Striped summer crochet tote bag in turquoise, white, and charcoal with sturdy dark handles and sunglasses clipped to the front, shown with “Easy Crochet Tote Bag Pattern” text.

Easy crochet tote bag pattern

Make a sturdy crochet tote bag you can use for all kinds of everyday outings. The roomy shape and wide straps make it a practical choice for the beach, shopping, errands, or carrying your favorite essentials.

Quick answer

This advanced beginner crochet tote bag is worked from the bottom up in joined rounds using bulky weight (#5) yarn and a J-10 (6 mm) crochet hook. The oval base is worked around both sides of a foundation chain, a back-loop-only round turns the work upward, and half double crochet rounds form the body. Two straps are crocheted separately in rows, folded and joined, then sewn to the bag. The finished bag body measures approximately 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) wide and 12 inches (30.5 cm) tall, not including the straps.

Crochet tote bag pattern details

Here’s a quick overview of the materials, sizing, gauge, and pattern notes before you begin.

Skill level

Advanced beginner — This pattern uses half double crochet, single crochet, simple increases, back-loop-only stitches, joined rounds, and basic assembly.

Materials needed

  • J-10 (6 mm) crochet hook
  • Bulky weight yarn (#5)
  • Yarn needle
  • Scissors
  • Stitch markers

Finished size

The finished bag body measures approximately 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) wide and 12 inches (30.5 cm) tall, not including the straps.

Free summer crochet tote bag pattern featuring a large striped turquoise, white, and charcoal tote with dark handles and sunglasses on a bright white background.

Gauge

14 hdc stitches and 11 hdc rows = 4 inches (10 cm)

My guide to crochet gauge explains how to measure your stitches and adjust your hook size.

Crochet abbreviations

Pattern notes

  • The tote bag is worked from the bottom up in joined rounds.
  • Round 1 is worked around both sides of the foundation chain.
  • The ch 1 or ch 2 at the beginning of a round and the ch 2 at the beginning of a strap row do not count as stitches.
  • Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch made.
  • The straps are crocheted separately in rows and sewn to the finished bag.
  • The pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Crochet tote bag video tutorial

Prefer YouTube? Watch the crochet tote bag tutorial on YouTube.

Free crochet tote bag pattern instructions

Base of the bag

Step-by-step crochet tote bag base tutorial showing four stages of an expanding turquoise oval worked around a foundation chain with a crochet hook and stitch markers.

Rnd 1: Ch 42, 2 hdc in 3rd ch from the hook, 2 hdc in next ch, hdc in next 36 chs, 2 hdc in last 2 chs, continue working on backside of chs, 2 hdc in next two chs, hdc in next 36 chs, 2 hdc in each of the last two chs, join (88 stitches)

Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 hdc in first two sts, hdc in next 40 sts, 2 hdc in next 4 sts, hdc in next 40 sts, 2 hdc in last two sts, join (96 stitches)

Rnd 3: Ch 2, 2 hdc in first two sts, hdc in next 44 sts, 2 hdc in next 4 sts, hdc in next 44 sts, 2 hdc in last two sts, join (104 stitches)

Rnd 4: Ch 2, 2 hdc in first two sts, hdc in next 48 sts, 2 hdc in next 4 sts, hdc in next 48 sts, 2 hdc in last two sts, join (112 stitches)

Body of the bag

Rnd 5: Ch 2, hdc in each st blo, join (112 stitches)

Rnds 6–30: Ch 2, hdc in each st, join (112 stitches)

Rnd 31: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (112 stitches)

Straps

Crochet tote bag strap tutorial showing a dark gray strap folded lengthwise and crocheted into a tube, then positioned on the bag with stitch markers and a measuring tape.

Make 2.

Row 1: Ch 7, hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in the next 4 chs, turn. (5 stitches)

Rows 2–46: Ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn. (5 stitches)

Each strap should measure approximately 17 inches.

Assembling the tote bag

  • Measure 1 inch (2.5 cm) in from each short end of each strap and mark with a stitch marker.
  • Fold each strap in half lengthwise.
  • Beginning at the first stitch marker, single crochet the two long edges together to form a tube.
  • Stop at the second stitch marker, leaving the 1-inch (2.5 cm) section at each end open.
  • Measure 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) in from each side edge on the front and back of the bag and mark with stitch markers.
  • These are the strap placement points.
  • Use a yarn needle to sew each 1-inch (2.5 cm) open strap end to the inside of the bag at the marked placement points.

Finishing

Fasten off and then weave in the ends.

Gray, turquoise, and white striped crochet tote bag with wide dark gray handles, hanging against a white background with sunglasses clipped to the front.

Printable PDF version

View a printable, ad-free version of this crochet tote bag pattern in my Etsy shop.

More crochet bag and tote patterns

Looking for more useful accessories to make? Browse my favorite crochet bag and tote patterns, including market bags, totes, pouches, and other practical handmade projects for everyday use.

You can also visit my full collection of crochet accessory patterns for even more small projects to wear, use, and gift.

Let’s connect!

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📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later!
Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa

Easy crochet tote bag with bold turquoise, white, and charcoal stripes, dark crocheted handles, and sunglasses hanging from the front, shown with “Easy Crochet Tote Bag Pattern” and “Free Pattern” text.