The Sunwashed Dune Tote Free Pattern – Crochet a Textured Beach Day Carryall

Introducing the Sunwashed Dune Tote: Your New Favorite Summer Accessory

Imagine strolling along a sun-drenched shoreline, the gentle rhythm of waves in the background, and a beautifully handcrafted tote swinging from your arm. That's the magic of the Sunwashed Dune Tote—a crochet pattern that perfectly marries the airy, carefree spirit of a beach bag with the structured, elegant texture of a woven basket. This isn't just a bag; it's a statement piece that catches the light like sun-warmed sand, thanks to its unique shell-stitch design.

Whether you're heading to the beach with your towel and sunscreen, or simply need a stylish everyday carryall for your latest book and a water bottle, this tote is the perfect companion. The pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using basic stitches and clear, repetitive rounds to create a stunning, professional-looking result. Let's dive in and create your own piece of seaside luxury!

Materials Needed: Gathering Your Supplies

Before we begin our crochet journey, let's make sure you have everything you need. This project is wonderfully portable and requires just a few simple supplies:

Yarn

• Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in three beautiful colors:
  • Sand (A): A warm, beige neutral for the base and main body.
  • Seafoam (B): A soft, calming green for a refreshing stripe.
  • Coral (C): A vibrant, sunny pink for a pop of summer color.
• Total Yardage: Approximately 400 grams (about 800-900 yards) of yarn combined.

Hook & Notions

• Crochet Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook. This size is perfect for creating a dense, sturdy fabric that holds its shape.
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing the handles.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.
• Stitch Markers (optional): Helpful for keeping track of your rounds, especially when working in the round.

Gauge

To ensure your tote turns out the perfect size, it's important to check your gauge. Work a small swatch to match this tension:

• Gauge: 14 single crochet (sc) x 16 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm).

If your gauge is too loose, try a smaller hook. If it's too tight, go up a hook size. Getting the right gauge ensures your bag is the perfect size for all your beach day essentials.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Sunwashed Dune Tote

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds from the bottom up, making it a relaxing and rewarding project. We'll start with a flat, circular base and then build up the textured shell-stitch body. Let's get started!

Part 1: Creating the Bag Base (Worked in the Round)

We'll begin with a magic ring and increase each round to create a flat, sturdy circle for the bottom of your tote.

Round 1: With yarn A (Sand), make a magic ring. Chain 2 (counts as a half double crochet, hdc). Work 10 hdc into the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-2. (11 hdc total)

Round 2: Chain 2 (counts as hdc). Work 1 hdc in the same stitch (this is your increase). Work 2 hdc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch. (22 hdc)

Round 3: Chain 2. Hdc in the same stitch. Hdc in the next stitch. *2 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (33 hdc)

Round 4: Chain 2. Hdc in the same stitch. Hdc in the next 2 stitches. *2 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 2 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (44 hdc)

Round 5: Chain 2. Hdc in the same stitch. Hdc in the next 3 stitches. *2 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 3 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (55 hdc)

Round 6: Chain 2. Hdc in the same stitch. Hdc in the next 4 stitches. *2 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 4 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (66 hdc)

Round 7: Chain 2. Hdc in the same stitch. Hdc in the next 5 stitches. *2 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 5 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (77 hdc)

Round 8: Chain 2. Hdc in the same stitch. Hdc in the next 6 stitches. *2 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 6 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (88 hdc)

Round 9: Chain 2. Hdc in the same stitch. Hdc in the next 7 stitches. *2 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 7 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (99 hdc)

Round 10: Chain 2. Hdc in the same stitch. Hdc in the next 8 stitches. *2 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 8 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (110 hdc)

Rounds 11-12: Chain 2. Hdc in each stitch around. Join. (110 hdc)

Your flat, circular base is now complete! It should measure about 10 inches in diameter. Now, we'll start building up the sides with the beautiful shell stitch.

Part 2: The Textured Shell Stitch Body

This is where the magic happens! The shell stitch creates a gorgeous, fan-like texture that gives the bag its woven, seashell appearance. We'll work this pattern in the round, alternating between two types of rounds.

Round 13 (Shell Setup): Chain 1. Single crochet (sc) in the same stitch. *Skip 2 stitches. Work 5 double crochets (dc) in the next stitch (this is your shell). Skip 2 stitches. Sc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. End by slip stitching to the first sc. (You should have 18 shells)

Round 14 (Offset Shells): Chain 3 (counts as a dc). Work 2 dc in the same stitch (this is a half-shell). *Sc in the center dc of the next shell (the 3rd dc). Work 5 dc in the next sc.* Repeat from * to * around. End by working a sc in the center dc of the last shell, then work 2 dc in the base of the beginning chain-3. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the chain-3.

Round 15 (Completing Shells): Chain 1. Sc in the same stitch. *Work 5 dc in the next sc. Sc in the center dc of the next shell.* Repeat from * to * around. End by working 5 dc in the last sc. Slip stitch to the first sc.

Rounds 16-17: Repeat Rounds 14 and 15. This continues the alternating shell pattern, creating a beautiful, dense fabric.

Round 18: Repeat Round 14.

Round 19: Chain 1. Sc in the same stitch. *5 dc in the next sc, sc in the center dc of the next shell.* Repeat from * to * around. End with 5 dc in the last sc. Slip stitch to the first sc. Fasten off yarn A.

Part 3: Adding Your Summer Color Stripes

Now it's time to introduce the beautiful Seafoam and Coral stripes to bring your bag to life.

Round 20: Join yarn B (Seafoam) in any sc. Chain 1. Sc in the same stitch. *5 dc in the next sc, sc in the center dc of the next shell.* Repeat from * to * around. End with 5 dc in the last sc. Slip stitch to the first sc.

Round 21: Repeat Round 14 with yarn B.

Round 22: Repeat Round 15 with yarn B. Fasten off yarn B.

Round 23: Join yarn C (Coral). Repeat Round 19.

Round 24: Repeat Round 14 with yarn C.

Round 25: Repeat Round 15 with yarn C. Fasten off yarn C.

Rounds 26-27: Join yarn A (Sand) again. Repeat Rounds 14 and 15.

Round 28: Repeat Round 14 with yarn A.

Round 29: Chain 1. Sc in the same stitch. *5 dc in the next sc, sc in the center dc of the next shell.* Repeat from * to * around. End with 5 dc in the last sc. Slip stitch to the first sc. Fasten off yarn A.

Your bag body is now complete! It should be beautifully textured with alternating stripes of sand, seafoam, and coral.

Part 4: Finishing the Top Edge

We'll add a clean, simple border to the top of the bag to give it a polished finish.

Round 30: Join yarn B (Seafoam) in any sc. Chain 1. Work 1 sc in each stitch around (this means 1 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each sc). Join with a slip stitch. (110 sc)

Round 31: Chain 1. Sc in each stitch around. Join. Fasten off yarn B.

Part 5: Crafting and Attaching the Handles

These sturdy, braided-looking handles are simple to make and incredibly strong, perfect for carrying all your beach essentials.

Handle (Make 2):

Row 1: With yarn A, chain 80. Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn. (79 sc)

Row 2: Chain 1. Sc in each stitch across. Turn.

Row 3: Chain 1. Sc in each stitch across. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing.

Assembly:

1. Create a Casing: Fold the top edge of the bag over about 1 inch to the inside. Using a yarn needle and a length of yarn A, slip stitch the folded edge in place all the way around. This creates a neat, sturdy casing for the handles.
2. Position the Handles: Lay your bag flat. Place the handles on opposite sides of the bag, positioning each one about 3 inches from the side seams. This ensures the bag hangs evenly.
3. Sew Securely: Using the long tails left on the handles and a yarn needle, sew the ends of each handle securely to the inside of the bag, right below the casing. Sew back and forth several times to ensure they are extra strong.
4. Weave in Ends: Use your yarn needle to weave in all loose ends from color changes and sewing. Trim any excess yarn.

Congratulations! You've just completed your very own Sunwashed Dune Tote. It's the perfect accessory for lazy beach days, market trips, or anywhere you want to add a touch of handmade, seaside charm. The textured shell stitch and beautiful color palette make it a truly unique piece you'll be proud to carry. Enjoy your new favorite bag!