Mod Chic Tote Bag Pattern

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The Mod Chic Tote is a color-blocked crochet bag worked in single crochet, with a shaped base, a tall body, and sewn-on leather handles. Its straightforward stitches make it a satisfying project for crocheters who want to practice working in rounds and changing colors. The tote is useful for everyday errands, library trips, or as a handmade gift, and the optional tassel adds a playful finishing touch.

Why you’ll love this pattern

This bag gets its shape from a simple increase sequence at the base, followed by rounds of single crochet that build the sides. There are no complicated stitch patterns to memorize, so once the base is established, most of the work is steady and repetitive. That makes the tote a good choice for a crocheter who is comfortable with basic stitches and wants practice keeping track of rounds.

The planned color changes give the finished bag a polished, modern look without requiring stranded colorwork. You can focus on even stitches and tidy transitions while switching between the two colors. The leather handles also provide a crisp contrast against the crochet fabric, while the optional tassel lets you personalize the bag with a small amount of extra yarn.

“I liked how easy it was to settle into the single-crochet rounds after shaping the base. The color changes kept the project interesting, and the handles made it feel like a finished everyday tote.”

How this crochet pattern comes together

You’ll crochet a tote from the base upward. The foundation chain starts the bottom, and increases at the ends of the early rounds create a wider base. You then work even rounds to form the bag’s body, alternating Color A and Color B for the striped section. The final rounds return to Color A and finish with a slip-stitch edge.

The main stitch is single crochet (sc). The instructions are worked in rounds, so keep the fabric oriented consistently and use the stitch marker to identify the marked stitch as you shape the base. The pattern is approachable for an adventurous beginner who knows how to chain, single crochet, slip stitch, and change yarn colors. Experience attaching leather handles with sewing thread is helpful, but the attachment process is separate from the crochet.

Allow enough time for the repeated rounds and careful handle sewing. The exact time will vary with your crochet speed, tension, and how long you spend on finishing, so plan for a project you can work on over several sessions rather than rushing the assembly.

Materials you’ll need

• RED HEART® Chic Sheep™ yarn
  • 2 balls of 5312 Stiletto (Color A)
  • 1 ball of 5311 Lace (Color B)
• Susan Bates® crochet hook: 5 mm [US H-8]
• Split stitch marker
• Yarn needle
• Pair of 23 in (58 cm) leather purse handles with perforations for sewing
• Sewing needle and matching thread
• 6 in (15 cm) piece of cardboard for the optional tassel
• Lobster claw key ring for the optional tassel
• Contrasting yarn for the optional tassel

Use the specified yarn and hook if you want to follow the pattern as closely as possible. If you choose a different yarn, check its label for fiber content and care instructions. A different yarn weight or fiber can change the tote’s size, stiffness, drape, and yarn requirements; you may also need to adjust the hook to achieve a firm fabric. The leather handles should have perforations that are suitable for sewing them securely to the top edge.

Step-by-step instructions

Abbreviations:

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• sl st = slip stitch

Keep the stitch marker in the marked stitch as directed. The marker is especially useful while shaping the base and helps you identify where the next increase belongs.

1. Make the foundation chain. With Color A, chain 51.

2. Work Round 1. Make 2 single crochets in the second chain from the hook. Work 1 single crochet in each chain until you reach the last chain. Make 3 single crochets in the last chain.

3. Work Round 2. Make 3 single crochets in the first single crochet. Work 1 single crochet in each single crochet to the marker, then make 3 single crochets in the marked single crochet.

4. Work Round 3. Make 1 single crochet in the first stitch, then make 3 single crochets in the next stitch. Work 1 single crochet in each stitch to the marker.

5. Repeat the base increase round. Repeat Round 3 five times. The source instructions identify this as five additional repeats.

6. Work Rounds 9–15 evenly. Make 1 single crochet in each single crochet around for every round. These even rounds begin to establish the sides of the tote.

7. Join Color B in Round 16. Join Color B with a single crochet and continue working in the round.

8. Work Rounds 17–21 with color changes. Continue making 1 single crochet in each stitch around, switching colors as directed by the pattern.

9. Continue the striped body. Work 33 more rounds, switching between Color A and Color B every 3 rounds. Keep your stitches even and check that the color blocks form the intended horizontal stripes.

10. Work Rounds 55–62 in Color A. Switch to Color A, then make 1 single crochet in each stitch around for each round.

11. Finish Round 63. Slip stitch in each single crochet around, then fasten off.

12. Weave in the ends. Use the yarn needle to weave in loose ends securely on the inside of the tote. Avoid pulling the fabric tight enough to pucker.

13. Attach the handles. Position the pair of leather handles evenly along the top edge. Sew them in place through their perforations using a sewing needle and matching thread. Make the stitches secure, and check that both handles sit at the same height before finishing the sewing.

14. Make the optional tassel. Cut 2 pieces of contrasting yarn to use for tying. Wrap yarn around the 6 in (15 cm) piece of cardboard 50 times. Use one of the cut pieces to tie the wrapped strands together, then cut through the opposite end of the loops and trim the strands evenly. Use the other cut piece as needed to secure the tassel, then fasten it to the lobster claw key ring.

The instructions provide the order of the color changes but do not specify every individual round transition after Round 16. Follow the stated color sequence carefully as you work, and mark or note each completed round so the stripes stay consistent. If you are working from a complete pattern chart or original layout, use its color sequence to resolve any ambiguity rather than guessing at unlisted transitions.

Ways to use your finished project

The Mod Chic Tote is suited to lightweight everyday carrying: take it along for errands, a craft group, a library visit, or a small personal essentials kit. It can also hold a current crochet project, although sharp tools should be kept in a protective case so they do not snag the fabric.

For a handmade gift, pair the tote with a small accessory in a coordinating color. The optional tassel makes the bag feel more personal, while the clean stripes work well for birthdays, holidays, or a thank-you present. If you make several for a craft fair, keep the handle attachment consistent and include a care note that reflects the yarn label and the leather handles.

As with any crochet bag, avoid carrying more weight than the fabric and handle attachment can comfortably support. The pattern does not give a tested load limit, so treat it as a tote for ordinary personal items rather than heavy groceries or books.

How to care for your crochet tote

Check the yarn label before washing, especially if you have substituted a different yarn. The label is the most reliable guide for water temperature, washing method, and drying. Since the bag combines yarn with leather handles and sewn attachments, avoid assuming the entire tote can be machine washed even if the yarn itself is machine washable.

For routine care, empty the bag and gently shake out dust or crumbs. Spot-clean small marks with a clean cloth and mild detergent, testing an inconspicuous area first. Do not soak or scrub the leather handles; follow the leather supplier’s care guidance if available.

If the yarn label permits hand washing, support the bag while cleaning it in cool or lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. Rinse carefully without wringing. Press out excess water with a towel, reshape the crochet fabric, and dry it flat with the handles positioned so they do not pull on the damp stitches. Avoid hanging a wet tote, which can stretch the body under its own weight.

Store the bag clean and completely dry. Keep it away from prolonged direct sunlight, damp areas, and anything that could snag the crochet. Do not store heavy items inside it, since they can distort the base or put strain on the handle seams.

Tips for success

• Track the rounds. Use a row counter, a notebook, or a simple tally for each round. This is particularly helpful during the long striped section.
• Use the marker consistently. Keep the split stitch marker at the stitch identified by the pattern. Move it when needed so you can find the reference point for the next increase.
• Count the base rounds. The increase sequence shapes the bottom. If the base looks uneven, check that you placed the increases in the specified stitches and did not accidentally add extra stitches elsewhere.
• Watch for unintended increases. When working a single crochet in every stitch around, take care not to work twice into the same stitch unless an increase is specifically instructed.
• Keep color changes tidy. Change colors at the instructed point and carry or secure yarn only as appropriate for the pattern. Weave in ends securely without making the stripe joins bulky.
• Check the bag as it grows. Lay the base flat and inspect the sides occasionally. A small difference in tension can become more noticeable across many rounds.
• Use a firm, even tension. A tote needs a fabric that can hold its shape. If your stitches are very loose, check your gauge and fabric before completing the whole body; changing hook size can affect the finished dimensions.
• Test the handles before sewing. Pin or temporarily position both handles and compare their placement. Sew through the perforations with matching thread, keeping the stitches secure and evenly spaced.
• Finish the ends carefully. Weave each yarn tail through several stitches on the inside of the bag. A loose end can work free with regular use, while an overly tight tail may pucker the fabric.

Creative variations

Choose a different two-color palette to give the tote a new look. Neutral shades create a subtle stripe, while a bright contrast makes the color blocks stand out. Keep the same yarn type and weight where possible; changing the yarn may alter the bag’s dimensions, texture, drape, and yarn usage.

You could also use one color throughout for a simpler look, or add another color to the stripes if you can maintain a clear, consistent round sequence. Make a note of each color change before you start so the pattern remains balanced.

For a coordinated set, use leftover yarn to make a matching tassel or another small accessory. You can also personalize the bag with a removable charm attached to the lobster claw ring. Avoid adding heavy decorations that could pull on the crochet fabric or strain the handle attachment.

If you want a larger or smaller tote, changing the foundation chain or the number of body rounds may seem straightforward, but it changes the shape or proportions. A wider foundation affects the base, while adding or removing body rounds changes the height. Make a swatch and check the base dimensions as you go; additional width or height may also require more yarn and could affect how the handles sit.

Frequently asked questions

Is this crochet tote suitable for beginners?

It can suit an adventurous beginner who already knows how to chain, single crochet, slip stitch, and change colors. The stitches are basic, but shaping the base, keeping count over many rounds, and sewing on leather handles require care. Beginners may find it helpful to mark rounds and check the base regularly.

What yarn works best for the Mod Chic Tote?

The pattern specifies RED HEART® Chic Sheep™ in two colors: 2 balls of 5312 Stiletto for Color A and 1 ball of 5311 Lace for Color B. Using the specified yarn is the closest way to follow the intended fabric. If you substitute, choose a yarn with a similar weight and make a swatch, because fiber and thickness can affect size, structure, and yarn use.

Can I use a different crochet hook?

The pattern calls for a 5 mm [US H-8] hook. A different hook can change stitch size and the finished tote’s dimensions. If you do change hooks, make a small swatch first and check whether the fabric feels sturdy enough for a bag. A larger hook usually creates looser fabric; a smaller hook usually creates denser fabric.

How much yarn do I need?

The listed amount is 2 balls of Color A and 1 ball of Color B in the specified RED HEART® Chic Sheep™ yarn. A substitute may require a different quantity, especially if its ball size, fiber, or weight differs. Extra yarn is also useful if you plan to adjust the size or add decorations.

How do I keep the base and edges even?

Work the increases only where the instructions call for them, and use the stitch marker to locate the marked stitch. Count stitches periodically so you notice accidental extra stitches early. After the base is shaped, follow the instruction to work one single crochet in each stitch around.

Why might my tote curl?

Curling can happen when the fabric is worked with uneven tension or when the base increases are misplaced. Check that you have the required increases in the correct stitches and that the base has not twisted. If the sides start to flare or the base will not lie flat, review your stitch placement before continuing. Blocking may help with minor unevenness if the yarn label permits it, but it will not correct a significant stitch-count error.

Can I make the bag larger or smaller?

Yes, but changing the foundation chain or the number of rounds will affect the finished proportions. Altering the foundation chain changes the base; altering the body rounds changes the height. Make a test swatch and check the shape as you go, and be prepared to use more or less yarn. Keep the handle placement in mind if you adjust the height.

How should I wash the finished tote?

Follow the care instructions on the yarn label and handle the leather carefully. Spot-clean when possible. If the yarn allows hand washing, wash gently, avoid wringing, reshape the bag, and dry it flat. Do not soak the leather handles unless their care instructions specifically allow it.

Can I sell a tote made from this pattern?

The instructions provided here do not state the designer’s terms for finished items. Check the original designer’s usage terms before selling a tote made from the pattern.

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