How To Crochet A Tote Bag?

Simple Totes

Crochet bags can be as small as a simple clutch for carrying your essentials or as large as a tote bag to carry your groceries. Totes are a great place to start due to their simple structure. Two large rectangles with handles attached to each to form the opening at the top. For the bottom, the two rectangles are put together to close the bag.

You can go from making a really simple crochet tote bag using basic stitches like single crochet to creating much more elaborate designs by using fancier stitches such as adding a bag lining, zipper or button closure for extra details. With these crochet bags, you can make new accessories to match your wardrobe during each season of the year.

Simple Technique

The Sweet Simple Tote Bag is both fun and functional. The handbag is made in one continuous piece starting from the base. Two strands of yarn are held together to create a strong bag. Because it’s thick, a lining is not necessary.

And it’s made with just single crochet stitches, so there are no complicated stitch patterns to remember. Stripes along with pompom and tassel bag decorations add a fresh splash of color.

Supplies

1. Worsted Weight Yarn.

Using 700 yards (total) of worsted weight yarn. To create a sturdy handbag, hold 2 strands of yarn together. This combined with the single crochet stitches creates a nice thick fabric. 

You really don’t need to line this bag. When dealing with 2 strands of yarn, you have 2 options. You can get 2 skeins of yarn and use 1 strand from one skein and 1 strand from the second skein. Or you can find the 2 ends of one skein. 

Usually, there is one strand from the outside and one tucked somewhere inside. You can change colors and add stripes, but this is not required. The stripes allow you to use up some of your scrap yarn though!

2. Handles

I like purchased purse handles with this tote bag. I think it gives the handbag a nice polished and professional look to it. I’m using 24″ purse handles for my sample. However, feel free to use any size larger or smaller than that.

3. Button

It’s up to you if you want closure on this tote bag. The 1.5-inch wooden button will do.

4. Scissors and Yarn Needle

This bag is made from the bottom up, so there are no seams to sew. However, you will still need scissors and a yarn needle to weave in the ends, especially if you change colors.

5. Pom Pom and Tassel Bag Charm

Learn how to make your own pom and tassel bag charm or simply get one from your local crafts store. 

Method

1. Hold two strands together to create a sturdy handbag. You can use the outside and inside strand from one skein or just use two skeins of yarn and a size J hook. 
   
   
2. To begin the bottom of the bag, make a slip knot and chain eight. Skip the first chain and make one single crochet in each chain across. Two, three, four, five, six, and seven. Chain 1 and turn. 
   
   
3. Make one single crochet in each stitch across Two, three, four, five, six, and seven. Continue with this pattern for a total of 32 rows.
   
   
4. Now we're going to begin working in rounds. We'll be placing one single crochet along the side of each row we previously made. Use your finger if needed to trace the rows to see where to place the stitch. Move on to the next row. And the next row.
   
   
5. When you finish this side work on the other side of the starting chain. And then working along the other long side trace the rows if needed to figure out where to place the single crochet stitches.
   
   
6. It's time to begin round two. Start with a chain one. We're going to work in the round again this time making one single crochet in the back loops only. You'll continue making single crochet stitches around each side and around each corner working in the back loops only for just this round. This round of stitches will help make the bottom of the bag flat and set up for working on the upper part of the handbag. 
   
   
7. Now at some point, you might want to change colors to add stripes. To do this be sure your round ends on the nearest side. Sometimes the start of a round drifts a bit because of the slant of single crochet stitches. And then finish with the slip stitch.
   
   
8. Then with the new color yarn place a slip knot on your hook at the stitch before. Make a single crochet. This will be the start of our new round.
   
   
9. At the very last round just slip stitch cut the yarn and pull through. Ensure you weave in your ends securely. If you want to add a button it's a good time to sew it on now. You can add a drop of glue on the knot to secure it. 
   
   
10. For the button loop, you can either incorporate it on your last row of single crochet or just place a slip knot on your hook. Insert it into the middle of the back of the bag. Slip stitch, then make a chain 15 or whatever is appropriate for your button.

And that's how you make a sweet simple tote bag.