The Terra Cotta Tote Free Pattern – Crochet a Woven Sunset Bag

Carry a piece of the desert with you in this stunning, textured tote crocheted with a unique woven stitch that mimics handwoven fibers. The warm terracotta and sand color palette makes it a versatile accessory for every season. Whether you're heading to the farmer's market, the beach, or your local coffee shop, this boho-chic bag adds a handcrafted touch to any outfit. The raised and recessed stitches create a subtle diamond-like pattern that catches the light beautifully, giving the bag a rich, artisanal feel that store-bought bags simply can't replicate.

This pattern is perfect for adventurous beginners who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore post stitches. The repetitive nature of the woven stitch makes it meditative and relaxing to work, and the result is a sturdy, structured bag that holds its shape beautifully. Plus, because it's made with 100% mercerized cotton, it's durable, washable, and gets even softer with each use.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All materials are readily available at most craft stores or online retailers.

Yarn

• Lion Brand Yarn 24/7 Cotton (100% mercerized cotton, 100g/180yds)
• Color A (Main Color - MC): Terracotta – 2 skeins
• Color B (Contrast Color - CC): Sand – 1 skein

Note: If you can't find Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, any worsted-weight (category 4) 100% cotton yarn will work. Just be sure to check your gauge!

Hook

• 5.5mm crochet hook (US I-9)

Other Supplies

• Yarn needle (for weaving in ends and sewing straps)
• Scissors
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for counting)
• Measuring tape or ruler

Gauge

14 stitches x 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet (sc) with 5.5mm hook.

Always check your gauge before starting! If your gauge is off, your bag will be too big or too small. If you have more stitches per inch, try a larger hook. If you have fewer, try a smaller hook.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bag is worked in two rectangular panels (front and back) and then seamed together. The woven stitch is created by working front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet (bpdc) in a repeating pattern. Don't worry if you've never tried post stitches before – they're easier than they look, and the rhythm of this pattern makes it simple to memorize.

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• fpdc = front post double crochet
• bpdc = back post double crochet
• st(s) = stitch(es)

Panel (Make 2)

Foundation Chain: With MC (Terracotta), chain 36.

Row 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from your hook and in each chain across. Turn. (35 sc)

Tip: Count your stitches at the end of this row to make sure you have 35. This is your base row, and accuracy here ensures your bag is straight.

Row 2: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across. Turn. (35 sc)

Row 3 (Woven Stitch Begins): Chain 2 (this counts as your first double crochet). Now, work the following pattern across the row:

• *Skip the next stitch.
• Front post double crochet (fpdc) around the next stitch.
• Back post double crochet (bpdc) around the next stitch.*

Repeat from * to * across the row, ending with a regular double crochet (dc) in the last stitch. Turn.

How to work fpdc: Yarn over, insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch (not through the top loops), yarn over and pull up a loop, complete the double crochet as normal.

How to work bpdc: Yarn over, insert your hook from back to front to back around the post of the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, complete the double crochet as normal.

Row 4: Chain 2 (counts as first dc). Now work the opposite pattern:

• *Back post double crochet (bpdc) around the next stitch.
• Front post double crochet (fpdc) around the next stitch.*

Repeat from * to * across the row, ending with a regular double crochet in the last stitch. Turn.

Rows 5 and onward: Repeat Rows 3 and 4 alternately until your piece measures 12 inches from the start. Fasten off and weave in the loose end.

Pro Tip: The alternating rows create the woven, basket-like texture. When you work fpdc on Row 3, you'll work bpdc on Row 4 over those same stitches, which pushes the stitches in opposite directions and creates the beautiful woven effect.

Repeat this entire process to make a second panel. Both panels should be identical in size.

Assembly

Now it's time to join your panels together to form the bag body.

1. Place the two panels together with right sides facing out (the pretty sides facing away from each other).
2. Using MC (Terracotta) yarn and your 5.5mm hook, begin at the top corner of one side.
3. Single crochet through both layers along the bottom edge and up one side edge, leaving the top open.
4. When you reach the corner, work 2-3 single crochets in the corner stitch to turn the corner smoothly.
5. Continue single crocheting along the bottom and up the other side edge.
6. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Tip: Work your single crochets evenly – about 1 sc per row along the sides and 1 sc per stitch along the bottom. This creates a neat, sturdy seam.

Turn the bag right side out (if you haven't already). The seams will be on the inside, giving your bag a clean, professional finish.

Straps (Make 2)

Now for the straps, which use the contrasting Sand color for a beautiful two-tone effect.

Foundation Chain: With CC (Sand), chain 6.

Row 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from your hook and in each chain across. Turn. (5 sc)

Rows 2 and onward: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across. Turn. (5 sc)

Continue working single crochet rows until your strap measures 18 inches long. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing.

Repeat to make a second strap.

Tip: If you prefer shorter or longer straps, adjust the length to your liking. 18 inches creates a comfortable shoulder-length strap. For a crossbody bag, make them 30-36 inches instead.

Attaching the Straps

1. Thread your yarn needle with the long tail from one strap.
2. Position the strap on the inside of the bag, 3 inches from the side seam and 2 inches down from the top edge.
3. Sew the strap securely to the inside of the bag using a whip stitch or running stitch. Make sure to catch both the strap and the bag fabric firmly.
4. Repeat for the other end of the same strap, making sure it's not twisted.
5. Repeat the entire process for the second strap on the other side of the bag.

Important: Double-check that your straps are aligned before sewing. The bag should hang evenly when held by both straps.

Finishing Touches

1. Weave in all remaining loose ends with your yarn needle.
2. Gently block your bag if desired – this helps even out the stitches and gives the bag a crisp, professional shape. Simply mist with water and lay flat to dry.
3. Give your bag a final inspection to ensure all seams are secure.

Care Instructions

Because this bag is made with 100% mercerized cotton, it's machine washable! For best results, wash on a gentle cycle in cold water and lay flat to dry. The cotton will soften with each wash, making your bag even more comfortable to carry over time.

Customization Ideas

Once you've mastered this pattern, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Color Swap: Try different color combinations – sage green and cream, navy and mustard, or blush pink and white.
• Add a Lining: Sew a fabric lining to the inside for extra durability and to keep small items from falling through the stitches.
• Add a Pocket: Crochet a small pocket panel and attach it to the inside or outside of the bag.
• Change the Strap: Make wider straps by chaining 8 or 10 instead of 6, or try a different stitch pattern for the straps.
• Add a Closure: Sew in a magnetic snap or add a button and loop closure to keep your belongings secure.

This Terra Cotta Tote is more than just a bag – it's a statement piece that showcases your crochet skills and your unique style. The woven stitch pattern is deceptively simple to create but looks incredibly intricate, making it a conversation starter wherever you go.

I'd love to see your finished bags! Share your creations on social media with the hashtag #TerraCottaTote and tag me so I can admire your work. Happy crocheting!