Crochet a Market Tote Bag!

Where I live in Austin, disposable plastic grocery bags have been outlawed, so I bring my own bags with me when I shop. From heavy duty paper and plastic, to canvas and nylon, there are of course countless reusable options to purchase. But, dear readers, we are stitchers — so why not make them ourselves? This crochet tote works up quickly using a chunky cotton yarn, and an Amour size “L” hook. This means means you can easily make several for yourself so you’ll be ready at all times to hold a serious amount of wares! This tote makes a great gift, too for for friends and co-workers — so don’t forget to bookmark it for the holidays! So grab your Clover hook, and get crocheting — in no time this project will be in the bag!

Materials
Chunky, 100 % cotton yarn (I used this), in Colors A (approx. 200 yds.), and B (approx. 100 yds)
Size U.S. L (8 mm) Clover Amour Hook
Clover Jumbo Tapestry Needle

Finished Measurements
18″ x 14 1/2″/46 cm x 37 cm

Gauge
8 hdcs x 6 rows = 4″/10 cm

Directions
BODY
Ch 60. Join rnd with a sl st in the first chain, taking care not to twist.

Rnds 1-9: With A, ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in next st and every st around. Join rnd with a sl st in the top of beg ch.
(Need some crochet stitch refreshers? Click on my video tutorials below!)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k-25rFzKGU]

Cut A, join B.

Rnd 10: Ch 1, sc in next st and every st around. Join rnd with a sl st in the top of beg ch.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAZTbcpJjJk]

Rnd 11: Ch 3, dc in next st and every st around. Join rnd with a sl st in the top of beg ch.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-otR-AGGq18]

Repeat Rnds 10-11, 6 times more.

Next Rnd: Ch 1, sc in next st and every st around. Join rnd with a sl st in the top of beg ch.

Repeat last rnd, 2 times more.

HANDLE

Rnd 1: Sl st in next 7 sts, ch 1 (counts as sc), sc in next 15 sts, ch 15, sk 15, sc 15,  ch 15, sk 8 sts PLUS 7 sl sts from beginning. Join rnd with a sl st in beg ch.

Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc in all sts (including ch-15) around. Join rnd with a sl st in beg ch.

Join A.

Rnd 3: With A, repeat Rnd 2.

Cut A.

Rnd 4: With B, ch 1, sc in next st and every st around.

Fasten off.

Finishing

Flip bag inside out. Join a through both widths of fabric at corner. Ch 1, sc across to seam up bottom. Fasten off.

Weave in ends. Enjoy!