About This By Your Side Basket Bag Pattern
This pattern creates a roomy, striped basket tote worked in Paintbox Recycled Crafty Pots yarn. The bag features a rounded base, simple construction and comfortable handles making it ideal for shopping or everyday use. It uses US terminology and includes notes for stitch placement and marker positioning.
Worked in the round from the base up, the bag is shaped with increases and a handled opening. The pattern is written for intermediate crocheters and includes full round-by-round instructions.
Why You'll Love This By Your Side Basket Bag Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it combines eco-friendly yarn with a practical, everyday design that is both beautiful and useful. I enjoy how the simple striped colour changes create a charming, soft look without complicated colourwork. The construction is satisfying — working from the base up gives a great sense of progress as the bag grows. I also love that it makes a durable tote with comfy handles that you can actually use for markets, beach days, or errands. It always feels great to make something stylish and useful that reduces waste by using recycled yarn.
Switch Things Up
I love changing the stripe layout to create a fresh look each time; try wider blocks of colour or more frequent changes for a playful effect.
To make the bag bigger or smaller I change the foundation chain and increase rounds proportionally; a larger hook and bulkier yarn gives a chunkier tote.
I sometimes line the bag with fabric to increase durability and prevent small items from slipping through the stitches; pick a cotton fabric and sew it in before adding handles.
If you prefer shorter handles, adjust the chain for each handle opening (ch 50 in this pattern) to a smaller number and test for comfortable reach.
I like adding a zipper or button closure for security; sew a button and elastic loop or stitch in a zipper before finishing the top rounds.
For a more structured bag I use a heavier-weight yarn at the base or add a circular cardboard insert covered in fabric to help it stand upright.
I sometimes embroider a small motif on one side or add tassels at the handles for a personalised touch and extra charm.
Swap colours to create seasonal versions — pastels for spring, bright brights for summer, or neutrals for a classic everyday tote.
If you want a crossbody version, make longer handle chains or attach a crocheted strap with secure reinforced stitching at the join points.
I recommend testing the handle placement before closing the handle edges; pin the handles in place and try on the bag to ensure comfortable positioning.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Skipping stitch markers during the shaping rounds can cause misplacement of increases; place and move markers as instructed to keep the seam and increases even.
✗ Not checking your gauge will alter the finished bag size and stitch counts; make a gauge swatch of 14 sts and 15 rows to 4in/10cm before starting.
✗ Pulling the yarn too tightly when working the foundation chain and first round can distort the base shape; work with an even, relaxed tension and adjust hook if necessary.
✗ Failing to remove markers when instructed may lead to extra stitches or missed shaping steps; remove markers exactly where the pattern directs to maintain stitch counts.
✗ Not securing the yarn ends after breaking yarn can cause unraveling over time; weave in ends securely and block the bag to shape before use.
