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!
