Crochet Spring Market Tote Bag Pattern

Create a sturdy, colorful everyday tote using double-stranded single crochet stitches.

Working with two strands simultaneously gives the bag structural integrity, ensuring it holds its shape while carrying heavier items like produce, books, or beach gear.

The design builds from an oval-shaped base into a seamless rectangular body, featuring a custom series of vibrant accent stripes against a primary neutral backdrop.

Finished with a sturdy, customizable strap that can be tailored for shoulder or crossbody carry, this beginner-friendly project offers a practical, long-lasting accessory that combines simple techniques with eye-catching visual texture.

Supplies Needed

• Yarn: Medium weight (#4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn. 3 skeins in a primary shade (Main Color) and 1 skein each in three contrasting accent shades (Accent Colors 1, 2, and 3).

• Hook: Size appropriate for double-stranded medium yarn (typically 5.5mm to 6.5mm).

• Tools: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers.

Pattern Specifications

• Stitches Used: Chain (ch), single crochet (sc), slip stitch (sl st), back loop only (blo), single crochet 2 together (sc2tog).

• Gauge: 13 sc x 14 rows = 4 inches square.

• Dimensions: Approximately 13.25 inches wide by 11.75 inches tall.

• Note: Hold two strands of yarn together throughout the entire project.

Bag Construction

Bag Base

• Round 1: Holding two strands of Main Color, chain 31. Single crochet in the second chain from hook, chain 2, single crochet in the same chain. Single crochet in each of the next 28 chains. In the final chain, work [1 single crochet, chain 2, 1 single crochet, chain 2, 1 single crochet]. Working along the bottom loops of the starting chain, single crochet across the next 28 chains. Single crochet into the starting chain space, chain 2, slip stitch to the first single crochet to join. (62 sc, 4 ch-2 corner spaces)

• Round 2: Chain 1, single crochet in first stitch. [1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc] in corner space. Single crochet across next 30 stitches. [1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc] in corner space. Single crochet in next stitch. [1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc] in corner space. Single crochet across next 30 stitches. [1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc] in corner space. Join with a slip stitch. (70 sc, 4 ch-2 corner spaces)

• Round 3: Chain 1, single crochet in next 2 stitches. [1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc] in corner. Single crochet in next 32 stitches. [1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc] in corner. Single crochet in next 3 stitches. [1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc] in corner. Single crochet in next 32 stitches. [1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc] in corner. Single crochet in last stitch, join with a slip stitch. (78 sc, 4 ch-2 corner spaces)

• Round 4: Chain 1, single crochet in next 3 stitches. [1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc] in corner. Single crochet in next 34 stitches. [1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc] in corner. Single crochet in next 5 stitches. [1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc] in corner. Single crochet in next 34 stitches. [1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc] in corner. Single crochet in next 2 stitches, join with a slip stitch. (86 sc, 4 ch-2 corner spaces)

• Round 5: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, placing 2 single crochets inside each corner space. Join. (94 sc)

Transition & Bag Body

• Round 6: Working in the back loops only (BLO): Chain 1, single crochet in next 4 stitches, sc2tog, single crochet in next 36 stitches, sc2tog, single crochet in next 7 stitches, sc2tog, single crochet in next 36 stitches, sc2tog, single crochet in next 3 stitches, join. (90 sc)

• Rounds 7–8: (Work in both loops from now on) Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, join. (90 sc)

• Rounds 9–11: Switch to Accent Color 1 (holding 2 strands). Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, join.

• Rounds 12–14: Switch to Main Color. Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, join.

• Rounds 15–17: Switch to Accent Color 2. Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, join.

• Rounds 18–20: Switch to Main Color. Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, join.

• Rounds 21–23: Switch to Accent Color 3. Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, join.

• Rounds 24–34: Switch to Main Color. Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, join.

• Rounds 35–37: Switch to Accent Color 1. Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, join.

• Rounds 38–40: Switch to Main Color. Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, join.

• Rounds 41–43: Switch to Accent Color 2. Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, join.

• Rounds 44–46: Switch to Main Color. Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, join.

• Rounds 47–49: Switch to Accent Color 3. Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, join.

• Rounds 50–52: Switch to Main Color. Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, join. Fasten off and weave in loose ends.

Strap Instructions

1. Holding two strands of Main Color, leave a long yarn tail for sewing and chain 5.

2. Row 1: Single crochet in the second chain from hook and in each remaining chain across. Turn. (4 sc)

3. Rows 2–54: Chain 1, single crochet across each stitch. Turn. (To adjust length, add or subtract rows here before fastening off).

4. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for attachment.

Finishing & Assembly

1. Lay the tote flat so the bottom edge aligns symmetrically.

2. Place stitch markers on the far left and far right side stitches to mark the anchor points.

3. Thread the long yarn tails onto a tapestry needle.

4. Align one end of the strap with a marked side stitch, ensuring the strap is flat and untwisted. Securely whipstitch the strap end to the upper rim of the bag.

5. Repeat for the opposite side. Weave in all remaining tails once desired strap length is confirmed.