How to Crochet a Lace and Flower Stitch Tote Bag
The ultimate summer accessory, beautiful, sustainable, and beginner-friendly.
Introducing the Lace & Flower Cotton Tote Bag, a light, lacy sling bag made using simple stitches and sustainable yarns. Whether you're heading to the market, beach, or brunch, this charming crochet tote bag is sure to become your go-to carry-all.
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About This Pattern
Why You'll Love This Project
- Beginner-Friendly: Uses basic single and half double crochet stitches, worked in the round.
- Eco-Conscious: Perfect for upcycled cotton or bamboo yarn.
- One-Skein Wonder: Budget-friendly, most bags need just ¾ of a single 250g yarn ball.
- Customizable: Adjust size, strap length, or add a buttonhole with ease. Multi
- Purpose: Functions as a market bag, beach tote, everyday purse, or gift.
Materials You'll Need:
- 4mm Crochet Hook Approx. ¾ of a 250g skein (415m/454yds) of 100% Virgin Cotton or Bamboo Yarn
- Metal Rings (Approx. 3cm x 3cm) – optional for straps
- Decorative Button (Approx. 2.5cm x 4cm) – optional
- Scissors & Yarn Needle for finishing
Pattern Highlights
This lace tote is worked in the round from the base up and features alternating rounds of textured stitches and lace motifs.
It includes:
- An easy-to-follow step-by-step written pattern
- A lace panel and flower-inspired stitch detailing
- Clear instructions for adding metal ringsor working straps directly into the body
- Optional buttonhole section for added closure
Tips for making this tote bag:
- Adjust the strap length by changing your foundation chain
- Modify the bag’s depth by adding or reducing row repeats
- Want a tighter strap? Swap double crochets for single crochets
- Handmade totes like this are top-sellers at craft fairs and markets!
The Perfect Handmade Gift
Quick to make and endlessly versatile, this crochet tote bag makes an excellent gift for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Choose natural tones for a minimalist look or bright colors for a boho-chic vibe.
Whether you're a seasoned maker or just starting out, the Lace & Flower Cotton Tote is a satisfying project that’s both functional and fun to create. And the best part?
You’re giving new life to your recycled yarn stash one stitch at a time.
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Materials & Tools
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Pattern Instructions
Written Instructions
Pattern notes
- The pattern is worked in rounds.
- Patterns start with a single chain
- Row1 is worked into starting chain
- 84 single stitches per row
- 42 single st(s) is used for the front bag side
- 42 single st(s) is used for the back bag side
- Work RS - Right side facing outwards.
Rows 1 to 15
Base of the bag
Start with chain a row of 39 chains.
Row / Round 1
1 hdc in 3rd chain from the hook, 4hdc into the same chain stitch, 1 hdc into each of the chain stitches, until the second last st of starting chain (35 sts) , 6 hdc into the last stitch of the starting chain.
Turn the chain round,work stitches back on the chain,
1 hdc into each stitch on the chain until the end, Join with sl st into ch 1 of the starting ch 3. 84sts around round.
Round 2 & 3
ch 3, *1 hdc into next st, rep from *, join with sl st into top of starting ch 2. (84sts)
Row 4
ch 3, *1 dc into next st, rep from *, join with sl st into top of starting ch 2. (84sts)
Rows 5 to 7
ch 3, 2 dc into 1 ch-sp from row before,
* 3 dc into 1 ch-sp , repeat from *, sl st into top of ch 2.
Row 8 & 9
Slip stitch into space between 3 dc st(s),
ch 3, 2 dc into space between 3 dc st(s), - 3 dc in next space between 3 dc st(s),rep from*, sl st into top of ch 2.
Row 10
ch 2, * 1 hdc in each of the 3 dc-sts, repeat from *, sl st into top of ch 2.
Row 11 & 12
ch 3, *1 dc into next st, rep from *, join with sl st into top of starting ch 2. (84sts)
Row 13
ch 4, 1 dc into same st, (first V-st), skip 2 st(s),
* 1 V-st (1dc, ch1, 1dc ) into next st, sk 2 sts - repeat from * sl st into top of ch 4.
Row 14
Slip stitch into first ch-sp from row before,
ch 4, 1 dc into same st, (first V-st), skip 2 st(s),
* 1 V-st (1dc, ch1, 1dc ) into next st, sk 2 sts - repeat from * sl st into top of ch 4.
Row 15
Slip stitch into first ch-sp from row before,
ch 3, 2dc into same st, (first V-st), skip 2 st(s),
* 3dc into next st, sk 2 sts - repeat from * sl st into top of ch 3.
Upcycle cotton yarn, so you can feel good about your eco-friendly design. Creating the base of the straps is also covered in this section and is made by working longer stitches on the sides of the bag, and smaller stitches in the middle of the flat bag sides.You can also use this section of the pattern as a base for any other bag you wish to add straps to by adding the row stitches as indicated in the pattern below. Complete the rest of your project following the same instructions as usual, but don't finish off your rows, unless stated in the written instructions.
Cotton Tote Bag Rows 16 to 25
Row 16
Slip stitch into 2nd stitch of 3 dc-sts, ch 4, 1 dc into same st, (1dcVstitch)
*ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 sc in next st, ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1V-st, (1dc,ch1,1dc), repeat from *, ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 sc in next st, ch 2, sk 2 sts, for the last 3dc stitch from previous round, sl st into top of starting ch.
Row 17
Slip stitch into first ch-sp from row before,
ch 3, work another dc in same space and form first 2 dctog in ch-sp, ch1, 2 dctog ch 1, 2 dctog, ch1 in same ch-sp,
* 2 dctog, ch 1, 2 dctog, ch 1, 2 dctog, ch 1 into next 1 ch-sp , ch1 skip to next 1chsp, repeat from *, sl st into top of ch 2.
Row 18
Ch4, sk 2dctog, 1dc in 1ch-sp, ch1, sk 2dctog, 1dc in 1ch-sp,ch1,
* 1 dc in 1ch-sp, ch1, sk 2dctog, 1dc in 1ch-sp, ch1, sk 2dctog, 1dc in 1ch-sp,ch1,
repeat from *, sl st in ch4
Row 19
ch 3, *1 dc in ch-sp, 1 dc into dc st, rep from *, join with sl st into top of starting ch 2. (84sts)
Row 20 & 21
ch 3, *1 dc into next st, rep from *, join with sl st into top of starting ch 2. (84sts)
Continue along to finish off top of bags for straps.
Note the following instructions exclude the button hole to include buttonhole read : add a buttonhole to the bag ,before continuing with the strap sides, as you will have to replace rows 25 and 26 with other row instructions.
Row 22
ch 3, 1 dc into next 9 st(s), 1 hdc into next 22 st(s), 1 dc into next 20 st(s), 1 hdc into next 22 st(s), 1 dc into next 10 st(s).
Join with sl st into top of ch 2. (84sts).
Row 23
ch 3, 1 dc into next 8 st(s), 1 hdc into next 24st(s), 1 dc into next 18 st(s), 1 hdc into next 24 st(s), 1 dc into next 9 st(s). Join with sl st into top of ch 2. (84sts).
Row 24
ch 3, 1 dc into next 7 st(s), 1 hdc into next 26st(s), 1 dc into next 16 st(s), 1 hdc into next 26 st(s), 1 dc into next 9 st(s). Join with sl st into top of ch 2. (84sts).
Row 25
ch 3, dc into next 6 st(s), 1 hdc into next 28 st(s), 1 dc into next 14 st(s), 1 hdc into next 28 st(s), 1 dc into next 7 st(s). Join with sl st into top of ch 2. (84sts).
Row 26
ch 3, 1 dc into next 5 st(s), 1 hdc into next 30 st(s), 1 dc into next 12 st(s), 1 hdc into next 30 st(s), 1 dc into next 6st(s). Join with sl st into top of ch 2. (84sts).
Row 27
ch 3, 1 dc into next 4 st(s), 1 hdc into next 32 st(s), 1 dc into next 10 st(s), 1 hdc into next 32 st(s), 1 dc into next 5st(s). Join with sl st into top of ch 2. (84sts).
Row 28
ch 3, 1 dc into next 3 st(s), 1 hdc into next 34 st(s), 1 dc into next 8 st(s), 1 hdc into next 34 st(s),
1 dc into next 4st(s). Join with sl st into top of ch 2. (84sts)
Row 29
ch 3, 1 dc into next 3 st(s), 1 hdc into next 34 st(s), 1 dc into next 8 st(s), 1 hdc into next 34 st(s),
1 dc into next 4st(s). Join with sl st into top of ch 2. (84sts)
If you wish to add a button hole to top of bag.
Bag Strap sides
To add a button hole to your bag you will have to replace row 25 & 26 instructions with these instructions.
Row 25:
ch 3, counts as 1 dc, 1 dc into next 6 st(s), 1 hdc into next 12 st(s), ch 4 ,1sc into next , 1 dc into next 14 st(s), 1 hdc into next 28 st(s), 1 dc into next 7 st(s). Join with sl st into top of ch 2. (84sts).
Row 26:
ch 3, counts as 1 dc, 1 dc into next 5 st(s), 1 hdc into next 12 st(s), 6 sc st(s) into ch4 from previous row, 1sc into next 12 st(s), 1 hdc into next 30 st(s), 1 dc into next 12 st(s), 1 hdc into next 30 st(s), 1 dc into next 6st(s),
Join with sl st into top of ch 2. (84sts)
\
The bag has a tapered edge towards the base of the straps and is covered in this section and is made by working longer stitches on the sides of the bag, and smaller stitches in the middle.
For a bag with straps joined with metal rings
Row 30 & 31
ch 1, counts as 1st sc, 1sc into each stitch round, join with sl st into top of ch 1 . (84sts)
End off after row 30. Work in ends.
For a bag with straps joined straight to bag
Row 30
ch 1, counts as 1st sc, 1sc into each stitch round, join with sl st into top of ch 1 . (84sts)
End off after row 30. Work in ends.
Join the bag straps to the bag, then row 31. see making Straps to create straps.
Row 31
ch 1, counts as 1st sc, 1sc into each stitch round, join with sl st into top of ch 1 . (84sts)
End off after row 30. Work in ends.
Make Straps
Strap has worked apart from the bag and is only connected when complete.
ch 150 or however long you wish your strap to be.
Rows are worked in a single st pattern so no multiples are needed.
Row 1 :
ch 2, counts as first hdc, 1 hdc into every st until end of row, 1 hdc into last st of row,
Row 2
ch 2, counts as turning ch and 1st dc st, 1 dc into every st until end of row, 1 dc into last st of row,
Row 3
ch 2, counts as turning ch and 1st hdc st, 1 hdc into every st until end of row, 1 hdc into last st of row,
Row 4
ch 2, counts as turning ch and 1st dc st, 1 dc into every st until end of row, 1 dc into last st of row,
Row 5
ch 2, counts as turning ch and 1st hdc st, 1 hdc into every st until end of row, 1 dc into last st of row,
Row 6
ch 1, counts as turning ch and 1st sc st, 1scc into every st until end of row, 1sc into last st of row,
Finish off. Work ends.
Notes for straps.
If you wish to have a tighter worked strap, replace dc st(s) with either hdc or sc st(s), and simply increase your row count until you reach your strap length.
Add a button hole for a button to the Cotton tote bag
To add a button hole to your bag you will have to replace row 25 & 26 instructions with these instructions.
Row 25:
ch 3, counts as 1 dc, 1 dc into next 6 st(s),1 hdc into next 12 st(s), ch 4 ,1sc into next ,1 dc into next 14 st(s),1 hdc into next 28 st(s), 1 dc into next 7 st(s),
Join with sl st into top of ch 2. (84sts).
Row 26:
ch 3, counts as 1 dc, 1 dc into next 5 st(s),1 hdc into next 12 st(s), 6 sc st(s) into ch4 from previous row, 1sc into next 12 st(s),1 hdc into next 30 st(s),
1 dc into next 12 st(s),1 hdc into next 30 st(s), 1 dc into next 6st(s),
Join with sl st into top of ch 2. (84sts).
Connecting rings to bag for straps.
Place the bag flat down, with the front side flat against the backside of the bag.
The rings are worked into where the last 6 DC st(s) was worked in row 28. To attach the rings , join yarn 5 st(s) from where you wish to attach the rings, 1sc into each of 5 st(s), place ring just behind the row you are working on, Insert the hook into the next st ( under the ring,) Your ring will between your bag and your hook, and your yarn is in front of the ring. Yarn over hook, Pull hook back from st. Yarn over and pull thru loop. You will now have a sc st with the ring connected with a loop behind the sc st.
Yarn over, Holding the yarn over with your finger push hook thru next st. Yarn over hook, Pull hook back from st. Yarn over and pull thru loop. Repeat 4 more times , total of 6 sc st(s) holding ring. Place hook into last loop. Bring hook round.
Yarn over, 1sc into next st in row. Complete sc st as normal. 1sc into each st round until where the next ring needs to be joined. Repeat the above mentioned process to join the next ring. On the opposite side of the bag.
Above image shows the outside of the bag after a few sc st(s) were worked.
Connecting rings to bags for straps.
Place the bag flat down.
With the front side flat against the backside of the bag.
The rings are worked into where the last 6 DC st(s) was worked in row 28.
To work on rings start at 5 st(s) from (before) where you wish to attach the rings.
Work 1sc into each of 5 st(s) before, hold ring Laing flat just behind the row you are working on.
Insert the hook into the next st ( under the ring, Your ring now sits between your bag, your hook I behind the ring, and your yarn is in front of the ring.
Yarn over hook, Pull hook back from st. Yarn over and pull thru loop. You will now have a sc st with the ring connected with a loop behind the sc st.
Yarn over, Holding the yarn over with your finger push hook thru next st.
Yarn over hook, Pull hook back from st. Yarn over and pull thru loop. Repeat 4 more times, total of 6 sc st(s) holding ring.
Place hook into the last loop. Bring hook round. Yarn over, 1sc into next st in row. Complete sc st as normal
1sc into each st round until where the next ring needs to be joined. Repeat the above-mentioned process to join the next ring. On the opposite side of the bag.
Join finished straps to metal connectors
To join straps to the bag use a thick sewing needle and simply see the folded end around each ring. Be sure to flatten out your strap after attaching the first side to ensure there are no twists in your strap.
OPTIONAL : If you wish to add a button hole to the top of your bag , replace rows 25 & 26 , with these instructions.
The strap is worked apart from the bag and only connected when complete.
Chain 150 or however long you wish your strap to be.
Rows are worked in a single st pattern so no multiples…
Pattern Reference
This page is part of a larger crochet pattern and is intended as a companion tutorial or stitch reference. For complete instructions, materials, sizing information, and all pattern sections, please visit the main pattern page.What Other Crocheters Say
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This crochet pattern and all associated content are the original work of Stouto Crochet.
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