Simple Crochet Tote Bag
This tote is one long rectangle of half double crochet, folded in half and seamed up the sides. There is no shaping and no working in the round, which makes it a relaxing, confidence-building bag for newer crocheters.
- Skill level
- Easy
- Finished size
- About 11.5 in wide × 13 in tall (29 × 33 cm), excluding straps
- Yarn weight
- Medium / Worsted
- Hook
- 5 mm (US H-8)
- Time
- About 6 hours
- Terminology
- US terms
Gauge: 14 hdc and 10 rows = 4 in (10 cm). Gauge changes the size and yarn amount but not how the bag is made.
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About this pattern
Half double crochet makes a dense, slightly textured fabric that holds its shape well — exactly what a bag needs. Cotton yarn gives the tote structure and stops it from stretching too much when it is full.
The straps are simple strips of single crochet sewn securely inside the top edge. Because everything is flat, it is easy to adjust: make the rectangle longer for a deeper bag, or the straps longer to wear it on your shoulder.
Why you'll love it
- No shaping or working in the round
- Sturdy enough for everyday errands
- Easy to resize — just change the rectangle
- A thoughtful handmade gift
Materials
Worsted-weight cotton yarn
Estimated — check your gauge and buy extra from the same dye lot
About 350–400 yd (320–365 m)
Contrast color (optional)
For the stripe
About 30 yd (27 m)
5 mm (US H-8) crochet hook
Stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors
Abbreviations
- ch
- chain
- hdc
- half double crochetUK: htr
- sc
- single crochetUK: dc
- sl st
- slip stitchUK: ss
- st(s)
- stitch(es)
- rep
- repeat
This pattern uses US terms. Convert US ↔ UK terms
Stitches used
Notes before you start
- The body is one long rectangle, folded in half and seamed up the sides.
- The turning chain 2 does not count as a stitch. Work the first hdc of each row into the first stitch.
- Check your stitch count every few rows — edges easily gain or lose a stitch.
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The pattern
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Body
Optional stripe: Work 2 rows in the contrast color about 3 in (7.5 cm) from each short end. Once the bag is folded, the stripes sit just below the top edge on both sides.
Straps (make 2)
Assembly
Important: The straps carry all the weight, so sew through both layers several times to stop them stretching or pulling out.
Finishing
Tips
- Choose cotton or a cotton blend — stretchy acrylic bags sag when loaded.
- If your rows drift wider or narrower, place a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of every row.
- Wash the finished bag in cold water and dry it flat to keep its shape.
Variations
- Lined tote
- Sew a simple fabric lining and slip-stitch it inside the top edge so small items can’t poke through.
- Bold stripes
- Change color every 6 rows for a graphic striped bag.
- Mini gift bag
- Start with ch 27 (25 hdc) and work to 16 in (41 cm) long for a small bag.
Common questions
Will the bag stretch?
All crochet bags stretch a little. Cotton yarn, even tension and firmly sewn straps keep stretching to a minimum.
Can I make the straps long enough for my shoulder?
Yes. Work the straps to about 26–28 in (66–71 cm). You will need a little more yarn.
Is the yardage exact?
No — it is an estimate. Your gauge and yarn change how much you use, so buy an extra skein from the same dye lot.
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