The Tidal Rib Tote Free Pattern – Crochet a Wavy Textured Beach Bag

Carry the shore with you in this sculptural crochet tote, where undulating ribbed waves mimic the ocean's gentle rhythm. Made with thick, sun-bleached cotton yarn, the Tidal Rib Tote is the perfect statement piece for seaside strolls, farmers market hauls, or any day you want a touch of coastal calm. This free pattern is beginner-friendly, works up quickly with a chunky 5.5mm hook, and uses a simple 4-row wave stitch repeat to create a stunning, textured ripple effect. Let's dive in and crochet a bag that's as beautiful as it is functional!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather these supplies. The Tidal Rib Tote uses three complementary colors of worsted-weight cotton yarn to create its signature striped wave effect. Here's exactly what you'll need:

• Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (or any worsted-weight cotton yarn) in three colors:
  • Sand (Color A) – warm beige
  • Seafoam (Color B) – soft pale green-blue
  • Coral (Color C) – dusty pink-orange
  Approximate total yardage: 300g (roughly 500-550 yards). You'll use about 150g of Sand, 75g of Seafoam, and 75g of Coral.
• Crochet Hook: 5.5 mm (US I-9) hook
• Stitch Markers: At least 1, to track rounds
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Optional: Fabric for lining (if you want extra strength)

Gauge: 14 stitches x 16 rows = 4 inches in wave stitch pattern (after blocking). Gauge is important for the final size, so take a moment to check yours before starting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in two main parts: a flat base, then the body worked in continuous rounds. The wave stitch is a 4-row repeat that creates a gentle ripple effect. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a gorgeous tote in no time.

Part 1: The Base (Worked Flat)

The base is a simple rectangle that forms the bottom of your tote. It's quick to make and sets the foundation for the wave pattern.

1. Row 1: With yarn A (Sand), chain 26. Single crochet (sc) in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. You should have 25 single crochet stitches. Chain 1, turn.
2. Row 2: Single crochet in each stitch across (25 sts). Chain 1, turn.
3. Row 3: Repeat Row 2. Fasten off and weave in the end. Your base is complete.

Part 2: The Body (Worked in the Round)

Now we'll build the body of the bag by crocheting around the base. This is where the magic happens—the wave stitch creates those beautiful, sculptural ridges.

Important Note: Rounds 2-15 are worked in continuous rounds (no joining) unless stated. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round. The wave stitch pattern is a 4-row repeat that creates a gentle ripple effect.

1. Round 1 (Setup): With the right side facing, join yarn B (Seafoam) in any corner of the base. Chain 1, work 2 single crochet in the same corner. Then, single crochet evenly around all edges of the base, working 3 single crochet in each of the remaining 3 corners. You should have a total of 56 single crochet stitches. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. Do not turn.
2. Round 2 (First Wave): Chain 1, single crochet in the same stitch (the first stitch of the round). *Skip 1 stitch, work 5 double crochet (dc) in the next stitch, skip 1 stitch, single crochet in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around the entire round, ending with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. You will have 14 wave points (groups of 5 double crochet).
3. Round 3 (Overlapping Wave): Chain 1, single crochet in the same stitch. *Skip 1 stitch, work 5 double crochet in the next stitch, skip 1 stitch, single crochet in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around, but this time, work the single crochet into the single crochet of the previous round (not the double crochet). This creates the overlapping wave effect. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet.
4. Round 4 (Color Change): Repeat Round 3, but switch to yarn C (Coral) for the double crochet groups, keeping the single crochet stitches in yarn B (Seafoam). To do this, when you reach the point where you'd work the double crochet group, drop yarn B and pick up yarn C, working the 5 double crochet. Then drop yarn C and pick up yarn B for the single crochet. Carry the yarns up the side of your work, or cut and rejoin each round—whichever you prefer. Join with a slip stitch.
5. Round 5 (Color Change): Repeat Round 3, using yarn A (Sand) for the double crochet groups, and yarn C (Coral) for the single crochet stitches. Join with a slip stitch.
6. Rounds 6-15 (Continue the Pattern): Continue repeating Rounds 3-5, alternating yarns A, B, and C for the double crochet groups every round. Always work the single crochet in the previous round's single crochet. This creates a beautiful, striped wave effect. Continue until you've completed Round 15. Your bag body should now be about 8-9 inches tall.

Part 3: The Top Edge and Handles

Now we'll finish the top of the bag with a clean edge and sturdy, chunky handles.

1. Round 16 (Top Edge): With yarn A (Sand), chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around (56 sts). Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet.
2. Round 17 (Top Edge): Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around (56 sts). Join with a slip stitch.
3. Round 18 (Handle Openings): Chain 1, single crochet in each of the first 18 stitches. Then, chain 30 for the first handle. Skip the next 10 stitches, single crochet in the next stitch. Continue single crocheting in each of the next 18 stitches. Chain 30 for the second handle. Skip the next 10 stitches, single crochet in the next stitch. Single crochet in the remaining stitches to the end of the round. Join with a slip stitch. (You'll have 18 sc + 30 ch + 18 sc + 30 ch + 18 sc = 114 stitches total, counting the chains.)
4. Round 19 (Handle Finish): Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, working 30 single crochet into each handle chain (into the back bump of the chain for a neat edge). Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Part 4: Finishing Touches

Your Tidal Rib Tote is almost complete! A few final steps will ensure it looks its best and lasts for many beach trips to come.

1. Weave in Ends: Use your yarn needle to carefully weave in all loose ends from color changes and fastening off. Make sure they're secure and hidden within the stitches.
2. Block the Bag: To give your bag its final shape and really define those waves, wet block it. Gently soak the bag in lukewarm water, squeeze out excess (don't wring!), and lay it flat on a towel. Gently stretch the waves outward and shape the bag to your desired dimensions. Let it dry completely.
3. Optional Lining: For extra strength and to prevent small items from slipping through the wave gaps, you can line the bag with fabric. Cut a piece of fabric to fit the inside, sew it into a bag shape, and hand-stitch it to the inside of the top edge.

And there you have it—your very own Tidal Rib Tote! This bag is as practical as it is beautiful, with a roomy, slouchy shape and sturdy handles. The textured wave stitch is a joy to crochet, and the coastal color palette brings a touch of summer to any outfit. Whether you're heading to the beach, the market, or just out for a stroll, this tote is sure to turn heads. Happy crocheting!