Free Crochet Tote Bag Pattern – Easy & Beginner Friendly
Ready to crochet your new favorite everyday bag? This free crochet tote bag pattern is perfect for beginners and works up fast using simple half double crochet stitches.
With bold color blocks and a retro boho vibe, this roomy bag is great for beach days, farmers markets, and everyday adventures. It’s worked in the round from the bottom up and is easy to customize with your favorite colors. Keep scrolling for the full free pattern!
Why you’ll love this pattern
- Beginner-friendly – Uses basic stitches and simple construction
- Colorful & customizable – Features bold color blocks with endless color combo possibilities
- Spacious and practical – Perfect for shopping, travel, or everyday use
- Minimal shaping – Worked in the round with no sewing required
- Boho retro vibes – A stylish accessory that’s both functional and eye-catching
Crochet tote bag pattern information
Skill level
Beginner – This pattern uses basic half double crochet stitches, simple color changes, and is worked in the round with minimal shaping.
Materials needed
- Crochet hook size I-9 (5.5 mm) – or the size needed to match the gauge
- Worsted weight yarn (#4 medium) – in white, brown, orange, yellow, and mint (approx. 500–600 yards total)
- Yarn needle – for weaving in yarn ends
- Scissors – for cutting your yarn
- Stitch markers – optional, but helpful for keeping track of rounds and stitch counts
Finished measurements
Width: 18.5 inches
Length: 15 inches
Depth: 3 inches
Strap drop: 10 inches
Gauge
16 stitches and 12 rounds = 4 inches
✅ Too many stitches? Try a larger hook
✅ Too few stitches? Try a smaller hook
Crochet abbreviations
- hdc = half double crochet
- sc = single crochet
- ch/chs = chain/chains
- st/sts = stitch/stitches
- blo = back loop only
Pattern notes
- Bag is worked in the round from the bottom up
- The starting chain does not count as a stitch
- Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch
- Pattern is written in US terms
Crochet tote bag pattern instructions
Base of the bag
Begin with brown yarn.
Round 1 (102 sts): Ch 50, hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in next 46 chs, work 4 hdc in last ch. Turn to work along the backside of the starting chain, hdc in next 47 chs, work 4 hdc in the last ch. Join with sl st to first hdc.
Round 2 (108 sts): Ch 2, hdc in next 48 sts, work 2 hdc in each of the next 3 sts, hdc in next 48 sts, work 2 hdc in each of the last 3 sts. Join.
Round 3 (120 sts): Ch 2, hdc in next 48 sts, work 2 hdc in each of the next 6 sts, hdc in next 48 sts, work 2 hdc in each of the last 6 sts. Join.
Round 4 (144 sts): Ch 2, hdc in next 48 sts, work 2 hdc in each of the next 12 sts, hdc in next 48 sts, work 2 hdc in each of the last 12 sts. Join.
Body of the bag
Round 5 (144 sts): Ch 2, hdc in each stitch in the back loops only. Join with sl st to first hdc.
Rounds 6–13: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join.
Switch to white yarn.
Rounds 14–16: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join.
Switch to orange yarn.
Rounds 17–25: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join.
Switch to white yarn.
Rounds 26–28: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join.
Switch to yellow yarn.
Rounds 29–37: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join.
Switch to white yarn.
Rounds 38–40: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join.
Switch to blue yarn.
Rounds 41–49: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join.
Switch to white yarn.
Round 50: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join.
Do not fasten off. You will now begin the first strap.
Adding the straps
Start where you left off at the end of Round 50.
First strap
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in the next 6 stitches, turn.
Rows 2–106: Ch 1, sc in each stitch across (6 sts), turn.
After Row 106, fasten off and leave a long tail. Skip the next 30 stitches along the top edge of the bag, then use a yarn needle to sew the end of the strap to the following 6 stitches.
Second strap
Use stitch markers to mark the strap placement directly across from the first strap.
Join yarn in the first marked stitch and repeat rows 1–106. Fasten off and sew the end of the strap to the remaining marked stitches.
Finishing
Use a yarn needle to weave in the ends.
Frequently asked questions
What skill level is this tote bag pattern?
This is a beginner-friendly pattern using only basic stitches and minimal shaping.
Do I have to use the same colors?
Not at all! You can swap colors to match your style or use scrap yarn for a fun mix.
Can I adjust the size of the bag?
Yes! To make it taller, add more rounds to the body. To make it wider, increase the starting chain and adjust increases evenly.
What yarn works best?
A worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn provides the best structure, but acrylic works too.
Does the pattern include a lining?
No lining is included, but you can sew one in if you’d like extra durability.
More free crochet bag patterns
Love making bags? Here are more fun and free crochet tote and purse patterns to try next:
- Crochet Grocery Bag Pattern – A sturdy and reusable mesh-style bag that’s perfect for market runs and eco-friendly living.
- Daisy Crochet Flower Bag Pattern – This C2C tote features a cheerful daisy design and makes a great spring or summer accessory.
- Neon Hearts Crochet Bag Pattern – Bright and bold, this colorful tote is a great statement piece or gift idea.
- Heart Patch Crochet Bag Pattern – A cute and crafty patchwork-style design made with mini heart squares.
- Sunflower Crochet Bag Pattern – Show off your love for sunflowers with this textured and sunny crochet tote.
- Boho Sunsets Granny Square Bag – A colorful boho-style bag made with floral granny squares in warm sunset tones.
Let’s connect!
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Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa
