Crochet Basic Tote: Easy Single Crochet Bag (Free Pattern)

The Crochet Basic Tote by Maria Isabel of Chabepatterns is a roomy, sturdy everyday bag made with nothing more than single crochet. It is a great first bag: the stitches are simple, the construction is easy to follow, and the large size fits a laptop, groceries or a beach towel. The free pattern is on the Chabepatterns blog, and the video is in Spanish with closed captions you can switch to English or any other language.

Crochet Basic Tote at a Glance

• Designer: Maria Isabel of Chabepatterns
• Skill level: easy
• Finished size: about 14.6 x 13.4 x 4.7 in (37 x 34 x 12 cm)
• Yarn: about 700 m of polypropylene macrame cord (the sample uses five 200 g skeins)
• Hook: 3.5 mm (E)
• Gauge: 13 stitches and 14 rows = 4 in in single crochet
• Video length: about 29 minutes (Spanish, with captions)

How the Tote Is Made

The bag is built from simple pieces worked in single crochet. You practice working back and forth in rows for the flat panels and in the round for the body, then join everything and finish the top edge and handles. The vertical lines on the front and back come from the way the pieces are joined, which gives the tote a clean, structured look.

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Why Macrame Cord?

Polypropylene macrame cord is strong, light and keeps its shape, so the bag stands up on its own and does not stretch when it is full. It is also easy to wipe clean. If you prefer a softer bag, a thick cotton cord will work too, though the tote will be more slouchy.

Images and patterns courtesy of Chabepatterns Crochet

Enjoy the Video Tutorial

Source: Chabepatterns Crochet

Tips for a Sturdy Bag

• Keep your tension firm and even so the fabric is dense and the bag holds its shape.
• Turn on the captions. Click the settings icon on the video, choose subtitles and auto-translate to your language.
• Reinforce the handles with an extra round of slip stitches if you plan to carry heavy items.
• Add a lining or an inner pocket for keys and your phone.

More Bags from Chabepatterns

If you enjoy making bags, try the XL t-shirt yarn bag, the lemon bag or the bicolor square basket.