Spring has just arrived (although you wouldn’t know it here in cloudy Northern Spain), and us designers are starting to plan our warm-weather designs, bags being top of the list for most of us! Yesterday (Sunday, see what I did there?) I started sketching out some ideas and decided on making a light, smaller-sized tote bag that’s perfect for holidays and trips out, that can take you from day to night and that is fun to make. Lo and behold, the Sunday Tote was born!

Small but perfectly formed, I have a feeling that Sunday will be your new favourite crochet bag. Everybody needs a really sturdy, good-quality, crochet tote bag – something practical, durable, and actually nice to use. And if you crochet, you’re already in the perfect place to start, because making your own bags is one of the most satisfying projects you can do. I absolutely love making bags. From small pouches to simple crochet tote bags like this one, they’re fun, useful, and surprisingly addictive. There’s something especially satisfying about creating your own handmade accessories, particularly when they’re strong enough for everyday use. Also, FYI, it’s a huge F.U to fast fashion.

So, why make the Sunday Tote Bag? Well, small-sized totes like this one are really quick and easy to work up on chunky ribbon yarn. They’re tough enough to be durable, are small but can fit a lot of stuff in them, they’re practical and light, washable and strong… I’m planning on making a ton of them to go with every outfit, and I know you will too.

If you’re looking for a simple crochet bag pattern that’s beginner-friendly but still sturdy, this stitch strikes that balance nicely. It gives the bag enough strength to hold its shape, while still keeping that relaxed, flexible feel you want in a summer crochet bag.

In this post, you’ll find the full free crochet beach bag pattern, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make your bag sturdy, practical, and perfect for everyday use.

Sunday Tote Bag

US Terms

LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate.

Materials

1 skein Hobbii Friends Ribbon yarn (125 m / 186 yds, 250 g) in Rose (44)
10 mm crochet hook (bag body & base)
6.5 mm crochet hook (strap)
Yarn needle

Finished Size

Approx. 9 in (23 cm) wide
Approx. 10 in (25.5 cm) tall, excluding strap

Skills Needed

Chain (ch)
Half double crochet (hdc)
Single crochet (sc)
Half double crochet moss stitch (hdc moss st)
Moss stitch (sc version)

Notes

Entire project is worked in a continuous spiral. Do not join rounds.
Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.

Base (see diagram)

Ch 24. Skip the first 2 chains (counts as first hdc).
Work 3 hdc in the next chain.
Work hdc across to the last chain.
In the last chain, work 4 hdc.
Continue working hdc along the opposite side of the foundation chain.

Body

Rounds 1–16: Hdc Moss Stitch

Hdc in next stitch, ch 1, skip next stitch; repeat around.
On subsequent rounds, work hdc into each ch-1 space, maintaining the pattern.

Next Round: Sc Moss Stitch

Sc in next stitch, ch 1, skip next stitch; repeat around.

Final Round: Sc in Chain Spaces Only

Work 1 sc in each ch-1 space around.
Do not chain between stitches.

Strap (Make 1)

Using 6.5 mm hook:

Ch 60.
Work 1 hdc in each chain across.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Strap Placement

Lay the bag flat with the opening facing up.
Position each end of the strap vertically along the edge of the bag so it aligns with the top edge.
Ensure the strap sits evenly, with no twisting. Sew onto the bag securelyon either side as shown in the image.

Enjoy your bag and don’t forget to share your work on social media by tagging me – I love to see all your creations!

If you loved this tutorial and want to help me carry on offering you even more fantastic free projects, it’s be lovely if you could donate to me on Ko-fi! Thank you so much and happy crafting.