A Complete Beginner-Friendly Guide to Making an Adorable Handmade Tote

Crochet tote bags are one of the cutest and most practical accessories you can make. They’re lightweight, reusable for shopping, perfect as casual handbags, and ideal for gifting or selling. The best part? You can make a cute tote bag even if you’re a beginner, as long as you can work a few basic stitches.

This long, detailed guide will teach you step-by-step how to crochet a cute tote bag from scratch—including variations, design ideas, handle options, finishing techniques, and selling tips. Let’s dive in!

💕 Why Crochet a Cute Tote Bag?

There are so many reasons crafters love crochet totes:

✔ Beginner-friendly and easy to learn
✔ Highly customizable—colors, size, texture, straps
✔ Perfect for everyday use
✔ Makes adorable handmade gifts
✔ Market-ready product for selling
✔ Eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags
✔ Great stash-busting project

If you want a project that is both practical and stylish, a cute tote bag is perfect.

🧶 Materials You Will Need

Here’s everything you need to get started:

Yarn Options

For a cute yet durable tote:

100% Cotton Yarn (Recommended)
Firm, sturdy, and washable. Perfect for everyday use.
Acrylic Yarn
Lightweight and soft—ideal for a relaxed, slouchy tote.
T-shirt Yarn
Thick, trendy, modern, and perfect for oversized totes.
Macramé Cord
Great for structured, stiff, elegant totes.

Recommended Yarn Weight

Worsted (4) yarn – best for beginners
Bulky (5) yarn – faster project
Super Bulky (6) – modern chunky bags

Hook Size

5.0 mm – 6.5 mm for worsted
7.0 mm – 10 mm for chunky yarn

Tip: Use a slightly smaller hook than recommended if you want a firm, dense fabric.

Other Tools

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

🧵 Stitches Used in This Tutorial

You only need basic crochet stitches:

CH – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
HDC – Half Double Crochet
SL ST – Slip Stitch

Optional for texture:

BLO – Back Loop Only
FLO – Front Loop Only

Even if you’re new to crochet, this pattern will be easy to follow.

👜 Project Structure: How This Cute Tote Is Made

This cute tote is made using the oval-bottom method, which creates a rounded, soft, adorable shape. You will:

Crochet an oval bottom
Build straight sides
Add cute handles
Finish with decorations

This method creates a sturdy and professional result.

🌼 PART 1 — Crochet the Base (Oval Bottom)

This forms the foundation of your cute tote bag.

Step 1: Make the Foundation Chain

Chain 26.

This will create a medium-sized cute tote.
Adjust size:

Small tote → CH 18–20
Large tote → CH 30–40

Step 2: Begin the Oval Shape

Round 1:

SC in 2nd chain from hook
SC across the chain
In last chain: 3 SC (this curves around the end)
Work on opposite side of chain
SC across
In first stitch: 2 SC
SL ST to join.

You now have an oval with rounded ends.

Step 3–6: Expand the Oval Base

Repeat rounds:

SC in each stitch
Increase at the 4 corner points (the ends of the oval)

This gives a smooth, flat base.

For a cute tote, crochet 4–6 rounds of increases.
Your base should lie flat and look like a small boat shape.

🌸 PART 2 — Build the Bag Body

Now the real bag takes shape!

Step 7: Work Upward Without Increases

When your base is ready:

SC or HDC around in the round
Do NOT increase

This will make the edges curve upward to form the sides.

Stitch Options:

SC = firm and durable
HDC = cute soft texture
BLO SC = ribbed and stylish

Work 18–24 rounds depending on the height you want.

Cute Height Recommendations:

Mini cute tote → 7–8 inches
Medium cute tote → 10 inches
Larger tote → 12+ inches

Step 8: Add Texture (Optional)

Make your tote cuter with pattern options:

🧁 Option 1: Ribbed Texture (BLO SC)

Creates soft, adorable horizontal stripes.

🌷 Option 2: Daisy Stripes

Switch colors every 3–5 rows for a pastel cute effect.

💛 Option 3: Mesh Top Section

CH 1, skip 1, SC in next stitch—repeat.

Gives a cute airy look for summer.

🍧 Option 4: Puffy or Bobble Rows

Adds a playful touch to your tote.

🎀 PART 3 — Add Handles to Your Cute Tote Bag

Handles complete your tote and turn it into a functional accessory.

Step 9: Mark Handle Placement

Lay the tote flat and mark the two locations where handles should go on each side.

Measure equal spacing so everything looks symmetrical.

Step 10: Crochet the Handles

Attach yarn where your marker is.

Handle Method (Simple + Cute):

CH 35–45 for short handles
CH 60–70 for shoulder straps

SL ST into next stitch marker.
Turn.
SC across the handle chain.
Attach with SL ST to secure.

Repeat for the second handle.

Optional Handle Reinforcements

For extra strength:

Add 2–3 rows of SC on the handles
Attach leather or pre-made wooden handles
Wrap handles in SL ST for a cute rope effect
Crochet i-cord straps for premium quality

🎁 PART 4 — Finishing Touches

This is where your cute tote gets its personality.

Step 11: Add a Clean Border

To polish the top edge:

SC around the top
Or do a SL ST edging for clean firmness

Step 12: Weave in Ends

Use your yarn needle to hide all loose ends neatly.

Step 13: Optional Lining

Adding lining makes the bag more durable and gives it a boutique finish.

Use:

Cotton fabric
Felt
Canvas

You can add:

A zipper
Inner pocket
Magnetic snap closure

This step upgrades your tote from cute → premium cute.

🌟 Decoration Ideas (Make It Extra Cute!)

You can decorate your bag with:

Mini crochet flowers
Daisy appliqués
Hearts
Stars
Cute buttons
Wooden “handmade” tags
Ribbons or bows
Pom-poms
Keychain charms
Embroidered initials
Color-block bottom

This is what makes your bag truly unique and adorable.

💡 Tips for a Strong, Cute Tote Bag

Crochet tightly so the bag holds shape
Cotton yarn is best for durability
Reinforce handles if you carry heavy items
Add a lining for professional finish
Avoid super-loose mesh if you carry small objects
Block your tote lightly to perfect its shape

💰 Selling Your Cute Crochet Tote Bag

These bags sell extremely well at:

Craft fairs
Online shops (Etsy, Shopify)
Instagram shops
Local boutiques

Best-Selling Styles:

Pastel cute totes
Daisy appliqué totes
Color block totes
Lined mini handbags
Boho summer mesh totes

Price Range:

Mini cute totes: $18–$28
Medium totes: $30–$45
Lined / decorated totes: $45–$75

Cute bags sell best with:

A branding tag
Pretty packaging
Clear care instructions

🧼 Care Instructions

To keep your tote looking new:

Hand-wash gently
Use cool water and mild soap
Reshape and air-dry flat
Avoid hanging when wet (stretching)
Cotton can be machine washed on delicate

🎉 Final Thoughts: Make a Cute Tote Bag You’ll Love!

Crocheting a cute tote bag is rewarding, fun, and perfect for beginners. With simple stitches and adorable design choices, you can create a bag that matches your personality—cute, chic, modern, or playful.

Once you finish your first one, you’ll want to make more as gifts or to sell. Each tote is unique because YOU made it.

If you’d like:
🌸 A smaller “mini kawaii tote” version
🌼 A chunky t-shirt yarn version
🌈 A multiple-color striped version
📄 A printable PDF
📸 Step-by-step images
📹 A full video tutorial script

Just tell me—I’d be happy to create it for you!