Welcome, everyone! In today’s tutorial, you’ll learn how to crochet a beautiful and roomy tote bag that is both stylish and practical. This bag is spacious enough to carry all your daily essentials, making it perfect for everyday use or as a fun handmade accessory. The finished tote measures approximately 14.5 inches wide and 11 inches tall, with sturdy round handles about 22 inches long, ideal for carrying by hand or comfortably over your arm.
If you’re searching for a colorful, functional, and enjoyable crochet project, this tote bag is a great choice. Handmade bags are not only fashionable but also eco-friendly and incredibly versatile. You can customize the colors, adjust the size, and use the bag for anything from grocery shopping to everyday outings.
This crochet tote bag is designed with both style and durability in mind. It is made using strong nylon parachute cord, which allows the bag to hold its shape while remaining lightweight and flexible. The bold color combinations give the bag a modern, playful feel, while the sturdy round handles make it comfortable and reliable to carry.
One of the best things about this project is how beginner-friendly it is. The entire bag is worked using single crochet, one of the most basic and accessible crochet stitches. There are no complicated stitch patterns—just simple rows of single crochet with easy color changes to create vibrant stripes.
Colorful Tote Bag
🧶 Materials Needed
You will need nylon parachute cord in five colors:
-
Jade green
-
Coral orange
-
Light pink
-
Light purple
-
Hot pink
Total cord weight: approximately 460 g
Crochet hook: 4/0 (2.5 mm)
Lighter: for sealing the ends of the nylon cord to prevent fraying
You may also use other materials such as cotton yarn, but nylon cord works best for maintaining the bag’s structure and shape.
✨ Crochet Techniques
-
Stitch used: Single Crochet (SC)
-
Worked back and forth in rows
-
Color changes are used to create bold, eye-catching stripes
🪡 Instructions
🏁 1. Creating the Main Panel
Begin by chaining 120 stitches.
Turn your work and single crochet into the back bumps of the chain for a clean edge.
Chain 1, turn, and continue working single crochet rows.
Work the following color sections:
-
10 rows in coral orange
-
Change color on the last stitch by pulling the new color through the final two loops
-
12 rows in purple
-
12 rows in pink
-
12 rows in purple again
-
Finish with 10 rows in coral orange
This long rectangle will form the front, bottom, and back of the tote bag.
➕ 2. Making the Side Panels
Count 51 stitches down each side of the main panel and place stitch markers.
Join the jade green cord at the marked stitch.
Work single crochet back and forth to form the side panel.
Repeat for 20 rows on each side, ensuring both panels are the same size.
🧵 3. Assembling the Bag
Fold the side panels upward.
Join them to the front and back panels using single crochet stitches.
Crochet neatly along the edges for a clean finish.
At the corners, insert your hook carefully to keep the seams aligned and even.
👜 4. Making the Handles
Leave a long yarn tail for sewing.
Chain 6 stitches.
Single crochet back and forth to form a flat strip.
Continue until the handle measures about 22 inches.
Fold the strip lengthwise and sew the edges together to create a round, sturdy handle.
🪡 5. Attaching the Handles
Position the handles across the color-change area between the coral and purple sections.
Attach them securely with strong stitches.
Sew the ends on both the inside and outside of the bag for extra durability.
🌟 Final Touches
Trim any loose ends.
Carefully use a lighter to melt and seal the nylon cord ends to prevent fraying (use caution).
Turn the bag right side out, and your tote is complete!
🎉 You Did It!
Congratulations on finishing your colorful crochet tote bag! This sturdy yet lightweight bag is perfect for everyday use, shopping trips, or as a thoughtful handmade gift. Thanks to the durable nylon cord, it holds its shape beautifully while showcasing bold, vibrant colors you’ll love to carry.
