Easy Crochet Tote – The Marina Tote

Looking for a fun summer project? The Marina Tote is a beginner-friendly crochet tote bag with fun wavy stripes for endless color customization. This easy crochet tote is perfect as an everyday tote for carrying essentials, out shopping or to the pool, or as a small craft project bag. And you can add fabric lining to this bag, no sewing experience needed!

Scroll down for The Marina Tote free crochet pattern, and CLICK HERE to pin this for later!

My Favorite Things About This Easy Crochet Tote

I love striped bags, but I wanted something different for this easy crochet tote. The wave stitch gives the texture and visual interest I was looking for; meanwhile using smaller stitches like single and half double crochets keeps the wave section of the bag from getting too loose and lacy. Firstly, this is one of the easiest bag designs I have created, made from two identical panels that are seamed together on three sides. Also, folding the corners in at the base creates a flat bottom and subtle shaping. In addition, using purchased straps was a time saver and I found mine on Amazon. Given that crochet bags tend to stretch out over time, attaching the straps with a D-ring provides extra stability. Finally, adding a fabric lining is a great way to finish off your crochet tote bag and provides additional structure.

Scroll down for The Marina Tote free crochet pattern, and CLICK HERE to pin this for later!

Design and Yarn Details for an Easy Crochet Tote

I love using cotton and cotton blend yarns this time of year, and there is no better combo for a tote bag than cotton and linen. For this easy crochet tote, I used CotLin DK by WeCrochet, which is a 70% Tanguis cotton and 30% linen blend, and it’s so soft and easy to work with. The color combination for my sample just screams summer while at the same time evoking cool waters and warm sandy beaches. The pattern is written for a 16×14 inch tote bag, but you can easily increase the width and height of your crochet tote bag to customize the size to preference. Adding width is easy – your starting chain should be an even number AND your first single crochet row should be a multiple of three.  To add height, crochet additional single crochet rows in the base color and top color. 

Scroll down for The Marina Tote free crochet pattern, and CLICK HERE to pin this for later!

---

The Marina Tote – Free Pattern for an Easy Crochet Tote

SKILL LEVEL:  Advanced Beginner

MATERIALS:

US Size 7/4.5 mm crochet hook

WeCrochet CotLin (Weight:  #3/DK 70% Tanguis Cotton/30% Linen – 123yds/50g)

• Color A – Copper:  3 skeins (approximately 369 yards)
• Color B – Marina:  1 skein (approximately 123 yards)
• Color C – Shoal:  1 skein (approximately 123 yards)
• Color D – Harbor:  1 skein (approximately 123 yards)
• Color E – Sagebrush:  1 skein (approximately 123 yards)
• Color F – Beach Glass:  2 skeins (approximately 246 yards)

Scissors

Yarn needle

Stitch Markers

Measuring Tape

Bag Straps with Clasps and D-rings (click here for the ones I purchased)

OPTIONAL (Step-by-step photo tutorial to add fabric lining): 

Fabric for lining

Craft needle and thread (matching Color F)

Sewing (ball head) Pins

GAUGE:

18 single crochet X 21 rows = 4 inches

Approximate measurements of finished crochet tote bag:  16 inches wide X 14 inches high

ABBREVIATIONS: 

ch(s) – chain(s)

st(s) – stitch(es)

sc – single crochet

hdc – half double crochet

sl st – slip stitch

PM – place marker

PATTERN NOTES:

• This easy crochet tote is constructed from two panels seamed together on three sides, beginning with the base color and alternating accent colors using a gentle wave stitch and finishing with the final color. 
• After seaming, fold the bottom corners in to create a flat bottom.  This bag utilizes a strap that clasps to D-rings; the D-rings are secured to the top row of the bag. 
• The crochet tote bag is finished with an optional fabric lining for extra stability that is hand-sewn directly onto the inside of the upper part of the bag. 
• Ch 1 does NOT count as a stitch.
• Total stitch count at the end of each row is indicated in parenthesis ( ) at the end of Row 1 in each section and is the same throughout.
• The main color (Color A) of the base of the bag consists of single crochet rows.  The accent colors are then added in rows that create a gentle wave by alternating half double and single crochet stitches.  Finish the crochet tote bag with several rows of single crochet in the final color. 
• The last two rows of the bag are created with slip stitches.  Work the slip stitches with a loose tension to prevent puckering. 
• RIGHT SIDE rows are even-numbered rows; WRONG SIDE rows are odd-numbered rows. 
• Place a stitch marker in the first single crochet worked in every row to better determine where to place the last single crochet.  Move the stitch marker up as the rows are crocheted.    

A note about sizing . . .

This easy crochet tote pattern is written for one size but can easily be customized – to add width, your foundation chain should be an even number AND your first single crochet row should be a multiple of three.  To add height, crochet additional single crochet rows in the base color and top color. 

THE PATTERN:

Make two panels. 

In Color A, ch 73.     

Row 1:  Sc in 2^nd ch from hook and in each st across, turn.  (72)

Row 2:  Ch 1, sc in first st (same st at base of tch).  Sc in each st across, turn.  

Rows 3 – 26:  Repeat Row 2. 

Still using Color A:

Row 27:  Ch 1, sc in first st.  Sc in next two sts.  Hdc in next three sts.  *Sc in next three sts, hdc in next three sts.*  Repeat from * to * across, turn.  (72)

Row 28:  Ch 1, sc in first st and each st across, turn. 

Row 29:  Ch 1, hdc in first st.  Hdc in next two sts.  Sc in next three sts.  *Hdc in next three sts, sc in next three sts.*  Repeat from * to * across, turn.  Switch to Color B. 

Row 30:  Ch 1, sc in first st and each st across, turn. 

Row 31:  Ch 1, sc in first st.  Sc in next two sts.  Hdc in next three sts.  *Sc in next three sts, hdc in next three sts.*  Repeat from * to * across, turn. 

Row 32:  Ch 1, sc in first st and each st across, turn.  Switch to Color C.

Beginning of Wave Stitch Rows

Row 33:  Ch 1, hdc in first st.  Hdc in next two sts.  Sc in next three sts.  *Hdc in next three sts, sc in next three sts.*  Repeat from * to * across, turn. 

Row 34:  Ch 1, sc in first st and each st across, turn. 

Row 35:  Ch 1, sc in first st.  Sc in next two sts.  Hdc in next three sts.  *Sc in next three sts, hdc in next three sts.*  Repeat from * to * across, turn.  Switch to Color D.

Row 36:  Ch 1, sc in first st and each st across, turn. 

Row 37:  Ch 1, hdc in first st.  Hdc in next two sts.  Sc in next three sts.  *Hdc in next three sts, sc in next three sts.*  Repeat from * to * across, turn. 

Row 38:  Ch 1, sc in first st and each st across, turn.  Switch to Color C.

Rows 39 – 41:  Repeat Rows 27 – 29.  Switch to Color D.

Rows 42 – 44:  Repeat Rows 30 – 32.  Switch to Color E.

Rows 45 – 47:  Repeat Rows 33 – 35.  Switch to Color B.

Rows 48 – 50:  Repeat Rows 36 – 38.  Switch to Color E.

Rows 51 – 53:  Repeat Rows 27 – 29.  Switch to Color F.

Rows 54 – 56:  Repeat Rows 30 – 32.

Photo References

Crocheting the top of the crochet tote bag:

Rows 57 – 68:  Continuing in Color F, repeat Row 2. 

Row 69:  Ch 1, sl st in first st, PM in this st.  Sl st in each st across, turn.  (72)

Row 70:  Repeat Row 69.  Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming. 

Photo References

SEAMING PANELS and SEWING THE BASE

General Notes for Seaming the Panels Together:

• It is recommended to weave in your ends prior to seaming the panels together. 
• Seam the crochet tote bag together from the inside (wrong side) of the bag facing you. 
• I used the whip stitch to seam the panels together using the main color through the darker colors and then switching to the lightest color; the stitches did show in some places on the outside of the bag but it was not terribly noticeable.  You may wish to use the same color yarn as you seam up the sides. 

Begin by laying one panel right side up; lay the other panel wrong side up and line up the rows.  The right side (what will be the outside of your bag) should be facing in. 

Pin into place if desired.  With your long yarn tail that will be positioned at the top right or left corner of your panels (in Color F), seam down one side of the panels until the darker colors are reached.  Join Color A, continue seaming down the panel, across the bottom and finally back up the other side to the darker colors.  Either join yarn in Color F or use the long yarn tail on that side to finish seaming the panel and fasten off.    

Photo References

General Notes for Sewing the Base:

• Create the flat base of this easy crochet tote by folding in the bottom corners to make a triangle and seam them down. 
• You will seam one side of the triangle from the inside and then move your yarn needle to the outside of the bag to seam the second side of the triangle, finishing with the yarn needle back on the inside to finish the third side of the triangle. 
• Use stitch markers or ball head pins to pin the folds into place. 

With the wrong side of the crochet tote bag still facing out, place your bag flat on your workspace with the bottom seam (main color) at the top.  Measure approximately 4 inches in from each corner and place a stitch marker.  You can create a wider base for your bag by placing this point farther in. 

Position the bag so that the bottom seam where the two panels have been seamed together lays flat on your workspace.  Working on the left side, fold the corner of the bag in to meet the stitch marker.  Line up the seam, secure the point to the stitch marker and pin both sides of the triangle that are visible as I have shown in the photo references.

Flipping the crochet tote bag inside out, you will see how the fold has created a flat edge; place stitch markers along this edge and flip the bag outside in. 

Using Color A, secure a long piece of yarn to the point of the triangle at the stitch marker and seam up one side of the triangle; I used the whip stitch here again.  When you get to the corner of the triangle where the flat edge begins, bring your yarn needle through to the outside of the bag and flip your bag inside out to continue seaming. 

Continue to seam the outer edge using the mattress seam and keep the rows visibly lined up.  When you get to the corner of the flat edge, once again bring your yarn needle through to the inside of your bag and flip the bag again. 

Using the whip stitch again, seam the third side of the triangle back to the stitch marker and secure with a knot. 

Repeat these instructions for the other side of the crochet tote bag and weave in any remaining ends. 

Photo References

ATTACHING THE STRAPS

General Notes for the Straps:

• The strap used in the sample was a great find on Amazon and there were lots of options for lengths and colors.    
• You can attach the strap’s D-rings to panels before or after seaming the bag together.  After you measure and place markers for the rings as per below, you can adjust the placement of the rings as per fit before attaching. 
• I threaded my yarn needle with two strands of yarn to provide extra stability to the attachment.

With the outside (right side) of the crochet tote bag facing you, lay the bag flat on your workspace so that the seams are lined up.  Measure four inches in from each end/seam and place a stitch marker; do this for both panels.  You will center the D-ring with this marker in the middle. 

Lay your D-rings flat on your surface to ensure they are lined up with the other panel and make adjustments if needed.  Join a length of yarn in Color F at the marked stitch.  Using the yarn needle, loop yarn over the D-ring and back through each stitch until the other corner of the ring is met or until you are satisfied you have enough loops.  You may wish to make another pass back to the joined yarn.  Tie off your yarn and weave in the ends. 

Photo References

Repeat the above step for the remaining rings.  Attach your straps to the rings with their clasps and you are ready to go with this easy crochet tote! 

Click HERE for the step-by-step photo tutorial to add fabric lining to your crochet tote bag!

Want the ad-free PDF version of The Marina Tote? Visit my ETSY and RAVELRY shops!