Wide horizontal stripes make this roomy beach tote an easy color project. The rectangular base is worked flat, then stitches are picked up around it for a seamless body. Wide handles distribute weight more comfortably than narrow cords.
Pattern overview
- Skill level: Easy
- Finished size: 17 in / 43 cm wide × 14 in / 35.5 cm tall × 5 in / 12.5 cm deep
- Handle drop: About 10 in / 25.5 cm
- Construction: Flat base with joined rounds
Materials
- 320 yd / 293 m cream worsted-weight cotton
- 220 yd / 201 m dusty berry cotton
- 180 yd / 165 m blush cotton
- 180 yd / 165 m pale mint cotton
- 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Four stitch markers
- Yarn needle and scissors
Gauge
14 hdc and 11 rounds measure 4 in / 10 cm. Check width after the first six body rounds and adjust hook size if needed.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- hdc: half double crochet
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
Notes before you begin
- Ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
- Join each body round in the first hdc, then turn. Turning prevents the seam from leaning.
- Change color during the final yarn-over of the joining slip stitch.
Free beach tote pattern
Make the base
With dusty berry, ch 61.
Row 1: Sc in second ch and across. Turn. 60 sts.
Rows 2–18: Ch 1, sc across. Turn. 60 sts.
Do not fasten off. The rectangle should measure about 17 × 5 in / 43 × 12.5 cm.
Work around the base
Ch 1. Sc 60 across the final row, place 18 sc evenly down the side, sc 60 across the foundation edge and place 18 sc up the second side. Join. 156 sts.
Round 1: Ch 1, hdc in the back loop only of each st. Join and turn. 156 sts.
Crochet the striped body
Work each round as follows: ch 1, hdc in every st, join and turn. Maintain 156 sts throughout.
- Rounds 2–6: Dusty berry
- Rounds 7–11: Cream
- Rounds 12–16: Pale mint
- Rounds 17–21: Cream
- Rounds 22–26: Blush
- Rounds 27–31: Dusty berry
- Rounds 32–36: Cream
Cut each color after its stripe and weave the ends into the matching section.
Mark the handle openings
Lay the tote flat with side folds aligned. On the front, mark a centered group of 24 stitches. Repeat on the back. There should be 27 unmarked stitches on each side of each opening.
Round 37: With dusty berry, hdc to the first marker, ch 45, skip 24 marked sts, hdc to the back marker, ch 45, skip 24 sts, hdc to the end. Join and turn.
Round 38: Hdc in every hdc and work 50 hdc around each ch-45 handle. Join and turn.
Rounds 39–42: Hdc evenly around the bag and handles. Join and turn.
Round 43: Sc evenly around for a firm final edge. Join and fasten off.
Optional inside pocket
With cream, ch 29. Sc in the second ch and across for 28 stitches. Work 24 rows total. Add one round of sc around the rectangle, then sew three sides to the inside of the tote, keeping the top edge open. Attach the pocket before adding a lining.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Soak briefly, roll in a towel and shape over a box or folded towels. Allow the bag to dry completely before loading it.
Customize your beach tote
Use two colors for wider graphic stripes, or use leftover cotton in five-round bands. Add a magnetic snap only with a fabric or felt backing patch. For a sand-friendly bag, leave it unlined; for small personal items, add the pocket or a removable zip pouch.
Pattern check
- The base contains 60 stitches and 18 rows.
- Each body round contains 156 stitches.
- Stripe changes occur at the side seam.
- Both handle openings skip 24 stitches.
- Handle rounds are worked without tight slip stitches.
Common questions
Can I carry wet towels?
Cotton handles moisture well, but a wet load becomes heavy. Test the seams and handles, rinse salt or chlorine promptly, and dry the empty bag flat.
How do I hide color-change jogs?
Turn after every joined round and make color changes at a side fold. The seam becomes part of the bag’s side rather than the front.
