All Purpose Tote Pattern

Crocheting a tote bag is not only a delightful project, but it also serves a practical purpose as a versatile accessory for everyday use. This All Purpose Tote is perfect for shopping, beach days, or even as a stylish carry-all for your crochet projects. In this detailed guide, you will find everything you need to create your own beautiful tote, complete with instructions for adding extra features like a pocket and tassels.

About the Bag

The All Purpose Tote is designed for functionality and aesthetics. Made using the classic RED HEART® Classic™ yarn, this bag has a sturdy structure and stylish look that complements any outfit. The alternating colors of tan and nickel contribute to its chic appearance, making it a modern accessory for anyone looking to add a touch of handmade charm to their wardrobe.

Materials

this Pattern

To complete the All Purpose Tote, you will need the following materials:

Yarn

• RED HEART® Classic™
  • Color A: 3 skeins 0334 Tan
  • Color B: 2 skeins 0401 Nickel

Crochet Hook

• Susan Bates® Crochet Hook: 3.75mm [US F-5]

Other Materials

• 2 leather straps with rings: 20–22″ [51–56 cm] long
• Yarn needle

Crochet Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with the following special abbreviation used in this pattern:

• sc2tog: [Draw up a loop in next st] twice, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

Instructions

Base (make 2)

1. With Color B, ch 71.

   Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook, sc in each ch across – 70 sc.
   Rows 2–19: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across.

Fasten off one Base piece, do not fasten off second Base piece.

Joining Base Pieces

Round 1: Holding wrong sides of Base pieces together, lining up sts and working through both layers,
ch 1, turn to work down one short edge,
[sc 17 sts evenly along short edge, turn to work along one long edge, 3 sc in first st of next long edge, sc 68 sts evenly to last st, 3 sc in last st] twice,
slip st in first sc to join – 182 sc.

Body

Round 2: Ch 2 (does NOT count as a hdc here and throughout), working in back loops only, hdc in each sc around, slip st in first hdc.
Round 3: Ch 2, hdc in each horizontal bar on back of hdc around, do not join.
Rounds 4–7: Hdc in each horizontal bar on back of hdc around. Fasten off.
Round 8: Change to Color A, ch 1, sc in each horizontal bar on back of hdc around, slip st in first hdc.
Round 9: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, do not join.
Rounds 10–60: Sc in each sc around.
Round 61: [Sc in next 12 sc, sc2tog] 13 times – 169 sc.
Round 62: Sc in each sc around.
Round 63: [Sc in next 11 sc, sc2tog] 13 times – 156 sc.
Round 64: Change to Color B, ch 2, hdc in each sc, slip st in first hdc.
Rounds 65–67: Ch 2, hdc in each horizontal bar on back of hdc around, slip st in first hdc. Drop B, change to Color A.
Round 68: Ch 2, hdc in each horizontal bar on back of hdc around, slip st in first hdc. Cut A.
Round 69: Change to Color B, ch 2, hdc in each horizontal bar on back of hdc around, slip st in first hdc. Fasten off.

Side Tabs (make 2)

1. With Color B, ch 10.

   Row 1: Hdc in second ch from hook, sc in each ch across – 9 hdc.
   Row 2: Ch 2, turn, working in back loop only, hdc in each hdc across.
   Row 3: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each horizontal bar on back of hdc across. Fasten off.

Sew one Side Tab in the middle of the lower edge of each short side.

Pocket

1. With Color A, ch 21.

   Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook, sc in each ch across – 20 sc.
   Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across. Cut A.
   Row 3: Change to Color B, ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across.
   Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across. Cut B.
   Row 5: Change to Color A, ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across.
   Rows 6–28: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across.

Trim Round: Turn to work along one long edge, sc evenly spaced along the edge to corner, turn to work along opposite edge of foundation ch,
(sc, ch 1) in first ch, sl st in each ch across to last st, (ch 1, sc) in last st, turn to work along opposite long edge, sc evenly spaced along edge to corner. Fasten off. Do not work last row for bottom of Pocket.

Use yarn needle and photo as a guide to sew the Pocket to the Tote Body.

Tassel (make 2)

1. Cut 25 lengths of Color A, each 12″ [30 cm] long.
   • Use one length to tie the remaining lengths together at the center securely.
   • Fold lengths in half at the tied center and hide ends of the knot in the center.
   • Cut a 12″ [30 cm] length of Color B.
   • Wrap around the folded length, 1″ [2.5 cm] from secured end. Trim ends evenly.
   • With Color A, slip st in the top of the tassel, ch 40, slip st in the top of the second tassel. Fasten off.

Top Cuff

1. With Color A, ch 17.

   Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook, sc in each ch across – 16 sc.
   Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across. Fasten off.

Sew Top Cuff over slip st joins on top of the Tote.

Finishing

• Sew handles onto the Tote.
• Add tassels to handle rings.
• Weave in ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What crochet hook is used for this pattern?

This pattern uses a Susan Bates® Crochet Hook in size 3.75mm [US F-5].

Is this project worked in rows or rounds?

The All Purpose Tote is primarily worked in rounds for the body, while the base, pocket, and side tabs are made in rows.

Does this crochet project require assembly?

Yes, the project requires some assembly, including sewing side tabs and the pocket onto the Tote body and attaching leather straps.

What are the finished dimensions of the All Purpose Tote?

The dimensions are not specified in the pattern, so make sure to check your gauge and adjust as necessary to fit your preferences.

How many skeins of yarn are needed?

You will need 3 skeins of Color A (Tan) and 2 skeins of Color B (Nickel).

Conclusion

This All Purpose Tote is a great crochet project that combines creativity and practicality. With its classic design and sturdy construction, it is perfect for carrying around your essentials, whether at the beach or running errands. Follow this pattern step-by-step, and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful with your own hands. Happy crocheting!