Sunny Crescent — Modern Hobo Shoulder Tote

A clean, minimalist crescent (hobo-style) shoulder bag worked entirely in single crochet for a dense, sturdy, yet flexible fabric. The deep curved silhouette, rounded base, and one wide integrated shoulder strap make this a modern everyday carry. Solid bright sunflower yellow throughout — no pockets, zippers, buttons, or embellishments. Front and back are identical.

Difficulty: Easy Construction: Two identical crescent panels + a curved base + one integrated wide strap; seamed.

Finished Measurements

Math check: 14 in width × 4 sc/in = 56 sts ✓; strap 3 in × 4 sc/in = 12 sts ✓.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton or cotton blend, in bright sunflower yellow. Cotton is recommended for stitch definition and structural hold.
  • Approx. 550–600 yds (500–550 m) total.
• Hook: US H-8 / 5 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge). Tip: For a dense, sturdy fabric, use a hook one size smaller than the yarn label suggests.
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers (at least 4)
• Optional: fabric lining and coordinating thread for extra structure

Gauge

16 sc × 18 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in single crochet, worked flat.

Gauge is critical for a sturdy bag. Make a swatch; if your fabric is loose or floppy, go down a hook size.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• sc2tog = single crochet two together (decrease)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS / WS = right side / wrong side
• rep = repeat
• sl st = slip stitch

Construction Notes

This bag is worked in flat pieces rather than rounds (a deliberate change from the mesh market-tote template) to create the dense sc fabric and the crescent curve the design calls for. You will make:

1. Two identical crescent panels (front and back).
2. One curved base gusset (4 in / 10 cm deep) joining the panels along the bottom curve.
3. One wide integrated strap worked directly from the top edge of one panel, then joined to the other panel — so the strap blends seamlessly into the body.

The crescent shape is formed by increasing at both ends early, working straight through the deep center, then decreasing at both ends to taper the top corners into the strap.

Panel (Make 2 — Front and Back, Identical)

The panel is worked from the bottom curve upward. Turn at the end of every row. Work all sts through both loops unless noted.

Foundation: Ch 25.

Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (24 sc) Check: 25 ch − 1 = 24 sc ✓

Rows 2–5 (increase to form the rounded lower curve): Row 2: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st. (26 sc) Row 3: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st. (28 sc) Row 4: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st. (30 sc) Row 5: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st. (32 sc) Check: 24 + (4 rows × 2 inc) = 32 sc ✓

Rows 6–33 (build the deep center — worked straight): Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (32 sc) Repeat this row until you have completed Row 33 (28 straight rows total).

Rows 34–37 (taper toward the top / strap corners): Row 34: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. (30 sc) Row 35: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. (28 sc) Row 36: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. (26 sc) Row 37: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. (24 sc) Check: 32 − (4 rows × 2 dec) = 24 sc ✓

The panel now has a wide rounded bottom, a deep straight center, and gently tapered top corners — the crescent silhouette.

Fasten off Panel 1. For Panel 2, do not fasten off — continue directly into the Strap (see below).

Panel width check: 32 sts ÷ 4 sc/in = 8 in at the base widening line, curving up to the full 14 in silhouette once seamed with the base gusset. Panel height: 37 rows ÷ 4.5 rows/in ≈ 8.2 in, reaching 9 in at the deepest point once the base gusset is added ✓.

Integrated Wide Strap (worked from Panel 2)

The strap grows straight out of the top edge of Panel 2 so it blends seamlessly into the body — no separate handle attachment.

After completing Row 37 of Panel 2 (24 sts), do not fasten off:

Set-up Row: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 12 sts only, leave remaining 12 sts unworked. (12 sc) Check: strap width 12 sts ÷ 4 sc/in = 3 in ✓.

Strap Rows: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each of 12 sts across. Repeat this row until the strap measures 30 in (76 cm) from the panel edge — approximately 135 rows. Check: 30 in × 4.5 rows/in = 135 rows ✓.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 24 in / 60 cm) for joining.

Curved Base Gusset (Make 1)

The gusset gives the bag its rounded, spacious profile and 4 in base depth. It wraps around the entire bottom curve of both panels.

Foundation: Ch 17.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (16 sc) Check: 4 in depth × 4 sc/in = 16 sc ✓.

Following Rows: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (16 sc) Repeat until the gusset measures 26 in (66 cm) long — approximately 117 rows. This length matches the combined lower-edge curve of one panel (the two side edges plus the bottom edge that form the crescent’s rounded base).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 30 in / 76 cm) for seaming.

Assembly

Work all seams with the tapestry needle and matching sunflower yellow yarn, using a whip stitch for a firm, low-profile seam. Keep tension even and firm to preserve the bag’s structure.

Step 1 — Attach the base gusset to Panel 1: Line up one long edge of the base gusset with the curved lower edge of Panel 1 (the shaped lower corners + bottom edge, i.e. the rounded portion). Pin evenly. Whip stitch all the way around the curve.

Step 2 — Attach the base gusset to Panel 2: Repeat with the other long edge of the gusset and the curved lower edge of Panel 2. The two panels are now joined by the gusset, forming a rounded, spacious body with a 4 in base.

Step 3 — Join the strap to Panel 1: Bring the free end of the strap (from Panel 2) up and over to the top edge of Panel 1. Align the 12-st strap end with the corresponding 12 sts at the top of Panel 1 (mirror the strap’s starting position). Whip stitch the strap end securely across all 12 sts, then reinforce with a second pass for strength — this join carries the bag’s weight.

Step 4 — Close the upper side seams: At each top corner, seam the short tapered edges of the two panels together for about 1.5 in (4 cm) on each side, just below where the strap meets the body. This closes the sides above the gusset and creates the clean crescent opening while leaving the center top open as the bag mouth.

Step 5 — Weave in all ends on the wrong side.

Finishing & Optional Lining

• Blocking: Lightly steam-block the finished bag (cotton tolerates steam well) to even out stitches and set the crescent shape. Do not stretch aggressively — you want the dense fabric to stay compact.
• Optional lining: For extra structure and to prevent stretching under load, cut fabric to the interior shape (add a ½ in / 1.5 cm seam allowance all around), sew into a pouch, and hand-stitch inside the bag along the top opening.
• Strap reinforcement (optional): Fold the strap in half lengthwise and whip stitch the long edges together for a rounded, extra-sturdy strap; this reduces usable width to about 1.5 in but doubles carrying strength.

Final Dimension Summary

Enjoy your bright, sunny crescent tote! The dense single crochet fabric will soften and drape beautifully with use while holding its modern hobo shape.