Nature Walk Crochet Tote

A crochet tote bag with pocket pattern – The Nature Walk Crochet Tote – is a free pattern here on the blog. I share lots of extra details below, or if you only want the free pattern scroll down!

If you would prefer to buy an inexpensive, ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern get one HERE.

Inspiration & Design

Have you seen all the gorgeous crochet tote bag patterns on Pinterest just now?

I am obsessed with the idea of being able to make your own bag and there are so many different designs to choose from.

However, when it came to thinking about making one, I couldn’t quite find what I was looking for in the patterns already out there. So, I set about designing my own.

For me a bag has to be the following things:

1. Simple and modern but also practical. When I’m out and about I’m usually with my dog and things can get muddy. Very muddy!
2. Sturdy but not too sturdy. It has to hold it’s shape but also be a bit slouchy. I’m a bit of a Goldilocks here, I know.
3. Washable. Please see point 1. above.
4. In addition to all of these, it MUST have a pocket. Because everything is better with at least one pocket!

So after some sketching, swatching, plotting and planning, here we have my crochet tote bag with pocket pattern.

Easy Crochet

Firstly, like the Sage & Blush Wall Hanging, this crochet tote bag with pocket pattern uses just the single crochet stitch. As a result, this makes it a great beginner crochet project.

Relaxing Crochet

Secondly, this is a mindless, relaxing crochet project to complete – there are no complicated stitch patterns or counting involved. So, switch on your favourite TV show or podcast and stitch away!

Customise

Finally, like the Softly Velvet Ribbon, this is a great accessory project to complete in your favourite colour or colours.

If anyone makes this in a gorgeous cream shade please tag me because I would LOVE to see it. It’s a completely impractical option for me but I think it would look just lovely.

The Yarn

I used the popular Lily Sugar’n Cream yarn for this project. Perfect for a crochet tote with pocket bag pattern.

This 100% cotton yarn is natural, soft and absorbent. It’s a worsted / aran weight and comes in a wide range of shades. I’ve picked some of my favourites below.

Above all it’s long-lasting, washable and absorbant. So it really is perfect for lots of different cotton crochet projects.

I chose Overcast for this bag which is on the very bottom at the left.

The pattern includes some substitute yarn recommendations or you could use yarnsub.com to help you find an alternative.

Pin this crochet tote bag with pocket pattern for later!

Pattern – Cotton Crochet Tote Bag With Pocket

A simple tote bag with a front pocket, made from worsted weight, 100% cotton yarn.

This practical shoulder tote is made in four parts and seamed together to make a strong bag for everyday use.

The yarn chosen for this project is excellent quality, widely available and offered in lots of neutral, bright and pastel colours. 

Added to this the yarn is machine washable and dryable for easy care. 

Perfect for beginners or if you are looking for an easy and modern project.

MATERIALS:

• Lily Sugar’n Cream – 100% Cotton

Worsted 4 (US) / Aran (UK) 2.5oz / 70.9g, 120yds / 109m

5 balls in Overcast

Amount of yarn used 11.5oz / 326g, 552yds / 505m

• Size 4.5mm crochet hook – my favourite hook brand
• Tapestry needle – I use this so I don’t lose them!
• Measuring tape – I have one like this
• Scissors – I have a pretty pair like these
• Stitch markers (optional) – I find any like this are best
• Blocking mats (optional) – these make blocking easy

YARN SUBSTITUTIONS:

Paintbox Yarns Recycled Cotton Worsted

Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8

Lion Brand Re-Up

When substituting yarn always check yardage before buying and

your gauge before making.

SIZE:

One size.

GAUGE:

Working in single crochet with 4.5mm hook:

13.5 stitches, 15 rows to 4″ / 10cm

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:

15in / 38cm wide

27in / 68.5cm long (including strap)

SKILL LEVEL:

Level 1 / Basic

PATTERN NOTES:

Starting chains do not count as stitches.

We will make two identical rectangles for the front and back of the bag. A small pocket is then made to be attached to the front piece. Next we make a wide, thin rectangle that will be sewn between the front and back pieces to create a strap, the sides and a bottom for the bag.

A photo tutorial follows the pattern to help you assemble your bag.

ABBREVIATIONS (US TERMS):

Ch – chain

Sc – single crochet

St – stitch

< > – stitch count

SPECIAL STITCHES:

None

PATTERN:

(US Terms)

Front & Back (Make x2)

SETUP  Ch 51 (50 st + 1 turning ch).

ROW 1 Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn. <50>

ROW 2  Ch 1, sc in first st, sc in each st across, turn. <50>

Repeat row two 58 times more (60 rows in total).

Pocket

SETUP  Ch 21 (20 st + 1 turning ch).

ROW 1 Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn. <20>

ROW 2  Ch 1, sc in first st, sc in each st across, turn. <20>

Repeat row two 18 times more (20 rows in total).

Strap / Sides / Bottom (All one piece)

SETUP  Ch 225 (224 st + 1 turning ch).

ROW 1 Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn. <224>

ROW 2  Ch 1, sc in first st, sc in each st across, turn. <224>

Repeat row two 4 times more (6 rows in total).

FINISHING Weave in ends and block.

SEWING (Also see photo tutorial below)

1. Back stitch the pocket to one of the rectangles (front of bag).
2. Attach the long strap piece to the front of the bag, using a whip stitch. Start at the top left corner of both pieces.
3. Continue to attach these pieces until you have sewn the long strap round both sides and the bottom of the rectangle.
4. Place the second large rectangle (back of bag) on top of the first and attach the other side of the strap piece using a whip stitch – enclosing the long strap between both rectangles.
5. Whip stitch the ends of the long strap piece together.

Happy crocheting!