Harvest Basket Crochet Tote Bag: A Free Beginner-Friendly Pattern

There is something deeply satisfying about creating a bag that is both beautiful and useful. The Harvest Basket Crochet Tote is exactly that—a sturdy, textured companion for your farmers market adventures, beach days, or everyday errands. Its gorgeous woven-look stitch mimics the charm of a handwoven basket, while the natural cotton yarn keeps it eco-friendly, durable, and kind to the planet.

Whether you are new to crochet or looking for a relaxing weekend project, this free pattern is designed with clarity in mind. The construction is simple: we work in continuous rounds from the bottom up, then add a comfortable long strap. With just two colors of worsted-weight cotton and a single hook, you will have a stunning, functional tote in no time. Let's gather our materials and get started!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, ensure you have the following supplies on hand. Using the exact yarn and hook size will help you achieve the correct gauge and the beautiful drape shown in the photos.

• Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (worsted weight, 100% cotton) – 2 skeins each in Oatmeal (MC - Main Color) and Terracotta (CC - Contrast Color). This yarn is mercerized, giving it a lovely sheen and excellent stitch definition.
• Crochet Hook: 4.5 mm (US 7) crochet hook. A comfortable ergonomic hook is recommended for long stitching sessions.
• Notions: Stitch markers (at least 1), a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and a pair of sharp scissors.
• Gauge: 16 single crochet (sc) x 18 rows = 4 inches. Always check your gauge to ensure your bag turns out the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in a spiral (in the round) without joining at the end of each round unless specified. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you work to keep your place. Let's begin with the base.

Part 1: Creating the Flat Base

The base is a simple circle worked in single crochet with increases. We will use MC (Oatmeal) for this section.

• Round 1: With MC, make a magic ring (or ch 2 and work into the second ch from hook). Work 8 sc into the ring. Pull tight to close. (8 sts)
• Round 2: Work 2 sc into each stitch around. (16 sts)
• Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)
• Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (32 sts)
• Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (40 sts)
• Round 6: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (48 sts)
• Round 7: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (56 sts)
• Round 8: *Sc in the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (64 sts)
• Round 9: *Sc in the next 7 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (72 sts)
• Round 10: *Sc in the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (80 sts)
• Round 11: *Sc in the next 9 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (88 sts)
• Round 12: *Sc in the next 10 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (96 sts)
• Round 13: Sc in each stitch around. (96 sts) Your base should now measure approximately 8-9 inches in diameter.

Part 2: Forming the Sides & Woven Texture

Now we will turn the corner to create the sides of the bag. This is where the magic happens!

• Round 14: Working in the Back Loop Only (BLO) of each stitch, sc in each stitch around. (96 sts) This creates a crisp, clean edge that defines the base from the sides.
• Round 15: With MC, sc in each stitch around (working through both loops now). (96 sts)
• Round 16: Switch to CC (Terracotta). *Sc in the next stitch, dc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (96 sts)
• Round 17: With CC, *Dc in the next stitch (which is the sc from the previous round), sc in the next stitch (which is the dc from the previous round)*; repeat around. This offset creates the beautiful woven basketweave texture. (96 sts)
• Rounds 18-25: Continue repeating Round 17, but change colors every 2 rounds to create the stripe pattern:
  • Rounds 18-19: Continue with CC (Terracotta).
  • Rounds 20-21: Switch to MC (Oatmeal).
  • Rounds 22-23: Switch back to CC (Terracotta).
  • Rounds 24-25: Switch back to MC (Oatmeal).
  Remember to keep your tension consistent. Do not cut the yarn when switching colors; simply carry it up the inside of the bag.
• Round 26: With MC, sc in each stitch around. (96 sts)
• Round 27: With MC, sc in each stitch around. (96 sts) This solid round preps the top edge for the strap.

Part 3: Crafting the Long Strap

This bag features a clever one-piece strap construction. We will create two long handles that meet at the top.

• Round 28: With MC, sc in the next 24 stitches. Then, chain (ch) 60 loosely for the first strap. Skip the next 24 stitches (this creates the armhole opening). Sc in the next 24 stitches. Then, ch 60 loosely for the second strap. Skip the remaining 24 stitches. Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first sc of this round. You will have 96 sc + 120 ch total.
• Round 29: Sc in each stitch around, working 60 sc into each chain strap. When working into the chain, insert your hook into the back bump of the chain for a cleaner edge. (216 sts)
• Round 30: Sc in each stitch around. (216 sts)
• Round 31: Switch to CC (Terracotta), sc in each stitch around. (216 sts)
• Round 32: With CC, sc in each stitch around. (216 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for weaving. Weave in all loose ends securely using your yarn needle.

Part 4: Finishing Touches

To give your bag a professional, flat bottom that sits upright, we need to do a quick seaming step.

• Lay the bag flat on a table. Ensure the two strap sections are aligned on top of each other and the side "armholes" are even.
• Look at the bottom corners of the bag. You will see the base circle has a slight curve. Using your yarn needle and a length of MC yarn, pinch the bottom corner closed and sew a small seam across the corner (about 1-1.5 inches) to flatten the base. Repeat on the other corner.
• This creates a rectangular, flat bottom that allows the bag to stand up on its own.
• Weave in this seam yarn securely and trim any excess.

Give your new Harvest Basket Tote a gentle steam block or a light misting with water and let it dry flat. This will help even out your stitches and define the woven texture beautifully.

You did it! You've created a stunning, eco-friendly tote that is as practical as it is pretty. The sturdy cotton and woven stitch make it perfect for carrying heavy groceries, while the stylish color combo ensures you'll reach for it every day. Happy crocheting!