Create Your Own Chunky Tote Bag | Video Tutorial + Written Instructions

Have you ever crocheted an entire project with mostly single crochet stitches? If you haven’t, this is your sign. Many individuals may see a whole project with single crochets as unnecessary. Here at Sparks Unlocked Co., it’s an opportunity. Crocheting with single crochet only, for the most part, is not as bad as it seems.

Welcome to another installment of Sparks Unlocked, the Musical, a place where we read, crochet, knit, and gaze at the moon. Today, we’re going to learn how to crochet a chunky tote bag. Whether you are an absolute beginner who is looking to get into crochet for the first time, or an intermediate or advanced crocheter who is looking for a relaxing project, this post is for you.

This crochet tutorial includes only three stitches: the chain stitch, single crochet, and the slip stitch. I wanted to make this project as simple as possible because working with only a single crochet stitch for an entire project can be tedious at times. However, if you work with thicker yarn and a hefty crochet hook, the time will go by faster. The process of getting your project from start to finish won’t be as long.

This post includes the written instructions and video tutorial for this tote bag. Feel free to use the written and video portions separately or together, depending on your preferred learning method.

Table of Contents

Materials Needed

Stitches Used

Chain stitch
Single crochet
Slip stitch

Crochet Abbreviations

ch = Chain or chain stitch
sc = Single crochet
sl st = Slip stitch

Base

Step 1: Slip Knot & Foundation Chain

Make a slip knot and chain 25 + 1 for the starting row. The 25 chains will be for the width of the bag. The extra chain will count as the first single crochet stitch for the first row.

Step 2: First Row: Single Crochet Across

Insert your crochet hook into the second chain from the hook. The two chains will create your first single crochet stitch. For the rest of the row, you can do single crochet stitches across the row. When you have completed the row of single crochet stitches, turn your work.

If you are an absolute beginner and have never crocheted or done the single crochet stitch before, you can check out my Basic Crochet Stitches Tutorial. It teaches you the main crochet stitches to get you started on your journey.

Step 3: Rows 2-9

After turning your work, chain 1, insert your hook into the first single crochet stitch, and continue single crochets for the rest of the row. For the next 7 rows, we will continue to make single crochets across the row, turn our work, chain 1, and repeat. Continue doing this until you’ve completed 9 rows. You can use a stitch marker or stitch counter to track the rows.

Step 4: Base Dimensions

Once you’ve completed the nine rows, the base of the bag will measure about 12 inches wide and 3.5 inches long. The starting chain was measured at 11 inches because I noticed the yarn naturally stretches as you start the rows. Once you’ve completed the base, attach a stitch marker to the last sc stitch of row 9. We are now ready to attach the base to the body of the bag.

Body

Step 1: Attaching to the Base + Setting Up for Row 1

Ch 1, then start to rotate your work counterclockwise, or to the left. Sc evenly across all sides of the loops, working into the loops on the longer side, the accessible loops on the shorter ends, and the single crochet stitches from row 9. (The video tutorial explains this more.) Adjust for any gaps by going into the lower stitches to secure the holes. This happens especially on the shorter sides as they connect to the longer sides. You also have the option to crochet over the starting tail, so there’s less to weave in at the end. Continue crocheting sc stitches until you reach the stitch marker.

Step 2: Continue Rounds with Single Crochet

When you reach the stitch marker, the first round is completed. Move the stitch marker up after every completed round or track the rounds with a stitch counter for a total of approximately 12 inches or 28 rounds. When you get to 12 inches or your desired length, fasten the tail off and weave in the ends. The body’s dimensions will be about 12 x 12 inches.

Straps

Step 1: Continue Rounds with Single Crochet

Do a slip knot and ch 40. Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook, then sc across the first row. Turn your work, ch 1, and continue to do sc stitches. Repeat this for 3 rows in total. Fasten off the tail after completing the three rows. The strap will be about 1.5 inches wide. Crochet two straps in total.

Step 2: Attaching Straps to the Body of the Bag

Measure the bag and place stitch markers at about the 4-inch and 9-inch points of the tape measure from each side of the bag. Align the back of the strap with the stitch markers. Insert the crochet hook into the body of the bag, and attach the straps of the bag with slip stitches for 3-4 stitches (for each side of the strap). Expect friction and tightness as you are working with chunky yarn and a large crochet hook.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

Secure the knots and weave in any remaining tails and ends. Fasten any excess yarn off with scissors.

Now, you have a tote bag to use for your everyday adventures. I hope you enjoy making this bag as much as I did!

If you enjoyed this post and video tutorial, please head over to the video and let me know what you think in the comments section. Are you pro or against projects where the majority of stitches are single crochet? Your feedback is greatly appreciated! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel for more crochet tutorials. Thank you for being here. I’ll chat with you soon. Good day or good night!

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Hi, I’m Kerri Olivia, an author, fiber artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Sparks Unlocked Co. At Sparks Unlocked Co., we help fellow readers and crafters find beauty, comfort, and meaning in slow living through crochet and knitting tutorials, book recommendations, and storytelling. Join in these conversations with me on YouTube and Pinterest.

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