Crochet Your New Favorite Accessory: The Hugs & Kisses Textured Tote Bag

ByLina Morgen

Crochet Hugs & Kisses Tote Bag Pattern: Step-by-Step Guide

Create a stylish and durable handmade accessory with this easy-to-follow crochet tote bag pattern. This bag features a beautiful combination of textures, including popcorn stitches and cross-stitches, making it a perfect project for beginners and intermediate crocheters alike.

Project Overview

This tote bag is designed for a modern look with a sturdy build, measuring approximately 15 inches wide and 14 inches tall (excluding the handles). It uses a chunky yarn to ensure the bag holds its shape and provides a cozy, handcrafted feel.

Materials Needed

  • Yarn: Bernat Maker Home Dec (8.8 oz/250 g; 317 yds/290 m)
    • Main Color (MC): 2 balls (Suggested: Woodberry)
    • Contrast Color A: 1 ball (Suggested: Clay)
  • Crochet Hook: Size U.S. K/10½ (6.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.
  • Notions:
    • Stitch markers
    • Grommets (size 5/8″ [16 mm])
    • Assorted beads for decoration

Pattern Specifications

Gauge

11 single crochet (sc) and 12 rows = 4″ [10 cm].

Abbreviations (US Terms)

  • Approx: Approximate(ly)
  • Ch: Chain(s)
  • Dc: Double crochet
  • Hdc: Half double crochet
  • Pat: Pattern
  • PM: Place marker
  • Rep: Repeat
  • Rnd(s): Round(s)
  • Sc: Single crochet
  • Sl st: Slip stitch
  • St(s): Stitch(es)
  • Popcorn Stitch: Work 4 dc in the next stitch. Drop the loop from the hook. Insert the hook from front to back into the top of the first dc of the 4-dc group and pull the dropped loop through.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The Base and Body (Main Color)

Using the Main Color (MC), start by chaining 42.

Round 1: Work 1 sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain until the last chain. Work 3 sc in the last chain. Do not turn. Working across the opposite side of the foundation chain, work 1 sc in each chain until the last chain. Work 2 sc in the last chain. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (Total: 84 sc). Place a marker (PM) on the first sc.

Rounds 2 & 3: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each sc around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Round 4: Ch 3 (counts as dc). Work 1 dc in each sc around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 3.

Round 5: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Round 6 (Cross-Stitch Round): Ch 3 (does not count as st). Work 1 dc in the next sc. Work 1 dc in the same space where the sl st was made (this begins the first X-st). *Skip the next sc. Work 1 dc in the next sc, then 1 dc in the skipped sc (X-st complete). Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to the beginning of the X-st. Work a second sl st to the next dc to keep the sides of the bag lined up. (Total: 42 X-sts).

Round 7: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each dc around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Round 8 (Popcorn Round): Ch 2 (does not count as hdc). Work 1 hdc in the first sc. *Work a Popcorn stitch in the next sc. Work 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sc. Repeat from * around, ending with a Popcorn stitch in the next sc and 1 hdc in the last sc. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (Total: 28 popcorns).

Rounds 9 & 10: Repeat the instructions for Round 5 and Round 6.

Round 11: Repeat the instructions for Round 5.

Round 12: Repeat the instructions for Round 4.

Pattern Repeat: Repeat Rounds 5 through 12 two more times to complete the body of the bag. Break the Main Color (MC) at the end of the last round.

The Top Border (Contrast Color A)

Join Contrast Color A.

Next 6 Rounds: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Final Round: Work a sl st in each stitch around. Fasten off.

Finishing Touches

Adding Grommets

Lay the bag flat. Place markers 4 inches [10 cm] in from each side to position the grommets. Following the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific grommet kit, apply the grommets, squeezing them between the single crochet stitches.

Creating the Braided Handles (Make 2)

For each handle, create 6 separate chain lengths: Ch 110. Fasten off, leaving 10-inch [25.5 cm] tails on both ends.

Divide the 6 chain lengths into 3 groups (2 chains per group). Braid these 3 groups together to create a thick, sturdy handle. Secure the ends tightly.

Slide the ends of the braided handles into the grommets and tie a secure knot. Adjust the lengths as needed. For a decorative finish, add assorted beads to the ends of the handles, then knot and trim as desired

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