by Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide for making a “Getting Ready for Summer Crochet Tote Bag with Tassels” — perfect for beach days, picnics, or everyday summer use. 🌞🧶
🧺 Getting Ready for Summer Crochet Tote Bag with Tassels
Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate
Estimated Time: 6–8 hours
Finished Size: Approx. 15″ wide × 13″ tall (not including handles)
✨ Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton yarn — about 400–450 yards (360–410 m)
Suggested yarns: Lily Sugar’n Cream, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, or Paintbox Cotton Aran.
Choose 2–3 summer colors for a striped effect! - Hook: 4.5 mm (US 7) or 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Cardboard or book (for making tassels)
🧶 Stitches & Abbreviations
(US Crochet Terms)
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rep – repeat
- rnd(s) – round(s)
🪡 Gauge
14 sts × 10 rows = 4” (10 cm) in hdc.
(Gauge isn’t critical but affects the final size.)
🌸 Pattern Instructions
Step 1: Base of the Bag (Oval Bottom)
- Ch 41.
- Rnd 1: In 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc, sc in next 38 ch, 4 sc in last ch. Working along the opposite side of foundation chain, sc in next 38 ch, 2 sc in last ch. Join with sl st to first sc. (84 sts)
- Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st around ends, sc evenly along long sides. Join. (Approx. 92 sts)
- Rnd 3: Repeat increasing evenly around curved ends until the oval measures about 5” wide.
Step 2: Body of the Bag
- Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in BLO (back loops only) of each st around. Join. (This creates a nice edge.)
- Rnd 5–20: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to top of first hdc.
- Tip: Change colors every 4 rows for a striped summer look.
- Stop when your bag measures about 13” tall from the base.
Step 3: Bag Handles
- Rnd 21: Mark the placement for handles — leave 20 sts between each handle gap on the front and back.
- Ch 40 (for handle), skip 20 sts, hdc in next st. Repeat for second handle on opposite side.
- Rnd 22: Hdc in each hdc and ch around (this covers handle chains). Join.
- Rnd 23: Repeat 1 more round of hdc for sturdy handles.
- Fasten off and weave in all ends neatly.
Step 4: Tassels (Make 2–4)
- Wrap yarn around a piece of cardboard about 4” tall — about 25–30 wraps.
- Slide off gently and tie a strand at the top (this becomes the hanging loop).
- Cut through the bottom loops.
- Tie another strand around the tassel about ½” from the top to create the “head.”
- Trim ends evenly.
- Attach tassels to one side of the bag handle or corners for a boho touch.
🌴 Optional: Lining (for Extra Strength)
- Cut a fabric rectangle slightly larger than your crochet bag (allow for seam allowance).
- Sew sides and bottom, then hand-stitch or machine-sew it inside your tote.
💡 Customization Ideas
- Add shell stitch or mesh rows for a breezy texture.
- Use jute twine for a rustic beach look.
- Add a magnetic snap or button closure.
- Make mini versions for kids or small accessories.
✅ Care Instructions
- Hand wash in cool water; reshape and lay flat to dry.
- Avoid machine drying to prevent stretching.
Would you like me to format this as a printable PDF crochet pattern (with a materials list and step-by-step photo layout)? I can generate it in that style next.
Watch tutorial:
