I am totally obsessed with my new Carryall Crochet Tote Bag Pattern for many reasons, but mainly because of the stunning stitch texture, the unique color-block design featuring two shades of blue, and the long straps that allow me to wear it as a cross-body bag.
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I launched this blog in 2021, and I’ve played with so many stitches and shapes over the years, trying to create a bag, searching for that spark – that feeling of “this is the one.” And finally, it happened.
If you’ve been following my journey, you’re already aware that my heart has a soft spot for blue (in all its shades). There’s something about it that feels peaceful and powerful. And standing by my favorite Maine shore for the first time this summer season, some inspiration struck – I knew I had the right yarn and the perfect colors for it.
That’s how the Summer Carryall shoulder tote was born. And I love how it turned out!
Why Should You Crochet This Bag?
Made with soft, medium-weight cotton yarn in a refreshing aqua blue and turquoise, this large bag is perfect for beach strolls or everyday errands and market trips with a handmade touch. Crocheted from the bottom up in joined rounds, this project is a unique, seamless, and fun piece to work on from start to finish.
You may want to complete your beach look with these other summer patterns: This gorgeous bikini top pairs perfectly with your jeans, this floor length maxi dress makes an ideal swimsuit cover-up, or this crochet lace summer top. And don’t forget about protecting your head with this bucket hat.
Ready to create your own Carryall Crochet Tote Bag? Let’s start crocheting!
Before you dive into the pattern, you may also like:
- Crochet Triangle Bandana Pattern
- Quick and Easy Scrunchies
- Oversized Crochet Scarf Pattern
- Braided Ear Warmer Pattern
- Round Drop Crochet Earrings
- Rectangular Crochet Wrap
Carryall Crochet Tote Bag Pattern
Materials, Notions & Tools
- Worsted-weight yarn (two strands held together) – I used approximately 950 yards (869 m) of one of my favorite non-mercerized cotton yarns: I Love This Cotton by Hobby Lobby, in colors Aqua and Turquoise.
- 5 mm/8 hook – Tulip hooks are among my favorite hooks
- Tapestry needle and scissors
- Stitch markers
- Bag Liner Purse Organizer Insert (optional) – in the size that best suits your bag.
Design Highlights
- Beautiful Texture – With puff stitches for texture and classic half double crochets for structure, this Carryall shoulder tote will come to life and become your favorite handmade carryall purse.
- Unique, One-Piece Construction – Working from the bottom up in joined rounds, I designed this crochet bag using an “increase/decrease” method that creates a sturdy structure and makes it one-of-a-kind. No one else will have the same bag at the beach.
- Easy Size Customization – I designed the bag with the perfect size to fit its name: “Carryall”. However, it’s simple to make this bag in the exact size that best fits your needs. If you prefer a larger bag, such as a market bag with shorter handles, go for it!
- Practical Cotton Yarn – Medium-weight cotton worked with two strands held together provides the bag with its structure and softness, making it both washable and eco-friendly, ideal for everyday use.
- Long, thick, and sturdy straps – I used the thermal single crochet stitching to create the straps, which results in a double-layered structure. The extended length also makes it an ideal cross-body bag for summer.
Gauge
My gauge swatch, which was the first three rows of the bag’s bottom, measured approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) across the center of the square. While gauge is not critical for this bag, keep in mind that using a different yarn weight and hook size will result in a bag of a different finished size.
Finished Measurements
- Bag width: 15.5 inches (39 cm)
- Bag body’s height: 13 inches (33 cm)
- Strap height: 16” (40.5 cm)
- Strap width: 1 ¾ in (4.5 cm)
Abbreviations & Terms (US terms)
- bl: back loop
- blo: back loop only
- ch(s): chain(s)
- FO: Fasten Off or Finish Off
- hdc: Half double crochet
- hdc3tog: Half double crochet three together
- hdc ps: half double crochet puff stitch or half double crochet cluster
- rep: repeat
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- sp: space
- st(s): stitch(es)
- yo: yarn over
- Asterisks: used to indicate which instructions are repeated
Special Stitches Guide
- Half double crochet puff stitch (hdc puff st): (Yarn over and insert the hook in the stitch) 3x – seven loops on the hook. Yarn over again and pull through all seven loops on the hook to complete the puff stitch.
- Half double crochet three together (hdc3tog) or decrease: (Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over again and pull up another loop) 3x. Yarn over one more time and pull through all the loops on the hook to complete the hdc3tog stitch as usual.
- Thermal single crochet stitch (thermal sc): *Insert the hook into the back loop of the 1st stitch AND the corresponding stitch loop of the row below. Then, yarn over, pull through, and complete the single crochet stitch as usual. Repeat the instructions from the asterisk for the remaining stitches, chain 1, and turn.
These resources may be helpful for this Crochet Tote Bag Pattern, and they are available here on the blog: How to Create a Magic Circle, How to Create a Slip Knot, How to Do the Invisible Finish in Crochet.
Crochet Tote Bag Pattern Notes
- This Crochet Tote Bag Pattern uses US crochet terms.
- Skill Level: Experienced
- The bag is worked in one piece, from the bottom up, in turning rounds.
- Starting chain-2 does not count as a stitch throughout the pattern.
- I used the seamless join method to design this pattern, which involves joining the rounds at one of the corners.
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Instructions
This crochet tote bag pattern is worked from the bottom up, in one piece, using half double crochet stitches and puff stithces for texture.
Total Time: 4 hours
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Crocheting the bottom
Begin with a magic circle and chain 3.
Tip: If working with two colors of yarn, cut the yarn at the end of each round and attach the new color to the initial ch-1 space, then ch 2.
Round 1: (hdc 3, ch 1) 3 times, hdc 3, sl st to initial ch 3 to join. Ch 3 counts as the first ch sp (does not count as hdc).
Round 2: ch 2 (won’t count as a st, here and throughout the pattern), *(hdc ps, ch 1, hdc ps) in the first ch 1 sp, hdc in each of the 3 hdc sts, rep from the * 3 more times, sl st to the initial ps to join. -
How to Turn at the End of Each Round
Now, you’re turning (working in the opposite direction), instead of sl st and continuing the rounds.
But before you proceed to round #3…
… why turn rows? Turning the rounds in this Crochet Tote Bag Pattern is crucial for consistency and avoiding distortion. Working in the round can cause the project to spiral or lose its shape (i.e., become wonky). Since the bag is made in one piece, it would interfere with its finished shape. I’ve tried both methods—see the photo below.Here is how turning works:
1. To turn your work, rotate your piece halfway around so that the last chain-1 space corner you complete becomes the first stitch of the next round.2. Like in any row-turning crochet project, there’s no right or wrong side.
3. When using multiple yarn colors, choose your preferred side as the right side, and then drop the yarn ends on the wrong side after cutting them.
-
Crocheting in Turning Rounds
Round 3: ch 2, *(hdc ps, ch 1, hdc ps) in the first ch 1 sp, hdc to next corner, rep from the * 3 more times, sl st to the initial ps to join. Sl st into the first ch 1 sp, and turn (if working with multiple yarn colors, cut the yarn, then attach the new yarn to start the new round).
Round #3 is the pattern repeat for the bottom. You’ll have two extra plain hdc sts on each side of the square for every additional round, to round 13. Round 13 will have 25 hdc sts on each side of the square.
Round 4-13: Repeat instructions in round 3. Do not fasten off.
Size Tip: This is where you can adjust the size of this crochet tote bag pattern. Continue increasing it until you’re satisfied with the width (measured across the square). -
Creating the Body of the Bag
Now, you begin shaping the bag’s body by decreasing with an hdc3tog on each side of the square, in every remaining round.
Round 14-27: ch 2, *(hdc ps, ch 1, hdc ps), 12 hdc, hdc3tog, 12 hdc, rep from the * 3 more times, sl st to the initial ps to join.
Round 28: sl st around (on the outside of the bag). This round adds structure to the top opening of the crochet bag. Please do not skip this step. Cut the yarn. FO. -
Making the straps (2x)
You’re using two strands of yarn held together (optional) and crocheting six sts on each of the four hdc puff st corners to attach the straps as you go, one at a time. Then, you’re crocheting them using the thermal sc st (a video tutorial is also available below).
Here is how it goes:
1. Lay the bag flat in front of you, right side out.
2. Then, from inside the bag, attach the yarn to the blo of one of the corners (the outside loops on the edge) on round 27, three sts away from the ch-1 sp.
3. Crochet 6 usual sc sts in blo and turn.
4. Ch 1 (ch 1 won’t count as a st here and throughout). Then, *insert hook into the blo of the 1st st AND the corresponding loop of the row below. Yo, pull through, and complete the sc as usual.
5. Repeat the instructions from the asterisk for the remaining 5 sts, ch 1, and turn.
6. Repeat steps #4 and #5 to row 131, or until you reach the desired strap length. Ensure a consistent turning direction and tension.
7. Attach the end of the strap to the other 6 sts (both loops) of the corresponding corner of the bag using sc sts (ensure it’s not twisted).
Tip: There is no super exact way to attach the straps. You can sew by hand if it’s easier or attach the straps with a row of sc sts, then cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Use the tail to finish by hand, making it as neat as possible.
Estimated Cost: 12.00 USD
Supply:
- Medium weight (#4) Cotton Yarn (more above on the materials list)
Tools:
- 5 mm/8 crochet hook
Materials: Scissors Yarn Needle Tapestry Needle Stitch Markers
Watch The Video Tutorial for the Straps:
Your summer crochet tote bag is done! Weave in all the ends and enjoy.
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FAQ
Does my Crochet Tote Bag need a Liner?
Not necessarily! The stitch pattern creates a dense and sturdy fabric with excellent structure. However, if you prefer to use one for organizing your belongings, I suggest a removable purse organizer insert that’s about 13 inches wide and 10 inches tall, or smaller.
Can I Use Acrylic Yarn for this Bag?
You certainly can! I prefer cotton or cotton blends because they are more durable and easier to care for. However, a good-quality acrylic yarn or an acrylic and cotton blend will also work well.
Can I Use a Different Stitch to Make the Straps?
Absolutely! Simple rows of single crochet or half-double crochet stitches will also create sturdy straps. Alternatively, you can choose a store-bought leather strap if you prefer.
Can Beginners Make this Crochet Tote Bag Pattern?
Because of how this crochet tote bag pattern is designed and built, it needs skills suited for experienced crocheters. But if you’re a beginner who’s already comfortable with basic crochet skills, check the skills listed to decide if you want to try it.
If you made this crochet tote bag pattern, I would love to hear from you. See below the ways you can contact me.
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