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You are here: Home / Oombawka Crochet Patterns / Crochet Patterns for Bags / Simple Crochet Tote Bag Pattern

Simple Crochet Tote Bag Pattern

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My sister Kelley asked me to create a crochet tote bag for her to take to work. She needed the tote bag to be large enough to carry 8.5″ x 11″ items and strong enough to handle the weight of the books. This is the satchel I designed for her to use 🙂

Kelley’s Simple Crochet Tote Bag Pattern

Free Crochet Pattern

Free Crochet Tote Bag Pattern.

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Hook: 5 mm hook
Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton (Medium Worsted Weight Yarn)

For this pattern:
1. Work into the first st of each row
2. Chain stitches do not count toward Row End stitch counts
3. Work into the spaces between the stitches around all three loops of the half double crochet (i.e. work in the stitch spaces)

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The Bottom of the Bag:

For my sister’s bag, I used a solid colour for the base.

R1: 10 fhdc, ch 1, turn
R2: 1 hdc in each st across (beginning in the 1st st of the row), ch 1, turn [10]
R3-28: repeat R2 [10]

Note: Optional Bag Bottom for Extra Support:

If you would prefer the base of your bag to be stronger (i.e. do you want to carry library books in this bag?) then finish off and weave in the ends. Repeat the base of the bag instructions a second time and do not fasten off.

Place the 1st bag bottom on top of your 2nd bag bottom (if you are following the Optional Bag Bottom Instructions) and proceed to work through both pieces as follows:

Now you will be working around the outside of the bottom of the bag rectangle.

The Body of the Bag:

R1: turn 90 degrees, 1 hdc in each row end [28], ch 1, turn 90 degrees, 1 hdc in each st space across [10], ch 1, turn 90 degrees, 1 hdc in each row end [28], ch 1, turn 90 degrees.

You may wish to have a stitch marker handy from this point on as you will now be working in continuous rounds.

You will not be slip stitching to join, or chaining to increase the height of the rows.

If you would like to make the colour changes as I have, you will need to bring the new colour up on the last yarn over on the last stitch of each round. I did this on every round until I reached the flap section of the bag.

R2: 1 hdc in each st space around (but not the ch 1 spaces) [76]
R3: repeat R2 until the bag measures 14″ in height [76]

Do not finish off.

The Flap of the Bag:

You will now be working in a rows.

I chose to do the flap in a solid colour for contrast.

R1: 1 hdc in each of the first 20 st spaces (you will be leaving the rest of the stitches unworked), ch 1, turn [20]
R2: 1 hdc in each of the first 40 st spaces (you will be leaving the rest of the stitches unworked), ch 1, turn [40]
R3: 1 hdc in each st space across, ch 1, turn [40]
R4: skip the 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 38 st spaces, skip the last st, ch 1 turn [38]
R5: 1 hdc in each st space across, ch 1, turn [38]
R6: skip the 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 36 st spaces, skip the last st space, ch 1, turn [36]
R7: 1 hdc in each st space across, ch 1, turn [36]
R8: skip the 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 34 st spaces, skip the last st space, ch 1, turn [34]
R9: 1 hdc in each st space across, ch 1, turn [34]
R10: skip the 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 32 st spaces, skip the last st space, ch 1, turn [32]
R11: 1 hdc in each st space across, ch 1, turn [32]
R12: skip the 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 30 st spaces, skip the last st space, ch 1, turn [30]
R13: 1 hdc in each st space across, ch 1, turn [30]
R14: skip the 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 28 st spaces, skip the last st space, ch 1, turn [28]
R15: 1 hdc in each st space across, ch 1, turn [28]
R16: skip the 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 26 st spaces, skip the last st space, ch 1, turn [26]
R17: 1 hdc in each st space across, ch 1, turn [26]
R18: skip the 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 24 st spaces, skip the last st space, ch 1, turn [24]
R19: 1 hdc in each st space across, ch 1, turn [24]
R20: skip the 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 22 st spaces, skip the last st space, ch 1, turn [22]
R19: 1 hdc in each st space across, ch 1, turn [22]

You will now be working around the outside of the flap and around the opening of the bag.

R20: 1 sc in each st space around (and row end around), and 2 sc in each corner
R21: 1 sl st in each st sp around (and row end around), finish off and weave in ends.

I wanted to reinforce my button clasp and straps so I crocheted little squares (as follows) and stitched them into the inside of the bag. This allowed me to work into this ‘back-up’ piece of crocheted fabric when adding the button clasp and the straps. I find doing this protects the bag stitches from stretching and gaping with the weight of the bag.

This extra step is a personal preference of mine and not absolutely necessary. Feel free to skip it if you wish 🙂

Reinforcements

One square in green:

R1: ch 6, turn
R2: 1 sc in each st, ch 1 turn [5]
R3-R6: repeat R2 [5]
Cut the yarn and leave a LONG tail for sewing to the bag

Two rectangles in green:

R1: ch 10, turn
R2: 1 sc in each st, ch 1, turn [9]
R3-R8: repeat R2 [9]
Cut the yarn and leave a LONG tail for sewing to the bag

The Strap:

R1: ch 20, turn
R2: 1 sc in each st, ch 1, turn [29]
Repeat R2 until your strap measures the length you want for your bag.

For my sister’s bag I crocheted the strap to a length of 24″. This allowed 20″ for the strap and 2″ to join on each side to the bag.

Now fold your strap down the center (to make a narrow strap) and single crochet up the row ends, finish off and leave a LONG tail for sewing the straps to the bag.

Strap placement

Assembly:

Turn your bag inside out. Fold your bag in half down the center to find the middle stitch on each side. It should be very close to the starting point for the flap.

Sew the reinforcement pieces (if you are using them) to the inside of the bag around the outside of the rectangle shape. I stitched mine through the inside loops of the stitches of the bag. Do this on both sides before turning the bag right-side out.

Now take your straps and attach them to the reinforcement pieces (you will stitch all the way through the bag). Try to place your needle between the stitches on the purse (try not to split the yarn). This will keep the integrity of the stitches – this is important if you need to remove the stitches and try again 🙂

When I attached my straps I sewed around the outside edge of the strap only.

For the button clasp:

I used a wooden button I received from Wholeport (4 cm by 1.1 cm).

Affiliate Link: Wooden Olive Shaped Button

Free Crochet Tote Bag Pattern.

I found the center two stitches of the purse a row below where the flap reached. I added the reinforcement piece to the inside of the bag and then sewed the button into the reinforcement piece.

To complete the closure:

R1: chain 15, turn
R2: sl st into each st across [14]
Finish off leaving a long tail to attach the strap for the closure.

Attach the closure strap approximately 5 sts apart on the underside of the flap.

Free Crochet Tote Bag Pattern.

I hope you love this bag as much as I do!!

front and back of satchel

Free Crochet Tote Bag Pattern.

#bernat #handicraftercotton #yarnspirations #totebag #crochetpattern #crochet

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36 Comments | Date: 15/07/2014  | By: Rhondda

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Lovely comments

  1. Rhondda says

    11/05/2020 at 6:55 PM

    Hi Mary, You begin in the pattern here:

    Since we are using foundation half double crochet stitches at the bottom you do not chain a row first but start right in with the foundation row of half double crochet stitches.

    If you want to work with a chain row first you can 🙂 Just chain 11, and work 1 hdc in the third chain from the hook and each remaining ch across. Then count that initial ch 2 as your first half double crochet. Then work the pattern as written.
    Hope this helps! Rhondda

    The Bottom of the Bag:

    For my sister’s bag, I used a solid colour for the base.

    R1: 10 fhdc, ch 1, turn

  2. Mary says

    11/05/2020 at 5:36 PM

    You Don’t tell me how many stitches to start with.
    Thank You, Mary

  3. cortrina says

    24/08/2015 at 3:33 PM

    hey rhondda how are you. i was trying to crochet this bag but i don’t understand the bottom of the bag instructions. I did the 10fhdc but it look so short and small it’s about 2inches long? is it suppose to be that short?

  4. Rhondda says

    25/05/2015 at 9:35 PM

    Hi Kelley, You are VERY welcome 🙂 My sister is still using her tote this year for work 🙂 I hope you love yours as much as she loves hers! Have a lovely week! Rhondda

  5. Kelley S. says

    25/05/2015 at 6:52 PM

    I was looking around on Pintrest for totes and other projects to take along in said tote and found this cute pattern. The name of it sealed the deal for me! After all tote with my name on it just begs to be made! I’ll be starting on this one ASAP!
    Thanks Rhonnda

  6. Rhondda says

    07/03/2015 at 8:07 PM

    Very welcome Patricia 🙂

  7. Patricia B says

    28/02/2015 at 9:15 PM

    This is super cute!! I love this pattern! Thank you!

  8. cary says

    01/08/2014 at 9:46 PM

    Thank you!

  9. Rhondda says

    31/07/2014 at 12:34 AM

    Thank you! I would love to see how it turns out 🙂

  10. Rhondda says

    30/07/2014 at 11:33 PM

    Thank you Joyce 🙂

  11. Rhondda says

    30/07/2014 at 11:32 PM

    Thank you Cary 🙂 I used 2 balls of this: https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/loops–threads-cottonie

  12. Rhondda says

    30/07/2014 at 11:30 PM

    Welcome 🙂

  13. lela mahaney says

    29/07/2014 at 10:30 AM

    This bag is really cute thank you for sharing the pattern!

  14. Hazel Robbins says

    27/07/2014 at 3:05 AM

    I absolutely love this bag. It’s my summer project, ready for when we go on holiday.

  15. Joyce Halstead says

    26/07/2014 at 1:42 PM

    Totally love this Gorgeous satchel

  16. cary says

    26/07/2014 at 11:56 AM

    Love this bag! How much yarn did you purchase for the project?

  17. Rhondda says

    23/07/2014 at 12:05 AM

    Thanks Nancy 🙂

  18. Rhondda says

    23/07/2014 at 12:05 AM

    You are most welcome 🙂 If you have any questions please just let me know 🙂

  19. Rhondda says

    23/07/2014 at 12:04 AM

    Thank you Brittany 🙂

  20. Brittany Yenser says

    22/07/2014 at 9:29 AM

    Beautiful satchel! Love it!! On my list to make!!

  21. Darlene Sison says

    22/07/2014 at 4:48 AM

    I love this bag tutorial especially on how to make the bottom of the bag more sturdy. Thanks. I’ll make one of this soon for my sister. 🙂

  22. Nancy says

    22/07/2014 at 1:10 AM

    Love this, going to try it soon!

  23. Rhondda says

    20/07/2014 at 8:19 PM

    Thanks Liz 🙂

  24. Liz Hasler says

    18/07/2014 at 12:59 AM

    Very cute! Thank you for sharing!

  25. Rhondda says

    17/07/2014 at 6:07 PM

    Thank you Cheryl 🙂

  26. Cheryl Jacobo says

    17/07/2014 at 6:06 PM

    I love this bag, thanks so much for sharing!

  27. Rhondda says

    17/07/2014 at 11:10 AM

    LOL! Yes Clotilde 🙂 There is room for all our portable girl stuff in this bag I think 🙂 and a little extra for some pattern books and yarn too 🙂 Thanks! Rhondda

  28. Rhondda says

    17/07/2014 at 11:09 AM

    Hi Gail, I wrote a post today to help everyone understand how to print my posts 🙂 I have a lot of questions this week about it – Hope this helps: https://oombawkadesigncrochet.com/how-do-i-print-your-free-patterns/

  29. Rhondda says

    17/07/2014 at 11:08 AM

    Thank you!

  30. Rhondda says

    17/07/2014 at 11:07 AM

    Thank you Katy 🙂 Let me know if you decide to make it and you have any questions 🙂 Rhondda

  31. Clotilde/Craftybegonia says

    16/07/2014 at 9:22 PM

    Totally love it, Rhondda, love the fact that is very roomy too (a girl has to have room to carry her portable stash in the car, LOL!)

  32. Gail says

    16/07/2014 at 2:55 PM

    HI,

    I have subscribed to your newsletter but can’t find a way to copy and print the free patterns – ie. the satchel and a couple other patterns. Is there a trick to it? It states that they are free but……

    Gail

  33. Samantha says

    15/07/2014 at 10:26 PM

    Love this!

  34. Katy says

    15/07/2014 at 8:34 PM

    Looks great. Definitely on my to do list now. Thanks 🙂

  35. Rhondda says

    15/07/2014 at 8:32 AM

    Thanks Sharon 🙂 My sister seems to love it thankfully!
    Hugs, Rhondda

  36. Sharon Klundt says

    15/07/2014 at 12:32 AM

    Beautiful Satchel pattern. Thank you

    Hugs,

    Sharon

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