Crochet tote bags are one of my favorite projects! They're fun, useful, and it feels so good to bring my own bags to the store and farmer's market. Heck, in some places it's the law! Whether it's a trip to the beach or a milk run to the closest mega mart, carrying a bag you crocheted yourself is uniquely satisfying. There are tons of patterns for totes and grocery bags, but here are 10 of the best crochet tote bag patterns - some of which I've made, and others I hope to in the future! Lots of styles to choose from, so I think you'll find some to love too!
10 Free Crochet Tote Bag Patterns
- Provence Summer String Bag by Kathy North, on Classic Elite Yarns, via the internet archive: This stitch pattern is gorgeous!
- Lacy V Shopping Bag by Cathy Phillips, a Ravelry download: Here's one I made - and ended up donating to a charity auction! I still want to make another for myself, I just love this pattern! It's a BIG bag as written, to make a smaller version, start with a chain of 30 instead of 50.
- Rose Garden Tote by Michele Wilcox, on Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller: An absolutely amazing felted bag! Such detail! This would be a great mother's day gift!
- Spring Petals Messenger Tote by Susan Gater, on Asparagus & Mayonnaise: Look for the link to the doc for this colorful crochet tote pattern in the sidebar!
- Inga's Häkelbeutel by Inga Joana Mertens, on Stricksucht: I've made two of these, with two different types of granny squares - it's a great basic pattern for a medium size tote bag!
- Plus Size Cable Bag by Brenda Bourg, on Red Heart: A great big bag with lots of style!
- Rainbow Hexagon Beach Bag by Lily / Sugar'n Cream: I love love love the colors and motifs in this one!
- Summer Squares Beach Tote by Micah York, on Micah Makes: Great for the pool, the beach, or shopping!
- Mother's Day Tote by D2B, a Ravelry download: For those who want a strong, sturdy tote that's finished fast!
- Tuck Away Tote by Ruth Shepherd, on Talking Crochet with Carol Alexander via the Internet Archive: Mesh bags are always handy, and this one folds up to stash anywhere - and it's pretty too! Genius!
What are your favorite free crochet tote patterns? It seems like no matter how many I make I always want to make more! Share your links and favorites in the comments!
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Shannon A. says
Here's a silly question: I have always wanted to make a tote bag, but always figured it would stretch like crazy. Do you use 100% cotton yarn to make tote bags? Or do you line them with fabric to prevent stretching? Or does acrylic yarn work too and I'm just overestimating the stretch potential? Thanks for these patterns, I have a feeling I am going to be making that cable one asap!
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Shannon, that's a great question! There are lots of factors that can affect the stretch. Personally I like to use 100% kitchen cotton for tote bags - not a lot of stretch, and they feel good and wash well too. That said, if it's a mesh-y pattern, like the Provence Summer String Bag, it'll stretch a LOT not matter what yarn you use - because of the stitches. On the other hand, the Rose Garden Tote is made in wool - which is normally quite stretchy - but it's felted, so it shouldn't stretch hardly at all! Lining a bag to prevent stretching is a great solution, and even when you want some stretch in the bag itself, lining the handle or strap with some ribbon (polyester, cotton, whatever matches) can be a good idea too.
Adrienne says
The Summer Squares Beach Tote isn't very stretchy, which is nice. I used 100% cotton (a recycled eco-cotton). The doubled-up mesh pattern helps it to not have a funky stretch if loaded up and the bottom is quite supportive. I get compliments every time I use it at the market.
Tamara Kelly says
Great info Adrienne! Thank you!
Shannon E. says
Excellent information regarding pattern vs. stretch vs. yarn choice.
steph says
Do you have any patterns to make a diaper bag? 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Steph! I don't have any specific diaper bag patterns, and I know too there aren't very many out there. I am working on a largish messenger bag pattern to be released in the next few weeks though! I might have to give some thought to a diaper bag pattern... thanks for the inspiration!
steph says
thanks, i'll keep my eye open for it 🙂
Daphne O'Donoghoe says
I am looking for a crochet pattern of a shopping bag crocheted over a pencil ?????can anyone help?????
Tamara Kelly says
That's a new one by me! I'm wondering if it's broomstick lace?
vonda finley says
I found a pattern for a bag made out of granny squares that didn't have to be lined because the squares created their own backing.
Then my computer crashed & now I can't find it.
Can you help me?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Vonda! That sounds like a really great pattern! Unfortunately, I can't recall seeing anything quite like it. I'd recommend searching Ravelry.com!
vonda finley says
I've made a few of the 'Tuck Away' totes. Everyone loves them. I made them with cotton twine. They're really strong, hold a lot & don't really stretch (except for the net part that's supposed to stretch). An additional plus is that they can be died whatever color you want.
dawn schwarzer says
Providence Summer String Bag looks fantastic and almost exactly what I'm looking for!
Too bad the link isn't working. ☹️
Hopefully I can find it with the info you've provided.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Dawn! Sorry about that, I posted this article in 4 years ago, so things have moved around a bit since then! The new link is http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/WebLetter/139/Issue139.php - I'll be sure to update the post as well! Thanks for letting me know it had moved!
cheryl says
I'm having trouble with #9, The Mother's Day Tote. I've started over 4 times. If anyone could help me, it would be greatly appreciated.
The instructions say to "Mark the first stitch of each row with a stitch marker". (Which I have done)
After each row is completed the instructions say to "SS 1st ST, CH 1". ( I understand this - I am joining the rows).
However, ROW 4 - follows a pattern of 5 SC in next 5 STs , followed by 3 SC in next stitch, 2 SC in 2 ST.
When I get to "SS to 1st ST" The gap between my last stitch marker is enormous. I haven't actually counted the stitches but there's more than 10. Is this correct?
Tamara Kelly says
I haven't made this one myself, but I took a look at the pattern. It looks like you are missing some of the instructions perhaps? You should have worked at least one stitch in each stitch of the previous round, and it does add up to 47, so there shouldn't be a gap.
"Row 4:
SC in next 11 ST, 3 SC in next ST, 5 SC next 5 STs, 3 SC in next ST
SC in next 12 ST, 3 SC in next ST, 5 SC next 5 STs, 3 SC in next ST, 2 SC in next 2 ST
SS to 1ST ST, CH 1
47 SCs"
Cheryl says
I just counted and realized what I was doing. Good Lord - I was reading "5 SC next 5 ST's"
as "5 SC IN next 5 STs" which would gave me another 20 stitches . . . along with another 20 in the next step. No wonder it was all wavy and out of whack. Thank you so much for responding. I'm still learning.
Tamara Kelly says
No worries! This one is formatted a little differently, and when you're learning that makes it extra tricky!
Sammie Ferrell says
I love your patterns!!! Especially the cable one - it's so different and expressive! But I am making them with plarn. I'm on a plarn kick right now. I've already made a couple totes - not with your patterns - and they have turned out pretty good. I'm on my 3rd one now. After this I will try one of yours. Not the cable...or maybe it will be the 1st of your patterns for me to make. Thanks so much for the freebies. I wouldn't be able to afford this passion if stuff wasnt free.
Tamara Kelly says
That's awesome! Thank you Sammie! ♥
Marsha Cline says
I can’t download the pattern for Summer String bag, first pattern red. I love it would love to make one.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Marsha! Thank you for letting me know that link has expired! I was able to get a new link to the PDF through the internet archive, and I've updated the link to https://web.archive.org/web/20130721114424/http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/pdf/ProvenceSummerStringBag.pdf
Deborah says
I tried to access the Tuck Away Tote but the link does not go to it. Could you please help and direct me to it? I have been looking for a pattern like this for a long time. Thank you.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Deborah! Thank you for letting me know about the broken link. I've updated the post, and here is the correct link: https://web.archive.org/web/20101206021154/http://www.crochet-world.com/newsletters/talkingcrochet/pages/TCNL3008_patt2.html 🙂