Criss-Cross Tote Bag – Free Crochet Pattern
The Criss-Cross Tote Bag is a free, beginner-friendly crochet pattern for a functional and stylish tote bag. Within this post you can find the pattern for the tote bag, and tips about the pattern.
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In case you missed it, last month I shared a free bucket hat pattern for the Criss-Cross Bucket Hat in five sizes. I loved how well the design for that hat worked out, that I decided to make a matching tote bag pattern!
The Criss-Cross design in this tote bag and the matching bucket hat was inspired by my recent introduction to the cross stitch and a cute dress my daughter received as a gift. I absolutely love how the cross stitching in different contrasting colors looks against a simple, neutral background.
For my version of the Criss-Cross Tote Bag, I decided to go with my brand colors. You can easily adjust this pattern to meet your preferences by changing out the colors and adjusting sizes. This is a really versatile pattern that makes a sturdy and stylish tote!
I am super excited to use my finished Criss-Cross Tote Bag! I have been taking evening walks with my yarn hanging in a bag on my arm so I can market-prep while getting some sunshine and exercise. I can’t wait to use my new, branded tote bag for my walks!
Totes Ready for Summer Blog Hop
I am honored to have my Criss-Cross Tote Bag featured as part of the Totes Ready for Summer Blog Hop created by Yarn Crafts & Coffee! In addition to my free pattern, you can find more awesome summer tote bag patterns from some of my amazing maker friends! Use the links below to check out all the designs featured in this month’s blog hop.
- A Tote Bag Round-up by Yarn Crafts & Coffee
- The Citrus Grove Tote Bag Crochet Pattern by Crochet Aweigh
- Sassy Ocean Beach Bag Pattern Review by Kami Jones
What Supplies Do You Need to Crochet a Criss-Cross Tote Bag?
- Cotton Worsted Weight Yarn – Make sure both your main color and contrast colors are the same thickness.
- H8/5 mm Crochet Hook (Bag) and G6/4 mm Crochet Hook (Handles)
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
Notes about Materials
I used a variety of different brands and colors of worsted weight cotton yarn when making my criss-cross tote bag. I used Lily Sugar and Cream in Soft Ecru for the main color. Most of my complementing colors were smaller balls that I had in my yarn stash. For the handle and the second contrasting color, I used We Crochet Dishie in Clementine. My other contrasting colors were navy blue, peach, light pink, and white. The navy blue, peach, and light pink were all likely Lily Sugar and Cream. The white yarn I used was also We Crochet Dishie.
I recommend using a H8/5 mm crochet hook for this pattern. I used my We Crochet Dots hook, but I would also highly recommend a Clover Amour ergonomic hook. I purposely went with a slightly larger hook size to make this project go a little faster. The small gaps created by the larger hook size for the bag don’t bother me, but if you don’t want gaps, you can adjust your hook size accordingly. The handle is made with a smaller hook size to make it more sturdy. I used a G6/4 mm hook for my handle, but you could use a smaller hook to make it even more sturdy.
What Size is the Criss-Cross Tote Bag?
The finished tote bag body measures 15.5 inches wide and 15 inches long. The handles are 1.75 inches wide and 23.5 inches long before being attached to the bag.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- Ch – Chain
- Sl St – Slip Stitch
- SC – Single Crochet
- HDC – Half Double Crochet
- HDC INC – Half Double Crochet Increase
- DC – Double Crochet
- FO – Finish Off
Special Stitches
Cross Stitch – To complete a cross stitch, you need to skip the first stitch, double crochet in the second stitch, and then double crochet in the stitch that you had previously skipped.
Here is a great video tutorial by Hooked by Robin that explains how to complete a cross stitch.
Pattern Notes
The Criss-Cross Tote Bag is a beginner-friendly pattern with a lot of repetitions. This would be a great project for someone that is learning to master some basic stitches or for an advanced crocheter that just wants to make a stylish tote bag as a gift for a friend or themselves!
The pattern is worked in joined rounds. The bottom of the bag is made by working around both sides of the starting chain. After that, each round begins with a chain 1 and is stacked on top of the previous round.
When joining, it is possible that your joins may start to slant. To prevent this, I alternated rows of crocheting in the same stitch as the join and skipping to the next stitch but crocheting in the last chain space at the end. This helped to keep all the joins right at the side of the bag so they wouldn’t be noticeable.
The final round of slip stitches is used to help create stability at the opening of the bag. Without this row, there would be a lot more stretch at the top of the bag which will cause it to lose shape over time. The slip stitches are pretty important here, so I don’t recommend skipping that step.
For the handles, you can easily adjust the length and width of the handles to meet your needs. I made mine the same length as another tote bag that I have and love. If you want to make it easier to hang over your shoulder, you may want to make the handles slightly longer.
Criss-Cross Tote Bag Crochet Pattern
Body of the Bag
In main color, CH 61.
Round 1: HDC INC in 2nd CH space, HDC 58, HDC 3 times in last chain. Then, working in the opposite side of the chain, HDC 59, sl st to first HDC to join (122)
Rounds 2-9: Ch 1, HDC around, sl st to first HDC to join (122)
*Switch to contrasting color 1*
Round 10 – Ch 1, Cross Stitch 61 times, sl st to first DC to join (122)
*Switch to main color*
Rounds 11-12: Ch 1, HDC around, sl st to first HDC to join (122)
*Switch to contrasting color 2*
Round 13 – Ch 1, Cross Stitch 61 times, sl st to first DC to join (122)
*Switch to main color*
Rounds 14-15: Ch 1, HDC around, sl st to first HDC to join (122)
*Switch to contrasting color 3*
Round 16 – Ch 1, Cross Stitch 61 times, sl st to first DC to join (122)
*Switch to main color*
Rounds 17-18: Ch 1, HDC around, sl st to first HDC to join (122)
*Switch to contrasting color 4*
Round 19 – Ch 1, Cross Stitch 61 times, sl st to first DC to join (122)
*Switch to main color*
Rounds 20-21: Ch 1, HDC around, sl st to first HDC to join (122)
*Switch to contrasting color 5*
Round 22 – Ch 1, Cross Stitch 61 times, sl st to first DC to join (122)
*Switch to main color*
Rounds 23-44: Ch 1, HDC around, sl st to first HDC to join (122)
Round 45: Ch 1, SL ST around, FO. (122)
Handles (Make 2)
In handle color, CH 9.
Row 1: SC in second CH space, SC 7, CH 1, turn. (8)
Rows 2-134: SC 8, CH 1, turn. (8)
Row 135: SC 8, FO. (8)
Attach the handles 16 stitches in from either side of the bag and 10 rows down. To sew mine on securely, I sewed around the square that was formed by laying the handle over the bag. After making the square, I then made an “X” within the square for extra sturdiness.
I ask that you please do not copy, sell, republish, or redistribute this pattern. You may sell items produced using this pattern (in fact, I hope you do!), however, please do not use my photos for your product listing.
Thanks for reading!
I hope you love this pattern! Be sure to comment below or tag me on social media @tandc_crafters if you decide to make one for yourself!
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Love that criss cross stitch!
Thank you so much! I love adding it in a contrasting color against a neutral background. I really think it makes it pop!
I love this stitch. I am going to make this set. Thank you