial

Project Overview: This tutorial will guide you through crocheting a practical and stylish tote bag featuring a subtle ribbed texture created with the single crochet in back loop only (sc BLO) stitch. We’ll start with a rectangular base and work upwards, concluding with reinforced crocheted handles and optional, but highly recommended, professional finishing elements like a fabric lining and magnetic snap.

Skill Level: Intermediate (Requires comfortable knowledge of basic stitches, working in the round, understanding stitch placement for texture, and willingness to add a fabric lining and hardware).

Finished Bag Dimensions (Approximate):

• Base: 12 inches (30 cm) long x 5 inches (12.5 cm) wide
• Height: 13 inches (33 cm) (excluding handles)
• Handle Drop: 10 inches (25 cm) (adjustable)

Materials You’ll Need:

• Yarn:
  • Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton or Sturdy Acrylic Yarn: Approximately 800-1000 yards (730-915 meters).
  • Recommended: Mercerized cotton (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Scheepjes Cahlista) for a slight sheen, excellent stitch definition, and less stretch. A sturdy acrylic (e.g., Red Heart Super Saver, Caron One Pound) also works well, providing durability and structure.
  • Choose a color that speaks to you – neutrals like beige, grey, or navy offer timeless elegance, while a rich jewel tone can make a statement.
• Crochet Hook:
  • Size H/5.0mm (or the hook size that gives you a very dense, firm fabric for structure. Gauge is crucial here).
• Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in ends and sewing handles.
• Scissors
• Stitch Markers: Essential for marking the beginning of rounds and increase points on the base.
• For the LUXURIOUS Finish (Highly Recommended!):
  • Fabric for Lining: Approximately 1-1.5 yards (1-1.4 meters) of sturdy cotton, canvas, or similar woven fabric. Choose a complementary color or pattern.
  • Sewing Machine (or Hand-Sewing Needle & Matching Thread): For creating the lining.
  • Magnetic Snap Closure (1 set): For a secure bag closure.
  • Interfacing (Optional): For a very stiff, structured lining (e.g., fusible fleece or Pellon Peltex).
  • D-Rings (2 pieces, 1.5-2 inch / 3.8-5 cm, optional): For attaching a detachable shoulder strap.

Gauge (Crucial for Shape and Structure!):

With your H/5.0mm hook and chosen yarn, in single crochet in BLO (sc BLO):

• 15 sc BLO = 4 inches (10 cm)
• 16 rows sc BLO = 4 inches (10 cm)

Your fabric should be very dense and firm. If it feels loose or floppy, go down a hook size. If it’s too stiff and difficult to work, go up a hook size. Consistency is key for a well-shaped bag.

Abbreviations Used:

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• inc: increase (work 2 stitches into the same stitch)
• sc BLO: single crochet in back loop only (insert hook into the back loop of the stitch only)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• FO: fasten off

Understanding Bag Construction:

This tote bag is built in a practical, sturdy manner:

1. Rectangular Base: We’ll create a flat, firm base by working around a starting chain.
2. Bag Body: The sides are built upwards in continuous spiral rounds using the sc BLO stitch. This creates beautiful horizontal ribs and provides excellent structure without needing a visible seam.
3. Top Edge: A simple, neat round to finish the bag’s opening.
4. Handles: Separate crocheted straps are made and securely sewn to the bag.
5. Lining & Hardware: These optional steps are what truly transform a “simple” crochet bag into a “luxurious” one, adding durability, functionality, and a polished interior.

Let’s Start Crocheting Your Beautiful Tote Handbag!

Part 1: The Bag Base (Flat Rectangle)

We’ll create a sturdy flat base by working around both sides of a starting chain.

1. Starting Chain: Ch 46. (This will form the length of your base, approximately 12 inches with suggested gauge).
2. Round 1:
   • Sc in the 2nd ch from hook. Sc in each of the next 43 chs.
   • Inc (3 sc) in the last ch. (This creates the curved end).
   • Rotate your work to crochet along the other side of the starting chain.
   • Sc in each of the next 43 chs (working into the bottom loops).
   • Inc (2 sc) in the very last ch (the same chain where you made your first sc of the round).
   • Sl st to the first sc to join the round. (Total: 92 sc).
   • Place a stitch marker in the first sc of this round.
3. Round 2:
   • Ch 1 (does NOT count as a stitch). Sc in the same st.
   • Sc in each of the next 44 sc.
   • Inc (2 sc) in each of the next 2 sc. (This is the curved end with increases).
   • Sc in each of the next 45 sc.
   • Inc (2 sc) in each of the next 2 sc. (Second curved end increases).
   • Sl st to the first sc to join. (Total: 96 sc).
   • Move stitch marker to the first sc of this round.
4. Round 3:
   • Ch 1 (does NOT count as a stitch). Sc in the same st.
   • Sc in each of the next 45 sc.
   • (Sc in next sc, inc (2 sc) in next sc). Repeat from * to * 2 times. (Curved end increases).
   • Sc in each of the next 46 sc.
   • (Sc in next sc, inc (2 sc) in next sc). Repeat from * to * 2 times. (Second curved end increases).
   • Sl st to the first sc to join. (Total: 100 sc).
   • Move stitch marker.

Your base should now be a flat rectangle measuring approximately 12 x 5 inches. It should lie perfectly flat without ruffling or cupping. Adjust your hook size or tension if needed.

Part 2: Building the Bag Body (Sc BLO Ribbed Texture)

Now we’ll work upwards in continuous rounds (spirals) to form the body of the bag. The sc BLO stitch creates the beautiful ribbed texture and helps the bag hold its shape. Working in a spiral avoids a visible seam.

1. Round 4 (Starting the Sides):
   • Work 1 sc in the BLO of each sc around. (This round creates a sharp, defined edge for the base and begins the vertical sides).
   • DO NOT SL ST TO JOIN. Simply continue working into the next stitch. Place a stitch marker in the first sc BLO of this round to mark the beginning of each spiral round. (Total: 100 sc BLO).
2. Rounds 5 – 50 (or until desired height, approx. 13 inches):
   • Continue working 1 sc BLO in each sc BLO around.
   • Move your stitch marker up at the beginning of each round so you know where the round starts/ends.
   • Maintain consistent tension throughout.
   • Your bag will grow upwards, creating a lovely, sturdy ribbed fabric.
   • Periodically check the width and flatness of your bag as you work.

Part 3: Shaping the Top Edge & Handle Placement

After completing the last full body round (e.g., Round 50), you’ll finish the top edge for a neat opening and prepare for handle attachment.

1. Final Top Edge Round: Work 1 sc in the BLO of each sc BLO around. (This creates a very sturdy, neat edge).
   • When you reach the stitch marker, work a sl st into the next stitch to make a seamless join.
2. FO, leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving in. Weave in the tail securely.

Part 4: Crocheted Handles (Strong and Comfortable)

We’ll make two identical sturdy straps and attach them.

1. Make 2 Straps:
   • Strap Base: Ch 66. (This will be approximately 18 inches long).
   • Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook. Sc in each ch across. (Total: 65 sc). Ch 1, turn.
   • Rows 2-5 (for thickness): Sc in each sc across. (Total: 65 sc). Ch 1, turn.
   • Optional Reinforcement: For extra sturdy handles, you can insert a piece of rope or a thinner cord into the center of the strap as you crochet the last few rows around it. Or, simply make the strap wider (more initial chains/rows).
   • FO, leaving a very long tail (at least 15-20 inches / 38-50 cm) for sewing the strap to the bag.
2. Attach Handles to Bag:
   • Positioning: Lay your bag flat. Decide where you want your handles. Typically, they are placed centered on the front/back panels, about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in from the side edges. Ensure they are symmetrical. Mark the attachment points with stitch markers.
   • Sewing: Thread the long yarn tail onto your yarn needle. Carefully sew each end of the strap to the top edge of the bag. Stitch through all layers of the strap and bag fabric multiple times in a rectangular pattern for maximum security. Go back and forth several times to create a strong attachment that will withstand carrying weight.
   • Weave in any remaining tails securely on the inside of the bag.

Part 5: Optional (but Highly Recommended) Fabric Lining

A lining makes your bag look professional, adds structure, protects your crochet stitches from stretching, and prevents small items from falling through.

1. Measure Your Bag:
   • Width: Lay the bag flat and measure across its widest point (top opening).
   • Height: Measure from the base to the top edge.
   • Depth/Base: Measure the width and length of your crocheted base.
2. Cut Fabric:
   • Cut two pieces for the main body:
     • Length: Bag height + 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) for seam allowance and top hem.
     • Width: Bag width + 1 inch (2.5 cm) for seam allowance.
   • Cut one piece for the bottom:
     • Cut a rectangle that matches the dimensions of your crocheted base + 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) seam allowance on all sides.
   • Optional Interfacing: Cut matching pieces of interfacing for the lining pieces if you want a very stiff lining. Follow interfacing instructions for application.
3. Sew Lining:
   • Sew the two body pieces together along their sides (right sides facing). Press seams open.
   • Create “box corners” on the bottom of the body tube to match the depth of your bag’s base (fold corners into a triangle, measure depth, stitch across).
   • Alternatively, sew the rectangular base piece to the bottom of the body tube (right sides facing). Press seam.
   • Fold down the top edge of the lining by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm), press, then fold down another 1 inch (2.5 cm) and press to create a hem. Stitch this hem in place.
4. Insert & Attach:
   • Carefully insert the finished fabric lining into your crocheted bag. Ensure it sits smoothly inside and the seams align with your bag’s sides.
   • Hand-stitch the top hem of the lining to the inside top edge of your crocheted bag using small, neat stitches that don’t show through the outside. Use matching thread.

Part 6: Optional Closure (Magnetic Snap)

1. Placement: Decide where you want your snap. Typically, it’s centered on the top opening, about 0.5-1 inch (1.25-2.5 cm) down from the top edge. Mark the exact spot on the lining.
2. Attach Snap: Follow the instructions that come with your magnetic snap. Most involve prongs that pierce the fabric and fold over, or require hand-sewing the snap onto the lining before the lining is fully sewn into the bag. Ensure it’s very secure.

Part 7: Final Finishing

1. Weave in All Remaining Ends: Double-check that all yarn tails are neatly and securely woven into the back of your work.
2. Final Shaping/Blocking: While not as common for bags, you can gently stuff your bag to shape it, or lightly mist it with water, gently shape it, and allow it to air dry. This helps the stitches settle and maintains the bag’s structure.

Your beautiful, sturdy, and practical crochet tote handbag is now complete! Enjoy carrying your handmade masterpiece.

Watch Video Tutorial