Requiring only single and double crochet and a very simple construction, this free crochet bag pattern is perfect for beginners. Neutral colors and a beautiful texture combine to form the perfect modern tote.
Calling all beginning crocheters! (Or more intermediate crocheters who like to zone out and watch Netflix while you’re hands mindlessly make something beautiful!) This tutorial is for you!
This free crochet tote bag pattern is worked in the Suzette stitch, which I first came across on Potter & Bloom. (UPDATE: I created a simple video tutorial that shows you how do this stitch!)
Even though the resulting texture of this stitch is gorgeous, the only skills you need to know to crochet this bag is how to single and double crochet and how to crochet a rectangle. Let’s be honest, this tote bag is not a whole lot different from a really lovely giant crocheted washcloth sewn in half.
Which is awesome because speaking of sewing in half, the construction of this bag is super simple. Like, you don’t have to have any crochet bag experience, crochet joining experience or really any other sort of experience to put it together. Just fold it and sew it.
Have you queued up a movie yet? Because you have some wonderfully mindless, yet satisfying crocheting ahead of you.
“Suzette” Free Crochet Bag Pattern For Beginners
Crochet Bag Supplies
So you can spend more time crocheting and less time shopping, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
• Bernat Maker Home Dec – 1 skein cream and 1 skein clay (Use your 40% off coupon!)
• size J/10 hook (I love this inexpensive set.)
• stitch markers
• 2.5 yds thick home decor rope (I found it in the curtain supplies section of JoAnn’s. My Hobby Lobby and Michael’s don’t carry it.)
• tape (clear or masking)
• sharp scissors (I got these for xmas and they’re fantastic.)
• measuring tape
• (4) ⅝” washers from a hardware store (Or curtain grommets from a craft store. These aren’t essential, but they’ll be helpful if you plan to carry heavy loads in your bag.)
white thread or Fray Check
Abbreviations – US Terms
fsc – foundation single crochet
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
sk – skip
st – stitch
Gauge
7 (sc, dc) groupings = 4”
12 rows = 4”
To work a gauge swatch in Suzette stitch, make a multiple of 2 ch for the foundation chain. 18 ch will be sufficient. Work rows 1 and 2 of the pattern, then repeat row 2 until the swatch measures approximately 5” high. If you’d like, save this swatch and sew it inside your bag as a convenient pocket.
To Make the Crochet Bag
Watch the Suzette stitch video tutorial if you prefer video learning!
Using “Clay” color, Fsc 81. (If you are overwhelmed by the idea of foundation single crochet, just ch 81 and progress with the pattern as written. The difference will be negligible.)
Begin the Suzette stitch pattern as follows:
Row 1: (1 sc, 1 dc) into second st from hook, *skip next st, (1 sc, 1 dc) into next st; repeat from * to last st, 1 sc in last st; turn.
Row 2: ch 1, (1 sc, 1 dc) into first sc, sk next dc, *(1 sc, 1 dc) into next sc, sk next dc; repeat from * to end finishing with 1 sc in turning ch; turn.
Repeat Row 2 to form the stitch pattern and continue until work measures 11.5” (about 29 rows). Switch to “Cream” color and continue for 7 more rows.
To form handle holes (in 8th “Cream” row), place stitch markers in the 6th, 32nd, 48th and 72nd st. Work in pattern until marked stitches. At each marked stitch, sk the marked st and the 2 st that follow, ch 2 and resume pattern (sc, dc) in the 3rd st from the marked st. (Each hole should be 3 total unworked st with 2 ch spanning the gap above them.)
Cont in pattern for 4 more rows; fasten off, leaving a 12-15” tail.
Crochet Bag Finishing
Fold rectangle in half. The RS and the WS are essentially the same, so just press the sides together that look the prettiest to you.
Thread tapestry needle using the tail of the last cream-colored row. Seam the cream section of the bag with a mattress stitch, being sure to keep the tension even so that your bag doesn’t have any holes or puckers. Err on the side of more, smaller stitches to make your seam more secure.
When you reach the clay-colored section, weave in the cream yarn and seam the rest of the bag side and bottom with clay yarn; fasten off and weave in ends. Turn bag right side out.
Add inside pocket out of fabric or crocheted swatch if you’d like.
To Add Rope Handles
1. Measure 36” of rope. Wrap a piece of tape tightly around the rope where you plan to cut it. Then cut down the middle of the tape, leaving both freshly cut ends of rope wrapped in tape. Repeat to create a second 34” handle. Don’t remove the tape because your rope will immediately begin to unravel.
2. From the inside of the bag out, thread rope through handle holes and place a washer on each end of the rope.
3. Tie a tight knot in the rope at the very end of each handle. Repeat for the second side.
4. Apply Fray Check to the end of each rope before removing tape. Alternatively, gently remove tape and tie a piece of thread tightly around each rope end to prevent fraying.
Hit the beach, the farmer’s market or your lunch hour feeling awesome because you made something useful and beautiful with your own two hands!
And here are a few more free beginner crochet patterns to keep your hands busy:
“Aspen Socialite” Headband (baby – adult sizes)
Dollar Store Twine + Thrifted Belt Basket (pictured above)
Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern (Hip, modern and great for afghans!)
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That bag turned out great. I will have to start a new project after I finish the 15 pairs of slippers people have requested!
You have some really great free patterns. Thank you for them. I am a senior and get bored real quick if
I don’t have something to keep me busy. I share what I make with my family and friends. Thank you again. Rose
Thank you so much, Rose. I’m happy to have you here! Come back often because I post a free pattern each week! 🙂
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Jess how can I get the white and grey tote bag pattern printed love it thanks Milli
Hey Milli,
If there’s enough interest, I’ll create a printable version that you can download for $2.50. In the meantime, you really only need to know the beginning of the pattern to get started because then you just do the same thing for quite a while. Perhaps you can just start in front of the computer and then move somewhere more comfortable. 🙂 I’m also publishing a video of how to do this stitch in the next day or two. Stay tuned!
jess
I haven’t crocheted in years and can’t go out slot. Are these easy enough for not new beginner but haven’t done in years?
I think so, Robin! Especially if you watch my Suzette stitch video tutorial. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Haha, I know, Mom. Word sure gets out when you have a new slipper-making skill.
xoxo
Jess
May I ask what size this bag ends up being? I don’t recall seeing it posted. Thank you in advance.
Cheryl
Hey Cheryl,
Sorry for the delay in measuring the bag! It’s about 12″ wide and 14.5″ tall. You could customize the size however you like by just adjusting the number of chains, being sure to always start with an odd number. (I used 81.)
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Can’t wait to give this a try. I love the stitch pattern and colors and the grommets are brilliant!
Yay, Mandy! I hope you enjoy the pattern. I loved using this yarn. I feels great in your hands.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
esse que il serait possible d’avoir le patron an français S.V P merci
How do you do a double crochet. I am a real beginner as I am left handed and no one could teach me. The I paid for lessons and the teacher told me to look in a mirror not at her hands. But no one ever showed me a double stitch.
Hey Lizzie,
That doesn’t sound like a very good lesson! Have you checked out MooglyBlog.com? Tamara does a great job of including tutorials for both left and right handers. I bet she has a double crochet tutorial. It’s quite a simple stitch once you see it a few times. I’m also publishing a video in the next day or two that shows how to do the Suzette stitch, which might help you out. 🙂
Jess
Lizzie you need to check out the site New Stitch a Day. He gives stitch instructions for both left and right handers learn all my stitches From his site.
COULD YOU OFFER PDF PATTERNS, IT’S HARD TO TAKE THE PATTERN ON THE GO, USING TO MUCH PAPER. LOVE YOUR DESIGNS .
THANK YOU
Hey Linda,
Yes! I hear you 🙂 I create pdf patterns for some of my designs and sell them for a small fee. I didn’t make one for this post yet. I totally understand why it’s nice to have a paper version though. I hope to have more pdfs available soon.
Hi Jess,
I’m struggling with the first row. I’m not comfortable with the FSC, so I chained 81 and then proceeded with the row one instructions. It says to do a Sc and Dc in the second chain from the hook (which places it in the 80th chain). I then followed the pattern across, which placed all the SC and Dc in the even numbered chains, and the skipped stitches as the odd numbered chains. Here is where I ran into a problem| I completed the SC and DC in the fourth chain from the end, and then I wasn’t sure what to do. The instructions say to have a skipped stitch and a SC I the last two chains, but that would mean I would have a skipped stitch side by side I. The third and second chain from the hook. Hope this makes sense! Can you help me? I love this bag!
Hey Janet!
I think you might have found a mistake in the pattern! Thanks so much for your careful reading. I just went back and swatched it again and here is what should happen, I think: work just as you were until the last stitch (so right before the last stitch you’ll have done a sc and dc in the second to last stitch). In the last stitch, you’ll do 1 sc. Then you’ll proceed with row 2 and continue to repeat row 2 for the entirety of the bag.
Thanks so much for catching that. I edited it in the pattern above. Would you mind letting me know if that works for you so I can be sure we’ve got it right now?
And, I also JUST posted a video tutorial for the Suzette stitch that might be helpful for you to watch re: the end of the row 🙂
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Thanks so much for the quick reply, Jess. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Hey Jess,
I finally had time to finish my bag, and I love it! Now my daughter wants one. ? Thanks do much for sharing your patterns. I love your style!
Janet
Hey for the rope is it 3/4 inch wide?
Yes, it’s right about 3/4″ wide. 🙂
I just finished making my bag and it’s awesome!! It was easy, and unlike a lot of patterns, it turned out just like the photos. I’m going to make more in different colors – I love this yarn also!!
Jane! What awesome feedback! I’m so happy to hear you’ve already got a new bag–and more to come 🙂 Isn’t that yarn great? I’m already thinking of other things I can make with it. I just like it so much!
Happy crocheting!
Jess
That bag is beautiful! I love the rope handles.
Thanks Megan! I already have plans to update the handles for fall. It’s so easy to just swap them out 🙂
Jess
Thank you for the video. I’m trying this pattern for a baby hat right now , with varigated cotton yarn anddo toy have any tips for find this in the round for a hay? Thank you
Thank you for the video. I’m trying this pattern for a baby hat right now , with varigated cotton yarn anddo toy have any tips for find this in the round for a hay? Thank you buches
Perfect !!!
Anna
Jess, can you tell me please the stichs number for the initial chain?
I´m not capable to see this information in the instructions, sorry.
Sure! You chain 81 stitches to begin. (Or use a foundation single crochet with 81 stitches if you’d like.)
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
This is just gorgeous, Jess! I LOVE the rope handles!
Thank you for the wonderful creations. I am an .intermediate crocheter almost expert level but I love any type of pattern.
I bet I could learn a thing or two from you, Mary! I wouldn’t call myself expert level by any means, but I really do have fun sharing beginner/intermediate tutorials with people who enjoy crochet.
Happy making!
Jess
I love this pattern stitch &:will be making it soon. I bought yarn today and the colors you used were Clay and Cream. When I found the yarn in those colors it is a brownish beige color for Clay and a beige color for the Cream not gray and white as shown in your photos. I was wondering if the yarn comes in a gray color and a white color but have different names than Clay and Cream ? Thank you. Looking forward to making this bag .
Hey Maxine,
Great question. I think it might just be a matter of how the photos look on your individual screen vs real life. I did indeed use cream and clay for the bag. I’m pretty sure Bernat doesn’t make a bright white in this line of yarn yet. Either way, I find this yarn wonderful to work with–I really hope you do too!
Share a pic when you finish your bag if you’d like. I’d love to see it!
Jess
I’m sorry for emailing another question but maybe my first one never went through but I’m wondering if a size J-10 us is 6mm ? Thank you.
Yes it is! I always find this list helpful when I’m trying to translate hook numbers and letters.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Thank you so much for your quick replies. I appreciate it. The yarn is very nice to work with.
I’m having some problem when I’m starting to mark the stitches required for the handles as stated in the pattern. I understand how to make the spaces for the handles but when I measure the 6th, 32nd, 48th & 72nd stitch it isn’t the same amount of stitches from the sides . One marker is 6 stitches in from the side but the other side is 8 stitches in. Is this right ?
In crocheting the rows are there 81 stitches in each row ? I hope my question makes sense & I’m sorry to have to send another email but appreciate your replies. Thank you so much. Maxine
Hey Maxine,
You’re right that there’s 81 stitches across. Ideally, the number would be even, but since stitch requires an odd number of stitches, I had to use 81. I think the extra stitch on one side is negligible though. Now, for the handles, each handle hole should take up 3 stitches and the handle on the right side of your rectangle should begin 6 stitches in and then the handle on the left side of the rectangle should end with 6 stitches left to do in that row. (begin hole at stitch 72 + 3 stitches across = 75 stitches in, then 81-75=6) Hope that makes sense! Please let me know if not!
Jess
Thank you so much. Yes it’s working for me & your answer made sense ! I can’t thank you enough for your replies.
Maxine
Hi Lovely bag! Had no problems doing it, until I got to handles. I used washers but they keep slipping down the handle! Is there a way to secure them from the back? Grommets won’t work for me as I cannot get them in a large enough size to fit the rope. Also do you put the washers on the front and back of the rope? Thanks
Hey Beverly,
The washers should be on the outside of the bag, sandwiched between the knot and the bag. If they’re in this position, they shouldn’t be able to slide around, but they will give support so that the knot doesn’t pull through your crocheted holes. Does that make sense?
If my piece does not lay flat should I block it? Also how would I sew a lining to the inside?
Hi Adriana,
Yes, I think blocking it could be a good idea. Did you use the Bernat Home Maker Dec yarn? It’s part cotton, so blocking could have a good effect. For a lining, I think you could potentially just sew a rectangle pouch that is slightly smaller than the rectangle of your bag. I’d probably just iron the top edge of the fabric pouch back to create a clean hem and then insert the fabric pouch into the crocheted bag with the nice side of the sewn seam facing toward the inside of the bag. Then I’d hand sew (probably using a whip stitch) the fabric pouch to the crocheted part of the bag.
Does that make any sense at all? 🙂 Feel free to ask more questions if not!
Jess
Hi Jess,
Love the pattern, was going to give it a try but have a question for you.
We recently got stationed in lovely small town that doesn’t have a Jo-Anns (it’s horrible I know)
Would you happen to know what size the rope is and what it’s made of or anything? I was guessing cotton and around an 1″ thick? I think I’m going to have to order this item online and since I won’t get to see it first I was hoping you could help me make sure I order something similar in size! Or did it come in packaging?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Krystal
Hey Krystal,
Bummer about no Joann’s nearby! Do you have a Michael’s? This yarn is called “Bernat Maker Home Dec” and it’s sold there as well. You can also buy it on Amazon, Craftsy or from Michael’s online. (Affiliate links) If you look in the “supplies” section of this post, you’ll see a few more details about the colors I used.
Hope that helps!
Jess
Thanks! I actually meant the rope you used for the handles. Home decor rope didn’t come up with much when searching. And didn’t have much luck at home improvement shops. I found something on Etsy I’m going to try out.
Oh I see! Ha, I’m sorry about the confusion. I got the rope at Joann’s in the drapery section. There’s different items there to make curtains and stuff and I guess that’s what this rope is meant for. I bet if you showed a photo on your phone to an employee there, they might be able to help. 🙂
Hi I hope to make this tote l am always looking for a patern tks for sharing your patern god bless you
Hi there! Love this pattern! I had a question though I made my bag with a chain of 101 to start and I’m having a hard time trying to figure out where to place the stitch markers for where the straps would go through? Any help would be appreciated!
And thank you for all your wonderful patterns!
Is it possible to crochet this Suzette bag in the round?
I really dislike sewing things together – the rows don’t seem to match up for me
Hey Janet,
Great question. I haven’t worked the Suzette stitch in the round, but I have heard from someone else that they did and it worked fine. Perhaps check out my Suzette stitch tutorial post for any multiples you’d need to know and then make a super mini version in the round just to see if it’s looking how you’d like it to after a few rows. I’d love if you’d report back! I’m sure others are wondering the same thing.
Jess
Love this bag! I’m going to attempt to make it while I’m on bedrest and waiting for baby to arrive.
Because I can’t leave the house, I’m ordering everything online.
Could you measure the diameter of the rope handles, so I know which rope to buy? it’s hard to tell on the screen how thick they are.
Thanks!
Hey Gillian,
I’m sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The rope is about .75″ wide. Best of luck waiting for that sweet babe!
Jess
Hi!
I’ve frogged this bag twice now and am so confused. I’ve only gotten about four rows in each time and go back to either the video or the written instructions and come away with different ideas of how this stitch is supposed to look. Do you place the new stitch in the V or the outside of the V from the previous row? In the video it looks like you’re placing the stitch in the gap between stitches, whereas in the provided picture it appears that you’re placing the stitch smack dab in the middle of the SC + DC. I’m sure I’m making this harder than it needs to be!
I love the idea of this bag, but I have to say that the yarn is almost too stretchy to hold the shape of the bag. I expected it to be more firm, so after making the bag I made a liner of canvas to go with it.. On the rope, I also have to comment that Joann’s doesn’t always have it in stock, so I looked at the stated hickness (about 3/4″ was what Joann’s site said) and I ordered some on Amazon. I think it was probably bigger than Joann’s. When I cut the rope, 34″ was definitely not long enough, and the handles look far too thick and short for the bag. I would post photos of the finished bag, but I can’t do it here.
Hey Kristen,
I think lining the bag is a great idea. I recently did that on my boho bag and I really like how it make the bag sturdier.
Regarding the rope, I wonder if the slightly thicker rope used more length to be tied into knots? Either way, I appreciate the feedback and will increase the yardage in the pattern a bit so that people are sure to have enough.
Thank you!
Jess
How do the washers stay on? Are we supposed to somehow crochet around them to secure them?
Hey Alina,
The washers stay on just because of the knot that’s tied in the rope handle. The total circumference of the washer is big enough to not pull through the hole in your crocheted bag.
Does that make sense?
Jess
How do the grommets stay attached? Do we crochet them into the holes somehow?
Thanks
Hey Alina,
Grommets are hammered together and they sort of pinch the fabric that they’re near, so in that way, you’re connecting them to the holes by kind of snapping them in. The washers work great though if you’re just looking for a way to reinforce the hole where the handle goes. Also, I recently lined my Boho Bag, and it has worked great. If you plan on carrying heavy loads, I think a liner can be really helpful.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Dear Jess,
Thank you for the pattern! The bag is really beautiful.
I’m just crocheting it and I found a mistake in the pattern: In the 2nd row you wrote to finish the row with 1 sc in the turning chaine. I think it’s a mistake and should finish the row with 1 sc in the last sc of the previous row.
Pls check it and if you also find it right than I suggest to correct to make easier the successful crocheting for the next crocheters. 🙂
Thank you and best regards,
Helga
Thanks so much for checking in, Helga. I’m always happy to know about potential errors. In this case, I think the pattern reads correctly and you should put that final sc into the turning chain to make the edge of the rectangle better resemble the stitches in the rest of the row.
Happy bag making!
Jess
Could I use other yarn to make this bag? What would you recommend?
Hey Taylor,
The website YarnSub.com is a great resource for looking for alternate yarns. I’d take a look there and see if you find anything you’d like to use. 🙂
Jess
Hi there!
Love your patterns!! Have a question on this one, I went ahead and made it with 101 stitches but can’t seem to be able to figure out where to place my stitch markers since I have 20 more stitches then your tote??
Also what is the length of the belt you used for your updated pattern of this tote??
Thank you!
Sarah
Hi Jess,
I am thinking about starting this bag, but I was wondering if this bag is washable/dryable in a washing machine/dryer? I’d like to be able to wash it and dry it and not worry about it coming apart. It’s ok if it shrinks. Let me know what you think.
Thanks for sharing your pattern,
Erica
Hey Erica,
I think you’d be fine washing the yarn, but you could look at Home Dec yarn’s care instructions to be certain. I think where you might have an issue is washing the rope without the tail end getting a little muffled up. If you’re willing to hang it dry, I bet you could make it work though. Hope that’s helpful!
Jess
Hi Jess,
Thanks so much for this pattern! I see some of your other patterns use the Lion Brand Fast Track, do you think that would work with this pattern?
Yes! For sure. I think it has a bit bigger gauge than the yarn I used for this, but as far as being suitable for a bag, I think Fast Track works great. 🙂
I have started this bag. Looks great. I was wondering if you had any instructions on how it could be lined with fabric?
Hey Amy,
I don’t unfortunately, but if you google something like “how to add a fabric liner to a crochet bag,” I think you’ll find some good options. I know I’ve seen tutorials around the internet. 🙂
Jess