Wanderer's Tote Free Crochet Pattern

Introducing the Wanderer's Tote: Your New Favorite Crochet Companion

Are you ready to create a bag that is as beautiful as it is practical? The Wanderer's Tote is a generously sized, textured crochet bag that perfectly blends bohemian charm with modern functionality. This isn't just a bag; it's a statement piece designed for your everyday adventures, from farmers' market hauls to beach days and bookstore browsing.

What makes this pattern so special is its deceptive simplicity. Using a combination of basic single crochet and half double crochet stitches, you'll create a dense, durable fabric that holds its shape beautifully. The natural cream color and sturdy cotton yarn give it an earthy, organic feel that complements any outfit. Best of all, this pattern is beginner-friendly, making it the perfect weekend project for those new to crocheting bags or seasoned makers looking for a relaxing, rewarding make.

Let's dive into the details and get you started on crafting your very own Wanderer's Tote!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather these essential supplies. Using the correct materials ensures your bag turns out with the right drape, durability, and size.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton blend yarn (approx. 600-700 yards) in a natural cream color. Cotton is ideal because it's sturdy, washable, and holds its shape well. A blend with a bit of acrylic can also work nicely.
• Crochet Hook: G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook. This hook size is perfect for achieving a tight, dense fabric that gives the bag structure.
• Other Tools: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing handles, scissors, and stitch markers (optional but helpful for keeping track of rounds).
• Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4" x 4". While gauge isn't critical for a bag, matching it will ensure your tote comes out the intended size. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crocheting Your Wanderer's Tote

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds, meaning you won't join at the end of each round unless specified. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round to keep your place. Let's get started!

Part 1: The Bag Base (Increasing Rounds)

We'll start by creating a flat, oval base. This is achieved by working increases in a specific pattern.

Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. (6 sts)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 sts)

Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (18 sts)

Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)

Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (30 sts)

Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (36 sts)

Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (42 sts)

Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48 sts)

Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (54 sts)

Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (60 sts)

Round 11: *Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (66 sts)

Round 12: *Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (72 sts)

Your base is now complete. It should be a flat, oval shape. Don't worry if it curls up slightly; that's normal and will flatten out as you continue.

Part 2: The Lower Body (Working Even)

Now we'll work even to create the sides of the bag. This section forms the sturdy lower body.

Rounds 13-30: Sc in each stitch around. (72 sts)

Continue working these 18 rounds without any increases. Your work will start to curl upwards, forming the walls of the tote. This creates a nice, straight-sided base for the bag.

Part 3: Side Shaping (Increasing for Width)

To give the bag a slightly flared, roomy silhouette, we'll add a few more increases. This creates a beautiful, boho shape that's wider at the top.

Round 31: *Sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (78 sts)

Round 32: Sc in each stitch around. (78 sts)

Round 33: *Sc in next 12 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (84 sts)

Round 34: Sc in each stitch around. (84 sts)

Round 35: *Sc in next 13 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (90 sts)

Round 36: Sc in each stitch around. (90 sts)

Round 37: *Sc in next 14 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (96 sts)

Round 38: Sc in each stitch around. (96 sts)

Round 39: *Sc in next 15 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (102 sts)

Round 40: Sc in each stitch around. (102 sts)

Round 41: *Sc in next 16 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (108 sts)

Notice how we alternate an increase round with a plain round. This ensures the increases are distributed evenly and the flare is smooth.

Part 4: The Upper Body (Working Even)

Now we'll work even again to create the tall, straight upper section of the bag.

Rounds 42-55: Sc in each stitch around. (108 sts)

Work these 14 rounds without any increases. The bag is now taking its final shape.

Part 5: The Eyelet Round (For Drawstring)

This round creates the holes through which we'll weave the drawstrings. It's a simple and elegant detail.

Round 56: *Chain 2 (ch 2), skip next 2 sts, sc in next st* repeat around. (36 eyelets)

You will have created 36 chain spaces (eyelets) around the top of the bag.

Rounds 57-58: Sc in each stitch around, working sc into the ch-2 spaces as well. (108 sts)

This solidifies the top edge and incorporates the eyelets neatly into the fabric. Finish off and weave in your ends securely.

Part 6: The Drawstrings (Make 2)

These braided-looking cords will cinch your bag closed. They are simple to make and very sturdy.

Step 1: Make a chain (ch) approximately 40 inches long. Don't worry about the exact stitch count; just measure it against a tape measure.

Step 2: Slip stitch (sl st) into the second chain from your hook and into each chain across. This creates a firm, rounded cord.

Step 3: Fasten off and weave in the ends.

To thread them, weave one drawstring through the eyelets starting from one side, and the second from the opposite side. This way, you can pull both ends to cinch the bag closed evenly.

Part 7: The Handles (Make 2)

These sturdy handles are crocheted flat and then sewn securely to the bag.

Row 1: Chain 80. Single crochet (sc) in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (79 sts)

Row 2: Chain 1, turn. Sc in each stitch across. (79 sts)

Row 3: Chain 1, turn. Sc in each stitch across. (79 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 18 inches) for sewing.

To attach, position each handle on the inside of the bag, centered on each side, about 4 inches down from the top edge. Sew them on securely using the yarn needle and the long tail, making sure to catch both the handle and the bag fabric firmly. Weave in all remaining ends.

Finishing Touches

Your Wanderer's Tote is almost complete! Give it a gentle block if desired to even out the stitches. For extra durability and to prevent items from slipping through the stitches, you can optionally sew in a fabric lining. Simply cut a piece of fabric to fit the inside, sew it into a bag shape, and hand-stitch it to the top edge of the crochet work.

Weave in all ends, and your beautiful, boho-chic tote is ready for its first adventure. Enjoy the compliments and the satisfaction of carrying a truly handmade, one-of-a-kind creation!