Crochet Tote Bag with Basic Crochet Stitch Single Crochet Make it Wonderful✨️🎁💕

 

Crochet Tote Bag — Step-by-Step (single crochet method)

Level: Beginner / easy
Finished size (example): ~30 cm wide × 25 cm tall (adjustable)
Tools & yarn (suggested)

• Worsted / aran weight cotton or acrylic yarn (1–2 skeins depending on size).

• Crochet hook 4.0–5.5 mm (choose hook for comfortable fabric, 4.5 mm is a good starting point).

• Scissors, tapestry needle, measuring tape.

• Optional: small amount of contrasting yarn for stripes, and fabric for lining.
  
  

Abbreviations (US)

• ch = chain

• sc = single crochet

• sl st = slip stitch

• st(s) = stitch(es)

• rep = repeat

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Pattern notes (how I set this recipe up)

• I provide a practical sample using a foundation chain of 40 (a good medium tote width). Change the chain length to make a wider or narrower bag — keep multiples of 2 for balanced edges. The instructions are intentionally flexible so you can match the video style while customizing size.

1) Make your foundation chain

1. Make a slip knot.

2. Chain 40 (or your chosen width). This is your foundation. (If you want a larger tote, chain 50–60; smaller tote chain 28–36.)

3. Count chains to confirm length.

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2) Row 1 — foundation single crochet

1. Insert hook into the 2nd chain from hook.

2. Work 1 sc in each chain across to the last chain. (If you chained 40, you’ll have 39 sc across.)

3. At end of row, ch 1, turn.

Tip: Working into the 2nd chain from hook gives a neater starting edge.

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3) Row 2–(base height) — build the bottom/first rows

1. Work sc in each stitch across, ch 1, turn.

2. Repeat these sc rows 4–6 times (or until you have a sturdy base panel about 1–2 cm high). These first few rows stabilize the foundation and prevent sag on the bottom when bag is in use.

3. If you prefer a thicker bottom, do 6–10 rows.

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4) Form the body — continue straight sc rows

1. After your base rows, continue working sc in each stitch across, ch 1, turn at the end of each row.

2. Keep repeating until the body reaches your desired bag height. For the example size (~25 cm tall), work roughly 30–40 rows depending on your gauge. Measure as you go.

3. Keep tension even so the sides remain straight.

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5) Seaming the sides (if working flat)

You can either work the bag flat then seam, or join ends and work in the round. Here’s the flat-seam method (simple and common in Chompu’s tutorials):

1. Fold the rectangle with right sides facing each other so the short edges meet.

2. Using yarn and tapestry needle (or slip-stitch with your hook), join the two short edges with whip stitch or slip-stitch seam from bottom to top. Leave the top edge open.

3. Turn bag right-side-out. Press/adjust seam so it sits neat.

(If you prefer no seams, you can join the short edges with a slip stitch and continue crocheting in the round for the rest of the bag.)

6) Handle placement & making handle loops

Chompu uses simple chain loops reinforced with sc rounds — durable and quick.

Measure and mark two handle placements on the top edge so handles are symmetrical (for 40-ch base, place handle centers about 10 ch in from each short side; adjust symmetrically).

Method A — Chain loop handles (worked on the bag top):

1. Rejoin yarn at the top edge at the first handle start point (where you want the handle to begin).

2. Ch 25 (or length you prefer for comfortable hand/shoulder hold).

3. Skip the same number of stitches across the top edge as your chain (you may count equivalent top-edge stitches or estimate spacing) and sl st into the next top-edge stitch to form the loop.

4. Ch 1 and continue sc across the top edge to the second handle location and repeat steps to make the second loop.

5. After both loops are made, work 1 round of sc around the entire top edge, working sc into each chain of the handles (this reinforces the loops). Finish with sl st and fasten off.

6. Weave in ends securely.

Method B — Straps worked and sewn on:

• Crochet two long straps separately (e.g., ch 120, sc back across, repeat 3–4 rows). Sew the straps to the inside top edge of the bag and reinforce with extra stitches. This gives a flatter strap and more durability for heavier loads.

Tip: Reinforce handle bases by crocheting extra sc rounds around the handle area (video shows reinforcing step).

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7) Top border & finishing

1. After handles are secured, work 2–3 rounds of sc around the top edge for a neat finish (ch 1, turn if you work rows on the folded top, or work in the round).

2. Optionally add a decorative border (reverse single crochet / crab stitch) for a rope-like edge: sc around, then work crab stitch for one round.

3. Cut yarn and pull through; weave all tails inside the bag with tapestry needle.

8) Optional — Lining & reinforcement

• If you plan to carry small/loose items, sew a fabric lining to the inside (measure bag interior, cut fabric 1 cm smaller for seam allowance, sew by hand or machine). Lining stabilizes the bag and hides ends.

• For extra strength under handles, add a small rectangle of interfacing or sew leather patches where handles attach.

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Quick trouble-shoot & tips (from the video style)

• Bag cups at edges — you’re increasing or changing tension unintentionally; keep even tension and avoid turning your work too tightly.

• Bag too floppy — use a smaller hook (tighter fabric) or add a lining.

• Handle stretches — reinforce by working sc around handle chains and sewing extra stitches from inside.

• Use cotton yarn for better structure if you want a firm tote. Chompu’s video uses simple single crochet and often demonstrates reinforcing the handle loops — follow that for a durable result. 

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Short pattern cheat-sheet (example using ch-40)

• ch 40.

• Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (39 sc), ch 1, turn.

• Rows 2–6: sc across, ch 1, turn (build base).

• Rows 7–~36: sc across, ch 1, turn until bag ~25 cm tall (measure).

• Seam short edges, turn right-side-out.

• Make 2 chain-loop handles: ch 25, sl st to anchor (space handles evenly).

• 1 round sc around top and around handle loops to reinforce.

• Fasten off, weave in ends, add lining if desired.

Full Video Tutorial: 

Have a nice day!