Crochet Beach Tote Pattern (Easy Summer Bag)

This oversized beach tote uses an open mesh stitch that's fast to work up and naturally lets sand fall through — practical as well as stylish for a day at the beach or pool.

Materials

• 250-300g worsted weight cotton yarn
• 5.0mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Optional: wooden handles instead of crocheted straps

Abbreviations

• ch — chain
• sc — single crochet
• dc — double crochet
• st(s) — stitch(es)

Base

Chain 20.

Round 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across, 3 sc in last ch, continue sc down the other side, 2 sc in first st to close. (40 sc)

Round 2: inc in first and last st of each short end, sc around. (44)

Rounds 3-4: sc around, increasing at the rounded ends to keep flat. (approx. 50)

Mesh Body

Switching to the open mesh pattern for the sides:

Round 5 and onward: dc in next st, ch 1, skip 1 st, repeat around, join with sl st to first dc.

Following rounds: ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip next dc, repeat around, join.

Continue the mesh pattern for approximately 12-14 rounds, building the bag to about 14-16 inches tall.

Top Edge

Work 2-3 rounds of solid sc around the top opening to stabilize the edge and prevent stretching.

Handles

Chain a length for your desired handle size (typically 30-35 sts).

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across.

Rows 2-3: ch 1, sc across, for a sturdier strap.

Fasten off, leaving tails. Make a second handle to match.

Assembly

Sew the ends of each handle to the inside top edge of the bag, spacing them evenly apart on the front and back.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. If desired, add a fabric lining with an inner pocket for keys and phone, since the mesh body itself is open-weave and won't contain small loose items.

Tip: cotton yarn is essential here — it holds its shape when wet and dries quickly, unlike acrylic, which makes it ideal for actual beach use.

For a denser everyday tote, see the market tote bag. For a bag that cinches closed, see the drawstring backpack.