Free Crochet Pattern: Small Striped Tote Bag

(Shown in Caron One Pound Soft Grey Mix, White & Sunflower

You can find a select variety of the 30 mm buttons in my Etsy shop here: By Jenni Designs)

This easy tote is worked in hdc's with a crab stitch edging, I love the crab stitch and use it often! The crab stitch is also referred to as a reverse single crochet by some. I recommend Caron One Pound yarn for this project, this yarn is slightly stiff (but not scratchy) and works well for a bag. You may of course use any worsted weight yarn you would like. 

If you have any questions at all feel free to ask away, thanks for stopping by!

-Jenni

Skill Level: Easy

Finished Size: 10" in height x 14" wide (taken laid flat, does not include the bottom of bag)

Supplies:

Size H (5.0mm) Crochet Hook

Caron One Pound Yarn, worsted weight in 3 choice colors

Tapestry Needle

Scissors

Optional: 4 wooden buttons, size 30 mm 

Abbreviations (US Terms):

Ch - Chain

Sc - Single Crochet

Sl St - Slip Stitch

Sp - Space

Hdc - Half Double Crochet

C1 - Color 1

C2 - Color 2

C3 - Color 3

Note:

-Joins are made with sl st, be sure to pull your sl st joins tight so you don't end up with holes or gaps in your work.

Gauge:

4 hdc & 3 rows = 1"

Gauge is not extremely important for this pattern unless you want your tote the same size as the example. 

Bag

With C1:

Row 1: Ch 31, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each across. Work 4 more hdc in last sp while rotating piece to the right so you can work on the opposite side of the foundation ch. Hdc in each across, working 4 hdc total in last sp. Join to first hdc. (66 hdc)

Row 2: Ch 1, 2 hdc in same, hdc in 29, 2 hdc in each of the next 4 sp, hdc in 29, 2 hdc in each of the last 3 sp. Join to first hdc. (74 hdc)

Row 3: Ch 1, 2 hdc in same, hdc in 31, 2 hdc in each of the next 6 sp, hdc in 31, 2 hdc in each of the last 5 sp. Join to first hdc. (86 hdc)

Row 4: Ch 1, 2 hdc in same, hdc in 35, 2 hdc in each of the next 8 sp, hdc in 35, 2 hdc in each of the last 7 sp. Join to first hdc. (102 hdc)

Row 5: Ch 1, hdc in same and in next 44, 2 hdc in next 2 sp, hdc in next 49, 2 hdc in next 2 sp, hdc in last 4 sp. Join to first hdc, fasten off. (106 hdc)

Your piece should measure about 12" x 3 1/2".

With C2:

Join with sl st. 

Row 6-10: Ch 1, hdc in same and in each around. Join. (106 hdc)

Fasten off. 

With C3:

Join with sl st. 

Row 11-15: Ch 1, hdc in same and in each around. Join. (106 hdc)

Fasten off. 

With C2:

Join with sl st. 

Row 16-20: Ch 1, hdc in same and in each around. Join. (106 hdc)

Fasten off. 

With C3:

Join with sl st. 

Row 21-25: Ch 1, hdc in same and in each around. Join. (106 hdc)

Fasten off. 

With C2:

Join with sl st. 

Row 26-30: Ch 1, hdc in same and in each around. Join. (106 hdc)

Fasten off. 

With C3:

Join with sl st. 

Row 31-34: Ch 1, hdc in same and in each around. Join. (106 hdc)

Row 35: Ch 1, Crab Stitch around, join, fasten off and sew in all your ends.

Straps

(make 2)

With C1:

Row 1: Ch 85, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each across. Ch 1, turn. (84 sc)

Row 2-4: Sc in same and in each across. Ch 1, turn. (84 sc)

Row 5: Crab stitch around entire strap, ch 1 at the corners. Join, fasten off and sew in ends. 

If you are adding the optional buttons, add them now and then sew your straps on to the bag. I laid the bag flat and measured from the sides about 2 1/4" for my placement.  

Now this next step is optional but I didn't like how my stitches looked on the inside of the bag from sewing on my straps so I decided to create a little patch to cover them with. If you are lining your bag with fabric this step is not necessary. Unfortunately, my sewing machine hasn't been in working condition so I am not lining my bag (I was considering hand sewing a lining, maybe later though.). 

Patch

(make 4)

With C3:

Row 1: Ch 7, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each across. Ch 1, turn. (6 hdc)

Row 2-4: Hdc in same and in each across. Ch 1, turn. (6 hdc)

Row 5: Hdc in same and in each across. Fasten off leaving a long end to sew on to bag. Using a whip stitch sew patch on to bag, sew in ends.