Rainbow Stripes Crochet Tote Bag – Free Pattern
Crochet tote bags are timeless, versatile, and practical, and when they come with a splash of rainbow colors, they become even more irresistible! The Rainbow Stripes Crochet Tote Bag is the perfect project for those who want to combine functionality with playfulness. It’s lightweight, roomy, and eco-friendly—ideal for shopping, carrying books, or simply adding a vibrant accessory to your look.
The beauty of this bag lies in its simplicity. Worked in a white base with colorful vertical accents, it gives the illusion of woven rainbow threads. The colorful cords for the handles enhance the fun and youthful vibe, making it suitable for all ages. Plus, this project is beginner-friendly, requiring only basic stitches like chains, double crochets, and slip stitches.
Another advantage of this tote is that it’s highly customizable. You can use pastel shades for a softer look, neon for a bold statement, or even natural tones for a more minimal style. Its open structure allows for stretch, yet the stitches are tight enough to hold items without losing shape.
If you enjoy creating useful pieces that also bring joy and style, this crochet tote will be a wonderful addition to your handmade collection. Let’s go step by step so you can make your very own Rainbow Stripes Tote Bag.
Materials
- Cotton yarn in white (main color) – about 250 g (DK or Worsted #3/4 weight)
- Small amounts of rainbow shades (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, etc.)
- Crochet hook size 4.0 mm (G/6) or suitable for your yarn
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
Step 1: Bag Base
- With white, chain 50.
- Work double crochet (dc) in the 3rd chain from hook and across. (48 dc).
- Chain 2, turn, and continue working dc rows until the rectangle reaches your desired width (about 35–40 cm). This creates the base width of your tote.
Step 2: Bag Body
- From the base, crochet in the round by working dc evenly across all four sides of the rectangle.
- Continue working rounds of dc until the body is about 30–35 cm tall.
- For the rainbow detail: after every 2–3 rows, use a contrasting yarn color to weave vertical chains through the white stitches. Simply make long chain cords in different rainbow colors and thread them vertically down the bag, giving the illusion of woven stripes.
Step 3: Top Edge
- Once the bag reaches the height you like, finish with 2 rounds of single crochet (sc) in white to strengthen the edge.
- Fasten off and weave in ends neatly.
Step 4: Handles
- With white, make 2 bands: chain 6, work rows of sc until each strap measures about 40 cm.
- For the colorful cords: chain long strands (about 45 cm each) in different colors and attach them alongside the handles. Tie securely to reinforce.
- Sew or crochet the straps to the top edges of the tote.
