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This cute and roomy free crochet tote bag pattern features a rectangular bottom and stripes of playful colors and textures. Carry your latest project, your beach gear, or use it as a market bag.
Crochet market bags, like my Pentagonal Mesh market tote or the Coquina Beach Tote are some of my favorite projects! Sometimes though, you need a bag that has a little more structure, so that your items stay where they need to be.
This solid sided tote bag will reliably contain a crochet project, your keys and sunglasses, or even beach gear. Plus, it is still crocheted in one piece (minus the handle and optional pockets)!
The seamed sides and bottom corners give it more structure, so it balances a bit better when full. The handle also gives a little added support to the bottom, to keep your bag from stretching out.
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This pattern is included in a really fun blog hop called the Christmas in July Make Along. If you’d like to see even more fun crochet, knit, sewing, and craft patterns that would make great gifts, you can find more details here.
Materials
I/5.5mm Crochet Hook; Lily Sugar ‘n Cream yarn, Worsted [4] weight, 100% cotton yarn, 2.5 oz/70.9g; 120 yds/109m, 2 Skeins Ecru, 3 Skeins Hot Purple; Yarn Needle; Scissors
Abbreviations
Ch- chain; Dc- double crochet; FDC- foundation double crochet; Sc- single crochet; Sk – skip; Sl- slip stitch; St- stitch;
Gauge / Finished Size
4 st and 3 rows in 1” square in pattern stitch.
The finished bag measures 4”x13” on bottom, and approximately 13” square on each face, excluding handle.
Notes
This bag is worked in turned rows. The first side panel is worked from the bottom of the bag upwards. Next, you’ll work the bottom panel from the beginning edge, and continue with the opposite side panel. This allows you to work in rows but keep a symmetrical bag. Next, you’ll seam the corners to close the sides. Then you will make a handle, and sew it to the bag with the pockets, if desired.
Largo Tote Bag Pattern
Pocket (Optional, make one or two.)
Begin in Hot Purple Yarn
Row 1: Ch 23, dc in 3rd ch and each ch across. [21 dc] (If you prefer, FDC 21)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, (sc, dc) into first st, sk 1, *(sc, dc) in next st, sk 1,* repeat * to * across until 1 st remains; work 1 sc in last st. [10 sc, dc pairs + 1 sc]
Row 3-15: Repeat row 2.
Row 16: Ch 2, turn, dc in each st across. [21 dc]
First Side Panel
Begin with Hot Purple Yarn.
Row 1: Ch 57, dc in 3rd ch and each ch across. [55 dc] (If you prefer, FDC 55)
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, dc in each st across. [55 dc]
Fasten off and switch to Neutral Yarn.
Row 3: Join with sl to first st, ch 2, dc in 1st st and each st across. [55 dc] Row Row 4: Ch 1, turn, (sc, dc) into first st, sk 1, *(sc, dc) in next st, sk 1,* repeat * to * across until 1 st remains; work 1 sc in last st. [27 (sc, dc) pairs + 1 sc]
Row 5-8: Repeat round 2.
Row 9: Ch 2, turn, dc in each st across. [55 dc]
Fasten off and switch to Hot Purple Yarn.
Row 10: Join with sl to first st, ch 2, dc in 1st st and each st across. [55 dc] Row Row 11: Ch 1, turn, (sc, dc) into first st, sk 1, *(sc, dc) in next st, sk 1,* repeat * to * across until 1 st remains; work 1 sc in last st. [27 (sc, dc) pairs + 1 sc]
Row 12-15: Repeat round 2.
Row 16: Ch 2, turn, dc in each st across. [55 dc]
Fasten off and switch to Neutral Yarn.
Row 17: Join with sl to first st, ch 2, dc in 1st st and each st across. [55 dc] Row Row 18: Ch 1, turn, (sc, dc) into first st, sk 1, *(sc, dc) in next st, sk 1,* repeat * to * across until 1 st remains; work 1 sc in last st. [27 (sc, dc) pairs + 1 sc]
Row 19-22: Repeat round 2.
Row 23: Ch 2, turn, dc in each st across. [55 dc]
Fasten off and switch to Hot Purple Yarn.
Row 24: Join with sl to first st, ch 2, dc in 1st st and each st across. [55 dc] Row Row 25: Ch 1, turn, (sc, dc) into first st, sk 1, *(sc, dc) in next st, sk 1,* repeat * to * across until 1 st remains; work 1 sc in last st. [27 (sc, dc) pairs + 1 sc]
Row 26-29: Repeat round 2.
Row 30: Ch 2, turn, dc in each st across. [55 dc]
Fasten off.
Bottom Panel
Begin in Neutral Yarn.
Row 1: Skip 8 sts, join with sl to 9th st, ch 1, (sc, dc) into same st, sk 1, *(sc, dc) in next st, sk 1,* repeat * to * across until 9 sts remain; work 1 sc in next st, leaving final 8 sts unworked. [10 sc, dc pairs + 1 sc]
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, (sc, dc) into first st, sk 1, *(sc, dc) into next st, sk 1,* repeat * to * across until 1 st remains; work 1 sc in last st.
Row 3-12: Repeat round 2.
Fasten off.
Second Side Panel
Begin with Hot Purple Yarn.
Row 1: Join the first st of bottom panel with a sl st, turn, ch 10, turn, dc in 3rd ch and next 7 ch, continue to dc in each st across previous row, work 8 FDC. [55 dc]
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, dc in each st across. [55 dc]
Fasten off and switch to Neutral Yarn.
Row 3: Join with sl to first st, ch 2, dc in 1st st and each st across. [55 dc] Row Row 4: Ch 1, turn, (sc, dc) into first st, sk 1, *(sc, dc) in next st, sk 1,* repeat * to * across until 1 st remains; work 1 sc in last st. [27 (sc, dc) pairs + 1 sc]
Row 5-8: Repeat round 2.
Row 9: Ch 2, turn, dc in each st across. [55 dc]
Fasten off and switch to Hot Purple Yarn.
Row 10: Join with sl to first st, ch 2, dc in 1st st and each st across. [55 dc] Row Row 11: Ch 1, turn, (sc, dc) into first st, sk 1, *(sc, dc) in next st, sk 1,* repeat * to * across until 1 st remains; work 1 sc in last st. [27 (sc, dc) pairs + 1 sc]
Row 12-15: Repeat round 2.
Row 16: Ch 2, turn, dc in each st across. [55 dc]
Fasten off and switch to Neutral Yarn.
Row 17: Join with sl to first st, ch 2, dc in 1st st and each st across. [55 dc] Row Row 18: Ch 1, turn, (sc, dc) into first st, sk 1, *(sc, dc) in next st, sk 1,* repeat * to * across until 1 st remains; work 1 sc in last st. [27 (sc, dc) pairs + 1 sc]
Row 19-22: Repeat round 2.
Row 23: Ch 2, turn, dc in each st across. [55 dc]
Fasten off and switch to Hot Purple Yarn.
Row 24: Join with sl to first st, ch 2, dc in 1st st and each st across. [55 dc] Row Row 25: Ch 1, turn, (sc, dc) into first st, sk 1, *(sc, dc) in next st, sk 1,* repeat * to * across until 1 st remains; work 1 sc in last st. [27 (sc, dc) pairs + 1 sc]
Row 26-29: Repeat round 2.
Row 30: Ch 2, turn, dc in each st across. [55 dc]
Fasten off.
Handle
Begin in Hot Purple Yarn
Work a long strand of FDC that measures just over 5’ long.
Tip: Gently stretch the length of stitching as you go, or your handles will stretch to be longer than mine after you use the bag a few times!
Finishing Instructions:
- Using a yarn needle and a 12” length of yarn, sew the sides of the bag to the unworked side edge of the bottom panel.
- Using yarn tails or more scrap yarn, sew the sides of the bag together.
- If using pockets, sew them to the sides of the bag where desired.
- Attach the handle to the bag. Start by placing the 1st FDC stitch at the bottom of the bag, ⅓ of the way in, or aligned with your pocket squares. Work your way across the bottom panel and up the side. Leave 12-15” of handle, then continue back down and around, repeating for the opposite side. You’ll be able to adjust the handle’s length as needed by adding or ripping out FDC stitches as needed.
- Weave in all your ends. Wash or block your bag, and line it if you wish.
Veronica says
Can you please do a video of how to put the straps on the bag. I know how to sew them on to the bag. I am a bit confused on how the straps are put on. I know you have the instructions on the pattern. I am still a bit confused. Thank you for your help. I will send you a picture when I’m finished. Thank you again.
Katie says
Hi! I will put this on my list of upcoming videos to make, but unfortunately I am in the middle of moving and the bag is packed away with my other projects (and most of my yarn!) So sorry I can’t help sooner!
Katie