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This Witch Way Crochet Striped Tote is a practical, handmade bag with a bold striped look and long handles that are joined at the top. It is worked mainly in single crochet, so the stitches are familiar to many crocheters, while the bag’s sections offer a useful chance to practice counting, color changes, and careful seaming. Make it for carrying everyday essentials, taking along a craft project, or giving as a useful handmade gift.

Why you’ll love this pattern

The tote combines straightforward single-crochet fabric with a more involved construction. Working single crochet rows is a steady, relaxing rhythm, and the black-and-ecru color contrast gives the finished bag a strong graphic style without requiring complicated stitch patterns.

This project is also a practical way to build skills. You’ll work separate bag sections, keep track of stitch counts, attach gussets, and sew the handle tops together. Those steps help you practice shaping and assembly—useful experience for future bags and other crocheted accessories.

The finished tote can suit everyday errands, a library visit, or carrying yarn and tools to a crochet group. Its simple color arrangement is easy to personalize, too, so it can be made to suit a particular wardrobe or gift recipient.

“The single crochet rows were easy to settle into, and I liked seeing the stripes take shape. Taking time to pin the gussets before joining made the assembly feel much more manageable.”

How this crochet pattern comes together

The tote is made from a long side-and-handle section, a worked body section, and two gusset pieces. The long section begins with a chain of 161 stitches in Contrast B, followed by 160 single crochet rows. Contrast A is then used for eight more single crochet rows before fastening off.

For the body, you skip the first 27 single crochets, join Contrast B, and work across 106 stitches for eight rows. Contrast A and then Contrast B are joined for the remaining color sections, following the row counts in the pattern instructions. A second handle is made by chaining 27 and continuing in single crochet as specified. The gussets are made separately, with two pieces worked from a chain of 51 in Contrast A.

The construction uses single crochet throughout the stated steps. The main challenges are keeping the long rows even, following the color changes accurately, and placing the gussets carefully before joining. The pattern is likely most comfortable for a crocheter who knows how to chain and single crochet and is ready to follow a longer set of instructions. A newer crocheter can also approach it in manageable sections, checking the stitch counts as they go.

No exact finished dimensions or total working time are provided, so allow time for making the separate pieces and assembling them. The long runs of single crochet are repetitive, but joining the bag neatly takes patience.

Materials you’ll need

Peaches & Crème™ yarn, Contrast A: Ecru — 3 balls, or approximately 275 yd (250 m). Each ball is 70.9 g/2.5 oz and 109 m/120 yds.
Peaches & Crème™ yarn, Contrast B: Black — 2 balls, or approximately 240 yd (218 m).
Crochet hook: U.S. G/6 (4 mm).
Yarn needle — for sewing the handle tops together and weaving in yarn ends.
Stitch markers — helpful for marking section boundaries and keeping track of long row counts.

Peaches & Crème™ is commonly sold as cotton yarn. Check the label on your particular yarn for its fiber content and care instructions, as product details can vary. The stated hook size is 4 mm; changing hook size or using a different yarn can change the fabric’s thickness, drape, and finished dimensions. If you substitute, choose a yarn with a similar weight and make a small test swatch before beginning.

Step-by-step instructions

The instructions below follow the supplied construction details. The source does not specify every row count for the later color sections or the full row-by-row shaping details, so follow the original pattern for those counts and any additional shaping. Do not guess at missing counts: accurate matching pieces are important for a tote that joins neatly.

Make the side and first handle. With Contrast B, chain 161. Work 160 rows of single crochet (sc). Keep your stitch count consistent from row to row, and check that the edges stay straight. Switch to Contrast A and continue in single crochet for 8 rows. Fasten off.
Begin the body section. On the piece, skip the first 27 single crochet stitches. Join Contrast B, then work across 106 single crochet stitches for 8 rows. Take care to begin in the correct stitch after the skipped section so the body sits in the intended position.
Continue the body color sections. Join Contrast A and then Contrast B again, following the row counts given in the original pattern. Keep the color sequence and row counts consistent with the other sections. Fasten off or carry yarn only as directed by the full pattern.
Work the second handle. Chain 27. Continue in single crochet in the same manner as the first handle, adding the single crochet stitches as specified in the original instructions. Follow the provided row counts and shaping rather than estimating them. Fasten off at the end of the last row.
Make the gussets. With Contrast A, chain 51. Work the single crochet rows as instructed to make one gusset, then make a second matching piece. Compare the pieces before assembly so they are the same size and have the same row count.
Pin the gussets in place. Lay out the bag pieces and pin the gussets to the sides of the bag base. Use several stitch markers or pins along each edge, matching the pieces gradually rather than stretching one edge to fit the other. This helps prevent a twisted or puckered seam.
Join the bag. Join using Contrast B and finish joining all sides as instructed. Keep the edges aligned while you work. If sewing the seam with a yarn needle, take consistent stitches through corresponding edges; if the original pattern specifies another joining method, follow that method.
Finish the handles. Sew the tops of the handles together. Check that the handles lie flat and are not twisted before making the final stitches. Weave in all remaining ends securely on the inside of the tote.

Ways to use your finished project

The Witch Way Crochet Striped Tote works well as an everyday carryall for a wallet, phone, keys, and other light essentials. It can also hold a small book, a notebook, or a compact crochet project. For heavier loads, remember that crocheted fabric can stretch under weight; avoid overfilling the bag, especially if the handles are made from the same flexible fabric as the body.

The black-and-ecru stripes make the tote an easy seasonal accessory, but the high-contrast design is not limited to Halloween. Use it for errands, a trip to the library, or carrying supplies to a class. It also makes a thoughtful handmade gift for someone who likes practical accessories and bold, simple color combinations.

If you sell finished crochet items, check the original designer’s usage terms first. The instructions provided here do not state whether finished items may be sold.

How to care for your crochet tote

Care depends on the fiber listed on your yarn label. Follow the label’s washing and drying directions, particularly if you have used a substitute yarn. For a cotton or cotton-blend tote, gentle washing is often suitable, but the label should guide the final decision.

Wash gently. Hand wash in cool or lukewarm water with a mild detergent if you are unsure how the yarn will respond. If the label allows machine washing, use a gentle cycle and consider a mesh laundry bag.
Check for color transfer. Black and ecru are contrasting shades. Before washing the entire tote, test a small swatch or an inconspicuous area with cool water to check whether the dark yarn releases color.
Avoid twisting or wringing. Press out excess water gently with a clean towel instead.
Reshape while damp. Lay the tote flat and adjust the sides, gussets, and handles to their intended shape. Let it dry thoroughly before storing or using it.
Avoid hanging it while wet. The weight of water can stretch the handles and body. Flat drying helps the bag keep its shape.
Store it clean and dry. Keep the tote away from prolonged dampness and direct heat. Do not pack it tightly if doing so would crease or distort its shape.

Helpful crochet tips

Count the long rows. The first section has 160 single crochet rows, so it is easy to lose your place. Place a marker after a manageable number of rows, or keep a written tally and update it as you finish each row.
Mark the skipped section. Before joining Contrast B for the body, use markers to identify the first 27 stitches to skip and the 106 stitches to work. This reduces the risk of starting one stitch too early or too late.
Check stitch counts at row ends. In single crochet, accidentally working into the turning chain or missing the last stitch can make the fabric grow wider or narrower. Count the stitches periodically, especially after color changes.
Keep tension steady. Tight stitches can make long pieces difficult to measure and join, while loose stitches may leave the tote more open and flexible. Aim for an even fabric, and try not to pull the new color tightly when joining it.
Keep color changes tidy. Join the next color in the stitch specified by the pattern. Leave enough yarn at each join to weave in securely, but avoid long loose tails that could catch inside the bag.
Compare matching pieces. Before joining, lay the gussets side by side and check that their dimensions and row counts match. Small differences can become more noticeable around a long seam.
Pin before sewing. Use several pins or stitch markers along the gusset edges. Work from the ends toward the center, adjusting the fabric gradually rather than stretching it into place.
Check for twists. Before sewing the handle tops together, lay the piece flat and confirm that the handles face the right way. A quick check before stitching can save unpicking later.
Secure the ends well. Weave yarn tails through several stitches on the wrong side, changing direction once where practical. A tote gets handled often, so loose ends need a secure finish.

Creative variations

The original black-and-ecru contrast gives the bag a clear striped look, but color changes are an easy way to make a different version. Try charcoal with cream for a softer monochrome palette, or choose two favorite colors for a personal gift. Keep the same yarn type and weight if you want the fabric and dimensions to stay close to the original.

You can also use a seasonal palette: warm orange and cream for autumn, jewel tones for winter, or bright colors for a summer bag. Changing colors may change the amount of each shade you need, so allow enough yarn for the full row sequence and joining.

A simple embroidered motif or a small appliqué can personalize the finished tote. Attach decorations securely and keep them clear of the seams and handles. Avoid heavy additions that could pull on the crocheted fabric.

For a larger or smaller tote, changing the starting chain or the number of rows may alter the dimensions, but it also affects the placement of the handles, body, and gussets. The supplied instructions do not include a complete resizing formula, so adjust corresponding pieces together and check that their edges still match before assembly. Using thicker yarn or a larger hook can make the bag larger and heavier; finer yarn or a smaller hook can make it smaller and denser. Either change may also affect how much yarn you need and how well the finished bag holds its shape.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Witch Way Crochet Striped Tote suitable for beginners?

It uses single crochet, a basic stitch, but the long row counts and separate pieces require careful counting and assembly. A beginner who is comfortable with chaining and single crochet can try it by working in stages, marking progress, and checking counts often. The instructions provided do not include every row count for the later sections, so the complete original pattern is important for following those parts accurately.

What yarn works best for this crochet tote?

Use the specified Peaches & Crème™ yarn in Contrast A Ecru and Contrast B Black if available. Check the label for the precise fiber content and care directions. A substitute should be similar in weight and texture; a substantially different yarn may change the bag’s size, drape, durability, and yarn requirements.

Can I use a different hook size?

You can, but the finished fabric may become larger and looser with a larger hook or smaller and firmer with a smaller one. The pattern specifies a U.S. G/6 (4 mm) hook. If you change hook size, make a test swatch and check that the fabric feels suitable for a tote before committing to the full project.

How much yarn do I need?

The listed amounts are 3 balls of Contrast A Ecru, or about 275 yd (250 m), and 2 balls of Contrast B Black, or about 240 yd (218 m). The listed ball size is 70.9 g/2.5 oz and 109 m/120 yds. Buy enough yarn to complete all sections and joining, especially if you are using a substitute or changing the colors.

How do I keep the long edges straight?

Count your stitches at the end of each row, and check more often when you are new to single crochet. Make sure you work into the final stitch and do not accidentally add a stitch at the turning edge. Stitch markers can help you track row groups and mark the body section.

Why does my tote section look uneven or curl?

Uneven tension, missed stitches, or an incorrect stitch count can make the edges slant or the fabric curl. Check that every row has the expected number of stitches and avoid tightening the first stitch of each row. Minor curling may relax during finishing, but do not rely on blocking to correct a piece with mismatched stitch counts.

How can I make the tote larger or smaller?

Changing the chain length or row count will affect the finished dimensions, but all connected sections must still match. The available instructions do not provide a resizing formula, so adjust the side, body, handle, and gusset dimensions together and verify the fit before joining. Changing yarn weight or hook size also affects the finished size and fabric.

Can I machine wash the finished bag?

Follow the yarn-label instructions. If the label permits machine washing, use a gentle cycle and consider placing the tote in a mesh bag. Because the tote combines black and ecru, test for color transfer first. Reshape it while damp and dry it flat rather than hanging it.

May I sell bags made from this pattern?

The instructions provided do not specify selling permissions. Check the original designer’s usage terms before selling finished items, and credit the designer if their terms request it.