by A handmade crochet tote bag is a beautiful and practical accessory that combines functionality with personal style. This dA handmade crochet tote bag is a beautiful and practical accessory that combines functionality with personal style. This detailed, step-by-step tutorial will guide you through creating a sturdy and stylish shoulder bag that is perfect for everyday use, shopping, or as a project bag. This pattern is designed to be beginner-friendly, primarily using single crochet stitches to create a dense, durable fabric.
Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: Approximately 200-300 grams of worsted weight (aran/10-ply) or bulky (12-ply) yarn. Cotton, cotton blends, or a durable acrylic yarn are ideal choices as they create a strong fabric that holds its shape.
- Main Color: The primary color for the body of the bag.
- Accent Color (Optional): A contrasting color for the handles or a stripe.
- Crochet Hook: A hook size appropriate for your chosen yarn. A 5.0mm (H/8) or 6.0mm (J/10) hook is a good starting point. Always check the yarn label for the recommended size.
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Essential for weaving in ends and sewing on the handles.
- Stitch Marker: Very helpful for keeping track of the beginning of your rounds.
Key Crochet Stitches and Techniques
- Chain (ch): The foundation of most crochet projects.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and finish off.
- Single Crochet (sc): The main stitch used for the body of the bag. It creates a tight and sturdy fabric.
- Crocheting in the Round: The entire bag is worked in a continuous spiral, which means you do not join each round with a slip stitch. This creates a seamless fabric without a visible seam line.
Part 1: Crocheting the Base of the Bag
A solid, rectangular base is crucial for a tote bag as it prevents it from sagging and allows it to stand up on its own.
- Foundation Chain: Chain 31 (or any odd number of chains to adjust the bag’s width).
- Round 1: Single crochet (sc) in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across until you reach the last chain. Work 3 sc into the last chain. Now, pivot your work and continue crocheting down the other side of the foundation chain. Work 1 sc into each chain stitch across until you reach the very last one. You will have a total of 60 stitches (30 stitches on each side, with a 3-stitch turn at each end). Do not join the round. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the new round.
- Round 2: Work 1 sc in each sc around. When you reach the curve at the end of the bag, you will have three stitches. Work 2 sc into the first stitch, 1 sc into the middle stitch, and 2 sc into the last stitch. This will create a smooth, rounded corner. Repeat this on the other side.
- Continuing the Base: Continue working in a spiral, placing 1 sc into each stitch on the straight sides and increasing in the stitches at the corners. For each new round, you will increase by 4 stitches (2 at each end of the bag). Stop increasing when your base measures the desired size (for a medium tote, 4-5 rounds of increases are typically sufficient). The total stitch count will increase with each round.
Part 2: Crocheting the Body of the Bag
Once the base is the desired size, you will stop increasing and work straight rounds to create the body of the bag.
- Start the Body: Remove your stitch marker and work 1 sc in each stitch around, without increasing. Place your stitch marker back in the first stitch of the round to keep track of your progress.
- Continue Working: Continue working in a continuous spiral of single crochet stitches, moving your stitch marker up at the end of each round.
- Building Height: The number of rounds you work will determine the height of your bag. For a medium-sized tote, continue crocheting until the bag is approximately 12–14 inches tall, or until you are happy with the height.
Part 3: The Shoulder Straps
There are a few ways to create the straps for your tote bag. This tutorial will cover a simple and sturdy crocheted strap.
- Crocheting the Straps (Make 2):
- Method A (Single Crochet Strap): With your main color or an accent color, chain 6. Sc in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across (5 sc). Chain 1, turn. Sc in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. Repeat this process until your strap is the desired length (for a shoulder bag, 24-30 inches is a good length).
- Method B (I-Cord Strap): This creates a rounder, rope-like strap. It’s a bit more advanced but creates a beautiful, professional-looking strap.
- Attaching the Straps:
- Positioning: Lay your bag flat and find the two central points on the front and back where you want to attach your straps. Typically, this is 4-5 inches from the side seams. Mark these points with stitch markers.
- Sewing: Using a yarn needle and a long tail of yarn from your strap, securely sew the end of one strap to the inside of the bag. Use a strong whipstitch or a running stitch to ensure it is firmly attached and can handle weight.
- Reinforce: Go over the stitches a second time to reinforce the connection. A tote bag’s handles bear a lot of weight, so don’t skip this step!
- Repeat: Sew the other end of the strap to the back of the bag at the corresponding points. Repeat the process for the second strap on the opposite side.
Part 4: The Finishing Touches
- Weaving in All Ends: This is a crucial step for a professional finish. Use your yarn needle to carefully weave in all loose ends on the inside of the bag. Weave them through the stitches in different directions to ensure they are secure and hidden.
- Optional Lining: If you plan on carrying small items or heavy objects, adding a fabric lining is highly recommended.
- Creating the Lining: Cut a piece of fabric to fit the inside of your tote bag. Sew the sides and bottom to create a bag shape.
- Sewing it in: Pin the fabric lining to the top rim of your crocheted bag. Use a needle and thread to hand-sew the lining securely in place with a whipstitch.
- Blocking (Recommended): Blocking your finished bag will help define the shape and stitches. Simply mist the bag with water, gently shape it, and let it air dry completely.
Congratulations! You have successfully created a durable and stylish crochet tote bag. This project is a wonderful way to create a functional accessory that you can use and enjoy for years to come.
