Bright, bold, and full of sunshine ☀️—this Sunshine T-Shirt Yarn Tote Bag is such a fun addition to my growing collection of free crochet patterns for crochet bags. 

If you love working with chunky T-shirt yarn and creating a sturdy crochet handbag that actually holds its shape, this free pattern is for you. 

It’s one of my new patterns, designed with simple construction, clear stitch placement, and tons of texture using single crochet stitches (sc sts) and the waistcoat stitch for a thick, knit-like look.

This tote is made with super bulky yarn, which means it works up fast without using too much yarn—always a win when you’re planning your next project. 

From the first stitch at the bottom of the bag to the last stitch along the top edge, I’ll walk you through each step so you know exactly where to place your hook, including working on the right side and shaping the bottom of your bag for a clean, sturdy base. 

You’ll just need basic craft supplies, a tapestry needle, and a love for bold texture.

If you enjoy practical projects that are fun to make and easy to customize, this tote is a great weight for everyday use and a satisfying build from start to finish. 

Be sure to check out my Facebook page for more new patterns, updates, and inspiration—and don’t forget to save this one for later. 

Let’s grab our yarn and get started! 🧶

Happy crocheting!

Sunshine T Shirt Yarn Tote Bag with Sun Appliqué

Purchase the ad free PDF in my shop HERE.

In my Ravelry store HERE.

In my Etsy shop HERE.

Materials

• Size N (10 mm) hook

• T-shirt yarn (weight 6, 2.2 cm wide, ~65 yards per color)

  • 3 colors for the bag (Color A, B, C)

  • Yellow for sun appliqué/handle

• Blunt needle

• Optional: Spring O-rings, 1″

Finished Size:

• Bag body: approx. 12–13” wide × 22–23” tall

• Strap drop: ~10”

Abbreviations

• ch – chain

• sc – single crochet

• sl st – slip stitch

• BLO – back loop only

• waistcoat stitch (WCS) – center single crochet: insert hook between vertical posts of the stitch below, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops. Creates a dense, knit-like texture.

Tote Bag

Starting Chain: Ch 25

Round 1 (Color A – Bottom Base)

2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 22 ch.
(24 sc)

Work 3 sc in last ch.
(27 sc)

Working along opposite side of the foundation chain, sc in next 22 ch.
(49 sc)

Work 3 sc in last ch (same ch as first increase).

Sl st to join.
(54 sts)

Round 2 (Color A – BLO)

• Ch 1, sc in the back loop only around.

• Sl st to join. (54 sts)

Rounds 3–13 (Color A – Bottom Section)

• Work waistcoat stitch in each stitch around.

• Sl st to join. (54 sts)

Rounds 14–24 (Color B – Middle Section)

• Work waistcoat stitch in each stitch around.

• Sl st to join. (54 sts)

Rounds 25–33 (Color C – Top Section Body)

• Work waistcoat stitch in each stitch around.

• Sl st to join. (54 sts)

Round 34 – Handles Setup

• Round 1 (Handle Setup):
  Sc 5, ch 40, skip 17, sc 10, ch 40, skip 17, sc 5. Sl st to join.

• Round 2:
  Sc in each chain of the handles; work waistcoat stitch in remaining stitches around. Sl st to join.

• Round 3 (Top Edge Finish, switch to yellow yarn):
  Work waistcoat stitch in all bag stitches; sc around each handle chain (40 sc per handle). Sl st to join, fasten off, weave in ends.

Sun Appliqué (Yellow)

• Make a magic circle, ch 1, sc 6 into the circle. Pull tight to close. Turn, ch 1.

Row 1:
(2 sc in next st, sc in next st) repeat across. Turn. (9)

Row 2:
Ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next st) repeat across. Turn. (13)

Row 3:
Ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts) repeat across. Turn. (17)

• Sc evenly across bottom edge of the sun to smooth shape.

• Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly

• Sew the sun onto the bag just above Color A.

Rays

• Using the long tail and a blunt needle, embroider 11 rays around the sun by weaving in and out of the bag fabric.

• Each ray should be approximately 2 stitches wide.

• Fasten off on the inside of the bag and weave in all ends securely.

Pin it for later!