✨ Free Boho Crochet Tote Bag Pattern ✨

There is something deeply satisfying about carrying a bag you made with your own hands. It holds your farmers market haul, your library books, your beach towel, your lunch — and every single time someone stops you on the street to ask where you got it, you get to say, “I made it.” That feeling never gets old. This free boho crochet tote bag pattern is designed to give you exactly that moment, and many more like it.

Whether you are a confident beginner who has mastered the basics or an intermediate crocheter looking for a weekend project, this pattern is approachable, customizable, and genuinely beautiful. The finished bag has that effortless, earthy aesthetic that defines bohemian style — open mesh construction, natural fibers, long shoulder straps, and all the organic texture that makes handmade goods so irresistible. Let’s get into everything you need to know before your hook ever touches the yarn.

Why You’ll Love This Boho Crochet Tote Bag

Before we dive into the pattern itself, let’s talk about why this particular design deserves a spot in your queue.

First, it is functional. Unlike some decorative crochet bags that look gorgeous hanging on a wall but fall apart the moment you put your keys and a water bottle inside, this tote is built for real-life use. The foundation chain creates a sturdy rectangular base, and the sides are worked in a modified mesh stitch that gives the bag stretch and breathability without sacrificing shape or strength.

Second, it is versatile. The boho style means it pairs just as naturally with a sundress and sandals as it does with jeans and a linen shirt. It is a farmers market bag, a beach tote, a grocery bag, a book bag, and a daily carry all in one. You can make it in natural cotton for a classic look, in jute or raffia for something even more rustic, or in a dyed cotton-linen blend if you want to add a pop of color to your wardrobe.

Third, and most importantly, it is free. You do not need to buy a pattern, sign up for a subscription, or jump through any hoops. Everything you need is right here on this page.

Materials You Will Need

Getting your materials together before you start is one of the best habits you can build as a crocheter. There is nothing worse than getting three inches into a project and realizing you are short on yarn.

Yarn: Approximately 400–500 yards of worsted weight (size 4) cotton yarn. Natural undyed cotton gives the most authentic boho look, but off-white, cream, sage green, terracotta, or dusty blue all look stunning. Brands like Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK (held double), or Drops Safran work beautifully for this project. If you want a heavier, stiffer bag, try a cotton-jute blend.

Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook. This is a standard size that most crocheters already own. If your tension runs loose, size down to a 4.5 mm. If your tension runs tight, size up to a 5.5 mm.

Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and stitch markers if you like to mark your rounds. Optional but helpful: a ruler or measuring tape to check your gauge, and a wooden bead or two if you want to add decorative tassel accents at the end.

Finished Size: Approximately 13 inches wide by 14 inches tall (excluding handles), with handles measuring about 22 inches long. This is a generous tote size — big enough to be practical, not so large that it overwhelms a smaller frame. You can easily adjust the dimensions by adding or subtracting foundation chains and rounds, which we will cover in the customization section at the end.

Gauge

Gauge is one of those things newer crocheters sometimes skip, and experienced crocheters know never to skip. For this pattern, gauge matters most for the base and the strap length. Slight variation in the body mesh stitch is perfectly fine and will only affect the overall drape of the bag.

Gauge: 14 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet, using a 5.0 mm hook with worsted weight cotton.

Work a small gauge swatch before you begin. If your swatch is larger than 4 inches, go down a hook size. If it is smaller, go up. This will keep your finished bag close to the stated dimensions.

Abbreviations and Stitch Guide

This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
ch-sp — chain space
sk — skip
rep — repeat
pm — place marker
BLO — back loop only
RS — right side
WS — wrong side

Mesh Stitch (used for bag body):
Row/Round: dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st across, dc in last st.
The ch-1 spaces form the open mesh that gives this bag its airy boho look.

The Pattern

Part One: The Base

The base is worked flat in rows, then joined. Working flat allows you to create a firm, rectangular foundation that will hold the bag’s shape even when it is full.

Foundation Chain: Chain 45. (This gives you a base of approximately 13 inches. Adjust in increments of 2 chains to change the width.)

Row 1: Sc in the second chain from hook and in each chain across. (44 sc) Turn.

Rows 2–10: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each stitch across. Turn. (44 sc)

Working in the back loop only for these rows creates a ridged texture that adds grip and structure to the bottom of the bag. After Row 10, do not fasten off.

Tip: At the end of Row 10, you should have a rectangle measuring approximately 13 inches by 2.5 inches. This is the base of your tote.

Part Two: The Sides

Now you will work in the round around the entire perimeter of the base rectangle you just made. This is the moment the flat piece becomes a three-dimensional bag.

Round 1 (Setup): Ch 1, sc evenly around all four sides of the rectangle, placing 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. (approximately 120 sc, depending on your gauge — aim for an even number)

Place a stitch marker at the join to mark the beginning of your rounds.

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, rep from around, join with sl st to top of ch-3.

Round 3: Sl st into first ch-1 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, rep from around, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch-3.

Rounds 4–18: Rep Round 3. Continue the mesh pattern until the sides of the bag measure approximately 12–14 inches tall, or until you reach your desired height. Each round adds roughly three quarters of an inch, so adjust accordingly.

The mesh rounds are wonderfully meditative once you get into the rhythm. Put on a podcast or your favorite playlist and enjoy the process. You will notice the open diamond pattern forming as you work upward — this is the hallmark of the boho look.

Round 19 (Finishing Round): Ch 1, sc in each dc and each ch-1 sp around. Join with sl st to first sc. This creates a neat, firm top edge and prepares you for the handles.

Do not fasten off.

Part Three: The Handles

The handles are worked directly off the top edge of the bag, which creates a seamless, integrated look and makes them extremely sturdy.

Setting Up the Handle Placement:

Count your stitches around the top round. You should have approximately 120 stitches. Mark the center of the front side and the center of the back side with stitch markers. From each center point, count 8 stitches to the left and 8 stitches to the right and place markers at these four points. These eight stitches will form the base of each handle.

Working Handle One (Front):

Join yarn at the first marker on the front side.

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in each of the next 8 sts. Turn. (8 sc)

Rows 2–60: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each stitch across. Turn.

60 rows in single crochet BLO creates a handle that is approximately 22 inches long. This is a comfortable shoulder drop for most bodies. Add or subtract rows to customize the length — just make sure both handles are identical.

After Row 60, do not fasten off. Instead, fold the handle and align the last row with the 8 stitches directly on the back side of the bag. Slip stitch through both layers to join. This creates a strong, double-layered attachment point.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Working Handle Two (Back):

Repeat exactly as Handle One, working from the center of the back side of the bag.

Part Four: Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends securely using your yarn needle. Cotton yarn has very little grip, so weave each tail in multiple directions — forward, back, and then once more — to prevent it from working loose over time.

Block your bag if you want a crisp, polished finish. Wet blocking cotton bags is simple: soak the finished bag in cool water for about 15 minutes, gently squeeze out the excess (do not wring), stuff the bag with towels or a plastic bag filled with air to give it shape, and allow it to dry completely. Blocking opens up the mesh stitch beautifully and evens out any tension inconsistencies.

Optional Embellishments

This is where you can really make the pattern your own. The boho style celebrates personal touches, natural materials, and a handcrafted feel, so do not hold back.

Tassels: Cut lengths of yarn approximately 10 inches long. Bundle 12–15 strands together, fold them in half, and use a crochet hook to pull the loop through a corner of the bag base or through any point along the mesh. Thread the cut ends through the loop and pull snug. Trim to your desired tassel length. You can make them all one color or use a few different earth tones for a layered effect.

Macramé Knot Accent: Cut a long piece of jute twine and work a simple gathering knot around the center of the bag to create a cinched, structured silhouette. This is especially beautiful on bags made in off-white or natural cotton.

Wooden or Shell Beads: Thread large wooden beads or shell beads onto the handles before joining them to the bag, or add them to the ends of tassels. They add a natural, organic dimension that is very on-brand for the boho aesthetic.

Fringe Along the Bottom: Work a row of fringe loops along the base of the bag using a contrasting color or a thinner yarn. This gives the tote a festival-ready look that is perfect for summer.

Lining: If you plan to use this bag for groceries or anything that might snag on the open mesh, consider adding a fabric lining. Cut a piece of fabric to fit the interior of the bag, hem the edges, and hand stitch it in place along the top edge. A linen or cotton canvas lining in a complementary color makes the bag feel even more polished and increases its durability significantly.

Customization Tips

One of the great joys of making your own bag is that you are not locked into one size or style. Here are a few ways to adapt this free boho crochet tote bag pattern to suit exactly what you need.

Make it smaller: Reduce your foundation chain to 35 and work only 12 rounds of mesh. This gives you a smaller everyday bag or a perfect market bag for a quick errand run.

Make it bigger: Increase your foundation chain to 55 and work 22–24 rounds of mesh for a generous beach bag or overnight tote. Use two strands of yarn held together for extra durability.

Change the stitch pattern: Swap the basic mesh stitch for a granny stitch (working clusters of 3 dc with ch-2 spaces), a shell stitch, or a V-stitch for a completely different texture. All of these still read as distinctly boho and work at roughly the same gauge.

Add a base insert: Cut a piece of stiff plastic canvas, a piece of leather, or a repurposed cutting board liner to size and place it inside the base of the bag. This keeps the bottom flat and prevents the bag from sagging under weight.

Try a different fiber: Chunky jute makes a bag that feels almost architectural. A soft merino-cotton blend makes one that feels luxurious. Experiment with what you have in your stash — that is what stash-busting patterns are for.

Care Instructions

Cotton crochet bags are surprisingly easy to care for, which is one of the reasons they make such great everyday accessories.

Machine wash on a gentle or delicate cycle in cold water. Lay flat to dry — do not tumble dry, as heat can shrink cotton and distort the shape of your bag. If your bag loses its shape after washing, simply re-block it while it is still damp.

Spot clean smaller stains as soon as they happen using a dab of gentle dish soap and a soft cloth. Avoid bleach, which can yellow natural cotton over time.

A Few Words About the Boho Style in Crochet

The boho or bohemian aesthetic in fashion and home décor draws from a rich mix of cultural references — folk art, global textile traditions, the natural world, and a fundamental embrace of imperfection. In crochet, this translates beautifully. The slight irregularity of a handmade stitch, the organic drape of natural fiber, the fringe, the fraying, the texture — all of it is not a flaw to be corrected but a quality to be celebrated.

When you make this bag, you are participating in a lineage of textile craft that stretches back centuries. Mesh and net bags have been made by hand in cultures around the world for as long as there have been things to carry. The fact that you are making yours with a crochet hook and a skein of cotton yarn, following a free pattern on the internet, is just the newest chapter in a very long story.

So make it yours. Let the mesh run a little loose in places if your tension relaxes when you are deep in conversation. Choose the yarn color that makes you happy, not the one that matches some theoretical idea of what a boho bag should look like. Add the tassels even if a small voice in your head says it might be too much. It is not too much. It is exactly right.

Final Notes

Save this page or bookmark it so you always have the pattern on hand. If you make this bag, share a photo — nothing in the crafting world is more fun than seeing how different makers interpret the same pattern in completely different ways. The combination of yarn choice, color, embellishment, and tension means that no two finished bags will ever look exactly the same, and that is the whole point.

Happy crocheting. May your yarn never tangle and your tension stay exactly where you want it. ✨