A Full Beginner-Friendly Guide to Create a Stylish, Durable Bag

Crochet tote bags are one of the most practical and stylish handmade items you can create. They’re lightweight, reusable, washable, and fashionable—perfect for everyday use, vacation, markets, or gifting. Unlike smaller accessory projects, a tote bag lets you experiment with shape, texture, color, straps, and structure.

This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right yarn and hook to step-by-step instructions, optional pockets, lining tips, and care instructions. Whether you’re a new crocheter or looking to expand your handmade wardrobe, this pattern is designed to be easy, customizable, and fun.

🧵 Materials You’ll Need

Yarn

The best yarns for crochet bags are sturdy and hold shape well:

100% Cotton (Highly Recommended)
✔ Durable
✔ Washable
✔ Holds weight without stretching
✔ Perfect for everyday tote bags
Acrylic Yarn
✔ Lightweight
✔ Soft texture
✔ Good for decorative bags
T-shirt Yarn / Ribbon Yarn
✔ Chunky
✔ Modern and strong
✔ Perfect for quick projects

Weight Recommendation:

Worsted (4)
Bulky (5)
Super Bulky (6) for chunky totes

Hook Size

Choose the hook size recommended on your yarn label, typically:

4.5 mm – 6.5 mm (for Worsted)
8 mm – 10 mm (for Chunky/T-shirt yarn)

Use a slightly smaller hook for firmer bags.

Other Tools

Stitch markers
Yarn needle
Scissors
Optional: Magnetic snap, zipper, fabric lining, wooden handles

🪣 Understanding How Crochet Tote Bags Are Constructed

There are three popular construction methods:

Rectangle Fold Method
Crochet one rectangle → fold → seam → add straps
Best for beginners.
Bottom-Up in the Round
Start from a flat oval or rectangle → work upward in continuous rounds
Best for sturdy grocery totes.
Granny Square Method
Join multiple granny squares → shape into a bag
Great for colorful, patchwork-style bags.

In this tutorial, we’ll use the easiest and most beginner-friendly: the Rectangle Method.

👜 EASY CROCHET TOTE BAG PATTERN

(Beginner Friendly – Simple Rectangle Construction)

This step-by-step tote bag is sturdy, simple, and customizable.

🧶 STEP 1 — Make the Foundation Chain

Chain 61.
(This creates a tote around 14–15 inches wide.)

Adjust size:

For wider tote → chain 70–80
For narrow tote → chain 45–55

🧶 STEP 2 — Single Crochet Foundation Row

Row 1:
SC in the second chain from hook and across. (60 stitches)

Row 2:
CH 1, SC in each stitch across.

Continue repeating Row 2 until your rectangle measures 30 inches long.
This makes a tall, foldable tote.

For a shorter tote, stop at 24 inches. For a deeper one, go up to 34 inches.

🧶 STEP 3 — Add Texture (Optional But Beautiful)

After working 10–12 inches of SC, you may switch to:

SC BLO (Back Loop Only): creates horizontal ribbing
HDC rows: slightly stretchy but soft
Mesh pattern (CH 1, skip 1, SC): light summer tote
Color stripes: change color every 5–7 rows
Griddle stitch (alternating SC and HDC)

For this tutorial, continue SC for simplicity.

👜 STEP 4 — Fold Your Rectangle

Fold the rectangle in half, matching the short edges.
This forms the basic tote bag shape.

You now have:

The sides (to be seamed)
The top opening (to be finished later)
The bottom already formed by the fold

🪡 STEP 5 — Seam the Sides

Use your preferred method:

Option 1: Yarn Needle Whip Stitch

✔ Clean edges
✔ Sturdy seams
✔ Invisible when done neatly

Option 2: Slip Stitch Join

✔ Visible but decorative ridge
✔ Strong and fast

Work from bottom fold to top edge on both sides.

🧶 STEP 6 — Create a Reinforced Top Border

This makes the tote stronger and prevents stretching.

Attach yarn to the top edge.

Round 1:
SC around the entire top edge, placing 1 stitch in each stitch and 1 SC per row-end along the sides.

Round 2–3:
Repeat SC continuously for 2–3 rounds for a thick border.

For extra sturdiness: Work one round of SL ST tightly.

👜 STEP 7 — Add Sturdy Tote Bag Handles

You can choose between short tote handles or long shoulder straps.

OPTION 1: SHORT HANDLES (Tote Style)

Attach yarn 3 inches from side seam.

Row 1:
CH 50 (or your preferred strap length)
SL ST into the opposite edge leaving 3 inches gap.

Turn.

Row 2:
SC across the chain (50 SC).
SL ST back into original starting point to anchor.

Repeat on the other side.

OPTION 2: LONG SHOULDER STRAP

Attach yarn on one corner.

CH 100–120 (depending on desired length).
SC back across the chain.
Secure on opposite corner.

To reinforce:
Work 2–3 rows so the strap does not stretch under weight.

OPTIONAL HANDLE UPGRADES

Leather straps
Rope handles
Wooden rings
Braided crochet straps
Macramé handles

All can be sewn or clipped to the border.

🪡 STEP 8 — Add Optional Lining

Although optional, lining adds strength and prevents loose items from poking through stitches.

Materials:

Cotton fabric
Needle & thread (or sewing machine)
Optional zipper or magnetic snaps

Steps:

Measure inside of tote
Cut two fabric rectangles
Sew 3 edges (leave top open)
Place pouch inside tote
Hand-sew around top border

This creates a professional, boutique-style finish.

✨ OPTIONAL BAG UPGRADES

✔ Add Exterior Pocket

Crochet a small rectangle and stitch onto the front.

✔ Add Interior Pocket

Sew a fabric pocket onto the lining before attaching.

✔ Add Decorative Elements

Crochet flowers
Granny square motifs
Tassel charms
Wooden buttons
Faux leather branding tag

✔ Add a Bottom Base

Cut cardboard or plastic canvas → cover with fabric → insert into bottom for added structure.

🌈 CUSTOMIZE YOUR CROCHET TOTE BAG

Try these variations:

Summer mesh beach tote
Chunky t-shirt yarn modern tote
Two-tone color block tote
Striped market bag
Boho fringe tote
Granny square patchwork tote

Once you learn the basic construction, the possibilities are endless.

🧼 CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CROCHET BAGS

To extend the life of your handmade tote:

Hand-wash or gentle machine wash
Use mild detergent
Reshape while damp
Air-dry flat
Avoid hanging while wet (stretches yarn)

Cotton bags handle frequent washing best.

💰 SELLING YOUR CROCHET TOTE BAGS

Crochet tote bags are extremely popular sellers at craft shows, online shops, and boutiques.

Best-Selling Designs:

Solid cotton market totes
Chunky t-shirt yarn bags
Granny-square aesthetic totes
Boho fringe beach bags

Pricing Guide:

Simple bag: $25–$40
Large totes: $40–$60
Lined + decorative: $60–$100+

Presentation Tips:

Add a small handmade tag
Include a care card
Wrap in kraft paper for rustic feel

These small touches increase perceived value dramatically.

🎉 FINAL THOUGHTS

Crocheting your own tote bag is fun, practical, and incredibly rewarding. With just simple stitches and one rectangle, you can create a stylish and durable tote suited for everyday life. This beginner-friendly pattern is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust size, color, texture, and handle style to match your personality.

Once you’ve mastered this basic tote, try exploring more advanced styles like:

Round base tote
Mesh net bag
Granny square motifs
Textured bobble stitch tote
Beach sling bags
Market and produce bags

If you want next:
✅ A printable PDF
✅ Step-by-step photo guide
✅ Video tutorial script
✅ Chart/diagram
…just let me know and I’ll create it!