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Crochet Bags and Totes is my 17th publication, and includes 10 fresh, modern, and fun patterns you will love to make, and look forward to using, every day.

This collection is for crocheters who like quick crochet projects that don’t use a lot of yarn, designs that are fun to make, and patterns that create something that will actually be used.

From a backpack, to a drawstring crossbody, slouchy market bags and classic totes, there’s a great design in here for every style, and crochet skill level.

Each design is made with easy-to-find yarns from Yarnspirations (like Handicrafter and Peaches & Creme) so getting started on every project in this collection is really easy. 

Patterns are simple enough for new crocheters to follow along, and some have complexities that will keep even the most experienced crocheters interested.

Whether you’re going to the pool, running errands, or just looking for your next project, there is a crochet bag in this collection that you’ll love to make (and actually use) any time of the year.

What makes Crochet Bags and Totes Special

I’ve published more than 500 crochet patterns over the years, and one of my favorite things to make is a crochet bag.

What makes these projects so exciting to me is that they use very little yarn, don’t take a lot of time, help me practice new skills and techniques, and create a beautiful thing I can actually use when I’m done.

And, these are all things most crocheters are excited about.

This collection includes patterns that are trendy right now, yes, but include classic shapes, stitches, fabrics, colors, and designs that can also be timeless. 

Crochet Bags and Totes is special because it truly is a collection you’ll add to your home library and turn to again and again.

Crochet Bags and Totes | View all 10 patterns

You can get a copy of Crochet Bags and Totes anywhere books are sold!

If you want to give this book a try before you buy it, ask your local library to order a copy.

All Day Backpack

If you’ve never made a crochet backpack before, this is the perfect one to start with.

This is worked from the bottom up in continuous (unjoined) rounds using a mix of single crochet stitches and chain stitches for an open, netlike fabric.

My favorite part? The straps! They’re built into the base of the backpack with long chain stitches that create adjustable straps and a drawstring closure.

Made with 2 skeins Caron All Day Cotton in the color Golden.

Big Brown Bag

Everyone loves a go-to bag.

This one is worked from the bottom up in joined rounds, starting with sturdy half double crochet stitches for a solid base.

Then, this bag opens up with roomy fan stitches that add lots of space and create a soft ripple effect from the bottom up.

A few rows of shaping are added at the top to give this crochet bag a tapered top edge, and long handles are added last for a comfortable fit on the shoulders.

Made with 1 cone Lily Sugar’n Cream in the color Warm Brown.

Corner-to-Corner Granny Stitch Tote

This tote is made with just two pieces of fabric, using the corner-to-corner crochet technique.

First, you’ll use a corner-to-corner technique to create the sides and handle sections all in one solid piece of fabric.

Then, create a classic corner-to-corner square that forms the bottom center of the bag.

Finish this tote with a contrasting color border, then join the pieces with simple single crochet and chain stitches.

The best part? Using a classic granny stitch pattern that is fun and easy to memorize as you go.

Made with 2 skeins Bernat Maker in the colors Cream and Fawn.

Filet Crochet Market Tote

The base for this tote is so fun that I couldn’t resist using it twice in this collection (look for it again in the Two-Tone Tote).

The main fabric in this pattern uses a filet crochet stitch, which is a simple combination of double crochet and chain stitches that create a light and airy open fabric.

Worked from the bottom up in joined rounds, this is a very simple and satisfying make.

Made with 1 skein Bernat Maker in the color Fawn.

Granny Square Chevron Tote

If you like a classic granny square, you’ll love this crochet bag!

This design is worked from the bottom up in one continuous piece, starting with a classic granny square motif.

Once you create the flat tote base, you’ll decrease along the sides while still increasing in the corners.

This complex shaping method forms the sides of the bag, while continuing the classic granny stitch and transforming it into a chevron fabric.

Made with 1 cake Caron Colorama Bamboo Blend (discontinued) in the color Dry Grass, but Lily Sugar’n Cream in the color Sage is a good alternative.

Granny Stitch Tote

The granny stitch is a true crochet classic, and one of my favorite types of fabric to make.

This tote gives that classic fabric a modern twist with bulky yarn and a clean, neutral color.

As you work from the bottom up in joined rounds, make sure you’re paying careful attention to turn where indicated to get a straight seam in your crochet bag fabric.

Made with 1 skein Bernat Maker in the color Cream.

Handicrafter Crossbody

This crossbody might be a small project, but it is just right for your everyday essentials.

The solid fabric in the base made with single crochet stitches work perfectly with the self-striping yarn, making every row of stitches pop with a new color.

The long drawstring strap is adjustable, so you can wear this bag as a crossbody or tie it shorter to sling it over one shoulder.

Made with 1 skein Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Ombres in the color Queen Anne’s Lace.

Peaches & Creme Tote

If complicated increases and decreases are not your favorite thing, this tote is right up your alley.

This tote is started by chaining the width of the bag, then working rows of single crochet to form a rectangular bottom.

Then, build up the sides of the bag with simple, repeating combinations of double crochet stitches and chain spaces for a fabric that is both strong and flexible.

The subtle flecks in this yarn add a tiny splash of color that adds some depth to this clean and simple design.

Made with 1 cone Peaches & Creme Original in the color Panorama.

Simple Hexagon Tote

A hexagon makes a surprisingly perfect shape for a crochet tote.

Just make two simple hexagon motifs, seam them together along one half to form the base of the bag, then leave the other half open for the straps.

Once this tote is stitched together, the handles are added last to finish it off.

This is a simple design with lots of elements that help to build crochet skills.

Made with 2 skeins Caron Simply Me in the color Caramel Heather.

Two-Tone Tote

This crochet tote starts off just like the Filet Market tote, but the sides are worked using a completely different stitch fabric – Classic V-stitches made from double crochet.

Each round is worked right between the previous V-stitches to create a dense, textured fabric that looks great and feels really sturdy.

This simple stitch pattern lets the contrasting two-tone colors really shine, giving this easy-to-make design a modern feel.

Made with 1 cone Lily Sugar’n Cream in the color Bamboo, and 1 skein Lily Sugar’n Cream Super Size Solid in the color Ecru.

Best Yarns for Crochet Bags

When it comes to a crochet bag that will last, the right yarn makes all the difference.

That’s why I love using natural fibers like cotton and bamboo, and blends that include acrylic and nylon. 

A sturdy yarn strand will make a sturdy stitch, which creates a sturdy crochet fabric. 

You can absolutely substitute yarns for your crochet bag pattern, but make sure your yarn substitute is strong enough for the job. 

Here’s a simple test I use when choosing yarn for bags:

• Try breaking the yarn with your hands.
• If it snaps easily, it may not be strong enough for a bag.
• If it’s difficult to break, it’s usually a good sign that it will make a sturdy crochet tote.

You can learn more about how to substitute yarn in this article: Yarn Substitution For Crocheters

Yarn Substitution For Crocheters

Choosing Color for Crochet Bags

When you’re making a crochet bag for yourself, choose colors that you like.

Everyone has different likes and dislikes, so you can follow your gut here.

That said, if you’re curious about how I choose colors for the bags in this collection, I follow one simple guideline:

The more complex the stitch pattern, the simpler the color choice should be.

When a stitch pattern has lots of texture, shaping, or visual interest, the crochet fabric is already doing a lot of work.

Keeping the colors simple allows the complexities in your fabric to stand out without competing for attention.

On the other hand, the simpler the stitch pattern, the more bold you can be with color.

When the crochet fabric itself is fairly simple, you can add stripes, speckles, color blocking, or bold color combinations that enhance the overall design.

In this collection, I chose to use mostly solid colors to really highlight each design, and:

• Two colors in the Corner-to-Corner Granny Stitch Tote help to show the construction of the bag
• Color Blocks in the Two-Tone Tote help to break up a basic fabric to add more interest
• Long color stripes in the Handicrafter Crossbody help to break up simple stitches
• Speckled flecks of color in the Peaches & Creme Tote add depth to a basic pattern

Of course, these are simply guidelines, not rules. Experiment with your yarn choices, go with your instincts, and choose the colors that bring you the most joy.

What Crochet Skills Do I Need?

This collection is designed for crocheters who already know how to crochet, and are comfortable reading crochet patterns and using basic crochet stitches.

If you want to learn how to crochet, you’ll need to have a few basic skills before picking up this book, and I recommend you start here: How to Crochet for Beginners

How to Crochet for Beginners

These crochet bag patterns include various skills, for every level of crocheter:

• Beginners who understand the basics can start with the Filet Market Tote, Peaches & Creme Tote, and Two-Tone Tote to practice simple instructions and easy repeats.
• If you’re comfortable with the basics and looking to advance your skills, the All Day Backpack, Big Brown Bag, and Granny Stitch Tote are great projects to try.
• Experienced crocheters looking for an exciting challenge will love the Corner-to-Corner Granny Stitch Tote, Granny Square Chevron Tote, and Simple Hexagon Tote.

If you want to learn more about crochet skill levels, including what your own skill level is, this article has a cheat sheet to break it all down for you: What is your crochet skill level?

What is your crochet skill level?

What Can You Carry in a Crochet Bag?

Crochet is a type of fabric (just like a purse or reusable grocery bag), but even the strongest crochet bag has limitations.

While some crochet bags are surprisingly durable, repeated heavy loads will eventually stretch out and ruin even the strongest crochet fabric.

Before taking your new crochet bag out for the day, give it a trial run at home.

Load it with the types of items you plan to carry and see how it holds up. 

This simple test helps you identify stretching, comfort, and overall capacity before relying on it away from home.

The Best Crochet Stitches For Bags

Not all stitches are equal, especially when it comes to projects like crochet bags.

Dense stitch patterns can create stronger, more supportive fabric, and open stitch patterns can create loose, flexible fabric.

Some of my favorite stitches for crochet bags are:

• Single crochet, like the base of the Hadicrafter Crossbody.
• Solid stitch patterns, like the Peaches & Creme Tote and Simple Hexagon Tote
• Granny Stitch, like the Corner-to-Corner Granny Stitch Tote, Granny Square Chevron Tote, and Granny Stitch Tote
• V-Stitch, in the Two-Tone tote
• Filet, in the Filet Market Tote
• Fans, in the Big Brown Bag

Stitch patterns that are open with lots of holes can certainly be beautiful, but they might work best as light-carry, decorative bags rather than carry-all bags. The All Day Backpack is a great example!

Use Small Hooks for Crochet Bags

When it comes to crochet bags, dense fabric equals durability.

That’s why I recommend using the smallest hook size that comfortably works with your yarn. 

A smaller hook creates tighter stitches, which results in:

• Less stretching = improved structure
• Better shape retention = durability

Your stitches are the foundation of your crochet fabric, and the bag you make.

The stronger and denser that foundation is, the longer your bag will maintain its shape.

If your stitches or crochet fabric feel loose, you can try going down in hook size as long as you can still comfortably crochet without discomfort or pain.

You can learn more about how hook size changes your crochet fabric by making swatches, and this article will help: How To Crochet a Swatch

How To Crochet a Swatch

Should I Line My Crochet Bag?

That’s entirely up to you!

A fabric lining can certainly become the inside structure of your crochet bag, holding the weight on the inside so your crochet bag just looks pretty on the outside.

If you’re comfortable with sewing, following a separate pattern to create a lining for your crochet bags is something you can try.

But you don’t have to go through the trouble of creating and sewing in a liner.

When I have items I don’t want to slip through crochet fabric, or, I simply want to tidy up my contents, I’ll use various drawstring or zipper closure bags.

Video Chat

For a walkthrough of this entire article, watch this video chat with the Author, Salena Baca.

Giveaway – July 2026

Crochet Bags & Totes Giveaway: Win Signed Books and Yarn!

I’m celebrating the release of Crochet Bags & Totes with a special giveaway featuring signed books and enough yarn to make your favorite projects in this collection!

Grand Prize Winner

One winner will receive:

• 1 signed copy of Crochet Bags & Totes, $12.95 value!
• Up to 14 skeins, cakes and cones of yarn to make the projects featured in this collection. The winner will receive a curated selection of yarn from the Yarnspirations website, based on availability.
• Winner: TBD 1 August 2026 – Anna Beningo, Chicago / USA

Additional Prize Winners

Three additional winners will each receive:

• 1 signed copy of Crochet Bags & Totes, $12.95 value!
• Winner 1: TBD 1 August 2026 – Michelle Rollins, New York / USA
• Winner 2: TBD 1 August 2026 – Fawn Yoho, New York / USA
• Winner 3: TBD 1 August 2026 – Joan Wilson, Toronto / Canada

How to Enter

To enter for a chance to win, simply complete the entry form.

Entry period: Entries will be accepted through July 31, 2026.

Winner Selection and Notification

Winners will be selected and announced in this article on August 1, 2026, and will also be contacted via email. Once contacted, winners will have five (5) days to claim their prize. If a winner does not respond within that timeframe with their mailing address, the prize will be considered forfeited.

Eligibility

This giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Canada only. If a selected winner resides outside of these regions, they will instead receive a $100 shopping credit to the Salena Baca Crochet Ravelry shop with over 500 individual patterns to choose from.

Just For Fun…

Which crochet bag pattern in this collection is your favorite?

Leave a comment here to let us know, or join our free online crochet community to start a conversation today!

I look forward to seeing which projects you’ll create from Crochet Bags & Totes!

Peace + Love + Crochet

Salena Baca