Free Crochet Tote Bag Pattern | Eligere Crochet Bag

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It’s summer crochet season and what better time is there for a new crochet bag?!

The Eligere Bag is super simple – the base is made entirely out of half double crochet stitches and the accent pockets are made with puff stitches for extra fun.

This design includes three different size pockets for you to choose from – great for making sure you know where to find your sunglasses, keys, or phone.

So if you’re going to the beach or to the market, the Eligere Bag will let you bring all the essentials without a lot of bulk.

The free pattern is provided below including the size, materials, and notes. An ad-free PDF version of the Eligere Crochet Bag is also available for you to purchase, download, and print out.

Eligere Crochet Bag Pattern below!

Size: approximately: 11 in high x 10 in wide

Materials:

Approximately 180 yards (includes yarn for pockets) worsted weight yarn. LB Collection Pure Wool used for bag pictured but any worsted weight yarn will work.
Crochet hook: Size I/9 (5.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
2 – 15 inch (40 cm) leather bag handles
Tapestry needle
Quilting thread to attach bag handles

Gauge:

In half double crochet, 15 stitches and 10 rows = 4 in (10 cm)

Skill Level: Easy

Crochet Bag Pattern Notes

Bag is worked from base up in a continuous spiral. Do not join rounds unless specified.

Please take time to create a gauge sample before beginning work.

The yarn used for these items contains natural fiber and requires special laundering. Please read yarn labels and follow directions to maintain the life of your crochet work.

Special Stitches for the Eligere Crochet Bag

(Altered) Bean Stitch / Puff Stitch:

Insert hook in stitch, yarn over and pull through, *yarn over, insert hook in same stitch, yarn over and pull through, repeat from * 2 more times, yarn over, pull through 8 loops on hook, chain 1 (to lock stitch). Skip 1 stitch immediately following bean stitch. This will equal two stitches in pattern.

(Altered) Bean / Puff Stitch in Bottom Loop of Foundation Chain:

Turn your foundation chain over and crochet in the row of single “bumps” or loops created on the bottom when you made the chain.

Directions to Make the Eligere Crochet Bag

Chain 36.

Round 1:

Two half double crochet in second stitch from hook (you will be working in top half of foundation chain), half double crochet in top loop of each foundation chain up to and including next to last stitch in row, 4 half double crochet in last stitch, continue to turn foundation chain in your hand and half double crochet in remaining unused loops of foundation chain up to and including next to last stitch in row, 2 half double crochet in last stitch in row, slip stitch in first half double crochet to join round, 74 stitches total. (This will create an elongated oval which will be the top of the bag.)

Rounds 2 – 27:

Half double crochet in each stitch from previous round and continue half double crochet for number of rounds indicated working in a continuous spiral until last 4 stitches of Round 27, single crochet in 4th and 3rd stitch from end of round, slip stitch in last 2 stitches of round, do not slip stitch to join, 74 stitches total

Round 28:

(Altered) bean stitch for one round (See Special Stitches Section for instructions), 37 beans total.

Slip stitch to join.

Fasten off.

Weave in ends.

Directions for Small Square Pocket:

Chain 16.

Row 1:

(Altered) bean stitch in bottom loop of foundation chain (see Special Stitches Section for instructions) in second chain from hook and continue to end of row, turn. (8 beans total)

Rows 2 – 12:

Chain 1, skip 1 stitch, bean stitch in second stitch of row (all stitch work for beans of pocket square is done in second stitch of bean) continue with bean stitches to end of row, turn.

Fasten off.

Weave in ends.

Directions for Rectangular Pocket / Pocket for Sunglasses:

Chain 14.

Row 1:

(Altered) bean stitch in bottom loop of foundation chain (see Special Stitches Section for instructions) in second chain from hook and continue to end of row, turn. (7 beans total)

Rows 2 – 21:

Chain 1, skip 1 stitch, bean stitch in second stitch of row (all stitch work for beans of pocket square is done in second stitch of bean) continue with bean stitches to end of row, turn.

Fasten off.

Weave in ends.

Directions for Large Square Pocket:

Chain 20.

Row 1:

(Altered) bean stitch in bottom loop of foundation chain (see Special Stitches Section for instructions) in second chain from hook and continue to end of row, turn. (10 beans total)

Rows 2 – 16:

Chain 1, skip 1 stitch, bean stitch in second stitch of row (all stitch work for beans of pocket square is done in second stitch of bean) continue with bean stitches to end of row, turn.

Fasten off.

Weave in ends.

Attach Purse Straps:

Set the ends of the handle on the bag. Straps in photo are about 2 inches (5 cm) from outside edge. (This measurement may change if you use longer or shorter straps.)

If using clips or pins, place pins to hold base of straps in place. Use quilting thread to sew the straps to the bag. Place needle between stitches, not into yarn strand, when sewing.

Position the straps on the second side to match the first. Pin in place and sew.