Crochet Lakeside Cotton Tote Bag Easy Free Pattern

If you’re looking for an easy crochet tote bag that’s cute, functional, and perfect for warmer weather, you’re going to love this one.

This free crochet tote bag pattern is worked using basic stitches, making it a great option for confident beginners while still being a fun, satisfying make for more experienced crocheters.

Whether you’re new to crochet bags or you already have a collection of crocheted bags, this design is a quick project you’ll actually want to use all summer long.

This free pattern uses worsted weight yarn (also known as medium weight yarn) and a mm crochet hook (check the pattern for exact hook size and yarn weight details).

It’s a fantastic scrap yarn project and looks especially charming when worked in bright colors.

You can use cotton yarns such as Lily Sugar-style cotton, which makes this a durable and stylish beach bag or everyday shoulder bag.

The textured stitch pattern is created with single crochet stitches and a simple rep row, giving the bag structure without being stiff.

You’ll work each row by inserting your hook into the next stitch, paying attention to the first st, last st, and last ch to keep your edges clean.

The construction is straightforward and uses only basic stitches, making this one of the best way projects to practice consistency and tension.

You’ll also need a tapestry needle (or yarn needle) for seaming and finishing.

This perfect bag works up quickly and is ideal for summer essentials, whether you’re heading to the farmers market, the beach, or just running errands.

The skill level is beginner-friendly, and the pattern includes clear instructions for where to insert hook and how to maintain an even stitch count.

As always, this pattern is available as a free crochet pattern here on the blog, with an optional printable PDF if you prefer an ad-free version.

If you love free crochet bag patterns and free crochet patterns in general, this one deserves a spot in your project queue.

Happy crocheting!

Crochet Lakeside Cotton Tassel Bag Pattern

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Materials

Size I (5.5 mm) hook
Cotton yarn (size 4), 2 strands held together throughout
- I used mercerized cotton for the blue bag (this cotton is thicker, creating a slightly larger bag
- Cotton et Lin in Skyway for the multicolored bag
Blunt needle
Spring O-rings, 1″
Spring O Ring, Round Spring Carabiner Clips, 1″ (for tassel)

Optional:

Magnetic Snap Closure
Sewing thread and sewing needle

Estimated Yarn Amount

200–220 yards total of size 4 cotton yarn
- Equivalent to 100–110 yards per strand
Yardage includes bag body, single handle, and tassel

Finished Measurements

Finished Bag Measurements:
- Blue bag (mercerized cotton): approx. 9″ wide x 7″ tall, laid flat before handle
- Multicolored bag (standard cotton): approx. 8″ wide x 6.5″ tall, laid flat
Handle: 5″ strand drop for both
Tassel: approx. 3″ long

(Measurements may vary slightly depending on tension and thickness of yarn used.)

Gauge

Blue bag (mercerized cotton): 12 sts x 12 rows = 4″ x 4″
Multicolored bag (standard cotton): 13 sts x 15 rows = 4″ x 4″

Gauge is worked in single crochet, BLO, with 2 strands held together.

Abbreviations

BLO – Back loop only
ch – Chain
hk – Hook
sc – Single crochet
sl st – Slip stitch
st(s) – Stitch(es)

Notes

Pattern is worked with 2 strands held together throughout
The body of the bag is worked in the back loop only (BLO)
Slip stitches create the structured side edges of the bag
For multi color bag, switch colors (5 total) every 6 rows

Pattern

Bag Body

Ch 48

Row 1 (48 sts):
Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and next 5 ch, sc in next 36 ch, sl st in last 6 ch, turn.

Row 2 (48 sts):
Ch 1, sl st in BLO of first 6 sts, sc in BLO of next 36 sts, sl st in BLO of last 6 sts, turn.

Repeat Row 2 until you have 24 total rows.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.

Assembly

Fold bag in half lengthwise, aligning short edges.

Using the long tail and a blunt needle, sew the short ends together.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Repeat for the opposite side.

Handle (Make 1)

Ch 26

Row 1 (25 sts):
Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn.

Rows 2–4 (25 sts):
Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

Fold handle in half lengthwise.

Working evenly around the entire handle, sc through both layers across the long edge and around the ends, encasing Rows 1–4.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Attaching Handle

Attach one O-ring to each side of the bag.

Attach each end of the handle to the O-rings, creating a 5″ strand drop.

Tassel

Cut 30 strands of yarn, each 10″ long, and lay them flat and even.

Cut 1 additional 10″ strand and tie it tightly around the center of the bundle.

Fold the strands in half so the knot sits at the top of the tassel.

Cut a longer strand of yarn and wrap it snugly around the tassel about 1″ below the top, wrapping several times to form the tassel neck.

Thread one end of the wrapping yarn onto a blunt needle and pull it down through the center of the tassel.
Repeat with the other end to secure.

Trim tassel evenly to approximately 3-4″ long, or to desired length.

Attach tassel to the spring carabiner clip.

Optional

Sew on a magnetic snap closure using sewing thread for extra strength.