Feb
The Basic Single Crochet Tote That Actually Works
So last summer around July 2024 I made this super basic tote bag because I was tired of using plastic bags at the farmers market and honestly it turned out way better than I expected. You just need to know single crochet and chain stitches, that’s literally it.
I used Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in like three skeins of the cream color because cotton holds its shape better than acrylic when you’re carrying heavy stuff. The whole thing probably cost me maybe $15 in yarn. You’re gonna need a 5mm hook or maybe 5.5mm if you crochet tight like I do.
Starting the Bottom Panel
Chain 30 stitches to start. This gives you a decent width for the bottom of the bag, maybe 10 inches or so depending on your tension. Single crochet back across starting in the second chain from your hook. When you get to the end, chain 1 and turn your work.
Just keep doing rows of single crochet until you have a rectangle that’s about 12 inches long. I think I did like 35 rows? I wasn’t really counting to be honest, I just held it up and eyeballed it while my cat was trying to attack the yarn ball.
Building Up the Sides
Here’s where it gets slightly weird but also easier. You’re gonna work in the round now. Pick up stitches all the way around that rectangle you just made – across the top edge, down the side (working into the ends of rows), across the bottom chain, and back up the other side.
The first round is annoying because you gotta figure out how many stitches to put in the corners so it doesn’t pucker. I usually do 3 single crochets in each corner stitch. Mark your first stitch with a stitch marker or just a piece of different colored yarn.
Then you just keep going around and around in single crochet. No turning, no chaining, just continuous spiral rounds. This part is actually really satisfying because it goes fast and you can watch TV while doing it – I was rewatching The Bear during this project which was maybe too stressful for crochet but whatever.
How Tall Should It Be
I made mine about 10 inches tall which took maybe 30 rounds? You want it tall enough to actually hold stuff but not so tall that things get lost at the bottom. One thing that really annoyed me about this process was that cotton yarn has like zero stretch so if you make your tension inconsistent even a little bit, you can see it in the finished bag. With acrylic you can kinda get away with sloppy tension but cotton just shows everything.
The Handles Situation
For handles I just chained like 50 stitches, then single crocheted back down the chain to make a long strap. Made two of these. You can make them longer if you want it to go over your shoulder – I did one bag with 70 chain handles and that worked better actually for carrying it cross-body.
Attach them by weaving the ends through the top edge of your bag, spacing them evenly. I usually put mine about 6 inches apart on each side. Weave in the ends really well because handles take the most stress and you don’t want them ripping off when you’re carrying groceries.
Alternative Version With Texture
In spring 2023 I made another one using half double crochet instead of single crochet and it worked up faster but was a little… I dunno, floppier? The half double crochet creates a looser fabric so it doesn’t hold shape as well when it’s full.
You could also do a simple mesh pattern if you want something lighter for like beach trips. Just do chains and single crochets alternating – like single crochet, chain 1, skip a stitch, single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat around. This uses less yarn and dries faster if it gets wet.
Yarn Options I’ve Actually Tried
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton – the best one honestly, comes in tons of colors and it’s sturdy
Lily Sugar’n Cream – this is the cheap kitchen cotton and it works fine but the colors are kinda boring
Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8 – ordered this online once and it’s really nice quality but shipping took forever
I-Love-This-Cotton from Hobby Lobby – it’s okay, a little splitty when you’re working with it
Do NOT use Red Heart Super Saver or any basic acrylic. It stretches out after like two uses and your bag will look saggy and sad. Trust me I learned this the hard way.
Making It Sturdier
If you want your bag to hold heavier stuff without stretching, you can hold two strands of cotton yarn together. This makes it thicker and you’ll need a bigger hook, maybe 6.5mm or 7mm. Takes more yarn obviously but the finished bag is way more substantial.
Another option is to add a fabric lining inside. I did this once by just sewing a simple rectangular fabric pouch and stitching it into the bag. Prevents stuff from poking through the stitches and adds structure.
The Size Problem
Everyone always asks me for exact stitch counts but here’s the thing – it depends on your tension and your yarn and your hook size. My 30 chain start might be totally different from yours. Better to measure as you go with a tape measure.
For reference, my finished bags usually end up about 12 inches wide, 10 inches tall, and 4 inches deep at the bottom. That’s a good size for groceries, library books, yarn projects you’re taking with you, whatever.
Common Mistakes I Made
Making the handles too short – measure them against your body before attaching
Not weaving in ends securely enough and having them work loose after washing
Using yarn that was too thin and ending up with a flimsy bag that stretched out
Forgetting to count stitches in the first few rounds and ending up with a wonky shape
Joining a new ball of yarn in a visible spot instead of at the side seam where nobody would see it
Washing These Things
Cotton bags can go in the washing machine on gentle cycle, cold water. I usually put mine in a lingerie bag so the handles don’t get tangled. Air dry them flat or they might stretch weird if you hang them up while wet.
They shrink a tiny bit the first time you wash them so maybe make yours slightly bigger than you think you need.
Variations That Work
You can add pockets to the outside by just crocheting a small rectangle and sewing it onto the side of your bag. Good for phone or keys.
Stripes are easy – just change colors every few rounds. Carry the unused color up the inside of the bag so you don’t have a million ends to weave in.
A drawstring top is nice for keeping things secure. Just do a round of chain spaces near the top and thread a braided cord through.
Button closures look cute but are kind of annoying in practice because you gotta line them up perfectly.
I saw someone once do granny squares sewn together into a tote shape and it looked cool but seems like way more work than just crocheting it in one piece.
