Crochet Tote Bag Pattern: Easy 14-Step Guide

Prepare and crochet the rectangular base

Step 1: Gather the tools

Prepare the cotton yarn, 5 mm hook, markers, tapestry needle, and scissors. Make a slip knot that sits securely but still moves on the hook.

Step 2: Foundation and Row 1

Chain 48. Turn the chain to expose the back bars, skip the first bar, and single crochet into the second. Continue across every back bar for 47 single crochets.

Step 3: Rows 2–8

Chain 1 and turn. Skip the turning chain and single crochet into each stitch across, keeping 47 stitches. Repeat until the base contains eight flat single-crochet rows.

Build the four-round mesh body

Step 4: Body Round 1

Mark the last base stitch. Chain 2, make seven double crochets along the side holes, and mark the first double crochet. Chain 1. Along the lower edge, work groups of seven double crochets separated by chain-1 spaces, carrying the pattern around both short sides and the final edge. Finish with a slip stitch.

Step 5: Body Round 2

Turn. When the left marker sits on a chain space, chain 3 and move the marker to the third chain. Skip the chain space, work seven double crochets, then chain 1 and skip the next space. Repeat around and slip stitch into the third chain.

Step 6: Body Round 3

Turn. When the left marker sits on a double crochet, chain 2, double crochet in the marked stitch, and restore the marker. Complete groups of seven double crochets separated by chain 1 around the bag.

Step 7: Mesh Round 4

Turn and chain 3 when the marker is on a chain space. Repeat chain 1, skip 1, double crochet around the bag. End with a final chain 1 and slip stitch into the third chain.

Step 8: Rounds 5–20

In this crochet tote bag pattern, repeat Rounds 1–4 four more times for 20 body rounds total. Turn at every new round. Chain 3 when the left marker is on a chain space; chain 2 when it is on a double crochet. Fasten off after Round 20.

Mark the strap positions symmetrically

For accurate strap placement in the crochet tote bag pattern, lay the bag flat with six main pattern squares facing you. On the first square at right, mark the seventh double crochet. Repeat on the sixth square at left. Turn the bag over and mirror those positions. Confirm exactly 23 stitches between each marker pair.

Shape the first tapered strap

Step 10: Strap Row 1

Continue the crochet tote bag pattern by attaching the yarn at the first marker and double crocheting across every stitch and chain space to the next marker. Count 23 double crochets.

Step 11: Decrease Rows 2–10

Chain 2 and turn. Decrease across the first two stitches, double crochet until two stitches remain, then decrease across the final two. Repeat this on nine rows until five double crochets remain.

Step 12: Straight Rows 11–18

Chain 2 and turn, then work five double crochets without decreasing. Repeat for eight straight rows total. Fasten off. The strap should have a tapered lower section and a narrow straight end.

Repeat the strap and join the handle

To complete the handle in this crochet tote bag pattern, repeat Rows 1–18 between the two remaining markers. Do not cut the yarn after the second strap. Align the five-stitch ends. Insert the hook through the back loop of the near strap and front loop of the opposite strap, then slip stitch through both. Join all five stitches, fasten off, knot the tails, and weave them in.

Add optional edging and finish

For a cleaner outline, attach yarn and single crochet evenly around the strap side edges. Keep the edging relaxed enough to lie flat. Weave in every end and inspect the base, 20-round body, marker symmetry, both straps, and handle join.

Follow the yarn label and the Craft Yarn Council care-symbol guide. Connect readers to your crochet basics, cotton yarn guide, and bag care article.

Your mesh tote is ready to use

The crochet tote bag pattern combines a firm eight-row base, a 20-round mesh body, and two carefully shaped straps. Count consistently, turn where instructed, and check symmetry before joining the handle.

Frequently asked questions