The Modern Simple Beach Tote Crochet Pattern
There’s nothing quite like packing up for a day at the shore. That’s why I’m so excited to share the Modern Simple Beach Tote free crochet pattern with you! This large crochet tote is designed to be sturdy enough for all your essentials—and unlike many crochet bags, this one has very little stretch. No more bag-hitting-your-knees once you add your water bottle!
This pattern starts with a sturdy rectangular base worked in rows, giving you a solid foundation. Then, the body is worked in the round so there are no seams to sew. For the cross treble round, I used a royal blue color so it would stand out and really show how pretty the stitch is. You can use any color variation of your choice & I Love This Cotton yarn has so many pretty colors that you can choose from.
I usually make my crochet bags from the bottom all the way up to the handles but for this one I made them separately and added them on at the end. I didn’t like the way it looked when I made it all in one piece and preferred this method. At the end of the pattern you have the option of crocheting the handles or using your own handles that you may have.
The finished measurement of the bag (using the correct gauge) is 18″ wide by 10.5″ high (not including the handles). There is only one width but you can definitely customize the height of the bag. If you plan on using the tote as an everyday bag I recommend sewing in a liner so small items do not fall through the holes.
If you’re ready to have fun here is the free crochet pattern for the Modern Simple Beach Tote!
SKILL LEVEL
Advanced Beginner
ABBREVIATIONS (The pattern is in US terms):
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet (UK double crochet)
- dc: double crochet (UK treble crochet)
- tr – treble crochet (UK double treble crochet)
MATERIALS
- Yarn: Medium weight (Weight 4) cotton yarn.
- Main Color: 375 yards (shown in Yarn Bee Braided Basics Small, ‘Natural’)
- Secondary Color: 103 yards (shown in I Love This Cotton, ‘Royalty’)
- Hook: Size H (5 mm). Note: Using a smaller hook than suggested helps create a tighter, sturdier fabric!
- Notions: Stitch markers, yarn needle, and optional fabric for a liner.
GAUGE:
14 single crochet = 4 inches
FINISHED SIZE:
18 inches wide and 10.5 inches high
DIRECTIONS:
Starting with the bottom rectangular base:
With the main color: Ch 48
ROWS:
1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook & in each ch across. Turn. (47 sc)
2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across to end. Turn.
Repeat row 2 fourteen more times.
UPPER SECTION:
ROW 1: Ch 1, work 3 sc in the first sc (first corner made), work 1 sc in each of the next 45 sc, work 3 sc in the last sc (second corner made), working along the first side of the piece, work 1 sc in each side of the 15 rows, now working on the bottom of the piece (the beginning chain), work 3 sc in the first stitch of the beginning chain (third corner made), work 1 sc in each of the next 45 stitches of the beginning chain, work 3 sc in the last stitch of the beginning chain (fourth corner made), now working along the second side of the piece, work 1 sc in each side of the 15 rows. Do not turn at the end of this row. (132 sc)
This may be a bit confusing for beginners so here is a picture:
Now, we will begin working in rounds.
ROUNDS 1 – 11: Sc in the first sc (place marker for first sc), sc in each sc around. Do not join with a slip stitch at the end of rounds 1-10.
At the end of round 11, slip stitch into the first sc and drop the main color.
ROUND 12: Join the secondary color in the same sc as the slip stitch, ch 4 (counts as the first tr & place a marker in 4th ch), 1 tr in the last sc of round 11 (the stitch immediately to the right of your slip stitch join), skip the next sc (in other words the 2nd sc), 1 tr in the next sc (in other words the 3rd sc), working in front of the tr just made, 1 tr into the skipped sc., *skip the next sc, 1 tr in the next sc, working in front of the tr just made, 1 tr into the skipped sc; repeat from * around ending slip stitch in the top ch of the beginning ch 4 & drop the secondary color. (132 tr counting the beginning ch 4 as a tr)
Designer’s Tip: When beginning round 12 and you are working into the “last sc of round 11” ensure you are working in the actual single crochet and not the slip stitch used to join the previous round. The slip stitch is usually tighter and sits slightly lower.
ROUND 13: Join the main color in the same ch as the slip stitch and work 1 sc in the same ch (place marker for first sc), work 1 sc in each tr around to end. Do not join with a slip stitch at the end of the round. (132 sc)
ROUNDS 14 – 16: Sc in the first sc (place marker for first sc), sc in each sc around. Do not join with a slip stitch at the end of rounds 14 & 15.
At the end of round 16, slip stitch into the first sc and drop the main color.
Repeat rounds 12 – 16 three more times and do not drop the main color at the end of your last worked round 16.
ROUNDS 32 – 35: Continuing with the main color, sc in the first sc (place marker for first sc), sc in each sc around. Do not join with a slip stitch at the end of rounds 32-34.
At the end of round 35, slip stitch into the first sc and fasten off.
If you are going to add your own handles you can stop here.
HANDLES (MAKE 2):
Ch 7
ROWS:
1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook & in each ch across. (6 sc)
2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn.
Repeat row 2 until the handle measures 24 inches & fasten off.
Finishing Touches: Adding the Handles
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Position your handles approximately 4 inches from each side edge. You have a few options for attachment:
For the crocheted handles-
- My Favorite Method: I crocheted mine directly to the final round. It’s incredibly secure, and the join is almost invisible!
- The Standard Method: You can also sew them onto the bag using a whip stitch or mattress stitch. Just keep in mind that sewing may leave a slightly more noticeable seam than crocheting them on.
- Store-Bought Handles: If using pre-made handles, sew them through the pre-drilled holes using a sturdy tapestry needle and matching yarn or embroidery floss.
I can’t wait to see how your Modern Simple Beach Tote came out! Tag me on Instagram or link your project on Ravelry—seeing your finished pieces is truly the best part of sharing these patterns. If you have any questions, drop a comment and I’ll be happy to help. Happy crocheting, and enjoy the sunshine!