Easy Crochet Bag for Beginners: Simple Tote + 2 Variations (Free Pattern)

The easiest crochet bag for a beginner is a tote made from one rectangle: fold it in half, sew the two sides, and add two straps. It uses only chain, single crochet and half double crochet in rows, so there is no working in the round. Use cotton yarn so the bag holds its shape and does not stretch when you fill it.

Why cotton for a crochet bag

• Holds its shape: cotton stretches far less than acrylic or wool under weight.
• Strong: it stands up to groceries, books and a beach towel.
• Washable: most cotton yarns can go in the machine on a gentle cycle; check the label.

Step 1: Chain the width

Chain until the chain measures the bag width you want (12 in for the standard tote), then ch 2 more. Worsted cotton on a 5 mm hook is often about 3.5 chains per inch, so roughly 42 ch + 2. Measure rather than trusting the count.

Step 2: Crochet the body

1. Row 1: hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch across. Count your stitches.
2. Row 2: ch 1 and turn (does not count as a stitch). Hdc in each st across.
3. Repeat row 2 until the piece is twice the bag height, about 26 in (66 cm). Fasten off, leaving a 30 in tail for sewing.

Prefer a denser, neater fabric? Use moss stitch instead of hdc; it is the classic market-bag texture.

Step 3: Seam the sides

1. Fold the rectangle in half so the short ends meet at the top.
2. With the tail and a yarn needle, whipstitch one side closed from the fold to the top.
3. Sew the second side the same way with a new length of yarn. Weave in the ends.

Step 4: Add a firm top edge

1. Join the yarn at a side seam with a sl st.
2. Round 1: ch 1, sc evenly around the opening. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
3. Rounds 2–3: ch 1, sc in each st around, join. This edge stops the top from stretching.

Step 5: Make the straps

1. Ch 6. Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across (5 sc).
2. Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (5 sc).
3. Repeat row 2 until the strap is 22 in (56 cm) for a shoulder tote. Make two.
4. Sew each end of a strap about 2.5 in in from the side seam, stitching a small square through all layers so it does not pull.

Variation 1: Granny-square bag

Make 8 matching granny squares of about 6 in each with our step-by-step granny square. Join them 2 across × 2 high for the front and the same for the back (see how to join granny squares), then sew front to back along three sides. Finish with Steps 4 and 5.

Variation 2: Crossbody bag

Chain 8 in wide and work until the piece is 16 in long, so the bag is 8 × 8 in. Make one strap of 3 sc wide, 45–50 in long, and sew it to the side seams. Add a button and a chain loop at the top if you want it to close.

Tips for a sturdy bag

• Go down a hook size for a tighter fabric that does not show the contents.
• Line it: sew in a simple fabric pouch for a bag that never sags.
• Reinforce strap joins with a second pass of stitches; this is where bags fail first.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest crochet bag for beginners?

A tote made from a single rectangle, folded and seamed at the sides. It uses basic stitches in rows and needs no shaping.

What yarn is best for a crochet bag?

Worsted weight cotton or a cotton blend. It is strong, holds its shape and is easy to wash.

How much yarn do I need for a crochet tote bag?

About 200–250 g (330–420 yd) of worsted cotton for a 12 × 13 in tote with two straps.

How do I stop my crochet bag from stretching?

Use cotton, a smaller hook, a few rounds of single crochet at the top and a fabric lining.

Have leftover cotton? Turn it into a simple crochet dishcloth.