It’s hard to believe this beginner crochet tote bag is made from a simple rectangle! Basic crochet stitches and simple folds create a modern, multi-purpose bag. Get the full free pattern below or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here!
Thanks to Lion Brand Yarns for providing the yarn for this free beginner crochet tote bag pattern. This post contains affiliate links.
Welcome to the Make & Do Crew guest designer series. While I’m getting to know the newest baby in our family, Kimberley from Lakeside Loops is sharing her free beginner crochet tote bag pattern with us today! You can see lots of of Kimberley’s crochet patterns her blog, Lakeside Loops. And be sure to check her out on social media too: Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Kimberley, take it away!
The Inspiration for My Beginner Crochet Tote Bag
Hi everyone! I’m Kimberley, the maker behind Lakeside Loops Crochet Patterns. Together, with my wonderful husband and our two sweet daughters, we live on a small lake on Canada’s East Coast. Many of my designs are inspired by our lake life and this Summer bag is no exception.
Perfect as a tote for our local farmers’ market, bag for the beach, or simply as an everyday carry-all, this multi-purpose purse will be my go to accessory this Spring and Summer.
A Beginner Crochet Market Bag with Simple Construction
With a beginner-friendly design, this piece is great for those who are new to crochet or as a quick and easy project for the more experienced crocheter. Inspired by sewing projects for origami market bags, I wanted to design a crocheted version of for this Summer tote.
One basic stitch (the half double crochet) is worked in rows to create a simple rectangle. The rectangle is then folded in a unique way to create the roomy bag and then seamed together to hold the folds in place. I love this tote’s simple construction and clean lines. I think it’s neat that the diagonal seams are a feature instead of something to hide (as seams often are).
The shoulder strap was created entirely with yarn and could be made longer if you wanted to make a cross body bag instead. I also think substituting leather or even fabric (maybe something with a coastal or floral pattern) for the strap would be a terrific touch.
And if you’re a visual learner, you can watch a step-by-step video tutorial of this easy crochet tote bag pattern here.
A Durable, Lightweight Yarn Perfect for Warm Weather
Made with Lion Brand’s Rewind Tape Yarn, this bag is lightweight and has a grass look that makes it ideal for wearing in warmer weather. I love the sand-wash colour options, they give off a worn-in vibe that I think adds dimension to piece. I really want to work up another bag (or two) in the light blue-grey ‘Marble’ and dark charcoal grey ‘Moto Jacket’! (You can see all the colors of Rewind yarn here.)
Rewind Yarn is soft, like reeeeally soft, so while the bag has that popular raffia look it’s actually quite plush and feels velvety against your skin. This tote would also look great worked in a cotton yarn if you’d prefer something with a little more weight and drape. Raffia yarn would also work well in keeping it lightweight, but with a little added texture.
More Free Crochet Bag + Purse Patterns
From modern granny square bags to mesh market totes to circle purses, we’ve got lots more free crochet bag patterns for you to enjoy. With sturdy straps and stylish details, you might just become a crochet bag-a-holic.
See more free crochet bags & purses patterns →
Miller Summer Market Bag
Free Beginner Crochet Tote Bag Pattern
Pin this pattern for later here.
Save this to your Ravelry queue here.
Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here.
Watch a step-by-step video tutorial of this pattern here.
Explanation:
Perfect as a tote for the market, bag for the beach, or simply as an everyday carry-all, this multi-purpose purse is sure to be your go to accessory this Spring and Summer. With a beginner-friendly design, this piece is great for those who are new to crochet or as a quick and simple project for the more experienced crocheter. Made with Lion Brand’s Rewind Tape Yarn, this bag is lightweight and has a raffia/grass look that makes it ideal for warmer weather.
Supplies:
• Lion Brand Rewind Tape Yarn (weight: 5/bulky – 242 yards, 3.5 oz)
– Greige (#523-123) – 3 balls
• Size H (5.00 mm) crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers (4)
• Sharp scissors
Sizes/Measurements:
• 20” wide x 25” tall
Gauge:
• 12 rows worked in hdc = 4” 14 hdc = 4”
Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):
ch – chain
hdc – half-double crochet
PM – place marker
rep – repeat
sl st – slip stitch
Overall Pattern Notes:
• Bag is a basic rectangle that is later folded and stitched together to form the finished shape. Handle is worked separately.
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• Ch-2 at beginning of row does not count as a stitch in stitch count.
Body of Bag
Row 1: Ch-152, hdc in 3rd chain from hook, hdc in remaining chains, turn. (150 hdc)
Row 2: Ch-2, hdc in each stitch to end of row, turn. (150 hdc)
Row 3-42: Rep Row 2. (150 hdc)
Fasten off.
Assembly
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Follow these steps to view the full free pattern below
Tip: The length of your rectangle should be approximately 3 times the height. (approx. 42” x 14”)
Lay rectangle flat and insert 4 place markers (PM) as follows (see picture below):
1 – In last stitch on bottom of rectangle (left corner)
2 – In 50th stitch on bottom of rectangle (counting from the right)
3 – In 100th stitch on top (counting from the right)
4 – In first stitch on top (right corner)
Fold bottom left corner of rectangle up to top of rectangle so that it meets the PM placed in 100th stitch (stitch marker #1 to stitch marker #3) – see picture below
Fold top right corner down to bottom of rectangle so that it meets the stitch marker placed on the 100th stitch (stitch marker #4 to stitch marker #2) – see picture below
Fold entire project so that all the stitch markers meet (stitch markers #4 & #2 to stitch markers #1 & #3) – see picture below
Slip stitch first seem together beginning with marked stitches and working to corner of bag. (50 sl st)
Flip bag and repeat on other side. (50 sl st)
Handle
Attach yarn to one tip of bag, chain 30, slip stitch to opposite tip of bag, turn Chain 30, slip stitch to opposite tip, turn Chain 30, slip stitch to opposite tip, turn Chain 30, slip stitch to opposite tip, turn Chain 1 and work sc over all 4 chains, continue to work single crochets around all 4 chains until chains are covered. (approx. 40 sc)
Thanks again to Kimberley of LakesideLoops.com for sharing this free beginner crochet tote bag pattern! Be sure to check out Kimberley’s blog for lots more free modern crochet patterns!
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss crocheting tote bag patterns and lots of other projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each others questions and share their stitches. Come join us here.
More Free Crochet Patterns for Bags + Purses
- How to Add Leather Handles to Any Crochet Bag – easy upgrade
- Crochet Tote Bag Free Pattern – with leather handles
- Finger Crochet Bag Pattern + Video – no hook, no problem!
- Free Crochet Bag Pattern For Beginners – very simple construction
- Urban Nomad Boho Bag – creative construction + style
- Crochet Lunch Bag Pattern – also fun gift for kids
- Lacy Crochet Shoulder Bag Pattern – summery tote bag
- Fringe Crochet Purse Pattern – bohemian flare!
More Free Patterns for Crochet Purses and Bags
If you loved this beginner crochet tote bag, you might also like to check out these easy free crochet bag patterns or you can find all our free beginner crochet patterns here.
1. Street Fair Crochet Boho Purse – Channel your inner free spirit with this easy crochet boho purse made from two fun circles. Pair it with a sundress for a stylish summer outfit.
2. Finger Crochet Market Tote Bag + Video Tutorial – This free market tote bag pattern and video tutorial is the perfect introduction on how to finger crochet. A speedy, satisfying project for adults and older kids alike (even if you’ve never crocheted before!)
3. Suzette Crochet Bag + Video Tutorial – Neutral colors and a beautiful texture combine to form the perfect very beginner-friendly, modern crochet tote. (You’ll love the rope handle!) Includes video tutorial to learn the Suzette stitch.
4. Urban Nomad Boho Bag – The creative construction of this fringed bag is fun to put together and loaded with bohemian charm. The free crochet pattern includes the options of a leather strap or a durable crocheted strap.
Alison Hall says
Very cool!
Alison x
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Alison,
So glad you like it. I do too! Kimberley did an awesome job. 🙂
Jess
Terri says
Absolutely love this design, I can’t wait to give it a go. Do you think this would look good made with wool yarn??
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I think this style is really versatile, so you could probably use many different types of yarn and create a beautiful effect. You can check out the rectangle dimensions in the pattern and meet those if you decide you want to change up the yarn and hook size.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Esther says
Hi Jess, thank you very much. I am certainly going to try and make this bag. It is stunning. Tank you again for all the beautiful patterns that you are shear with me, I appreciate it very much
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Esther,
I’m so happy to hear you’re enjoying the patterns here on the blog. Knowing that brings me so much joy!
Jess