Caribbean Sunset Tote Free Pattern – Textured Crochet Beach Bag

Carry a piece of the tropics with this vibrant, textured crochet tote inspired by the fiery hues of a Caribbean sunset. The combination of puff stitches and a sturdy single crochet base creates a beautiful, functional bag perfect for beach days or farmers market trips. This free pattern is beginner-friendly and works up quickly with worsted weight cotton yarn.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in 4 colors:
  • Coral (Color A) – approx. 70g
  • Tangerine (Color B) – approx. 70g
  • Golden Yellow (Color C) – approx. 60g
  • Deep Magenta (Color D) – approx. 50g
  Total approx. 250g.
• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8)
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing handles
• Scissors
• Stitch marker (optional, for tracking rounds)

Gauge

14 single crochet (sc) x 16 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) in single crochet. Gauge is not critical for this project, but matching it will ensure the bag is the intended size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bag Base (worked in rounds)

The base is worked in a spiral with single crochet increases. Do not join rounds unless specified.

Round 1: With Color A, make a magic ring, ch 1, work 8 sc into ring. Pull tight to close. (8 sts)

Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (16 sts)

Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)

Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (32 sts)

Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (40 sts)

Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48 sts)

Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (56 sts)

Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (64 sts)

Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (72 sts)

Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (80 sts)

Round 11: *Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (88 sts)

Round 12: *Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (96 sts)

Fasten off Color A. Your base should be a flat circle measuring approximately 8 inches in diameter.

Bag Body (worked in continuous rounds, no turning)

The body is worked in a spiral, alternating single crochet rounds with puff stitch rounds. The puff stitch creates the beautiful textured pattern.

Puff Stitch (PS): Yarn over (yo), insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, insert hook in same stitch, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), yo, insert hook in same stitch, pull up a loop (7 loops on hook), yo and pull through all 7 loops on hook, ch 1 to close.

Round 13: With Color B, sc in each st around. (96 sts)

Round 14: *PS in next st, skip next st* repeat around. (48 puff stitches)

Round 15: Sc in each st around (working sc in the ch-1 spaces of the puff stitches AND in the skipped sts of the previous round). (96 sts)

Rounds 16-17: Repeat Rounds 14-15 with Color B.

Fasten off Color B.

Round 18: With Color C, sc in each st around. (96 sts)

Rounds 19-21: Repeat the puff stitch pattern (Rounds 14-15) with Color C. This means: Round 19 = puff stitch round, Round 20 = sc round, Round 21 = puff stitch round.

Fasten off Color C.

Round 22: With Color D, sc in each st around. (96 sts)

Rounds 23-25: Repeat the puff stitch pattern (Rounds 14-15) with Color D. (Round 23 = puff, Round 24 = sc, Round 25 = puff)

Fasten off Color D.

Round 26: With Color A, sc in each st around. (96 sts)

Rounds 27-29: Repeat the puff stitch pattern (Rounds 14-15) with Color A. (Round 27 = puff, Round 28 = sc, Round 29 = puff)

Fasten off Color A.

Top Edging

This creates a decorative scalloped edge at the top of the bag.

Round 30: With Color B, sc in each st around. (96 sts)

Round 31: *Sc in next st, ch 2, skip next st* repeat around. (48 sc, 48 ch-2 spaces)

Round 32: Sc in each st and in each ch-2 space around. (96 sts)

Fasten off Color B and weave in all ends.

Handles (make 2)

These sturdy straps are made by crocheting a long strip, folding it in half, and sewing it together.

Row 1: With Color C, ch 80, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (79 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (79 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches) for sewing.

Fold each handle in half lengthwise (so it becomes a double-thick strap) and sew the long edges together using the yarn needle and the long tail. This creates a sturdy, comfortable strap.

Attach one handle to each side of the bag. Position the handles on the inside of the top edging, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Sew the ends securely to the bag, making sure to catch both layers of the folded handle. Weave in all ends.

Finishing Touches

Your Caribbean Sunset Tote is complete! Gently block the bag if desired to even out the stitches. The textured puff stitches will relax and the bag will take on a beautiful, slouchy shape perfect for carrying all your beach essentials.

This roomy tote is as practical as it is beautiful. The cotton yarn is durable and machine washable (lay flat to dry). Enjoy your handmade piece of tropical paradise!