by Let’s make a fantastic DIY crochet tote bag that’s perfect for beginners! This project is a great way to learn new skills while creating something genuinely useful. You’ll end up with a sturdy, reusable bag that’s great for shopping, carrying books, or just keeping your essentials organized.
DIY Crochet Tote Bag Tutorial | Beginner-Friendly!
This detailed guide will walk you through every step of crocheting a practical and stylish tote bag. We’ll build it from the bottom up, using simple stitches to ensure a strong and durable finish.
Skill Level: Beginner
This tutorial is perfect if you’re comfortable with (or ready to learn!):
- Chain (ch): The basic foundation of most crochet projects.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join stitches and rounds neatly.
- Single Crochet (sc): A tight, dense stitch that makes for a sturdy bag.
- Half Double Crochet (hdc): A slightly taller stitch that helps the bag work up a bit faster.
- Working in rounds: Crocheting in a circular motion to build height.
- Fastening off: Securing your yarn so your work doesn’t unravel.
- Weaving in ends: The final touch for a clean, professional look.
Finished Tote Bag Dimensions (Approximate):
Using worsted weight yarn and the recommended hook, your finished tote bag will typically be:
- Base: 10 inches (25 cm) wide by 3 inches (7.5 cm) deep (oval shape)
- Height: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) (excluding handles)
- Handles: 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) tall loop
You can easily adjust the size by changing the starting chain length for the base or by adding more or fewer rounds to the bag’s body.
Materials You’ll Need:
Gathering all your supplies before you begin helps your project go smoothly!
- Yarn: Approximately 400-500 yards (365-457 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton or Cotton Blend Yarn.
- Why cotton? Cotton is highly recommended for bags because it’s strong, durable, and won’t stretch out too much, even when you fill your bag with heavier items. Pick any color you love!
- Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm. This hook size creates a nice, firm fabric with worsted weight cotton, helping your tote bag stand up on its own.
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Essential for weaving in your loose yarn tails when you’re done. It has a blunt tip and a large eye, making it easy to thread yarn.
- Scissors: Any sharp pair.
- Stitch Marker (Optional but Recommended): This little tool is super helpful for marking the first stitch of each round, especially when you’re working the base in a continuous spiral. It keeps you from losing your place!
Let’s Crochet Your DIY Tote Bag!
We’ll build this bag in three main parts: the sturdy oval base, the main body of the bag, and finally, the comfortable handles.
Part 1: The Oval Base
You’ll start by creating a flat, strong oval that forms the bottom of your tote bag. You do this by crocheting single crochet stitches around a starting chain.
- Starting Chain:
- Make a slip knot and place it on your H/5.0mm crochet hook.
- Chain (ch) 21. (This chain length dictates the initial width of your bag. If you want a wider or narrower bag, adjust this chain length. An odd number works best for this pattern.)
- Round 1 (Working Around the Chain):
- Work 2 single crochet (sc) stitches into the 2nd chain from your hook.
- (Optional: Place your stitch marker in the first sc you just made. This marks the beginning of your round.)
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 chains.
- In the last chain (which is the 21st chain from your hook): Work 4 sc into this single chain. This helps you turn the corner smoothly.
- Now, you’ll work back down the other side of your starting chain, crocheting into the bottom loops (the unworked loops) of each chain.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- In the last stitch (this will be the same chain where you placed your very first 2 sc): Work 2 sc into this chain. This finishes turning the other corner.
- You should now have a total of 44 sc stitches (2 + 18 + 4 + 18 + 2 = 44). Important: Do NOT join with a slip stitch yet. For the base, you’ll work in continuous rounds (like a spiral) to avoid a visible seam.
- Round 2 (Continuing the Oval Shape):
- Work 2 sc into the first stitch of the round (the one with your stitch marker).
- (If using, move your stitch marker to this new first sc of the round.)
- Work 1 sc into the next stitch.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 3 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 2 stitches.
- You should now have 50 sc stitches. Continue working in continuous rounds.
- Round 3 (Final Base Round):
- Work 2 sc into the first stitch of the round (where your stitch marker is).
- (If using, move your stitch marker to this new first sc of the round.)
- Work 1 sc into the next 2 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 3 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 2 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 2 stitches.
- You should now have 56 sc stitches.
- Stop here! When you finish the last sc of this round, remove your stitch marker.
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of this round to join. This neatly finishes your oval base and prepares you for building the sides of the bag.
Part 2: Building the Body of the Bag
Now, you’ll work straight up the sides of the bag. We’ll use single crochet for the first body round to create a crisp edge, then half double crochet for the rest of the body to work up quickly. You’ll work in joined rounds to keep a neat seam.
- Round 4 (First Side Round – Defining the Edge):
- Chain 1 (ch 1 – this does NOT count as a stitch).
- Work 1 single crochet (sc) into the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch around the entire round. (56 sc)
- Why BLO? Working into the back loop creates a distinct ridge that helps the bag’s sides stand up straight from the base, giving it a nice, defined corner.
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc to join the round.
- Rounds 5 and Onwards (Body Height – using Half Double Crochet):
- Chain 2 (ch 2 – this counts as your first half double crochet (hdc) of the round).
- Work 1 hdc into each stitch around the round. (56 hdc)
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the top of the beginning ch 2 (the second chain in your starting chain-2) to join the round.
- Repeat this round (working 1 hdc in each stitch around) until your bag reaches your desired height. For the approximate dimensions given, you’ll want to do about 18-22 more rounds (for a total of 22-26 rounds for the body, including Round 4).
- The height is up to you! Hold it up as you go to see if you like how tall it is. The hdc stitch makes the body grow faster than sc, which is great for a bag!
Part 3: Creating the Handles
The handles will extend directly from the top of your bag, using simple single crochet stitches to make them sturdy and consistent.
- Round for Handle Placement:
- After your last body round, chain 1 (ch 1 – this does not count as a stitch).
- Work 8 single crochet (sc) stitches. (This section forms the front part of the bag opening before your first handle).
- Chain 30 (ch 30 – this creates the length of your first handle. You can adjust this number to make the handle longer for a shoulder bag or shorter for a hand bag).
- Skip the next 12 stitches. (This creates the open space for the bag’s main opening).
- Work 16 sc stitches. (This section bridges the gap between your two handles).
- Chain 30 (ch 30 – this creates the length of your second handle, matching the first).
- Skip the next 12 stitches.
- Work 8 sc stitches. (This should bring you back to the start of the round, creating the other part of the bag opening).
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of this round to join.
- Round for Handle Strengthening:
- Chain 1.
- Work 1 sc into each of the 8 sc stitches from the previous round.
- Now, you’ll work single crochets around your chain-30 handle loop. Work 30 sc stitches by inserting your hook into the chain itself, forming a solid handle.
- Work 1 sc into each of the 16 sc stitches between the handles.
- Work 30 sc stitches around the second chain-30 handle loop.
- Work 1 sc into each of the remaining 8 sc stitches.
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of the round to join.
- Fasten Off:
- Cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail.
- Yarn over with your hook, pull the cut tail completely through the loop left on your hook, and gently tug to secure the knot.
Part 4: Final Finishing Touches
- Weave in All Ends:
- This is a super important step for a neat and professional-looking bag. You’ll have at least two tails: one from your starting chain and one from where you fastened off at the handles.
- Use your yarn needle to carefully weave in every loose yarn tail.
- How to Weave Neatly: Thread the yarn tail onto your yarn needle. Weave the tail into the stitches of your bag, going in one direction for at least 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm). To really secure it, subtly change direction (like weaving along a stitch, then turning and weaving back through some of the same stitches diagonally or perpendicularly) to “lock” the tail in place and prevent it from unraveling. Trim any extra yarn close to the fabric, being careful not to cut any of your actual stitches.
- Blocking (Optional):
- Blocking can significantly improve your bag’s shape, even out any tension differences, and give it a more polished, professional look. It also helps the bag stand up nicely.
- Method: Gently mist the bag evenly with cool water using a spray bottle until it’s damp but not soaking wet. Stuff the bag lightly with tissue paper, old t-shirts, or a small towel to help it hold its intended shape (especially the corners and handles). Let the bag air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. This might take a day or two.
- Optional: Add a Fabric Lining:
- For extra durability and to prevent small items from slipping through the stitches (especially if your tension is a bit looser), you might consider adding a fabric lining. This involves basic sewing. Measure your finished crocheted bag. Cut fabric pieces slightly larger, sew them into a pouch that fits inside, and then hand-stitch or machine-stitch it into your crocheted bag.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed your very own DIY Crochet Tote Bag! This is a fantastic accomplishment for any beginner, and now you have a sturdy, handmade bag that’s both functional and stylish.
What’s the first adventure you’ll take your new tote bag on?
