If you've been wanting to try crochet and you fancy making something you'll actually use, a tote bag is one of the best places to start. It works up faster than you'd think, it mostly uses one or two simple stitches, and at the end you've got a proper bag to carry to the shops, the beach, or your next coffee date.
This guide is written for UK crocheters, in UK terms, so you won't get tangled up trying to translate American patterns halfway through. We'll walk through everything from yarn choice to handles, plus the one thing most tutorials skip: how to stop your finished bag stretching into a sad, saggy shape.
And if you'd rather skip the yarn shop entirely, we have crochet kits with everything sorted in one box. More on that later. For now, let's get into how to crochet a tote bag from scratch.
Why a tote bag is a great beginner project
A tote is forgiving. There's no fiddly shaping, no counting hundreds of stitches, and no garment fit to worry about. If your tension wobbles a bit in the early rows, the bag still works. That makes it far less stressful than something like a jumper or a fitted hat.
It's also quick. Depending on your yarn and how much telly you watch while you stitch, you can finish a simple tote in a few hours to a weekend. That fast result matters when you're new, because nothing keeps you going like actually finishing something.
If you're nervous about starting, that's completely normal. Most people are. The lovely thing about a tote is that small imperfections just look handmade, not wrong. You really can't mess this up in any way that matters.
UK vs US crochet terms (you'll want to read this first)
Here's something that trips up almost every new crocheter, and it's worth two minutes now to save you a headache later.
UK and US crochet use the same words for different stitches. What we call a double crochet in the UK is called a single crochet in the US. What we call a treble crochet, the US calls a double crochet. Same hook movements, different names.
This causes chaos because a lot of free patterns and YouTube videos online are American. If a pattern tells you to "single crochet" and you've only learned UK terms, you'll be momentarily lost, because we don't have a stitch by that name.
A quick rule of thumb: if a pattern uses the term "single crochet" at all, it's written in US terminology, so mentally shift everything down a level (their single crochet is our double crochet, and so on). In this guide, we'll use UK terms and pop the US name in brackets the first time, so you're covered either way.
What you'll need
One of the nicest things about crochet is how little kit you need to begin. Here's the short list for a tote.
Yarn
Cotton is your best friend for bags. It holds its shape, it's strong, and it doesn't stretch much under weight, which is exactly what you want when you're filling a bag with books or shopping. A double knit (DK) or aran weight cotton works well for a first tote.
Acrylic and acrylic-cotton blends are softer and cheaper, but they stretch more, so a bag made from them is more likely to sag over time. If you do use one, we'll cover how to keep it structured further down. You'll find cotton yarn in most craft shops, including Hobbycraft, or online.
Hook
Your yarn label will suggest a hook size, but for a bag it's worth going down a size or two from that recommendation. A smaller hook makes tighter stitches, which means a firmer, denser fabric that holds its shape rather than drooping. If your label says 4mm, try a 3.5mm.
A few other bits
You'll also want a stitch marker (a safety pin or even a scrap of contrasting yarn does the job), a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a pair of scissors. That's genuinely it.
If gathering all this feels like faff, a crochet kit takes the guesswork out by giving you the right yarn, the right hook, and a pattern that's already been tested, all in one box.
How to crochet a tote bag, step by step
This is a simple tote worked mostly in UK double crochet (US single crochet). We'll keep the stitches basic so you can focus on getting comfortable with the rhythm. Grab your cotton yarn and your hook, and let's go.
Make the base
Start with a foundation chain to set the width of your bag. For a medium tote, chain around 30 stitches, though you can do more or fewer depending on how wide you want it.
Work a row of UK double crochet (US single crochet) into your chain, then turn and keep working rows back and forth until the base is as long as you want the bottom of the bag to be. A base of around 10cm deep gives you a roomy tote. This flat rectangle is at the bottom of your bag.
Work up the sides
Now you'll work around the edge of that rectangle to build the sides. Instead of turning at the end of each row, you'll crochet continuously around the whole base, then keep going round and round, building upwards.
Pop a stitch marker in your first stitch of each round so you always know where the round begins. This one small habit saves a lot of confused recounting later. Keep working rounds until the sides reach your desired height. Somewhere around 25 to 30cm tall makes a generous everyday tote.
Add the handles
To make a handle opening, decide where you want each strap. On your final round of the body, when you reach a handle position, chain a length of stitches (around 15 to 20) and skip the same number of stitches along the top edge, then carry on. This creates a gap that becomes your handle.
Do the same on the opposite side so both handles match. Then work one or two more rounds over the whole top, including across those chained sections, to strengthen the handles. Fasten off, weave in your loose ends with the tapestry needle, and your tote is finished.
If you want sturdier straps, you can work extra rounds back and forth over the handle chains to thicken them up. The more rounds, the stronger the handle.
How to stop your tote bag stretching or sagging
This is the bit most patterns gloss over, and it's the number one frustration we hear from new crocheters. You finish a lovely bag, use it a few times, and suddenly the handles have stretched and the bottom is sagging. Here's how to avoid that.
Use cotton and a smaller hook
As mentioned earlier, cotton stretches far less than acrylic, and a smaller hook gives tighter stitches. These two choices alone fix most sagging before it starts.
Keep your tension snug
Loose, gappy stitches are the main cause of a droopy bag. You don't need to strangle the yarn, just aim for an even, firm tension rather than relaxed and floppy.
Add a firm base
If your bag bottom slumps when you fill it, cut a piece of plastic canvas to fit the inside of the base and sit it in the bottom. It keeps everything flat and stops the corners pulling out of shape.
Reinforce the straps
Handles take all the weight, so they stretch first. Working a few extra rows over them helps, and you can also work a row of slip stitch along each edge of the strap to firm it up.
Should you line your tote bag?
Lining is optional, so don't feel you have to. Plenty of crochet totes are lovely left as they are. But a lining is worth considering if you want a bit more polish or you plan to carry small things.
The main reason people line a bag is to stop smaller items slipping out through the gaps between stitches. If you're using your tote to carry keys, a phone, or your crochet hooks and stitch markers, a fabric lining keeps everything safely inside. It also adds structure, which helps with sagging.
If sewing isn't your thing, don't panic. Lining a bag only needs very basic hand-sewing. You cut a piece of fabric roughly to the size of your bag, fold the edges under, pop it inside, and stitch it in place around the top. It doesn't have to be neat to do its job, because it lives on the inside.
Easy ways to customise your tote
Once you've made one tote, you'll see how easy it is to make it your own. Here are a few simple changes.
Change the strap length
Longer handles turn your tote into a shoulder bag. Make them longer still and you've got a crossbody bag, ideal for keeping your hands free.
Adjust the size
Want a bigger bag? Add more chains to your starting base and work more rounds up the sides. A smaller pouch needs fewer. The method stays exactly the same.
Play with colour
Stripes are the easiest way to add personality. Just swap colours at the start of a round and carry on. Two or three shades that you love will lift the whole thing.
Make it a beach or market bag
Work the body in a more open, spaced-out stitch and you've got a lighter, airier crochet beach bag or market bag, brilliant for summer and for letting sand or veg breathe.
Prefer to buy a kit with everything sorted?
Making a tote from scratch is genuinely satisfying, but it does mean choosing yarn, picking the right hook, and working out a pattern on your own. If that feels like a lot for a first project, a kit is the easier route.
Our crochet kits come with everything you need in one box: the right yarn, a hook, and a tested pattern with a full video tutorial to follow along. No trip to the craft shop, no guessing whether you've bought the right weight of yarn.
If you like the idea of a bag specifically, our Granny Squares Bag kit is a friendly beginner make that teaches you the granny square as you go. You can browse the full range of crochet kits to find the one that suits you. Whether you make or buy, you'll have a handmade bag to show for it.
Frequently asked questions
What yarn is best for a crochet tote bag?
Cotton is the best choice for a tote. It's strong, holds its shape, and barely stretches under weight, so your bag stays looking good. Acrylic and blends are softer and cheaper but stretch more, which can lead to sagging. If you use one, a smaller hook and a firm base will help.
How do I stop my crochet bag from stretching?
Use cotton yarn, go down a hook size for tighter stitches, and keep your tension firm rather than loose. For extra structure, add a plastic canvas base to stop the bottom slumping, and reinforce the handles with a few extra rows. These small steps make a big difference to how the bag wears.
How long does it take to crochet a tote bag?
A simple tote takes anywhere from a few hours to a weekend, depending on its size, your yarn weight, and how fast you stitch. Chunkier yarn and a larger bag work up quicker. It's one of the faster crochet makes, which is part of why it's such a good beginner project.
Can I crochet a tote bag as a complete beginner?
Yes. A basic tote uses simple stitches and forgiving shaping, so small wobbles in your tension won't ruin it. There's no fit to worry about and nothing fiddly to count. If you can chain and work a basic stitch in rounds, you can make a tote.
Do I need to line a crochet tote bag?
No, lining is optional. Many crochet totes look lovely left plain. A lining is worth adding if you want to stop small items slipping through the stitches or you'd like a bit more structure. It only needs basic hand-sewing, and since it sits inside the bag, it doesn't have to be tidy.
How do I make the bag bigger or the straps longer?
For a bigger bag, add more chains to your starting base and work more rounds up the sides. For longer straps, simply chain more stitches when you make the handle openings. Longer handles turn your tote into a shoulder or crossbody bag, with no change to the method.
What's the difference between UK and US crochet stitch names?
The same words mean different stitches. A UK double crochet is a US single crochet, and a UK treble is a US double crochet. Many online patterns are American, so if you see "single crochet" mentioned, the pattern is in US terms and you'll need to shift the names across.
Ready to Make Your First Crochet Tote Bag? You've got this
A crochet tote really is one of the kindest projects to start with. It's quick, it's useful, and any little quirks just make it yours. Take it one round at a time and you'll surprise yourself.
When your bag is finished, we'd love to see it. Come and share it with us in the Caterpillar Crochet Facebook group, where there's always someone happy to cheer you on or help if you get stuck. Now grab your hook and give it a go.
