Modern Striped Rectangular Tote Bag

A structured, contemporary market tote worked in tight single crochet for a firm, self-standing shape. Bold horizontal stripes in deep red and natural cream wrap seamlessly around the front, back, and both sides. Double-layer handles and two playful tassels complete the look. Because it's worked in continuous rounds, the stripes flow around all four sides without interruption.

Difficulty: Easy Construction: Worked in rounds from a flat rectangular base upward; handles made separately and sewn on.

Finished Measurements

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted-weight raffia or polyester cord yarn (firm, non-stretchy)
  • Color A – Deep Red: approx. 180 yds (165 m)
  • Color B – Natural Cream: approx. 180 yds (165 m)
• Hook: US H/8 (5 mm) — or one size smaller than the ball band recommends, to keep stitches tight and the fabric structured.
• Yarn needle for weaving ends and sewing handles
• Stitch marker (1–2)
• Scissors
• Cardboard 5 in (13 cm) tall for tassels

Gauge

16 sc and 18 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in single crochet worked tightly. That is 4 sc = 1 in and roughly 4.5 rows = 1 in.

Gauge check: Work a 4 in swatch. If it measures larger or feels loose/floppy, go down a hook size. A firm fabric is essential for a self-standing tote.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sl st – slip stitch
• rnd – round
• BLO – back loop only
• sc2tog – single crochet two together (decrease)

Stripe Sequence

Stripes are worked in wide 6-round bands (each band ≈ 1.33 in / 3.4 cm). Change color at the start of a round (see Color Change note). The base is worked in Color A.

Beginning at Round 1 of the body, repeat this sequence up the bag:

1. Bands 1: Color B (Cream) – 6 rnds
2. Band 2: Color A (Red) – 6 rnds
3. Band 3: Color B (Cream) – 6 rnds
4. Band 4: Color A (Red) – 6 rnds
5. Band 5: Color B (Cream) – 6 rnds
6. Band 6: Color A (Red) – 6 rnds
7. Band 7: Color B (Cream) – 6 rnds
8. Band 8: Color A (Red) – 6 rnds
9. Band 9: Color B (Cream) – 6 rnds

Total: 9 bands × 6 rnds = 54 rnds (54 × 0.22 in ≈ 12 in height ✓)

Because the body is worked in continuous rounds, each band automatically wraps around the front, both sides, and the back seamlessly.

Color Change note: On the last stitch before a color change, work the sc until 2 loops remain on the hook, then yarn over with the new color and pull through both loops. Carry the unused color loosely up the inside, or cut and weave in.

PART 1 — Flat Base

The base is worked flat in rows, then stitches are picked up all around to begin working in the round.

With Color A (Red), ch 49.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (48 sc) (48 ch + 1 turning ch = 49 ✓)

Rows 2–16: Ch 1 (does not count as st), sc in each st across. Turn. (48 sc each row)

Base now measures approx. 12 in wide × 3.75 in tall (12" × ~4" ✓). Do not fasten off.

PART 2 — Establish the Sides (Join in the Round)

You will now work sc evenly around the entire outer edge of the base rectangle to create a continuous round.

Round 1 (setup): Ch 1. Working around the perimeter of the base:

• Sc in each of the 48 sts across the top edge (long side / this becomes the BACK). — 48 sc
• Work 16 sc evenly down the short end (side panel). — 16 sc
• Sc in each of the 48 foundation-chain sts along the opposite long edge (FRONT). — 48 sc
• Work 16 sc evenly up the second short end (side panel). — 16 sc

Do not join to work a jointed round; instead place a stitch marker in the first st and work in a continuous spiral.

Total: 48 + 16 + 48 + 16 = 128 sc per round. ✓

Tip: Work into the BLO on this first round if you want a crisp folded edge where the base meets the sides; otherwise work through both loops for a softer curve.

PART 3 — Body

Switch to the Stripe Sequence above. Move your marker up each round.

Rounds 1–54: Working in continuous spiral, sc in each st around. (128 sc every round)

Follow the stripe sequence: Rounds 1–6 Cream, Rounds 7–12 Red, and so on, ending with Rounds 49–54 Cream.

At the end of Round 54, sl st into the next st to smooth the edge. Do not fasten off yet — work the top edging.

Top Edging Round: With the finishing color (Cream), ch 1, sc in each st around (128 sc), sl st to first sc to join. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Bag body is complete: 12 in wide × 4 in deep × 12 in tall. ✓

PART 4 — Double-Layer Handles (Make 2)

Each handle is crocheted as a long strip, then folded lengthwise and seamed to create a sturdy, double-thick band.

With Color A (Red), ch 89.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (88 sc) (88 + 1 turning ch = 89 ✓; 88 sts ÷ 4 sts/in = 22 in long ✓)

Rows 2–8: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (88 sc each row)

Strip measures approx. 22 in long × 1.75 in wide. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

To make double-layer: Fold the strip in half lengthwise (long edges together) so it becomes a 22 in × ~0.9 in band. Using the yarn needle and tail, whipstitch the two long edges together along the entire length. This gives a firm ~2 in-wide flattened double band. Repeat for second handle.

PART 5 — Assembly

Attaching the Handles

Lay the bag flat with the FRONT facing you. The front face is 48 sts wide.

• Front handle: Position the two handle ends on the inside of the top edge. Center them so each end covers about 12 sts, with roughly 24 sts between them and about 6 sts from each side edge.
  • (6 + 12 + 24 + 12 + 6 = 60... adjust: use side margins of 6 sts, handle ends of 12 sts each, center gap of 24 sts → 6 + 12 + 24 + 12 = 54; place remaining 6 sts at far edge margin. Both ends sit symmetrically, 6 sts in from each corner.)
• Using the long tail and yarn needle, securely stitch each handle end to the inside top edge, sewing through several rounds (at least 3 rounds deep) with a rectangle-plus-cross stitch pattern for strength.
• Back handle: Repeat on the BACK face using identical placement so the handles align front-to-back.

Strength tip: Sew each handle end with at least two passes of yarn. These cord yarns are strong; reinforced attachment prevents pull-out under load.

Weave in all remaining ends.

PART 6 — Tassels (Make 2: one Red, one Cream)

1. Wrap yarn around the 5 in cardboard about 25 times.
2. Slide a 10 in length of yarn under the top of the wraps and tie tightly.
3. Cut the wraps along the bottom edge of the cardboard.
4. Wrap a separate strand around the bundle about ¾ in below the top tie, knot, and hide ends inside the tassel.
5. Trim the tassel ends even (about 4 in long).

Make one tassel in Color A (Red) and one in Color B (Cream).

Attach: Tie both tassels together near the base of one handle (at the top edge, beside one handle end) using their top ties. Knot securely and trim the tie ends.

Care Instructions

• Spot clean with a damp cloth; most raffia and polyester cord yarns are not machine washable.
• Reshape while damp and let air dry flat.
• Store stuffed with tissue to help the tote hold its rectangular shape.

Pattern Summary (Verification)

• Base: 48 sc × 16 rows = 12 in × ~3.75 in ✓
• Body rounds: 128 sc × 54 rnds = 12 × 4 × 12 in ✓
• Perimeter check: 2 × (48 + 16) = 128 sc ✓
• Stripes: 9 bands × 6 rnds = 54 rnds, seamless wrap on all faces ✓
• Handles: 88 sc = 22 in each, doubled ✓
• Tassels: 2 (1 red, 1 cream) at one handle ✓

Enjoy your modern striped tote!