Let’s kick off summer with a fun, practical crochet bag that you’ll want to carry throughout every season! In this blog post, we’ll learn How To Make The Top Knot Tote Bag Crochet Pattern.
You can browse all of my crochet accessories here for more styles and ideas.
Not only are crochet tote bags a must-have in any handmade collection, but they are also a great addition to any wardrobe. They’re functional, stylish, and completely customizable in your favorite yarns and colors.
The Top Knot Tote Bag Crochet Pattern comes in one convenient size, featuring a roomy interior and a fun tie at the shoulder. Therefore, it’s the kind of bag you’ll reach for over and over!
Additionally, this crochet tote bag pattern works up quickly thanks to its simple stitches (almost all half double crochet), making it a relaxing and straightforward project with lots of repeats.
Ready to Start?!! Grab your yarn and hook, and let’s get started!
YOU CAN FIND THE PAID AD FREE AND PRINTABLE PDF PATTERN ON ETSY AND RAVELRY.
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Yarn Suggestions For The Top Knot Tote Bag Crochet Pattern
The Top Knot Tote Bag Crochet Pattern is written using Bobbiny 3mm Braided Cord. This is comparable to a size 6 super bulky yarn and made with 100% recycled cotton.
The colors shown are Avocado with Beige and Honey with Nude.
Note: I used almost an entire skein of each color. Color A had a little more left over, but Color B only had about a foot or two left. Please keep that in mind when ordering.
Below are the suppliers I recommend:
Bobbiny
Amazon or Like To Know It (LTK)
Yarn Alternatives For The Top Knot Tote Bag Crochet Pattern
Feel free to experiment with different size 6 yarns. Keep in mind the gauge may turn out slightly smaller or larger depending on what you use.
Many great yarns work well with bags and purses. A t-shirt yarn is a sturdy option, and holding several strands of cotton together can also work nicely. Try experimenting with yarns, as well as the stripe pattern, for a unique look!
Below are a few of my favorite yarn alternatives, which can be purchased directly from the manufacturer, Amazon, or Like To Know It (LTK)
Note: Both yarns have some stretch, so the straps may lengthen slightly over time. However, I didn’t experience any significant issues with stretching. Using two strands of Bernat Maker significantly reduces the stretch factor, helping the bag maintain its shape.
Bernat Maker (held double), shown in Pink, Coral, Acid, and Cream.
Premier Ribbon Yarn (1 strand), shown in Cream and Sand.
Sizing For The Top Knot Tote Bag Crochet Pattern
The Top Knot Tote Bag, lying flat, measures approximately 13 inches (across bag portion, at widest point) by 20 inches tall (including handle), 10 inches not including handle.
You can adjust the height of the bag by adding or removing rounds of half double crochet. However, more significant changes may require additional modifications to the rest of the pattern.
If you’re comfortable making more advanced adjustments, you can also add or subtract increase rounds at the base to create a larger or smaller bag.
Keep in mind that this may require changes to the strap width, but the same basic pattern structure can still be used.
Bag Liner
Crochet bags often benefit from a liner. You can sew in a fabric liner if you prefer, or opt for no-sew purse inserts available on Amazon.
Screw On Tags
I have a blog post on the different crochet tags I use. The full post with extensive detail can be found here.
For The Top Knot Tote Bag Crochet Pattern, I used Ultrasuede, screw on, custom logo tags from Angie & Britt & vegan faux suede seasonal tags from Savlabot.
Note: You’ll also need Chicago Screws to attach the tags.
Skill Level
Intermediate
Stitch Key | US Terms
beg – beginning
ch(s) – chain/chains
hdc – half double crochet
inv-hdcdec – invisible half double crochet decrease
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch/stitches
Materials
You can find a complete list of supplies on my Amazon Associates Account here.
3mm Braided Cord or Size 6, super bulky yarn
Approximately 105 yards Color A & 108 yards Color B
I prefer Bobbiny 3mm Braided Cord (results will vary depending on yarn used)
L11/8mm Crochet Hook (or size to meet gauge)
Tapestry Needle or Blunt Tipped Drawstring Threader
Flexible Measuring Tape
Scissors
Stitch Marker
Optional
Optional Screw on Tags
Fabric to line the bag or pre-made purse insert.
Gauge | Working in the Round
First 3 Rounds in Pattern = 4.5 Inches with L Hook
Please check your gauge before starting, as tension can vary significantly from person to person and depending on the yarn used.
Special Stitches
Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease (inv-hdcdec)
1. Yarn over, insert hook into front loop only of next st. (3 loops on hook)
2. Without yarning over, insert hook into front loop only of next st. (4 loops on hook)
3. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook (they are the front loops). (3 loops on hook)
4. Yarn over, pull through 3 loops on hook. (counts as 1 half double crochet)
Invisible join
After completion of the last stitch of the round, fasten off. Skip the next stitch, with a tapestry needle, weave tail end under both loops of the next stitch. Next, weave through the back loop only of the last stitch of the round. Weave in tail.
Video Instructions For The Top Knot Tote Bag Crochet Pattern
Written Instructions For The Top Knot Tote Bag Crochet Pattern
– The body of the bag is worked in a continuous rnd, do not join at the end of each rnd, mark 1st st of each rnd with st marker.
– The instructions below show how to make one color change (as seen in the main photo), but feel free to customize your tote with as many color changes as you like. Just finish off each color with an invisible join before switching to the next, and continue to follow the color change instructions to join new color.
Color A
Rnd 1. Create a magic circle, ch2, work 10 hdc in circle. (10hdc)
Rnd 2. 2 hdc in each st around. (20hdc)
Rnd 3. *hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st, repeat from * around. (30hdc)
Rnd 4. *hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st, repeat from * around. (40hdc)
Rnd 5. *hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st, repeat from * around. (50hdc)
Rnd 6. *hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st, repeat from * around. (60hdc) (piece should measure approximately 8.5 inches across)
Rnd 7-14. hdc in each st around. (60hdc)
Measurements after rnd 14: Lying flat, bag should measure approximately 8.5 inches tall & 14 inches across widest point.
Fasten off using the invisible join method.
Color Change | Color B
Insert hook in invisible join space from fasten off point above, with Color B, yarn over and pull up a loop, ch1.
Note: Start next round in same space as ch1 from above, do not count ch1 as st.
Rnd 15. hdc in each st around. (60hdc)
Rnd 16. *hdc in next 4 sts, inv-hdcdec, repeat from * around. (50hdc)
Rnd 17-18. hdc in each st around. (50hdc)
DO NOT FASTEN OFF, continue to strap 1 instructions below.
Measurements after row 18: Lying flat, bag should measure approximately 11 inches tall & 13 inches across top edge.
Strap 1 | Color B
– Continue from where you left off. You’ll now be working in rows.
– Ch1 does NOT count as st, work 1st st in same st as ch1.
– Elongate beg ch1 slightly to make it easier to work into next row.
Row 1. Hdc in next 15 sts, ch1, turn. (15hdc)
Row 2-3. Hdc across, ch1, turn. (15hdc)
Row 4. Inv-hdcdec, hdc across, ending with an inv-hdcdec across last 2 sts, ch1, turn. (13hdc)
Rows 5-21.
Repeat the following sequence.
– Repeat row 2 for 2 rows (2 rows of hdc across)
– Repeat row 4 once (decrease row)
You’ll start this sequence with 13 hdc in Rows 5-6. Each time Row 4 is worked, it decreases the st count by 2. Continue this sequence until you have 3 hdc in Rows 20-21.
Row 22. Inv-hdcdec, hdc in last st, ch1, turn. (2hdc)
Row 23-27. Repeat row 2. (2hdc)
Row 28-30. 2 hdc in next st, hdc across, ch1, turn. (3,4,5hdc)
Row 31. Inv-hdcdec, hdc in next st, inv-hdcdec, Do NOT TURN. (3hdc)
Fasten off and weave in loose ends.
Strap 2 | Color B
With bag right side facing (strap should be to the right), attach yarn:
Insert hook in 11th st from bottom of Strap 1, yarn over and pull up a loop, ch1.
Starting in same st as ch1, repeat Rows 1-31 from Strap 1.
DO NOT FASTEN OFF – continue to Finishing Border instructions below.
Finishing Border
With right side facing, continue where you left off.
Sl st evenly along the entire perimeter of the bag – working along the row ends of both straps and across the top edge of the bag opening.
Continue until you reach the beg sl st, then fasten off using the invisible join method.
Weave in remaining loose ends.
Tie The Straps Together
Tie the two straps together in a simple knot at the top.
Ensure the straps lie flat and untwisted for a neat, finished look.
Your new bag is complete, enjoy!!
You may also enjoy The Round Handle Crochet Bag Pattern.
I’d love to see pics if you try The Top Knot Tote Bag Crochet Pattern. Be sure to tag me @simplymadebyerin
Pattern and images are copyright-protected and the sole property of Simply Made By Erin. The written pattern is for personal use only. Please do not redistribute, transfer, or sell the pattern or images.
Feel free to do what you like with the finished product, but please credit me as the designer.
You may copy and paste the following information to your product:
Pattern Designed By Simply Made By Erin www.SimplyMadeByErin.com
This post contains affiliate links, meaning Simply Made by Erin may receive a small commission from purchases made at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy and Disclosures here.