Free Crochet Tote Bag Pattern | Sunset Stripe Cotton Tote

✦ Quick answerThis free crochet tote bag pattern is worked bottom-up in rounds using 100% cotton yarn and a 4mm hook. Start with a magic circle, increase to 60 stitches over 6 rounds for the base, then work stripe rounds of double crochet clusters and single crochet until 8.5 inches tall. Add crocheted handles and weave in ends. Finished size: 8.5″ wide x 8.5″ tall (without handles). Full written pattern and video tutorial below.

I am so excited to share this one with you. The Sunset Stripe Tote is one of those projects that is easy and relaxing to make, the kind where you sit down, put on a podcast, and before you know it, you have a beautiful bag in your hands.

Worked in sturdy cotton with cheerful stripes, this tote is perfect for market runs, carrying your crochet project, or just adding something handmade to your everyday life. And you can make it in any colors you love

Are you with me?

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Find the free pattern below or purchase the ad-free PDF version of this pattern HERE. The PDF is designed for printing, and by doing so, you can support me. Thank you

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Why This Tote Bag Will Become Your Everyday Bag

I designed this bag to be simple enough for beginners but still satisfying to make if you have been crocheting for years.

There is something so enjoyable about working in rounds; it is rhythmic, meditative, and the stripe color changes give you a little moment of excitement every few rounds.

The finished bag is sturdy enough for groceries, light enough to fold into another bag, and beautiful enough that you will actually want to carry it. That is what I look for in a crochet project, something that earns its place in real life.

I used warm sunset tones like peach, beige, and mustard because I just love them! But this pattern works beautifully in any color combination. Neutrals for everyday use, brights for summer, or even a single color if you want something minimal and classic.

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Before you get started, check out my newest favorite finds!

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Yarn Winder – a perfect crochet accessory

Steamer for Clothes – Portable, ideal for crochet projects

Blocking Mat – 12.5″ for all your squares

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Do You Need to Line a Crochet Tote Bag?

You may wonder if it’s essential to line your crochet tote bag.

The short answer is no.

It really depends on how you plan to use it. I personally didn’t line my Sunset Stripe Tote, and it works beautifully as a crochet summer bag for yarn, books, or light market runs.

Cotton yarn already gives the bag a nice, sturdy structure. That said, if you want to carry smaller items (like pens, keys, or makeup) and don’t want them poking through the stitches, adding a simple fabric lining can be a great option.

Lining also gives any handmade crochet tote a more polished finish. So, think of it as a personal choice, practical if you need it, but definitely not a must.

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Let’s get to the pattern, shall we? Making a Sunset Stripe Tote

Difficulty

Intermediate

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

This is the yarn I had at hand . Do not forget I make a sample for you to learn, so be creative and choose the yarn you love. Feel it before starting your project.

I know there are a million different yarn choices out there, but that also depends on where you live, so just be creative!

Drops Paris 100% cotton yarn, 85 g in total, using 3 colors (C=peach, B= beige, A=mustard)

Subs: https://yarnsub.com/yarns/garnstudio/drops_paris

Hook: US G-6 (4 mm) 

Yarn Needle, Scissors, Measuring Tape

Gauge

• 14 stitches x 11 rounds (pattern repeat) 4″ X 4″

Sizes

Can be modified as you wish

This sample is:8.5” wide x 8.5” height without straps

Stitch Key

• Ch = Chain
• Sc = Single Crochet
• St = Stitch
• Dc = Double Crochet
• Sl st = Slip Stitch

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Why Cotton Yarn Is the Best Choice for a Crochet Tote Bag

Cotton yarn is always my first choice for bags and I really mean it. Here is why it makes such a difference for this specific project:

• It holds its shape 👉 cotton does not stretch out under weight the way acrylic does. Fill this bag with groceries and it will still look neat when you set it down.
• It is durable 👉 cotton yarn handles daily use, friction, and washing without losing its structure. A cotton tote can last years.
• It is washable 👉just throw it in the machine. Cotton is easy to care for.
• It has a clean, crisp look 👉the stitch definition on cotton is beautiful. The stripe pattern in this tote shows off much better in cotton than it would in a fuzzy or stretchy yarn.

Can I use acrylic? You can, but I do not recommend it for a bag. Acrylic stretches more under weight and will lose its shape over time. For a tote you want to use every day, cotton is worth it.

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Notes

• This pattern is written in US terminology
• The pattern is worked in rounds.
• This pattern is worked in one piece, bottom-up, for the body.
• Ch2 at the beginning of the row does count as 1st stitch.
• Ch1 at the beginning of the row does not count as a stitch.
• You can work this pattern with one color or multiple colors.
• If changing colors, make sure to use a color-changing technique and weave your ends in.

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Sandra’s tip: This bag works up faster than it looks. The bottom increases take about 30 minutes, and then the stripe rounds are completely automatic — same stitch, same rhythm, just a color change every few rounds. It is one of those projects you can do while watching TV.

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Stripe Color Guide

Color sequence (rounds 8 onward):

Color A (mustard) — rounds 8–10, then repeated

Color B (beige) — rounds 11–13

Color C (peach) — rounds 14–16

Continue alternating A → B → C → A → B for as many stripes as you want. I stopped after 5 stripe sets for the 8.5″ height.

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Instructions

Base of the Bag

• Ch 4 and Sl st to first ch to form a circle (Color A) (or use the magic circle).

Round 1:Ch2, dc 9 in Ch space( the circle), Slst to 1st dc (10 st)

Round 2:Inc Ch1, dc 2 in 1st st from hook, dc 2 in next and around to end of the round, Slst to 1st dc (20 st)

Round 3: Inc Ch1, dc 1 in 1st st from hook, *[dc 2 in next, dc 1 in next st]* repeat from * to * to end or round,Slst to 1st dc  (30 st)

Round 4: Inc Ch1, dc 1 in 1st st from hook, *dc 1 in next st,  dc 2 in next, dc 1 in next, repeat from * to end or round, Slst to 1st dc  (40 st)

Round 5: Inc Ch1, dc 1 in 1st from hook, *dc 1 in next st, dc 1 in next st, dc 2 in next st, dc 1 in next repeat from *to end or round, Slst to 1st dc  (50 st)

Round 6: Inc Ch1, dc 1 in 1st from hook, *dc 1 in next 3 st, dc 2 in next st, dc 1 in next repeat from *to end or round, Slst to 1st dc  (60 st)

Round 7: Ch 1, dc 1 in 1st st from hook, dc 1 in each st around to end of round, Slst to 1st st, turn (60)

Stripe Pattern

Here I changed to color B

Round 8: Ch 1, dc 2 in 1st st from hook, *skip 1 st, dc 2 in next st, repeat from * around, Slst to 1st st, turn (60)

Round 9: Ch 1, *dc 2 in  between  the two dc clusters from the previous round, repeat from *around, Slst to 1st st, turn (60)

Round 10: Ch 1, sc 1 in 1st st from hook, sc 1 in next and in every st around, Slst to 1st st, turn (60)

Here I changed to color A

Repeat rounds 8-10

Change to color C

Repeat rounds 8-10

Change to color B

Repeat rounds 8-10

Change to color A

Repeat rounds 8-10

👉 You can continue making your tote taller if you wish. I stopped here.

Last Round: Ch 1, sc in each st around, Sl st to 1st st, turn (60). Cut yarn and weave in ends.

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The Straps

• Fold your work flat and count 10 stitches around each side to place the straps. Use stitch markers.
  • 10 st – 20 st – 10 st – 20 st

Round 1: Start on one side, sc in 10 stitches, ch 35, skip 20 stitches, sc in next 10 stitches, ch 35, skip 20 stitches, Sl st to 1st stitch, turn.
Rounds 2–3: Ch 1, sc in each stitch and chain around, Sl st to 1st stitch, turn.

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Finishing

Cut yarn and weave in all ends. Give the bag a light press or wet block to even out the stitches and help it hold its square shape.

Optional lining: If you want to carry smaller items without them slipping through the stitches, add a simple fabric lining. Cut a piece of cotton fabric slightly smaller than the bag interior, fold the edges under, and hand sew it to the inside top edge. A lining also gives the bag a more polished, finished look — but it is completely optional.

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Do You Need to Line a Crochet Tote Bag?

This is one of the most common questions I get about tote bags — and the honest answer is no, you do not have to. Cotton yarn gives this bag a sturdy enough structure to carry books, yarn, groceries, or a water bottle without a lining.

Where lining helps is if you want to carry very small items — keys, pens, lip balm — that might poke through the stitches or get lost in the gaps. In that case, a simple cotton lining sewn to the inside top edge solves the problem in under 30 minutes.

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**This is an original Sandra Regev pattern: Owner /Designer of Sandra Stitches. This pattern may not be redistributed for free, sale, or trade, but finished products can be sold with credit to this shop – enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best yarn for a crochet tote bag?

Cotton yarn is the best choice by far. It is strong, holds its shape under weight, does not stretch out over time, and is machine washable. Any DK or worsted weight 100% cotton on a 4mm hook will give you a durable, beautiful bag. I used Drops Paris for this pattern it is affordable, widely available, and lovely to crochet with.

Do I need to line a crochet tote bag?

No, lining is completely optional. Cotton yarn gives this bag enough structure for everyday use without a lining. If you want to carry small items without them slipping through the stitches, a simple fabric lining is a nice addition. But most people use this bag unlined without any problems.

How long does it take to crochet a tote bag?

This bag takes most crocheters 3–6 hours depending on speed. The bottom increases are the most technical part — once you finish round 6 and start the stripe body, it is very smooth and rhythmic. A great project for a relaxed weekend.

Can I make this bag bigger?

Yes easily. To make it taller, add more stripe repeats before the handle round, each repeat adds about 1 inch of height. To make it wider, add one or two more increase rounds to the base before starting the body. Remember to buy extra yarn if you are making a larger version.

Is this pattern good for beginners?

Yes! it uses only single crochet and double crochet throughout. The bottom-up construction in rounds is beginner-friendly, and the stripe color changes are a great first introduction to working with multiple colors. The full video tutorial walks through every step including the color change technique.

Can I use only one color instead of stripes?

Absolutely. The stripe pattern is just a color sequence layered over the stitch pattern. Work the same rounds in a single color for a clean, classic tote. One solid color actually shows off the texture of the cluster stitch beautifully.

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