If you want a crochet tote that’s fun to make and strong enough for real life, this striped one is a good pick. It’s worked in flat rectangles with the granny stitch, so there’s no shaping and no working in the round. Color changes happen at the end of a row, which keeps things simple.
Below you’ll find the free video tutorial, the yarn and hook to use, and a few tips to help your bag come out neat.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Tote Bag
The granny stitch gives the fabric a soft, bumpy texture, and the stripes make it look far more complicated than it is. It’s also a practical size for the library, the farmers market or a day at the beach. And because the stitch is a little open, sand falls right out.
Yarn and Materials
- Yarn: worsted weight cotton in two colors (Lily Sugar’n Cream is a popular choice). Cotton barely stretches, so your bag won’t sag when you fill it.
- Hook: 5 mm (H-8), the size used in the video.
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends. You’ll have a few with stripes.
- Scissors
- Optional: a piece of fabric to sew in as a lining if you plan to carry heavy things.
Stitches You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just the basics (US terms):
- Chain (ch) for your starting chain and turning chains
- Single crochet (sc) for the edges and joins
- Double crochet (dc), worked in groups of three to make the granny clusters
- Slip stitch (sl st) for joining and moving your yarn into place
If you can make a double crochet comfortably, you can make this bag.
How the Bag Is Built
You crochet a front panel and a back panel separately, then join them along the sides and bottom. The handles are made as two long strips and attached to the top edge.
Want a deeper bag? Add more rows before you stop. Want longer straps for wearing crossbody? Make the strap chain longer. The design handles both changes without trouble.
Watch the Video Tutorial
The full step-by-step tutorial is in the video below, so you can follow along at your own pace and pause whenever you need to.
Video tutorial and photos by ViVi Berry Crochet.
Tips for a Neater Tote
- Count your clusters at the start of every row. Granny stitch is easy to lose track of, and one missed cluster makes the edges wonky.
- Keep your tension relaxed in the spaces. Pulling too tight makes the fabric stiff and curls the edges.
- Weave in ends as you go. Do it at each color change instead of leaving twenty tails for the end.
- Block your panels before joining. A quick pin-and-dry gives you straight edges and makes seaming much easier.
- Reinforce the handles. A row of single crochet along the strap edge adds strength where the bag takes the most weight.
Color Ideas
The yellow and soft grey combo is bright without being loud. Some other pairings to try:
- Terracotta and cream for a fall market bag
- Sage green and off-white for a beachy look
- Navy and white for something nautical
- Dusty pink and warm gray for an everyday neutral
Caring for Your Crochet Tote
Cotton is forgiving. Wash it on a gentle cold cycle with mild detergent, then lay it flat to dry. Hanging it by the handles can stretch it out of shape while it’s wet. If it looks a little tired after a few washes, wet it, reshape it by hand and pin it flat to dry. Store it folded flat or lightly stuffed with tissue paper.
FAQ
Is this striped crochet tote bag beginner-friendly?
Yes, as long as you’re comfortable with double crochet. It’s all flat rows with simple color changes.
How much yarn do I need?
It depends on the size you make. Check the video for the amounts used, and buy an extra skein of each color if you plan to go deeper.
Will the bag stretch out?
Cotton holds its shape well, but very heavy loads can pull it down over time. A lining helps if you carry a lot.
Can I use a different yarn?
You can, but cotton is the best fit for a bag. Acrylic and wool blends tend to stretch more.
Save It for Later
If you make your own version, I’d love to see it. Share a photo on Pinterest and save this pattern to your crochet board so you can find it again next time you need a quick gift or a new bag.