It’s never too early (or late) to start a summer crochet tote bag. The Red Clover Tote Bag pattern and matching mini-tote designs are inspired by the waves of beautiful blooms of red clover in our summer meadows. This pattern uses simple single crochet and puff stitches to create a beautiful design you will be happy to carry around all summer long.
I chose to use leather straps, with punch holes for fastening to the bag for extra strength — just right for those summer days prepared for snacks, reading material, and extra gadgets.
I’m dreaming of summertime breezes and meadows covered in wildflower blossoms. It’s time to make a crochet bag perfect for using on all of the fun outings planned for a season in the sun.
The free pattern is provided below including the size, materials, and notes. An ad-free PDF version of the Red Clover Summer Tote Bag Pattern is also available for you to purchase, download, and print out.
Pattern information below!
Size: Assembled – 13 inches high and 12 inches wide (approximately)
Materials:
♥ Base Color – approximately 350 yards worsted weight yarn. Drops Paris cotton yarn used for bag pictured, but any sturdy worsted weight yarn can be used.
♥ Accent Color – approximately 150 yards worsted weight yarn. Drops Paris cotton yarn used for bag pictured.
♥ Crochet hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
♥ Tapestry needle
♥ Open ring stitch markers
♥ 15 inch leather purse straps with punched holes (the straps may be longer or shorter for your needs)
♥ Quilting needle or needle of approximate size
♥ 2 ply quilting thread
♥ Straight pins and lightweight clips are optional
Gauge: In single crochet, 14 stitches and 15 rows = 4 inches.
Skill Level: Easy
Pattern Notes
This bag is worked from the bottom up. Do not join rounds unless specified.
Please take time to create a gauge sample before beginning work.
If necessary, light blocking only.
Purse strap as pictured were purchased from: www.etsy.com/shop/pursemakingsupply
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
(Altered) Bean Stitch / Puff Stitch:
Insert hook in stitch, yarn over and pull through, *yarn over, insert hook in same stitch, pull through, repeat from * 1 more time, yarn over, pull through 6 loops on hook, chain 1 (to lock stitch). Skip 1 stitch immediately following bean stitch. This will equal two stitches in pattern.
Directions for the Summer Clover Crochet Tote Bag
Chain 44.
Round 1:
Two single crochet in top loop of second stitch from hook, (you will be working in top half of foundation chain) single crochet in top loop of each foundation chain up to and including next to last stitch in row, four single crochet in last stitch, continue to turn foundation chain in your hand and single crochet in remaining unused loops of foundation chain up to and including next to last stitch in row, two single crochet in last stitch in row, slip stitch in first single crochet to join round, 90 stitches total. (This will create an elongated oval which will be the bottom of the bag.)
Rounds 2 – 21:
Single crochet in first stitch of previous round, place stitch marker, single crochet in each stitch of previous round and continue to work in a spiral for number of rounds indicated, move stitch marker up as you go for remainder of pattern.
Rounds 22 – 23:
Slip stitch in first stitch from previous round and continue with slip stitch in each stitch for number of rounds indicated, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 24 – 26:
Using accent color, altered bean stitch in first stitch from previous round, bean stitch for number of rounds indicated, slip stitch to join, 45 bean stitches per round.
Rounds 27 – 28:
Using base color, slip stitch in first stitch from previous round and continue with slip stitch in each stitch for number of rounds indicated.
Rounds 29 – 31:
Single crochet in first stitch from previous round and continue with single crochet in each stitch for number of rounds indicated.
Rounds 32 – 33:
Slip stitch in first stitch from previous round and continue with slip stitch in each stitch for number of rounds indicated.
Rounds 34 – 36:
Using accent color, altered bean stitch in first stitch from previous round, bean stitch for number of rounds indicated, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 37 – 38:
Using base color, slip stitch in first stitch from previous round and continue with slip stitch in each stitch for number of rounds indicated.
Rounds 39 – 41:
Single crochet in first stitch from previous round and continue with single crochet in each stitch for number of rounds indicated.
Rounds 42 – 43:
Slip stitch in first stitch from previous round and continue with slip stitch in each stitch for number of rounds indicated.
Rounds 44 – 46:
Using accent color, altered bean stitch in first stitch from previous round, bean stitch for number of rounds indicated, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 47 – 48:
Using base color, slip stitch in first stitch from previous round and continue with slip stitch in each stitch for number of rounds indicated.
Rounds 49 – 53:
Single crochet in first stitch from previous round and continue with single crochet in each stitch for number of rounds indicated.
Round 54:
Slip stitch in each stitch of round.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Attach Purse Straps:
Set the ends of the handle on the bag. Straps in photo are 3 inches 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.
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