Crochet Tote Bag / Shopper Pattern

Crochet Tote Bag / Shopper Pattern

 Skill Level: Beginner / Easy

Language/Terminology: US Crochet Terms

Finished Size: Medium Tote Bag (approx. 12–14 inches / 30–35 cm width, 12 inches / 30 cm height excluding handles)  

Materials & Tools

 • Yarn: Chunky T-Shirt Yarn or Thick Cotton Cord / Ribbon Yarn (approx. 150–200 meters).  

 • Crochet Hook: US L/11 or M/13 (8.0 mm – 9.0 mm) depending on yarn thickness and desired tension.  

 • Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

 • ch: chain stitch

 • sl st: slip stitch

 • sc: single crochet

 • st(s): stitch(es)

 • rnd: round

 • inc: increase (2 single crochets in the same stitch)

Pattern Overview & Construction

The bag is worked seamlessly in continuous/joined rounds starting from an oval base at the bottom and extending upward to form the body and shoulder handles:  

1. Oval Base: Foundation chain worked on both sides with end increases to create a flat oval bottom.

2. Body (Diagonal Textured Stitch): Worked in spiraling or joined rounds using a single crochet modified pattern (such as extended sc or working through specific loops/waistcoat stitch) to create a dense, diagonal textured fabric.  

3. Upper Border & Handles: Division of stitches to create two integrated sturdy shoulder straps/handles using chain arches.  

4. Edging: Reinforcing top edge and handles with slip stitches or single crochets for structural support.  

Graphical Chart Symbol Key

 * • (Filled dot): Chain Stitch (ch)

 * – o (Line with oval / Sl st): Slip Stitch (sl st)

 * ✕ (Cross): Single Crochet (sc)

 * V (V-shape): Increase (inc / 2 sc in 1 st)

Step-by-Step Instructions & Stitch Counts

Base (Oval Bottom)

 • Chain 16.

 • Round 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, work 1 sc in next 14 ch. Work 3 sc in the last ch (turning corner). Working along the opposite side of the foundation chain: 1 sc in next 13 ch, 2 sc in the last ch. Join with a sl st to first sc. (Total Stitch Count: 32 sts)

 • Round 2: Ch 1, 1 inc in first st, 1 sc in next 13 sts, 3 inc, 1 sc in next 13 sts, 2 inc. Join with a sl st. (Total Stitch Count: 38 sts)

 • Round 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in first st, 1 inc in next st, 1 sc in next 13 sts, [1 sc, 1 inc] x 3, 1 sc in next 13 sts, [1 sc, 1 inc] x 2. Join with a sl st. (Total Stitch Count: 44 sts)

Body (Textured Rounds)

 • Round 4 (Transition Round): Ch 1, work 1 sc in the back loop only (BLO) or waist-loop of every st around. Join with a sl st. (Total Stitch Count: 44 sts)

 • Rounds 5–22: Ch 1, work 1 sc into each stitch around using the textured slant technique (working into the front/back leg of the stitch below to create the diagonal weave structure visible on the bag). Join with a sl st at the end of each round. (Total Stitch Count: 44 sts per round)  

Handles & Top Edging

 • Round 23 (Handle Setup):

 * Work 7 sc across the side.

 * Ch 30 (first handle strap).  

 * Skip 8 sts along the body.  

 * Work 14 sc across the opposite side.  

 * Ch 30 (second handle strap).  

 * Skip 8 sts along the body.  

 * Work 7 sc to complete the round. Join with a sl st.  

 • Round 24: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each sc st and 1 sc in each ch along the handle loops around. Join with a sl st.  

 • Round 25 (Border Finish): Work 1 sl st in every stitch around the entire rim and handle straps for added firmness and shape retention. Join to first st.  

Finishing

 • Fasten Off: Cut yarn leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail, pull through final loop.  

 • Weave in Ends: Securely weave yarn tails into the thick interior stitches with a tapestry needle.  

 • Shaping: Lightly stretch and shape the bag manually; steam gently if necessary.