How to Crochet a Tote Bag

If you enjoy crocheting tote bags (especially for the summer!), you’ll love this easy crochet tote bag that I made with cotton yarn. I’ve written up the pattern below for you to view for free so you can make one of your own! Modifications on making a larger tote included.

In addition to the simple structure of this tote bag and color blocked design, I added some finishing touches to make this bag stand out from your basic crochet tote bag.

I incorporated some pull strings to have the option of cinching the top closed. It gives it such a fun little detail that is totally functional! Also, adding some pony beads to the strings also gives it a little something extra.

• Purchase an ad-free version of the Cinch Tote Bag pattern here on Ravelry.
• You can also purchase the ad-free version of the Cinch Tote Bag pattern here on Etsy.
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• Keep scrolling to view the free version of the Cinch Tote Bag pattern – be sure to bookmark it for later!

What Yarn is Best for a Tote Bag?

Short answer – cotton yarn.

Cotton yarn is durable, washes up well, and does not get fuzzy and pill like most acrylic and wool yarns after being handled and washed.

Since you will most likely be wearing this bag, it’s important to have a durable/non-fuzzy yarn that doesn’t get worn down so quickly.

The durability of the cotton yarn will ensure it will hold up through washing if you need to wash your tote bag. I also notice it holds its shape better than acrylic yarn would.

Tote bags made with acrylic yarns tend to stretch out much more than a bag made with cotton yarn. The tote bag will stretch somewhat regardless of even using cotton yarn, but not as drastic. If you want your bag to 100% keeps its shape and not stretch, I suggest you line your bag with fabric. You can view the video tutorial on how I lined my circle purse here.

Yarn Used and Substitutions

The yarn used for designing this bag is one of Lion Brand’s newer cotton yarn Re-Up. I’m very pleased with this new yarn and surprised it is sold at a good price point!

I’ll give you a few details on this yarn – Lion Brand RE-UP:

• 85% cotton, 15% polyester
• 114yds/2.5oz per skein
• Regular price $1.99USD per skein (Can be found at your local Michael’s – use your coupons!)
• Medium 4 weight (Personally, I feel it’s more of a weight 3.)
• Made with recycled cotton

You can purchase Lion Brand Re-Up yarn using my affiliate link here.

I definitely recommend this yarn. It has a nice raw cotton feel, but it doesn’t hurt your hands to work with. I was definitely pleasantly surprised how much I liked working with this yarn.

If you’d like to substitute a different yarn for this tote bag I recommend using the following: I Love This Cotton!, Knit Picks Dishie, or Lily Sugar and Cream.

Gauge isn’t too important for this project, but just know if you use one of the substitutions you’ll more likely obtain a slightly bigger tote bag if you don’t check your gauge. You can find out how to check your gauge here.

• Purchase an ad-free version of the Cinch Tote Bag pattern here on Ravelry.
• You can also purchase the ad-free version of the Cinch Tote Bag pattern here on Etsy.
• View the free version of the Cinch Tote Bag pattern below – be sure to bookmark it for later!

Crochet Cinch Tote Bag Pattern

Materials

2 skeins Lion Brand Re-Up in White, 2 skeins Lion Brand Re-Up in Aqua

(Note: Almost exactly 2 skeins of white was used. You may want to have 3 on hand just incase you need extra.)

H/5.00mm hook

G/4.00mm hook

Tapesty needles and scissors

Tape measure

Beads (optional)

Pattern notes

To make this bag larger, add on to the beginning chain and repeat rows as desired.

This bag and bag handle will stretch once in use unless lined with fabric.

My bag stretched about 2 inches after one use (carrying two books).

Cinch is optional. If you do not want strings to cinch the tote bag closed, simply omit that part of the pattern.

When making the handles, they will naturally curl. Steam or block the handles to straighten them out.

The bag will be worked in rounds from the bottom up. It’s essential to turn after every round is complete to have a straight seam. Be mindful that each round will have the same number of stitches.

Dimensions: 14” x 10.5” without handles

Gauge: 4” x 4” ~ 15 st x 11 rows in half double crochets

Abbreviations (US terms):

Ch = chain, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet

Pattern

Body of Bag – Use 5.00mm hook and start with blue yarn

Round 1: Ch 80, join to first ch making sure ch is not twisted

Round 2: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join to first hdc, TURN (80)

Repeat Round 2 until you have a total of 22 rows.

Change to white yarn

Repeat Round 2 for an additional 16 rows. Fasten off.

Sew together or crochet together the bottom of the bag. The bag is made bottom up, so the bottom will be the blue section. The bag will now be inside out. Keep it inside out until assembly.

Handles – Use 4.00mm hook and white yarn

Row 1: Ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across, turn (6)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc across, turn (6)

Repeat Row 2 until you have a total of 126 rows.

Make two handles.

String for Cinching – Use 4.00mm hook and white yarn

Crochet two long chains that is 4” longer than the width of your bag.

Assembly

Lay your bag flat. Sew on the handles 9 rows down and 6 stitches in from the edge of the bag. 

Sew along the bottom of the handle, up 3 rows, back across the handle and down in a square formation. 

Follow photo below as a guide. 

Sew second handle on the other side of the bag in the same manner.

Turn inside out. This will now be the right side of your bag.

Lay bag flat. We will be working on just one side of the bag to attach the strings/crochet chain.

Starting at one side of the bag, use a tapestry needle and one of the long crochet chains to weave in and out every 2 stitches between the 4th and 5th rows down from the top of the bag.

Do this until you come to the other side of the bag.

Repeat this with the other string on the other side of the bag.

On either side of the bag, you will have two tails from the strings. Add beads if desired and tie knot the tails together.

You will now be able to cinch the bag by holding the string and gathering the fabric away from the string into the center near the handles.

More Free Crochet Patterns Using Cotton Yarn

• Crossbody Circle Bag
• Textured Dishcloths
• Crochet Basket
• Coastal Indoor Rug

Even MORE Patterns Using Cotton Yarn