Beginner-Friendly Striped Tote Bag Crochet Guide

Ready to dive into the wonderful world of crochet? Let’s make a beautiful and practical striped tote bag together! This project is perfect for those familiar with the basics, and you’ll be amazed at how you can fashion your own stylish accessory. Imagine strolling around with a handmade bag you made yourself – so rewarding! We’ll guide you through each step, making it super easy and fun. Let’s grab our hooks and yarn and get started on this exciting project!

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Before we begin, let’s gather all the materials we need. Here’s a handy list of everything you’ll need:

• 🧶Yarn: Bulky weight (#5) T-shirt yarn or a 5mm cotton macrame cord is highly recommended to get the sturdy, structured look seen in the photo. You will need approximately 300 yards of Color A (Grey) and 150 yards of Color B (White).
• 🪡Crochet Hook: 8mm (L/11) hook, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge.
• ✂️Scissors: For snipping yarn.
• Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in ends.
• 📍Stitch Markers: To mark the beginning of your rounds.

A Crucial Note on Gauge

Before you begin, let’s talk about the most important factor for getting the right size: **Gauge**. Gauge is the number of stitches and rows in a set area (usually 4×4 inches or 10×10 cm). Matching the gauge ensures your finished bag will be the same size as the one in the photo.

Target Gauge: Approximately 10 stitches and 11 rows in Waistcoat Stitch = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm).

To check your gauge, make a small test square (a swatch) of about 15 stitches by 15 rows. If you have more stitches in 4 inches, use a larger hook. If you have fewer stitches, use a smaller hook.

Key Stitch for This Project: The Waistcoat Stitch

This bag gets its beautiful, dense, knit-like texture from a special stitch called the **Waistcoat Stitch**, also known as the Center Single Crochet (csc). It’s worked just like a regular single crochet, but you insert your hook in a different place.

How to work the Waistcoat Stitch: Instead of inserting your hook under the top two loops of the stitch from the previous round, you will insert your hook directly into the center of the “V” of the stitch below. Push your hook through to the back, yarn over, and complete the single crochet as normal. This makes the stitches stack perfectly on top of each other, looking like knitting.

(For this pattern, all stitches for the bag’s body are worked as a Waistcoat Stitch unless specified otherwise.)

Let’s Make Your Tote Bag: Step-by-Step Guide

We’re going to work this tote bag in continuous rounds, starting from the base.

Step 1: Crafting the Base

(Using Color A – Grey. These rounds are worked in standard single crochet for a flat base.)

Round 1: Make a magic ring and work 6 single crochet (sc) stitches into the ring. Pull the tail to close. (6 stitches)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)

Round 3: [1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] repeat 6 times. (18 stitches)

Round 4: [1 sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] repeat 6 times. (24 stitches)

Round 5: [1 sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] repeat 6 times. (30 stitches)

Round 6: [1 sc in the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] repeat 6 times. (36 stitches)

Continue increasing in this pattern (adding one more sc between increases each round) until your base reaches the desired diameter, approximately 8-10 inches. Make sure your final stitch count is a multiple of 4 for the handles to be placed correctly later. For example, ending after 12 rounds will give you 72 stitches (72 is divisible by 4).

Step 2: Building the Bag Body (Lower Grey Section)

(From this point on, all stitches for the body are worked as the Waistcoat Stitch.)

Round 1 of Body: Work 1 Waistcoat Stitch (csc) in each stitch around. Do not increase. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch to mark the beginning of the round.

Continue working rounds of Waistcoat Stitch with Color A (Grey) until this section measures your desired height (for example, about 15 rounds for the look in the photo).

Step 3: Adding the White Stripe

Next Round: Change to Color B (White). To do this, work the last stitch of the previous round with Grey, but on the final yarn over, drop the Grey yarn and pull through with the White yarn.

Continue working rounds of Waistcoat Stitch with Color B (White) for the width of your stripe (for example, about 8 rounds).

Step 4: Finishing the Bag Body (Upper Grey Section)

Next Round: Change back to Color A (Grey) using the same technique.

Continue working rounds of Waistcoat Stitch with Color A (Grey) for the top section (for example, about 10 rounds, or until your bag reaches the final desired height). Do not fasten off.

Step 5: Forming the Handles

In this step, we will make the openings for the handles. Our method will ensure they are perfectly symmetrical, no matter your final stitch count.

Handle Placement Round:

First, count the total number of stitches you have. We will divide this number by 4. For this example, let’s assume you have 72 stitches.

1. Divide your total stitch count by 4. (Example: 72 / 4 = 18). This number is your guide for each section.
2. Work the first side: Work 1 Waistcoat Stitch in the first quarter of your stitches (Example: 18 csc).
3. Make the first handle chain: Chain 60 (or your desired handle length).
4. Skip the handle opening: Skip the next quarter of your stitches (Example: Skip 18 stitches).
5. Work the second side: Work 1 Waistcoat Stitch in the third quarter of your stitches (Example: 18 csc).
6. Make the second handle chain: Chain 60 again.
7. Skip the second opening: Skip the final quarter of your stitches (Example: Skip 18 stitches). You should now be back at the beginning of the round.

Handle Reinforcement Rounds:
Now we will work around the top edge and chains to make the handles sturdy. For a smoother process and a stronger result, we will now switch to standard single crochet for all remaining rounds.

• Round 1 of Reinforcement: Work 1 standard single crochet (sc) in each stitch on the sides of the bag. When you reach a chain, work 1 sc into each chain stitch (e.g., 60 sc). Repeat for the second side and handle. Working this entire round in standard sc makes it much easier to join the handles to the body without forming gaps.
• Final Rounds: Work 2-3 more rounds of standard single crochet around the entire top opening. This will build thick, strong, and comfortable handles.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Fasten off your yarn and weave in all loose ends with your yarn needle for a clean, professional finish.

You Did It! Admire Your Handmade Tote Bag!

Congratulations! You’ve just finished your very own striped tote bag! Isn’t it amazing what you can put together with just yarn and a hook? This bag is not only stylish but also super practical. Every time you use it, you’ll be reminded of the joy of making something beautiful with your own hands. We hope you enjoyed this journey into crochet!