Crochet Your Own Tote Bag: Easy Step-By-Step Guide

Crochet tote bags are a fun and functional project for both beginner and advanced crafters. With a variety of patterns available, from simple rectangles to more complex mesh structures, anyone can create a stylish and sturdy bag. The type of yarn used, such as cotton or cotton-blend, and the stitch pattern chosen, like the thermal stitch or half-double crochet, can add texture and durability to your bag. Whether you're looking for a colourful gingham print or a classic, timeless design, crocheting your own tote bag allows for customisation and creativity. So, grab your hooks and yarn, and let's get started on this exciting project!

Choosing the right yarn

• The lining: Will your bag have an inner lining? If so, you can use stretchier yarns as the lining will protect your bag from losing its shape.
• The design: Is your bag slouchy or stretchy, like a market bag? Or is it meant to be firm and well-shaped, like a handbag or backpack?
• The outlook: Do you want your bag to look soft and fluffy, or structured?

• Milk Cotton Yarn/Acrylic Yarn: This type of yarn tends to be stretchy. The more acrylic content, the stretchier it will be. These yarns are great if you want a slouchier bag. They can also work if you plan to add a lining, as it will give your bag a more structured look. However, acrylic yarns tend to pill and may give your bag a "furry" appearance over time.
• Cotton Yarns (100%): For bags, 100% cotton yarn is generally recommended. It is soft, durable, and less stretchy than acrylic blends. Your stitches will stand out more, giving your bag a well-defined look. Cotton yarns also tend to pill less and maintain their appearance over time. However, cotton is heavier than acrylic, making your bag weightier. It also tends to be pricier due to being a natural fibre.
• Bag Yarns: Bag yarns, such as cotton-linen yarn and braided cotton rope yarn, are specifically formulated for making bags. They create sturdy, non-stretchy, and structured bags. These yarns are ideal if you want a small or mesh bag. They tend to be stiffer and harder to work with, but they result in long-lasting bags that maintain their shape.
• Polyester Yarn: Polyester yarn can be used as an alternative to cotton's matted finish if you want to give your bag a shiny appearance.

Remember, the key factors to consider when choosing a yarn are stretchiness, structure, and durability. Additionally, if you want to avoid a "bendy" bag, ensure you are using the correct crochet hook size for your yarn.

Basic stitches

The chain stitch is the most basic stitch in crochet and is used to begin most projects and create height. The single crochet stitch is also simple and common, and is used to create a tight fabric. The double crochet stitch is similar to the single crochet stitch but creates a taller stitch with more space. Half double crochet stitches are a variation that is shorter than double crochet but taller than single crochet. Slip stitches are typically used to move stitches from one location to another without adding height. The double crochet cluster is a variation that involves working two double crochet stitches together to create a cluster. Finally, the star stitch is a more complex stitch that creates a textured pattern.

The specific stitches used in each pattern vary, but most patterns use a combination of these basic stitches. For example, the Easy Crochet Tote Bag Pattern from Daisy Cottage Designs uses chain stitch, single crochet, and double crochet. The Summer Tote pattern from The Loophole Fox uses chain stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and the double crochet cluster. The Moroccan Tote Bag Pattern from A Crochet Journey uses single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet, as well as the tapestry crochet technique to create a unique design.

Creating the bag's body

The body of the bag is the most important part as it will determine the size and shape of your tote bag. For this project, we will be making a bag that is approximately 12 inches by 12 inches. The first step is to create a chain of 45 stitches with your chosen yarn and a 4.5mm crochet hook.

Next, we will work on creating the base of the bag. Starting in the second chain from the hook, half double crochet (hdc) in each chain until you reach the end. When you get to the last chain, work 4 hdc into that stitch. Now you will be working on the other side of your chain, so hdc in each chain until you reach the end. To close the round, slip stitch into the first hdc.

For the second round, chain 1 and turn your work. Hdc in each stitch until the end of the round, then slip stitch into the first hdc to close. Repeat this process for rounds 3 to 6.

For round 7, we will introduce a new colour. Chain 2 and turn your work. Double crochet (dc) in each stitch until the end of the round, then slip stitch into the first dc to close. For round 8, change back to the first colour. Repeat rounds 7 and 8 until you have a total of 24 rounds.

Now we will start to create the mesh structure of the bag. For round 25, chain 2 and turn your work. Dc in each stitch until the end of the round, then slip stitch into the first dc. For round 26, chain 1 and slip stitch in each stitch until the end of the round. Slip stitch into the first slip stitch to close.

And there you have it! You have successfully created the body of your crochet tote bag. The next step is to create the strap of the bag, which we can make in two separate sides and sew together.

Making the straps

To make the straps, you will need to start by cutting the yarn at the end of Row 12. You will then need to repeat the process to make the second strap. Once you have two equally sized straps, you can sew them together. You can use a single crochet or slip stitch to join the straps. Alternatively, you can use a yarn needle to sew them together.

If you would like a longer strap, you can do so by repeating Row 7 until you reach your desired length. Just be sure that both straps are the same length.

Assembly

To assemble your crochet tote bag, you will need to sew the pieces together. The number of pieces and the sewing technique will depend on the type of bag you are making.

For a bag made from two large rectangles, you will need to sew up three sides, leaving the top open. You can use a slip stitch or whip stitch to sew the sides together.

If you are making a bag with a separate strap, you will need to sew the strap to the body of the bag. You can do this by threading the strap through eyelet holes in the body of the bag and then sewing the ends of the strap together to form a continuous loop. Alternatively, you can sew the strap directly to the body of the bag.

If you are making a bag with a seamless strap, you will need to create a long chain of stitches for the strap and then work stitches on either side of the chain to create a sturdy handle.

Finally, you will need to weave in any loose ends to secure your work.

Frequently asked questions