10 (FREE) Tote Bag Crochet Patterns
Stylish & Perfect For This Summer (2023)
I’ve recently been checking out some trendy crochet tote bag pattern designs and was blown away by the coolest ideas & creative twists!
I found everything from easy crochet market bags & beach bags to Granny Square bags & checkered tote bags.
I looked around a bit for some really cool designs and thought I’d share them with you for some inspiration.
You'll find some written crochet patterns & some video tutorials for those of you who are more visual learners.
You might have some questions about how to crochet tote bags, so I’ve added a FAQs section at the bottom of this post where you’ll find answers to everything related to crochet bags.
Also, many of these tote bag patterns start off with a Magic Circle (sometimes called Magic Ring or Magic Loop). If you don’t know how to do that yet, have a look at these awesome video tutorials that’ll show you exactly how to do them.
And if you totally give up on the Magic Circle, no worries! There’s several other methods to get around it. Have a look at this post here to find out how.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the Start Crochet links. Please see my disclosure for more details.
Tote Bag Crochet Patterns - FREE
1. Dune Tote Bag Free Crochet Pattern by Two of Wands
This tote bag can be a real classic piece in your wardrobe. This is an easy level crochet pattern and the techniques involved are single crochet, sc2tog and sc3tog decreases, working flat in back and forth rows, and working in the round in both turned and continuous spiral rounds.
Terms: US Terms
Skill Level: Beginner
Size:
A Width: 14.5”/37cm
B Full length: 24”/61cm
C Depth: 4.5”/11.5cm
Materials:
4 skeins Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Driftwood (640-554)
(super bulky, weight 6; 87yds/80m per skein)
Size US N/P/15 (10mm) crochet hook
Size US L/11 (8mm) crochet hook
Stitch marker
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Image Credit © Two of Wands
This is a quick and simple bag to work up. It uses a very simple pattern repeat for a super easy mesh body.
This creates a slightly stretchy fabric without too many holes. Coupled with the solid bottom, you won’t lose smaller items in the bag AND you’ll have a little bit of extra room to stash boxes of snacks (or other oddly shaped items) inside without losing shape.
Terms: US Terms
Skill Level: Beginner
Size:
Body Length: Approximately 13 inches
Body Width: Approximately 11 inches
Handle Length (from body of bag to top of shoulder): Approximately 13.5 inches
Handle Length (measuring entire handle as if it were flat): Approximately 32 inches.
Materials:
Caron’s Cotton Cake in Calico Flowers or any other suitable yarn.
Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook
Stitch marker
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Image Credit © The Loophole Fox
The colors remind me of the sand and waves of the beach. I gave the bag generous straps so you can easily tie them to close off the top and still have enough strap to hang it off your wrist or stroller.
This bag can also be used for so much more. It can hold your bathing suits for the beach, keep your book and Ipod safe from the sun, or use it as a cute purse with a sundress.
Terms: US Terms
Skill Level: Beginner
Size: 9" x 11" (without straps)
Materials:
Chroma Worsted Weight Yarn
Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook
Stitch marker
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Image Credit © Deja Joy
4. Dassau Tote Bag Free Crochet Pattern by Paintbox Yarns
This Dassu Tote Bag pattern is instantly downloadable and includes a colorworks chart. The bag is composed of 2 colors (honey & steel blue) in Paintbox Yarns and uses only sc (single crochet) stitches.
The Dassau Tote Bag is considered an easy project, but you do need to know how to change colors frequently throughout the project.
Terms: US Terms
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes:
Height: 201/2in/52cm
Width: 18in/46cm
Materials:
Paintbox Yarns is exclusively available at lovecrafts.com
3.5oz/100g balls of Paintbox Yarns Recycled CottonWorsted:
3 balls in Steel Blue (A)
3 ball in Honey (B)
US H/8 (5mm) crochet hook
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Image Credit © Paintbox Yarns
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This wonderful Tote would make a wonderful beach bag this summer. I absolutely adore the color combination of this Lion Brand Color Theory Yarn. It gives a sense of 'beachness' with the colors of sand & sea.
This tote bag is made of 13 individual squares which are sewn together to form its shape.
Terms: US Terms
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes:
Length: 15”/38cm
Width: 15”/38cm
Strap Length: 16”/41cm
Materials:
Lion Brand Color Theory
Size G/4.0mm crochet hook
Stitch marker
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Image Credit © Two of Wands
Are you just learning how to crochet? Have a look at these awesome crochet kits, perfect for beginners! I wrote a complete hands-on review on The Woobles Kits for you 🙂
The Darcy Tote is a great bag to hold all the essentials for a walk around town, the beach or the local craft and antiques market.
The Darcy Tote bag is a quick and easy pattern to make. It is worked in two identical panels that are then joined on three sides by single crochet and reverse single crochet to add a cute effect.
Terms: US Terms
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 12” wide x 12” long, 14.5” long with fringe
Materials:
Brava Tweed
Size G/4.0mm crochet hook
Stitch marker
Scissors
Tapestry needle
12” zipper (or longer)
Image Credit © Joyce Geisler
Looking for a cute tote bag to crochet this summer? Well, I've designed the perfect crochet tote bag for you! You can use it as a beach bag, market bag or to carry around your WIPs and the best thing is your could finish up this project in a day!
Reusable tote bags are the perfect summer crochet projects and they make great gifts too! If you're crocheting this sunflower tote bag as a gift, you're welcome to download these FREE Printable "Handmade With Love" Gift Tags
Terms: US Terms
Skill Level: Beginner
Size:
Width: 11.8”/30cm
Full length: 26”/66cm
Depth: 9.4”/24cm
You could use a substitute like KnitPicks Dishie or Lilly's Sugar & Cream as well.
Image Credit © Start Crochet
Video Tutorials For Crochet Tote Bags
7. Crochet Tote Bag - Beginner Friendly | Made By Luna
This video tutorial is ideal for beginners who are giving a crochet tote bag a go for the first time. It includes a written pattern below the video which is very helpful.
Made by Luna makes a very crisp, detailed slow-paced video with no verbal explanations. It'll be very easy to follow for a beginner crocheter.
How about a crochet granny square bag to carry all your yarn in around town?
This is not really a step-by-step detailed tutorial, more of an entertaining & relaxing video. Jenna shows how she makes her Granny Squares, colors she combines, where she shops for her yarn, some tips on crocheting Granny Squares and how she assembles her Granny Square bag.
This is a pinterest-inspired checkered crochet bag that looks oh-so trendy!
Pim's step-by-step video tutorial shows exactly how to crochet this checkered bag using 2 colors of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic yarn. She doesn't recommend using softer yarns for this project.
Mikey from the Crochet Crowd gives a superb video tutorial on how to crochet this lovely beach bag using Lily's Sugar & Cream 100% cotton yarn.
It's an exceptionally easy & fun pattern & works up quite fast, so you could make a few of these to give away as gifts!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crochet Tote Bags
Before you start with your first crochet tote bag, you might have some questions, which is totally normal.
Have a quick look at these FAQs to get more clarity and if you have any other questions that I haven't answered here, please feel free to send me a note in the comments below.
Let's start with the most common question:
How do you crochet a tote bag?
There are many ways to crochet a tote bag. Here are some common methods:
- Crochet from the bottom up (starting with a solid oval or rectangular bottom, then work up the sides of your bag) & add strap/s and/or embellishments.
- For Granny Square bags, you crochet a number of Granny Squares (as would be detailed in the pattern instructions - normally 13 squares), then you join your squares to form the desired shape of your tote bag. Add strap/s.
- Crochet a large rectangle, fold over, sew sides to join, add strap/s.
- Crochet 2 identical squares, rectangles, circles or ovals. Sew the sides to join & leave top open. Add strap/s, embellishments or beads.
- Crochet 3 large squares. Fold each in half to form triangles. Join the 3 triangles by sewing one side of each triangle and joining to the next. Leave the top open. Add strap/s, embellishments or beads.
What yarn is best for crochet tote bag?
When crocheting a tote bag, you need to make sure it's durable and holds up well. You want to use a yarn that is sturdy enough, but has some elasticity to it without being too stretchy.
Best would be to use cotton yarns, worsted weight, bulky or super bulky yarn for crocheted tote bags.
The reason cotton yarn is best for tote bags is because of its durability, it's easy to wash, & does not pill & get fuzzy with use like acrylic & wool yarns.
How much yarn does it take to crochet a tote bag?
The amount of yarn you use will depend on the size of your desired tote bag, but most commonly, you'd need about 350-500 yards of yarn for a regular-sized bag.
Which Crochet Tote Bag Pattern Will You Choose?
I hope you enjoyed this selection of crochet tote bag patterns and found those that you'd like to give a shot!
As you discovered, there are a wide variety of crochet tote bag patterns that are so simple, yet beautiful! Don't worry if you're an absolute beginner crocheter! Follow one of the video tutorials above and you'll find that crocheting a tote bag is easier than it looks 🙂
If you have any more questions about crochet tote bags, please do let me know in the comments below and I'll be happy to answer them for you!
Happy crocheting!
