Wanderlust Woven Tote Bag: A Free Tunisian Crochet Pattern for Your Everyday Adventures

Are you ready to carry your world in style? This bohemian-inspired Tunisian crochet tote bag is the perfect project for crafters looking to create a spacious, sturdy, and undeniably chic accessory. Featuring a rich tapestry of earthy stripes and a dense, woven texture, this free pattern will guide you through every step—from the first chain to the final stitch. Whether you're heading to the farmers market, planning a beach day, or simply need a reliable everyday carryall, this Wanderlust Woven Tote is your new best friend.

This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, but it's also a satisfying project for seasoned makers. The Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) creates a fabric that is thicker and more durable than standard crochet, making it ideal for a bag that needs to hold up to daily use. Let's dive in and start crafting your new favorite accessory!

Materials Needed

Before we begin, gather your supplies. This project uses a specific set of materials to achieve the perfect drape and durability. Here’s what you'll need:

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn in 5 colors:
  • A (Cream) – for the base, edging, and straps
  • B (Terracotta)
  • C (Olive)
  • D (Mustard)
  • E (Rust)
• Hooks:
  • Tunisian crochet hook size H/8 (5 mm) with a 16-inch (40 cm) cord
  • Standard crochet hook size H/8 (5 mm) for edging and straps
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing seams, scissors

Gauge: 14 Tunisian simple stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern. Be sure to check your gauge to ensure your bag turns out the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bag is worked in one piece from the bottom up, which minimizes seaming and creates a seamless, professional look. We'll use the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) throughout. Don't worry if you're new to Tunisian crochet—the technique is easy to master, and I'll walk you through it.

Notes Before You Start

• The bag is worked flat from the bottom to the top.
• Use the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) for all rows unless otherwise stated.
• When changing colors, carry the unused yarn up the side of the work to avoid cutting and re-joining constantly.
• The "Ch 2" at the start of each row counts as the first TSS unless stated otherwise. This helps keep your edges neat.

Part 1: Creating the Base

The base of the bag is a simple rectangle worked in Cream (Color A). This provides a solid foundation for the colorful body.

Row 1 (Right Side): With Color A, chain (ch) 46. Work a TSS in the back hump of each chain (you should have 45 stitches).

Row 2: Ch 1, work a TSS in each stitch across (45 stitches).

Rows 3-6: Repeat Row 2 in Color A. Your base is now 6 rows tall. This will form the flat bottom of your tote.

Part 2: Building the Body with Earthy Stripes

Now for the fun part—adding the beautiful, earthy stripes! We'll work in a repeating sequence of colors to create the tapestry effect. Remember to carry your yarn up the side as you change colors.

Row 7: Change to Color B (Terracotta). Ch 1, work a TSS in each stitch across (45 stitches).

Row 8: Repeat Row 7 in Color B.

Row 9: Change to Color C (Olive). Ch 1, work a TSS in each stitch across (45 stitches).

Row 10: Repeat Row 9 in Color C.

Row 11: Change to Color D (Mustard). Ch 1, work a TSS in each stitch across (45 stitches).

Row 12: Repeat Row 11 in Color D.

Row 13: Change to Color E (Rust). Ch 1, work a TSS in each stitch across (45 stitches).

Row 14: Repeat Row 13 in Color E.

Rows 15-18: Repeat Rows 7-14 once more. This will add another full set of stripes.

Rows 19-22: Repeat Rows 7-14 once more. Your body should now be 22 rows tall from the base. The stripes will be evenly spaced, each about 1.5 inches tall, creating a beautiful, balanced look.

Part 3: Finishing the Top Edging

A neat edge is essential for a professional finish. We'll use a row of slip stitches to secure and clean up the top of the bag.

Row 23: With Color A (Cream), ch 1, work a slip stitch in each stitch across the top edge. Fasten off and weave in the end. This creates a tidy, finished border that matches the base and straps.

Part 4: Crafting the Straps

These long, sturdy straps are crocheted separately and then attached. They are designed to be comfortable over the shoulder.

Make 2 Straps:

With your standard crochet hook (H/8) and Color A (Cream), ch 100.

Work 1 single crochet (sc) in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. Fasten off. Repeat this process to create a second identical strap.

Part 5: Assembling Your Tote

This is the final step to bring your bag to life. Take your time to ensure the straps are securely attached.

Step 1: Fold the bag in half with the right sides together. The base will naturally form the flat bottom.

Step 2: Sew the side seams using a whip stitch with matching yarn (Color A). Make sure your stitches are tight and secure for durability.

Step 3: Turn the bag right side out.

Step 4: Attach each strap to the inside top edge of the bag, positioning them about 2 inches from the side seams. Use a sturdy whip stitch to sew them in place securely. Double-check that both straps are aligned and not twisted.

Step 5: Weave in all remaining ends with your yarn needle.

Congratulations! You've just completed your very own Wanderlust Woven Tote Bag. This beautiful, bohemian accessory is not only a joy to make but also a practical and stylish addition to your wardrobe. The dense Tunisian stitch ensures it will hold its shape and carry your essentials with ease. Enjoy your new handmade companion on all your adventures!