Striped Crochet Tote Bag With Tassels For Beach Days
Finished Size: Approximately 11 inches (28 cm) tall and 9 inches (23 cm) wide
Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
Hook Size: 5 mm
Yarn: worsted yarn
Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, button (optional)
Gauge: Approximately 12 sc x 14 rounds = 4 inches with 5 mm hook
Why Crocheters Love This Design
This striped crochet tote bag with tassels is a bag worked in navy, white, burgundy, and pink. You will crochet the bag body, handle, and the tassel. The instructions use basic stitches like single crochet, increases, and decreases, with clear round-by-round counts.
Use the pattern card as your material checklist before starting. The instructions include striped pattern. The instructions include tassel decoration. Keep your tension even, count stitches at the end of shaping rounds, and check the placement notes before sewing pieces together for a clean handmade result.
A Few Notes Before We Begin
This striped tote is a quick win for anyone who wants a handmade bag without a long commitment. The straight shape and simple repeat rows make it easy to finish in an afternoon, and the tassels add a playful touch without extra skill. It works well for market trips, library hauls, or a casual day out, and it makes a thoughtful gift for a friend who likes handmade accessories. Beginners will find the rhythm relaxing, while more experienced crocheters can enjoy a low-effort project between bigger makes.
For the best drape and stitch definition, choose a medium weight cotton or a cotton blend, since acrylic can stretch out under the weight of a full bag. Two contrasting colors give a classic stripe look, but three or four shades in a soft gradient work just as well and let you use up left over yarn. Keep in mind the finished size of about 11 inches tall and 9 inches wide, so plan your stripe repeats to land neatly at the base and the top edge. If you prefer a roomier bag, hold the yarn doubled and use a slightly looser hand, but stay with the 5 mm hook so the fabric stays sturdy enough to carry every day items.
One common pitfall is losing count on the stripe changes, which leads to uneven bands or a stripe that ends mid-row. To avoid this, place a stitch marker on the last stitch of each color change and tick off every stripe on a small notepad as you finish it. Checking your row count at the end of each stripe keeps the whole piece balanced and saves time frogging later.
Gather These Supplies First
| Material | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn | worsted yarn in navy, white, burgundy, pink, teal, dark blue, beige, brown |
| Hook | 5 mm crochet hook |
| Closure | Button, snap, or zipper (optional) |
| Extras | Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors |
Gauge: Approximately 12 sc x 14 rounds = 4 inches with 5 mm hook. Not critical but aim for tight, even stitches, if the case feels loose, go down one hook size.
Abbreviations You'll Need to Know
Note: This pattern uses US crochet terms. All rounds are worked in bottom-up unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sc | Single crochet |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| ch | Chain |
How to Crochet This Pattern
bag body, multi-color yarn
Row 1: Ch 35, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (34)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across (34)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc across (34)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc across (34)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc across (34)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc across (34)
Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc across (34)
Row 8: Ch 1, turn, sc across (34)
Row 9: Ch 1, turn, sc across (34)
Row 10: Ch 1, turn, sc across (34)
Row 11: Ch 1, turn, sc across (34)
Row 12: Ch 1, turn, sc across (34)
Row 13: Ch 1, turn, sc across (34)
Row 14: Ch 1, turn, sc across (34)
Row 15: Ch 1, turn, sc across (34)
Switch to navy yarn for the handle.
handle, navy yarn
Rnd 1: Ch 15, join with sl st to form ring, sc in each ch around (14)
Rnd 2: sc around (14)
Rnd 3: sc around (14)
Rnd 4: sc around (14)
Rnd 5: sc around (14)
Fasten off. Do not stuff.
Switch to beige and brown yarn for the tassel.
tassel (make 2), beige and brown yarn
Row 1: Ch 11, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (10)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Row 8: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing
Final Stitch Counts
- bag body: 34 stitches at widest point
- handle: 14 stitches at widest point
- tassel (x 2): 10 stitches at widest point
Assembling Your Amigurumi
1. Sew bag body in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
2. Sew handle in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
3. Sew tassel in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
4. Check all seams are secure. Gently tug each attached piece to test. Trim any loose yarn ends with sharp scissors. Weave in all remaining tails with a needle, passing through at least 3 stitches in each direction to prevent unraveling. Slip your phone or item into the case to check the fit, then shape the fabric gently with your hands.
Maker Tips and Keeping It Clean
This striped crochet tote bag with tassels is a well-sized project worked flat in two panels and seamed together, making it a nice match for a 5 mm hook and a beginner-friendly rhythm. The stripes come from simple color changes at the end of rows, and the tassels add a playful finish without requiring any extra shaping. Below you will find practical tips to keep your panels even and your color transitions tidy, followed by straightforward care instructions to help the bag hold its shape over time.
- Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every row so you always know where to hook at the start of the next row, which prevents accidental extra stitches that would distort the side edge of each panel.
- Check your gauge by crocheting a 4 by 4 inch swatch with your 5 mm hook before starting the bag, because matching the pattern gauge ensures the finished tote sits flat on a surface and the stripes line up evenly across both panels.
- Keep your tension relaxed and consistent by letting the yarn glide smoothly off your non-dominant fingers, since tight tension will make the panels curl at the edges and shrink the final bag size.
- Carry the unused yarn color up the side edge when you change colors every two rows, which avoids weaving in dozens of short tails and keeps the side seam looking neat when you seam the panels together.
- Use simple single crochet decreases (insert hook, draw up a loop, insert into next stitch, draw up a loop, yarn over and pull through all three loops) at the top corners to shape the opening, since this method is easy to read and produces a sturdy edge for the handles.
- Attach the tassels after blocking by threading the tassel ties through the stitch spaces at the bottom corners with your hook, then knotting them twice, because this keeps the tassels secure and lets you remove them
Good to Know: Reader Questions
What yarn weight and hook size do I need for the striped crochet tote bag with tassels?
You will need worsted weight yarn and a 5 mm crochet hook. Worsted weight is a medium-thickness yarn that works up quickly and shows stitch definition nicely, which is perfect for the stripes. A 5 mm hook pairs well with worsted yarn to create a sturdy fabric that holds the shape of the tote.
How long does it take to crochet the striped crochet tote bag with tassels?
The time for this project is 2-4 hours. Your actual time will depend on how fast you crochet and how many tassels you add. Beginners usually land on the longer end, while more practiced crocheters often finish closer to two hours.
Is the striped crochet tote bag with tassels a good project for beginners?
Yes, this pattern is rated Beginner, so it is a great choice if you are just learning. The stitches used are simple combinations of basic loops worked into chains and rows. There are no tricky techniques like color work or shaping, so you can focus on building confidence.
Can I sell finished striped crochet tote bags with tassels that I make from this pattern?
Most crochet patterns allow you to sell the finished items you make, but you should always check the specific terms from the designer before listing them. Selling handmade striped crochet tote bags with tassels at craft fairs or online shops is a popular way to earn back the cost of yarn. Just be sure to credit the pattern designer when needed.
Can I change the colors of the stripes in the striped crochet tote bag with tassels?
Absolutely, you can pick any colors you like for the stripes and tassels. Worsted weight yarn comes in hundreds
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