The Driftwood Dune Tote: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Striped Beach Bag

Introducing the Driftwood Dune Tote

Carry the essence of a windswept shoreline with this uniquely textured striped tote. The Driftwood Dune Tote features a clever interplay of soft cotton and a subtle, woven-like stitch that creates a dense, durable fabric. Perfect for market trips or a day at the beach, this bag is both stylish and sturdy. The alternating stripes of sand, seafoam, and driftwood evoke the natural beauty of a coastal landscape, making this a must-make project for summer.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All yarn is Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (DK weight, 100% mercerized cotton, 186 yds / 170 m per 100g skein).

• Yarn:
  • 2 skeins in 'Sand' (Color A)
  • 1 skein in 'Seafoam' (Color B)
  • 1 skein in 'Driftwood' (Color C)
• Hook: US Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional)

Gauge: 16 stitches x 8 rows = 4 inches in pattern stitch (after blocking). Achieving the correct gauge ensures your bag will be the right size and shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Notes Before You Start

• The bag is worked in joined rounds from the bottom up.
• The pattern stitch creates a dense, woven texture.
• Ch 2 at the beginning of a round counts as the first double crochet (dc).
• When joining a new color, join with a slip stitch (sl st) to any stitch of the previous round.

Bottom (Worked in Continuous Rounds with Color A)

Note: The bottom is worked in continuous rounds (do not join at the end of each round unless specified). Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.

1. Round 1: Ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring. Ch 2 (counts as first dc), work 10 dc into the ring. Join with sl st to the top of the ch 2. (10 dc)
2. Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each stitch around. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. (20 dc)
3. Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in next stitch, 1 dc in next stitch; repeat from * around. Join. (30 dc)
4. Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in next stitch, 1 dc in next 2 stitches; repeat from * around. Join. (40 dc)
5. Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in next stitch, 1 dc in next 3 stitches; repeat from * around. Join. (50 dc)
6. Round 6: Ch 2, *2 dc in next stitch, 1 dc in next 4 stitches; repeat from * around. Join. (60 dc)
7. Round 7: Ch 2, *2 dc in next stitch, 1 dc in next 5 stitches; repeat from * around. Join. (70 dc)
8. Round 8: Ch 2, *2 dc in next stitch, 1 dc in next 6 stitches; repeat from * around. Join. (80 dc)
9. Fasten off Color A.

Body (Worked in Joined Rounds, Alternating Colors)

Note: For the body, you will work in joined rounds. At the end of each round, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2. The pattern stitch (Round 1 of each color) creates a cross stitch: skip next stitch, dc in next stitch, then dc in the skipped stitch (working behind the first dc).

1. Round 1 (Color B - Seafoam): Join Color B with sl st to any stitch. Ch 2 (counts as first dc), dc in same stitch. *Skip next stitch, dc in next stitch, dc in the skipped stitch (cross stitch made); repeat from * around. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. (80 stitches)
2. Round 2 (Color B): Ch 2, dc in each stitch around. Join. (80 dc)
3. Round 3 (Color C - Driftwood): Repeat Round 1 with Color C.
4. Round 4 (Color C): Repeat Round 2 with Color C.
5. Round 5 (Color A - Sand): Repeat Round 1 with Color A.
6. Round 6 (Color A): Repeat Round 2 with Color A.
7. Repeat Rounds 1-6 two more times (for a total of 18 rounds in the body).

Top Edge (with Color A)

1. Round 19: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), single crochet (sc) in each stitch around. Join with sl st to first sc. (80 sc)
2. Round 20: Ch 1, sc in each stitch around. Join. (80 sc)
3. Fasten off Color A.

Handles (Make 2, with Color A)

Note: Handles are worked in rows (not rounds).

1. Row 1: Ch 6, sc in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across. (5 sc)
2. Row 2-50: Ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch across. (5 sc)
3. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing.

Assembly

1. Position the handles: Place the bag with the right side facing you. Each handle should be attached to the inside of the bag, spaced evenly on opposite sides. The handles should be about 10 stitches apart from each other on each side.
2. Sew the handles: Using the long tail left from each handle, sew the ends of the handle securely to the inside of the bag. Weave the yarn through the stitches of the handle and the bag body, making sure it is firmly attached. Repeat for the second handle.
3. Weave in all ends: Use a yarn needle to weave in any remaining yarn tails on the inside of the bag. Trim excess yarn.

Your Driftwood Dune Tote is now complete! Enjoy your beautiful, textured, and sturdy beach bag that captures the spirit of the coast.