Create all the beach vibes with The Seaside Beach Tote, a stylish and functional crochet beach bag big enough for all your beach essentials! This generously sized handmade tote is a fun and easy project that works up quickly, just in time for all your summer activities!
Scroll down for the free crochet pattern for the Seaside Beach Tote and click here to PIN this for later!
Summer is officially here . . .
. . . and I am ready for salty air and sandy toes! Summertime is different for everyone. If you are lucky enough to live in an area that’s close to a coastline and a body of water, summer means a beach trip! And a trip to the coast necessitates a crochet beach bag for all your essentials – The Seaside Beach Tote!
Most summers we go to our favorite small beach town in North Carolina for at least a week of relaxing family time. I can spend hours in a beach chair catching up on my reading and generally being lazy. Throw in a few uninterrupted hours of crocheting and an oatmeal crème pie straight from the fridge and I am in heaven!
Purchase the PDF digital download version from my ETSY and RAVELRY shops here!
The Inspiration . . .
The inspiration for this crochet beach bag came from the beachy colors of this cotton/linen blend yarn from Lion Brand Yarn. Soft and muted on their own, the cool blues and warm oranges lined up together to create a gorgeous color transition that reminded me of sand and the ocean and summer sunsets. I wanted an easy design with repeating sections for relaxed stitching. Working single and double crochet stitches into the same space gives the perfect amount of texture to this bag. Also, this is just a great tote bag in general that you can use for any number of things . . . such as a roomy bag for the crochet projects you will take with you on vacation!
The Design . . .
I wanted to create a bag featuring a flat bottom without having to crochet in rounds. This was so easy to accomplish with strategically placed and seamed folds on the bottom. This crochet beach bag is generously sized to hold towels or blankets, snacks, books, sunscreen – all the things you need for a day on the beach! The cotton rope straps add to the coastal vibe and are super easy to attach. I decided not to add fabric lining to this bag. This is mainly because sand will inevitably get into the bag and I didn’t want it getting trapped between a sewn-in lining and the panels. I am sure there are experts out there who can stitch up a removable lining. I say go for it and share with me how it turned out!
Scroll down for the free crochet pattern for the Seaside Beach Tote and click here to PIN this for later!
Purchase the PDF digital download version from my ETSY and RAVELRY shops here!
The Yarn . . .
Touch of Linen is a #4 worsted weight yarn with a combination of cotton and linen that creates a sturdy and textured stitch while also being soft to the touch. This does create more of a floppy bag when empty. You can use more textile-like yarns such as hemp or raffia or tape yarn to make this crochet beach bag provided you meet the gauge for sizing. Personally, I like my bags soft and floppy. I don’t feel that it takes away from the overall function of the bag, and it’s really easy to fold it up and throw it into your suitcase! And you can toss this bag directly into the washing machine.
The Seaside Beach Tote
This crochet beach bag is a pleasure to crochet and easy to put together for a simple, drama-free project. I can’t wait to see what color combinations you will choose. Make sure to share your adventures with me so I can see your bags out in the wild and living their best life! Happy Crocheting, Friends!!
Want more bags to crochet?? Check out the Golden Days Hobo Bag and the Skyline Tote Bag, both made with 100% cotton yarn!
Scroll down for the free crochet pattern for the Seaside Beach Tote and click here to PIN this for later!
The Seaside Beach Tote
–Free Crochet Beach Bag Pattern–
SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner
MATERIALS:
Lion Brand Touch of Linen (Weight: #4/Worsted 51% Cotton/49% Linen – 197 yards/180m, 3.5oz/100g)
- Color 1 (main) – Stone: 2 skeins (approximately 394 yards)
- Color 2 (accent) – Clay: 1 skein (approximately 197 yards)
- Color 3 (accent) – Terracotta: 1 skein (approximately 197 yards)
- Color 4 (accent) – Peacock: 1 skein (approximately 197 yards)
- Color 5 (accent) – Cove: 1 skein (approximately 197 yards)
Cotton Rope, ½ inch width – approximately 10 feet
GAUGE:
18 single crochet X 20 rows = 4 inches
Approximate measurements of finished bag (measuring the body lying flat from side to side and bottom seam to top):
- 19 inches wide X 17.5 inches high
- Base is 7 inches wide
ABBREVIATIONS:
ch(s) – chain(s)
st(s) – stitch(es)
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
sk – skip
ch4-sp – chain 4 space
tch – turning chain
PATTERN NOTES:
- This crochet beach bag is constructed from two panels that are then seamed together on three sides. Holes for the straps are created at the top of each panel by chaining and skipping stitches.
- After seaming, the bottom corners are folded in to create a flat bottom. Rope handles are then added to the bag and the openings are secured with slip stitches.
- Ch 1 does NOT count as a stitch.
- Total stitch count at the end of each row will be indicated in parenthesis ( ) at the end of Row 1 in each section and will be the same throughout.
- The main color (Color 1) making up the base of the bag consists of single crochet rows. The accent colors are then added in blocks of a simple twelve row repeat of alternating single crochet rows and textured rows of single crochet/double crochet clusters worked into the same stitch. This twelve row block is repeated as each accent color is added.
- The top of the panel is finished in the main color, creating the holes for the straps and working a last row of slip stitches. Make sure to work the slip stitches with a loose tension to prevent puckering.
- It is recommended to place a stitch marker in the first single crochet worked in every row. This will help to determine where to place the last single crochet stitch worked. The stitch marker is then moved up as the rows are crocheted.
SEASIDE BEACH TOTE PATTERN:
Make two panels.
In Color 1, ch 84.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each st across, turn. (83)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in same st. Sc in each st across until end, turn.
Rows 3 – 25: Repeat Row 2.
Beginning of Color Blocks
Switching to Color 2:
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in same st. Sc in each st across until end, turn. (83)
Row 2 – 4: Repeat Row 1.
Row 5: Ch 1, (sc/dc) in same st, sk next st. *(Sc/dc) in next st, sk next st.* Repeat from * to * across ending with sc in last st, turn. (83)
Row 6: Ch 1, sc in same st. Sc in each st across until end, turn.
Rows 7 – 8: Repeat Rows 5 and 6.
Row 9: Repeat Row 5.
Rows 10 – 12: Repeat Row 6.
Switching to Color 3, repeat Rows 1 – 12.
Repeat Rows 1 – 12 two more times, switching to Color 4 and Color 5 as indicated in the photos below. You will have 73 total rows worked at the end of this four color sequence.
Finishing Rows and Creating Strap Holes
Switching back to Color 1:
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in same st. Sc in each st across until end, turn. (83)
Row 2 – 4: Repeat Row 1.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in same st. Sc in next 19 sts, ch 4, skip next 4 sts, sc in next 35 sts. Ch 4, skip next 4 sts, sc in next 20 sts, turn.
Row 6: Ch 1, sc in same st. Sc in each st across, working 4 sc into each ch4-sp, turn.
Rows 7 – 8: Repeat Row 1.
Row 9: Do not chain, loosely sl st in each st across until end.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail at least twice the length of three sides of the bag for seaming. The total number of rows worked for finished panel, including slip stitch row, is 82.
Creating the holes for the straps, you will chain 4, skip 4 stitches and begin single crochet stitches in the indicated stitch. 
Continuing Row 5 after chaining to create the strap holes. 
Row 6, single crocheting into the chain space created in the row below. 
The last single crochet row (Row 8) is completed.
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.
- You will be seaming the 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; the stitches in the main color 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 color blocks. 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, seam down one side of the panels, across the bottom and back up the other side. Fasten off your yarn tail.
General Notes for Sewing the Base:
- The flat base of this crochet beach bag is created by folding in the bottom corners to make a triangle and seaming 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.
- Stitch markers are recommended to pin the folds into place.
With the wrong side of the bag still facing out, place your bag flat on your workspace with the bottom seam (main color) at the top. Measure approximately 5 inches in from each corner and place a stitch marker.
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 in the corner of the bag to meet the stitch marker. Making sure that the seams line up, secure the point to the stitch marker and pin down both sides of the triangle that are visible.
Flipping the 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.
Placing stitch markers approximately 5 inches from each corner to mark where the corners will be folded in. 
Position the bag so that the bottom seam is flat against your workspace, you will fold the corners in. 
Fold the corners in on each side and secure to the stitch marker, making sure to line up your seams. 
Flipping the bag out, you will place markers along the flat outer edge, making sure to line up the rows so this edge is straight when you seam.
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.
Continuing seaming the outer edge using the mattress seam, making sure to 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 bag and weave in any remaining ends.
Close up of the mattress seam used on the outer flat edge. 
After seaming the outer flat edge, you will bring the yarn needle back through to continue seaming the last side of the triangle. 
Finishing the third side of the triangle with the whip stitch back to the point. 
The completed inside of the bag showing the folds that create that flat edge on the outside. 
The outer flat edge at the bottom on the bag. 
The bottom of the bag is completed, and you are ready to attach the straps!
ATTACHING THE STRAPS
General Notes for the Straps:
- The twisted cotton rope was a great find on Amazon and comes in many sizes and lengths; I used the ½ width rope and 10 feet was more than enough.
- You may wish to utilize a grommet kit to further secure the strap holes on the bag, but this is not essential.
- After measuring and tying your rope handles into knots, you may want to work a slip stitch round on the inside of the strap hole to further cinch in the hole, as the crochet beach bag will naturally stretch out with use. This will not be necessary if you are using grommets.
With the outside (right side) of the bag facing you, lay the bag flat on your workspace so that the strap holes are lined up. Cut your cotton rope into two pieces approximately 50 inches long. You can customize this length as long as each piece is the same.
Place each end of your rope into the holes and adjust so they are even; you will measure 30 inches of rope (or preferred length) between the top of the bag at each hole. The photos in the slideshow below show my measuring tape laid beside the strap; you can mark the strap lightly with a pencil or insert a yarn needle to mark where to tie your knots.
Secure each end with a tight knot and trim any excess length.
Repeat these instructions for the other strap, making sure the length matches up.
If you find that the strap holes are stretching out, attach a length of yarn at any point inside the hole and work a slip stitch round or two until the size of the hole is secure.
