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Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern

Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern
4.8★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.1K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern

This pattern creates the Grindstone Tote Bag, a roomy slouchy tote worked in panels and joined with a long strap. It features textured double crochet rows and crossed double crochet repeats for subtle openwork. The design is made for bulky yarn and uses two hook sizes to shape the strap and panels for a polished finish.

Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

You will make two matching front/back panels and one long side/bottom/strap panel that is joined to form the bag. Detailed photos and tester yarn notes are included to help you customize size and yarn choice.

Why You'll Love This Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines simple stitches into a sophisticated, wearable tote that feels high-end. The use of two hook sizes gives the strap and body just the right tension and drape, which always delights me when it comes together. I enjoy how easy it is to customize the length and yarn to make different sizes and looks. Seeing tester finished bags in many fibers reaffirmed how versatile this design really is. It is a satisfying project that finishes quickly yet looks like a thoughtful handmade accessory.

Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern step 1 - construction progress Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this bag by changing yarn and hook sizes; try a worsted weight yarn with a smaller hook for a petite version or a super bulky yarn and larger hooks for a chunky market bag.

I often change color by working the front/back panels in a contrasting shade to the strap for a bold two-tone effect that really pops.

If you want to make a crossbody, simply add more rows between rows 53 and 149 to lengthen the strap until it fits comfortably over your body.

For a more structured tote, consider lining the bag with fabric and adding a few interior pockets for organization; I like to baste the lining in place before weaving in ends.

I sometimes replace the button and loop with a zipper or magnetic snap for a more secure closure depending on the bag's intended use.

Try decorative finishes like tassels, pom-poms, or a crocheted flower sewn near the button to personalize the look.

Change the edge finish by experimenting with crab stitch or a picot edge instead of single crochet to add a decorative border.

I also like to double-strand cotton for a textured, durable beach bag; this gives a different drape and is easy to wash.

Want pockets? Crochet small patch pockets and sew them onto the inside or outside panels before assembly for easy access to keys and phone.

Play with stitch variations: replace some dc rows with hdc or clusters to create subtle pattern changes and give each bag its own character.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers at the bottom center will make aligning the strap ends difficult; place markers in the two center stitches before assembly to ensure correct placement. ✗ Using the same hook size for both panels and strap can make the strap too floppy or too stiff; use the larger hook for front/back panels and the 1mm smaller hook for the side/bottom/strap panel as directed. ✗ Counting stitches only at the beginning of a repeat can lead to unnoticed errors; count stitches at the end of each row, especially after increases and decreases. ✗ Ignoring the special crossed double crochet instruction will cause uneven texture on rows 4 and 8; follow the note to skip a stitch then work into the next stitch and back into the skipped stitch, crossing in front of the previous stitch. ✗ Not making the button loop correctly on the back panel may result in a mispositioned closure; follow Back Panel Row 18 exactly (sc 19, ch 18, sc 19) and do not fasten off to secure loop placement.

Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern

Make a stylish, roomy Grindstone Tote Bag you can take anywhere. This pattern uses bulky weight yarn and simple stitch repeats to create a durable, textured tote with a long strap and button loop. You will get clear row-by-row instructions, photos, and assembly tips so you can finish a beautiful handmade bag. Perfect for gifting or everyday use.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Bernat Maker Home Dec (bulky/5) - approximately 470 yards (pattern sample)
  • 02
    Worsted weight (#4) - will give a smaller bag (yardage varies)
  • 03
    Super bulky (6) - will give a larger bag (yardage varies)
  • 04
    Mondial Mantra - 490 yards (tester)
  • 05
    Deramores Studio Chunky - 430 yards (tester)
  • 06
    Bernat Softee Cotton (double strand) - 367 yards of each color (tester)
  • 07
    Bernat Maker Home Dec - 350 yards (tester variation)
  • 08
    Lily Sugar & Cream - 370 yards (tester)
  • 09
    Red Heart Stripes - 360 yards (tester)
  • 10
    Fibra Natura Raffia - 280 yards (tester)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 7.0mm (or larger) for front/back panels
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 6.0mm (or 1mm smaller) for side/bottom/strap panel
  • 03
    Stitch markers (6 locking markers recommended)
  • 04
    Large button for the front panel closure
  • 05
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving ends
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Measuring tape or ruler to check gauge
  • 08
    Pins or safety pins for assembly (safety pins can substitute stitch markers)

Progress Tracker

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— Basic Information :

Info :

Pattern is written in US crochet terms. Yarn: Approximately 470 yards of Bernat Maker Home Dec, or other bulky (5) weight yarn. The bag can be made with any sturdy yarn. Worsted weight (4) will give you a smaller bag, while super bulky (6) will give you a larger bag. Yardage will vary based on yarn chosen.

Info :

See last 2 pages of pattern for tester photos, yarns, and yardage. Hook: Two hooks - one larger and one 1mm smaller. I used 7mm and 6mm with Bernat Maker Home Dec. Choose hooks that give you a tight tension on the side panel and a slightly looser tension on the front/back panels.

Info :

You will need 6 locking stitch markers for assembly. Safety pins make a great substitute! Finished size: Varies based on yarn chosen. Gauge: For Bernat Maker Home Dec - Approximately 10 sts by 6 rows = 4" (front/back panels) and 8 sts by 5 rows = 2" (side panel/strap). Gauge will vary depending on yarn chosen.

— Abbreviations and Symbols :

Infos :

Ch - chain. Ch sp - chain space. Sk - skip. St - stitch. Sl st - slip stitch. Sc - single crochet. Dc - double crochet. Sc2tog - single crochet 2 together (decrease). 2dc - 2 double crochet in the same stitch (increase). * * - Repeat this section.

— Notes :

Info :

Bag is made with two nearly identical front/back panels, and the strap and side/bottom panels are worked as one piece.

Info :

Ch 2 at the beginning of the row does NOT count as a stitch.

Info :

Rows 4, 8, and repeats use a crossed double crochet stitch. You will skip one stitch, and then make a double crochet in the next stitch as normal. Then, work a second double crochet into the skipped stitch. When working into skipped stitches, cross in front of the previous stitch.

— Front/Back Panels (make 2): With 7mm hook (or larger hook) :

Row 1 :

Ch 30, 2dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc across until 1 ch remains, 2dc in last ch. (30)

Row 2 :

Ch 2, turn, 2dc in 1st st, *ch 1, sk 1, dc 1* across until 1 st remains, 2dc in last st. (32)

Row 3 :

Ch 2, turn, 2dc in 1st st, dc across, placing a dc in every st and ch sp until 1 st remains, 2dc in last st. (34)

Row 4 :

Ch 2, turn, 2dc in 1st st, *sk 1 st, dc 1, dc in sk st* across until 1 st remains, 2dc in last st. (36)

Row 5 :

Ch 2, turn, 2dc in 1st st, dc across until 1 st remains, 2dc in last st. (38)

Row 6 :

Ch 2, turn, dc in 1st st, *ch 1, sk 1, dc 1* across until 1 st remains, dc in last st. (38)

Row 7 :

Ch 2, turn, dc in every st and ch sp across. (38)

Row 8 :

Ch 2, turn, dc in 1st st, *sk 1, dc 1, dc in sk st* across until 1 st remains, dc in last st. (38)

Row 9 :

Ch 2, turn, dc across. (38)

Info :

Repeat rows 6-9 two more times.

Front Panel Row 18 :

ch 1, turn, sc across. Do not fasten off.

Back Panel Row 18 :

includes button loop: ch 1, turn, sc 19, ch 18, sc 19. (38 sc, 18 ch) Do not fasten off. (If you’d prefer a bag with no button, make two of the front panel!)

Info :

Continue sc around the outside edges of the panel, placing 1sc in the end of the sc rows, 2 sc in the end of each dc row, and 1 sc in each st of the foundation chain. Fasten off.

Info :

Place a stitch marker in each of the two center stitches at the bottom of each panel.

— Side/Bottom/Strap Panel: Switch to 6mm hook (or smaller hook) :

Row 1 :

Ch 11, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. (10)

Row 2 :

Ch 1, turn, sc across. (10)

Rows 3-50 :

Repeat row 2. Place stitch markers at both ends of row 50.

Row 51 :

Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog. (8)

Row 52 :

Ch 1, turn, sc across (8)

Rows 53-149 :

repeat row 52.

Row 150 :

Ch 1, turn, 2sc in 1st st, sc across until 1 st remains, 2sc in last st. (10) Place stitch markers at both ends of row 150.

Row 151 :

Ch 1, turn, sc across. (10)

Row 152-200 :

repeat row 151.

Info :

**For longer or shorter strap, add or subtract rows between rows 53 and 149.**

— Assembly :

Step 1 :

With right sides facing - Using the st markers placed at row 50 and 150 of strap, attach the strap panel to the top corners of one of the bag panels.

Step 2 :

Using the stitch markers at the bottom center of the bag panel, attach the ends of the strap to the bag panel.

Step 3 :

Starting at the bottom center, sc the panel and strap together, continuing around the edge of the strap and down the other side of the panel. Sl st into 1st st to join. Fasten off.

Info :

Repeat for the other side panel.

Info :

Using tail, sew the bottom of the bag closed. I used a mattress stitch, but any seaming method will work.

— Finishing :

Finishing :

Weave in all ends. Sew a large button onto the top center of the front panel.

Info :

Enjoy your new tote!!!

Assembly Instructions

  • With right sides facing, use the stitch markers placed at row 50 and row 150 of the strap panel to attach the strap panel to the top corners of one bag panel, aligning edges carefully before sewing.
  • Using the stitch markers at the bottom center of the bag panel, attach the ends of the strap to the bag panel so the strap centers match the bottom center markers on each panel.
  • Starting at the bottom center, single crochet the panel and strap together, continuing around the edge of the strap and down the other side of the panel; slip stitch into the first stitch to join and fasten off when complete.
  • Repeat the same joining process for the other side panel, then use the tail to sew the bottom closed with a mattress stitch or preferred seaming method for a neat finish.
  • Weave in all yarn ends securely and sew a large button onto the top center of the front panel to align with the button loop on the back panel for closure.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the two center stitches at the bottom of each front/back panel and the ends of rows 50 and 150 on the strap panel for accurate assembly.
  • 💡Switch hooks as directed: a larger hook for the front/back panels and a 1mm smaller hook for the side/bottom/strap to achieve the recommended tension differences.
  • 💡Work the crossed double crochet as described in the notes for rows 4 and 8 and repeats to maintain the intended texture and openwork.
  • 💡Do not count the starting ch 2 as a stitch; follow row instructions using the pattern counts provided to avoid stitch count errors.

This Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern brings coastal texture and functional design together for your everyday adventures. It is written to be adaptable so you can swap yarns, sizes, and strap lengths with ease. Make one to match your wardrobe or gift a handmade tote to someone special. 🧶👜

You ask,

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Finished size varies based on yarn and hook choice; tester finished bags ranged roughly from 9x13" to 13.5x17" using different yarns and hooks as noted in the tester photos.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will change the final size; worsted (#4) will make a smaller bag while super bulky (6) will make a larger bag. Adjust hook sizes accordingly to maintain fabric structure.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate because it uses crossed double crochet stitches and requires careful assembly, so basic crochet skills (dc, sc, shaping, seaming) are recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish this bag in 5-7 hours, depending on yarn, hook speed, and how much time you spend on assembly and finishing.

How do I change the strap length?

To change strap length, add or subtract rows between rows 53 and 149 on the side/bottom/strap panel as noted in the pattern; this adjusts the length without affecting bottom shaping.