Ditch the plastic and hook up this crochet tote bag (or two) in your favourite colour, then carry it with the satisfaction of making something that helps the environment. Made in a 4ply cotton it'll give you a sturdy bag that won't stretch too much when you load it up with your shopping. This crochet tote bag pattern by Vickie Smith (a.k.a @TheHookGeekDesigns) features a fabulous mesh diamond and a gorgeous texture thanks to the pineapple cluster stitch. If you're looking for more crochet bags to make, you could always keep things simple with our free reusable crochet bag pattern, or go for come classic crochet with our free granny square crochet market bag pattern.
You will need
Schachenmayr Catania (100% cotton, 50g/125m) or alternative 4ply yarn, 6 balls of Petrol (00391)
Tension
Tension is not critical for this project, but may affect the yarn quantities required
Measurements
Bag measures approx 38 x 42cm (15 x 16½in)
Abbreviations
PC (pineapple cluster) (Yrh, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through one loop on hook) 4 times, yrh and pull through 8 loops on hook, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook
You can find a full list of all abbreviations we use in our abbreviations and conversions guide. This free crochet tote bag pattern is written in UK terminology but you can easily convert it to US terms using the guide.
Notes
Bag is worked in one piece, then folded and joined together along the sides. The Handles are made separately and joined to the Bag at the end.
For Rows 4-128, all even-numbered rows (or WS rows) are worked as a plain dc row.
Free crochet tote bag pattern
Body
Ch75.
Row 1 (RS) Dc in second ch from hook and each ch across, turn. [74 dc]
Row 2 (WS) Ch3 (counts as a tr throughout), tr in each st across, turn. [74 tr]
Row 3 Ch3, (pc in next st, ch1, skip 1 st) 36 times, tr in final st, turn. [36 pc, 2 tr, 36 ch-1 sps]
Row 4 Ch1, dc in each st and ch-sp across, turn. [74 dc]
Row 5 Ch3, *(pc in next st, ch1, skip 1 st) 17 times, ** (tr in next st, ch1, skip 1 st) twice; rep from * to ** once more, tr in final st, turn. [34 pc, 4 tr, 36 ch-1 sps]
Work all even-numbered rows as Row 4 throughout.
Row 7 Ch3, (pc in next st, ch1, skip 1) 16 times,** (tr, ch1, skip 1 st) 4 times; rep from * to ** once more, tr in final st, turn. [32 pc, 6 tr, 36 ch-1 sps]
Row 9 Ch3, (pc in next st, ch1, skip 1) 15 times,** (tr, ch1, skip 1 st) 6 times; rep from * to ** once more, tr in final st, turn. [30 pc, 8 tr, 36 ch-1 sps]
Rows 10-28 Continue in pattern set, working 1 fewer (pc, ch1, skip 1) repeat on either side and 2 more (tr, ch1, skip 1) repeats in the centre.
Work all WS rows as Row 4.
[12 pc, 26 tr, 36 ch-1 sps at end of Row 27]
Row 29 Ch3, (pc in next st, ch1, skip 1) 7 times,** (tr, ch1, skip 1 st) 22 times; rep from * to ** once more, tr in final st, turn. [14 pc, 24 tr, 36 ch-1 sps]
Row 31 Ch3, (pc in next st, ch1, skip 1) 8 times,** (tr, ch1, skip 1 st) 20 times; rep from * to ** once more, tr in final st, turn. [16 pc, 22 tr, 36 ch-1 sps]
Rows 33-59 Continue in pattern set, working 1 more (pc, ch1, skip 1) repeat on either side and 2 fewer (tr, ch1, skip 1) repeats in the centre. [34 pc, 4 tr, 36 ch-1 sps at end of Row 59]
Row 61 Ch3, (pc in next st, ch1, skip 1 st) 36 times, tr in final st, turn. [36 pc, 2 tr, 36 ch-1 sps]
Row 63 Ch3, (tr, ch1, skip 1) 36 times, tr in final st, turn. [38 tr, 36 ch-1 sps]
Row 65 Ch3, tr in each st and ch-1 s across, turn. [74 tr]
Row 66 As Row 4, place a marker in the sides of row to mark centre of Bag. [74 dc]
Row 67 Ch3, tr in each st across, turn. [74 tr]
Row 69 As Row 63. [38 tr, 36 ch-1 sps]
Row 71 As Row 61. [36 pc, 2 tr, 36 ch-1 sps]
Rows 73-127 As Rows 5-59. [34 pc, 4 tr, 36 ch-1 sps at end of Row 127]
Row 129 Ch3, (pc in next st, ch1, skip 1 st) 36 times, tr in final st, turn. [36 pc, 2 tr, 36 ch-1 sps]
Row 130 Ch3, tr in each st and ch-1 sp across, turn. [74 tr]
Row 131 Ch1, dc in each st across, turn. [74 dc]
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Handles (Make 2)
Ch151.
Row 1 (RS) Dc in second ch from hook and each ch across, turn. [150 dc]
Rows 2-4 Ch1, dc in each st across, turn.
Fasten off.
To make up
Fold Bag in half along the marked rows, with RS facing out. Dc the sides together, working 1dc in each dc row-end and 2dc in each tr row-end.
Pin a Handle to each side of the opening and sew into place.
Weave in any remaining ends.
In our opinion you can never have enough tote bags, so if you fancy making some more why not try our free tote bag sewing pattern, or jazz up a plain tote with our how to cross stitch on tote bags tutorial.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this free crochet tote bag pattern, don’t forget if you need any help with your crochet stitches you can always check out our crochet for beginners guide. And if you’re looking to treat yourself, check out our list of the best crochet hooks and the best crochet kits for beginners.
