Tote Bag Crochet Pattern

In this post, you will see a tote bag crochet pattern.

This crochet bag pattern is not only a summer staple you can use again and again but it’s really easy to make.

Perfect for grocery shopping, sightseeing, the beach, or just general use.

Using only double crochet throughout the pattern, this is an easy one to follow.

Scroll down to view the free pattern or purchase the inexpensive ad-free PDF in my shop here.

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An Easy Level Crochet Pattern

This pattern is for anyone who is an advanced beginner.

The bag is a simple design, you create an oval base first then continue to double crochet for the main body of the bag.

Once the bag reaches the height you want, you stop working and prepare to add the bag handles.

The handles are created by making two i-cords.

I also added a tassel charm with leftover Martin’s Lab yarns.

Crocheting With Raffia

I used raffia from King Cole in a natural color, worked with two strands together.

If you have never crocheted with raffia before, it is quite an easy material to work with.

However, you can use raffia alternatives as there are many around, like Ra Ra Raffia from Wool and the Gang.

There are also other gorgeous color choices from King Cole Raffia, including browns, greens, and reds.

Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern:

This shawl pattern is great for any beginners.

You should be comfortable making a slipknot and creating a chain.
You should know how to double crochet.
You should also be comfortable reading crochet patterns.
And understanding of crochet abbreviations and terms.

Tote Bag Crochet Pattern

Grab the inexpensive ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.

Grab the SS/21 Crochet Pattern Bundle here.

Notes

For the base – Do not turn at the end of the round, but continue working in a spiral, with the right side (RS) always facing.
Keep count of the sts by placing a marker (PM) on the last st of each round.
There are no turning chains in this pattern.
The bag is worked using two strands of raffia held together.

Copyright Info

Please do not copy, sell, redistribute or republish this pattern.
If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
You may sell items produced using this pattern.
Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
For the copyright T&C’s please read my Terms of Use.

Skill Level – Easy (Advanced Beginner)

Gauge

9 stitches, 5 rows to 10cm/4″ in double crochet.

Measurements / Size

Base length = 15 inches
Base width = 5.5 inches
Height = 10 inches
Bag handles = 28 inches

Crochet tote bag — **You may also like this beach cover-up crochet pattern.**

The supplies you need

Yarn

4 x King Cole Raffia – in the color Natural – (1456) 100g
Alternative raffia yarn – Ra Ra Raffia from Wool and The Gang

Hook

8 mm (US L/11)

Notions

Other Materials

Thread or cord for the tassel.
Keyring clip x 1 for the tassel – 1.5 inch / ring – 1 inch
Keyring clips x 2 for the bag chain – 1 inch
Gold bag chain – 43 inches
Pliers

Tassels

Make 3-6+ tassels from leftover yarns.
The tassels will be tied together on a keyring to hang from one handle on the bag. (See photos)
You can view a tutorial showing you how to make tassels here.

Abbreviations

This pattern is written in US crochet terms.

CH – Chain
Cont – Continue
DC – Double crochet
Patt – Pattern
PM – Place marker
Rep – Repeat
RS – Right side
SS – Slip stitch
St(s) – Stitch(es)
WS – Wrong side

Tote Bag Crochet Pattern

See notes before you start.

The bag is worked with two strands of raffia together.

The Base Of The Bag

ch 30
Round 1: dc into the second ch from the hook, dc into every ch until the end. dc twice more in the final ch (3 dc’s in total in the final ch). Place a closed st marker in the center of the 3 sts.
Turn the work and dc into every ch on the other side.
dc 3 times in the final st. Mark the center of the 3 sts with a closed st marker.
Round 2: dc into every st until one st before the marker, 2 dc in next st, remove marker, 3 dc in the next st, 2dc in the next st. Replace the marker in the center st of the 3 st increase. rep to finish the other side of the base.
Rep round 2 once more.
Your base should measure 15 inches in length and 5.5 inches in width.
There should be 6 rounds of double crochet in the finished base.

The Body Of The Bag

Next Round – dc into all the sts into the back loop only.

*Please note – place a marker to denote which is the beginning/end of the round.

Continue to work in a spiral – dc all of the sts in every round (in both loops) – until the bag measures = 10 inches (rounds worked- 11)
You can make the bag taller but you will need more raffia.
Finish the last st with an ss and cut the yarn, leaving a short length of about 3 inches.
Secure and weave in the ends.
Weave in all other loose ends.

The Bag Handles

The bag handles are worked using two strands of raffia together.
Join the raffia 9 sts in from the side of the bag, pull up a loop in each of the next 3 sts to work an I-cord.
You can watch an I-cord video tutorial here.
I-cord written instructions: Starting with 3 loops as instructed, *pull up a loop through the second ch from hook and third ch from hook (3 loops on hook), slip these 2 loops onto a knitting or cable needle, 1 ch, (slip 1 loop from needle back onto the hook, 1 ch) twice. Rep from * until I-cord is your desired length.
The I-cord handles are around 28 inches long / 49 rows worked.
Miss the next 13 sts, join the end of the I-cord to the next 3 sts (crochet and attach to the bag to match the other strap from the front).
Rep for the other side of the bag.
You can see in the image below where closed markers have been placed to make it easier to count out the sts needed for the bag handles.

Tassel Charm

You may wish to add a tassel charm from leftover yarns in your stash.
For this, you will need a keyring clip with a ring, so that you can tie the tassels onto the ring.
The keyring clip can then be clipped to the bag, to one of the handles, or wherever you like.
Alternatively, you may want to tie a colorful scarf or leave the bag as it is!