Sun crochet squares beach bag pattern : Burning Sun Tote Bag

Tips for selecting yarn for your crochet tote bag

My suggested yarn for the crochet tote bag pattern is Cotton, Bamboo, or Nylon Fiber content yarn,but here are some tips on picking a good type of yarn for your crochet bag.

Cotton and linen typed yarn are way less stretch, and more durable, and will keep the shape of your bag, but note that all yarn-made bags have some degree of softness to them, and it's always best to consider lining a bag, especially if you are looking to caring heavier items, like files, books or your favorite oversized water bottle.

When using yarn made from Acrylic Fibre, your bag can end up very stretched as Acrylic yarn tends to be very stretchy, and your bag can lose shape, when you choose Acrylic type yarn perhaps consider lining your bag as this will help prevent the stretch. 

Do note that crochet bags go through a lot of use and tend to rub against your side and clothes when wearing and using them, so to ensure your bag lasts long, perhaps look at yarn that has a lower chase to pill, as pilling can leave attractive bumps and look very worn very soon. Selecting a tighter weave yarn is a good step in the right direction, also consider yarns which are more colorfast, as you don't want the bag to transfer or stain your favorite outfit.

I personally prefer a DK / double knit weight yarn when working with textured crochet squares so that one can see the beautiful colors intertwine, the pattern size notes double knit as the preferred weight of the project,but there is no reason as to why you won't be able to use worsted weight yarn, as this is a good weight for making very sturdy crochet bags, just remember if you use a large hook than a 3.5 mm your bag will be slightly bigger. You can also choose some 4-ply crochet cotton and work this bag into a hand little carry along purse, as of course the bag size will be smaller than mentioned in the finished measurements.
Do note that the heavier yarn you choose , the heavier your final weight will be and you don't want to have to work out everything you pick up in this pretty bag.

Consider if your yarn is machine washable or not, bags go thru a lot of use and no matter how much you try to keep it clean, accidents and leaks happen, so best to be prepared to easily wash your bag, by selecting yarn which can be easily cleaned, and which will dry into the same shape as what it started off in.

Tips on lining your crochet bag

Lining your crochet bag not only adds to the durability of your crochet bag, but also allows you to carry more heavier items in your bag, and is a good option to consider when making a creative crochet tote bag.

Select a fabric which is similar in weight to your finished crochet bag, for me linen cotton or quilting cotton is a good option, as it is durable, strong and seldom frayed. Bed linen fabric can handle a lot of wear and tear and is available in one color shades, where quilting cotton works great if you wish to choose pattern fabrics, as pattern fabrics tend to show less stains and dirt marks than one color fabrics.

When selecting lining fabric, consider things like; is this machine washable, and will this fabric shrink? If you are unsure if the fabric you have on hand will work you can always pop it through the machine and see if it will hold before using the fabric for a bag lining.
If the weight of your lining fabric is too thick or heavy, then your bag will bulge and you will struggle to add things into your bag. If your fabric shrinks, it will pull your bag screw, and all your hard work will feel lost.

Consider what you will be using the bag for most, if you want it to be used as a book bag, select a fabric which is stronger and can carry some weight. If it's a bag you will only use for smaller daily uses items, then a lighter fabric will do just fine. Nylon or poly cotton is also a more cost effective option, but make sure to select fabric which is shrink and fray friendly, poly cotton fabric then to be much lighter in weight, and if you pick a good quality it can work just as well as cotton.

When cutting and making your lining, measure your bag first, and keep your lining fabric sizes as close as possible to the finished bag, you don't want to struggle with additional fabric when looking for your favorite chapstick.

Be a part of the movement to save the planet by carrying your groceries responsibly.
Handmade crochet tote bags are a reusable alternative to plastic grocery bags, and it's made to be durable enough to last for years and make a great alternative to a diaper bag gift as it can be made in bright pink and blue, ready for mommy to be.

The pattern is easy to follow and can be made from any strong fiber crochet yarn It has two handles that are long enough to sling over your shoulder while you're out and about.