This crochet tote bag is both practical and charming. It’s designed to help you use up leftover yarn in a creative way. The result is a colorful, sturdy bag perfect for shopping, carrying books, or even a casual day out. You can make it uniquely yours by choosing your favorite yarn colors or sticking to a solid shade for a sleek look.
Easy Crochet Scrap Yarn Tote Bag Tutorial
You don’t need fancy materials to make this bag, just some scrap yarn, a hook, and a little time. The pattern uses simple stitching techniques that beginners can follow with ease. The handle is sturdy and comfortable, and the bag itself is roomy enough for all your essentials. Whether for yourself or as a gift, this tote is a fun and functional item to crochet.
Credit Kenikse Crochet
Step-by-Step Pattern
Materials
- Yarn: Assortment of scrap yarn. The tutorial uses:
- 100% acrylic yarn in double-knit (DK) weight.
- Yarn is doubled (two strands held together for thickness).
- Alternatively, you can use chunky yarn for a similar effect.
- Hook: 6 mm crochet hook.
- Notions:
- Yarn needle (for sewing and weaving in ends).
- Stitch markers (4 for marking stitches).
- Scissors (to cut the yarn).
Optional: Use solid colors if you don’t want scrap patterns.
Pattern Instructions
Main Body
- Make the Foundation:
- Create a slip knot and chain 75.
- Row 1:
- Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook:
- Work 8 yarn over slip stitches (YOSS).
- Work HDC across the row, leaving the last 8 stitches.
- In the last 8 stitches, switch back to YOSS.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook:
- Row 2 onwards:
- For the first 8 stitches: Work YOSS in the back loop only.
- For the middle stitches: Work HDC in the third loop only, stopping at the last 8 stitches.
- For the last 8 stitches: Work YOSS in the back loop only.
- Add new yarn when changing colors by cutting the old strand and securing the new color with a slip stitch.
- Repeat this pattern for a total of 30 rows.
- Finish the Main Panel:
- Set the completed panel aside.
Handles
- Foundation Chains:
- Chain 151 (or any preferred length for the handles).
- Row 1:
- Start in the 2nd chain from the hook.
- Work HDC into each chain across the row.
- Row 2–6:
- Turn your work; chain 1.
- Work HDC in the third loop only across the row.
- Repeat until you have completed 6 rows (or fewer/more based on preference).
Joining the Handles and Main Body
- Marking Placement:
- On the main body, count 32 stitches from one edge. Mark the 33rd stitch with a stitch marker.
- Leave the next 10 stitches (these will hold the handle) and mark the 44th stitch.
- Repeat the same process on the opposite side.
- Attach the Handle:
- Align the short end of your handle with the 10 marked stitches.
- Use stitch markers to hold it in place.
- Fold the handle, ensuring it isn’t twisted, and align the other short end to the marked stitches on the opposite side. Attach with stitch markers.
- Sewing:
- Use a yarn needle and scrap yarn (matching the color of the main body) to sew the handles securely in place.
- Sew through both loops of the stitches for added durability.
- Repeat for the Other Side:
- Attach the second handle the same way on the other side of the tote bag.
Final Touches
- Secure and Weave in Ends:
- Use a yarn needle to weave in all loose ends for a clean finish.
- Shape the Bag:
- Block or shape the bag if necessary to achieve the desired form.
- Add Decorative Elements (Optional):
- Attach tassels, pompoms, or buttons to personalize your tote bag.
Pattern Question
Question: Can I use yarn other than scrap yarn for this pattern?
Answer: Absolutely. You can use solid-colored yarn, chunky yarn, or even hold two strands of double-knit yarn together to achieve the same sturdy structure.
