Caribe Big Crocheted Bag Pattern

An eye-catching, summer tote inspired by Caribbean shores, the Caribe Big Crocheted Bag combines playful textures with a striking center stripe panel.

Built by combining three distinct panels, this spacious bag transitions seamlessly from side mesh sections to a color-blocked center.

A mercerized cotton yarn gives the project structure, subtle shine, and durability—making it ideal for beach days, farmers market runs, or picnics.

Finished with sturdy handles and playful handmade tassels, this bag delivers structural interest and relaxed coastal style.

Project Overview

• Skill Level: Easy +

• Dimensions: Approximately 19.5 inches wide by 16 inches long

• Gauge: Not critical for this project

Materials Needed

• Hook Sizes: 5.0 mm (US H-8) and 6.0 mm (US J-10)

• Yarn: Medium weight (Category 4) mercerized cotton

  • Main Color (Ecru): ~250 grams (3 skeins)

  • Accent Colors: ~100 grams total across Lemon, Red, Tangerine, and Aqua

• Tools: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers or pins

Stitches & Key Terms

• ch: chain

• sc: single crochet

• hdc: half double crochet

• hdc flo: half double crochet in the front loop only

• dc: double crochet

• sl st: slip stitch

• sc2tog: single crochet decrease (two together)

• ch-2 sp: chain-2 space

Step 1: Side Panels (Make 2)

Using the 5.0 mm hook and Main Color yarn:

1. Foundation: Chain 41.

2. Row 1: Work 1 sc into every chain across. Turn. (40 sts)

3. Row 2: Ch 2, sl st into the 4th st from hook. *Ch 2, skip 1 st, sl st into next st; repeat from * to end. Turn.

4. Row 3: Ch 2, sl st into first ch-2 sp. *Ch 2, sl st into next ch-2 sp; repeat from * across. Turn.

5. Rows 4–5: Repeat Row 3.

6. Main Body: Switch to the 6.0 mm hook. Repeat Row 3 until the piece measures 12 inches long. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Step 2: Center Stripe Panel

Using the 5.0 mm hook and Main Color yarn:

1. Foundation: Chain 34.

2. Row 1: Work 1 hdc into the 3rd ch from hook and each remaining ch. Turn. (32 sts)

3. Row 2: Ch 2, work 1 hdc flo in each st across. Turn. (32 sts)

4. Row 3: Repeat Row 2.

5. Row 4: Ch 2, sl st into 4th st from hook. *Ch 2, skip 1 st, sl st into next st; repeat from * to end. Turn.

6. Row 5: Ch 2, sl st into first ch-2 sp. *Ch 2, sl st into next ch-2 sp; repeat from * across. Turn.

7. Rows 6–7: Repeat Row 5.

8. Row 8: Ch 2, work 2 hdc inside each ch-2 sp across. Turn. (32 sts)

9. Row 9: Ch 2, work 1 hdc flo in each st across. Turn. (32 sts)

Color Striping Sequence

For Rows 10 through 58, continue working 1 hdc flo across each row, switching yarn colors as follows:

• Rows 10–11: Aqua

• Row 12: Main Color

• Row 13: Red

• Row 14: Tangerine

• Row 15: Main Color

• Rows 16–17: Lemon

• Row 18: Red

• Row 19: Tangerine

• Rows 20–21: Main Color

• Row 22: Aqua

• Row 23: Lemon

• Row 24: Main Color

• Row 25: Red

• Row 26: Main Color

• Row 27: Aqua

• Row 28: Main Color

• Row 29: Tangerine

• Rows 30–32: Aqua

• Rows 33–35: Red

• Row 36: Main Color

• Rows 37–39: Lemon

• Rows 40–42: Main Color

• Rows 43–45: Tangerine

• Rows 46–47: Red

• Rows 48–49: Main Color

• Rows 50–51: Aqua

• Row 52: Main Color

• Row 53: Lemon

• Rows 54–56: Tangerine

• Rows 57–58: Red

Finishing the Center Panel

1. Row 59 (Main Color): Ch 1, 1 sc in each st across. Turn.

2. Row 60: Ch 2, sl st into 4th st from hook. *Ch 2, skip 1 st, sl st into next st; repeat from * to end. Turn.

3. Row 61: Ch 2, sl st into first ch-2 sp. *Ch 2, sl st into next ch-2 sp; repeat from * across. Turn.

4. Rows 62–63: Repeat Row 61.

5. Row 64: Ch 2, work 2 hdc into each ch-2 sp across. Turn.

6. Rows 65–66: Ch 2, work 1 hdc in each st across. Fasten off.

Note: Ensure total length matches the three combined outer edges (left side, bottom, right side) of a side panel before fastening off.

Step 3: Assembly & Seaming

1. Place the center panel around the sides and bottom of one side panel (aligning top edges). Secure with stitch markers.

2. Using the 5.0 mm hook and Main Color yarn, single crochet the edge of the side panel to the long edge of the center panel.

3. Repeat for the second side panel.

4. Turn the bag inside out so the seam sits on the interior.

Step 4: Top Trim & Handles

1. Reattach Main Color yarn to any stitch along the top opening using the 5.0 mm hook.

2. Round 1: Work dc evenly along the entire top circumference.

3. Round 2: Dc in every stitch around.

4. Round 3 (Decrease): *Sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog; repeat from * around.

5. Round 4 (Decrease): *Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog; repeat from * around.

6. Handles: When reaching the seam where the center panel meets the side panel, chain 50. Stretch the chain across to the opposing seam on the same side and sl st to join. Sc across the side to the next seam, chain 50 for the second handle, and sl st to join.

7. Final Border: Continue working in rounds using a sequence of (2 sc, sc2tog). When reaching the handle chains, place 1 sc into each chain stitch without decreasing. Work two full rounds of sc along the handles. Fasten off and weave in all remaining ends.

Step 5: Tassels

Wrap accent yarns around a card, secure at the top, cut the loops at the bottom, and tie a top wrap to form tassels. Attach as many multi-colored tassels to the handle bases as desired for extra flair.