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Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern

Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern
4.2★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.9K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern

This pattern creates the Grindstone Tote Bag — a slouchy, textured shoulder bag made from two front/back panels and a combined side/bottom/strap panel. It is designed for bulky weight yarn and uses two hook sizes to vary tension between panels. The finished bag includes a button closure and simple assembly instructions to join panels and strap.

Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

You will crochet two identical front/back panels then a long strap/side/bottom panel, finally seaming the pieces together. The pattern includes stitch notes, placement markers, and finishing steps for a polished bag.

Why You'll Love This Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it keeps the construction simple but yields a very professional-looking tote. I love how using two different hook sizes changes the fabric behavior — tighter side panels for structure and looser front/back panels for drape. I enjoy that it is easily customizable by yarn choice and strap length to make a bag that truly matches your style. I also appreciate the efficient assembly method that makes sewing and finishing quick and satisfying.

Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern step 1 - construction progress Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love swapping yarn to completely change the look of this tote; try cotton for a summery beach bag or a boucle for texture.

Change the weight of yarn and hooks to make a mini or oversized version—use worsted weight and smaller hooks for a compact bag or super bulky yarn for a chunky market tote.

Add a lining and interior pockets for extra durability and organization, sewing them in before closing the bottom seam for a clean finish.

Switch the button to a decorative wooden, metal, or contrasting color for a different focal point on the flap.

I often lengthen or shorten the strap by adding or subtracting rows between rows 53 and 149 to make crossbody or shoulder lengths that fit me perfectly.

Make a colorblock version by changing yarn color at the foundation chain or at any row break for a bold stripe effect.

Try a double-strand of DK yarn held together to mimic bulky yarn and experiment with hooks one size larger for a slightly different drape.

I like to embroider initials or small motifs on the front panel after finishing to personalize the tote as a gift.

For more structure, consider a quick fabric interfacing in the bottom area or add a removable rigid base to keep the bag square when set down.

Make a set of matching accessories — a small pouch or coin purse using the same stitch pattern — to create a coordinated handmade gift set.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers at the top and bottom can make assembly difficult; place and keep the 6 locking stitch markers in position as instructed. ✗ Using the same hook for both panels and strap will change the bag shape and tension; switch to the larger hook for front/back panels and the smaller hook for the strap/side/bottom panel as directed. ✗ Not adding the extra 2dc at the beginning and end of rows will reduce panel width; be sure to make the 2dc in the first and last stitches where stated to maintain stitch counts. ✗ Working the crossed double crochet incorrectly will distort the texture; follow the note exactly—skip one stitch, dc in next stitch then dc into the skipped stitch crossing in front of the previous stitch. ✗ Fastening off the front panel before making the back panel with the button loop will lose the option for a buttoned bag; follow Row 18 instructions and do not fasten off when making the front and back panel pairs.

Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern

Make a stylish, slouchy tote with a textured stitch pattern and an integrated strap. This pattern uses bulky yarn and two different hook sizes to create a sturdy side panel and softer front/back panels. You will make two matching panels, then crochet the strap/side/bottom as one long piece and assemble for a durable, everyday bag. Great for gifting or personal use and easy to customize with different yarns and button choices.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Grindstone Tote Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Bernat Maker Home Dec, bulky (5) weight - approximately 470 yards (recommended)
  • 02
    Worsted weight (4) yarn will make a smaller bag (yardage will vary)
  • 03
    Super bulky (6) yarn will give a larger bag (yardage will vary)
  • 04
    Tester yarn example: Mondial Mantra - 490 yards (used with 7mm hook)
  • 05
    Tester yarn example: Deramores Studio Chunky - 430 yards (hooks 6.5 and 8mm)
  • 06
    Tester yarn example: Bernat Softee Cotton (double strand) - 367 yards of each color (hooks 5.5 and 6mm)
  • 07
    Tester yarn example: Bernat Maker Home Dec - 350 yards (hooks 6 and 7mm)
  • 08
    Tester yarn example: Lily Sugar & Cream - 370 yards (hooks 4.5 and 5mm)
  • 09
    Tester yarn example: Red Heart Stripes - 360 yards (hooks 5 and 5.75mm)
  • 10
    Tester yarn example: Fibra Natura Raffia - 280 yards (hook 5mm)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 7mm (recommended for front/back panels)
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 6mm (recommended for side/bottom/strap panel)
  • 03
    Other hooks mentioned by testers: 8mm, 6.5mm, 5.75mm, 5.5mm, 5mm, 4.5mm (optional replacement sizes depending on yarn)
  • 04
    6 locking stitch markers (safety pins may be used as substitute)
  • 05
    Large button for closure
  • 06
    Tapestry/yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends
  • 07
    Scissors
  • 08
    Pins for assembly (optional)
  • 09
    Optional mattress stitch for seaming bottom (or any seaming method you prefer)

Progress Tracker

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— Notes :

Info :

Bag is made with two nearly identical front/back panels, and the strap and side/bottom panels are worked as one piece. Ch 2 at the beginning of the row does NOT count as a stitch. Rows 4, 8, and repeats use a crossed double crochet stitch. You will skip one stitch, and then make a double crochet in the next stitch as normal. Then, work a second double crochet into the skipped stitch. When working into skipped stitches, cross in front of the previous stitch.

— Front/Back Panels (make 2) : With 7mm hook (or larger hook)

Row 1 :

Ch 30, 2dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc across until 1 ch remains, 2dc in last ch. (30)

Row 2 :

Ch 2, turn, 2dc in 1st st, *ch 1, sk 1, dc 1* across until 1 st remains, 2dc in last st. (32)

Row 3 :

Ch 2, turn, 2dc in 1st st, dc across, placing a dc in every st and ch sp until 1 st remains, 2dc in last st. (34)

Row 4 :

Ch 2, turn, 2dc in 1st st, *sk 1 st, dc 1, dc in sk st* across until 1 st remains, 2dc in last st. (36)

Row 5 :

Ch 2, turn, 2dc in 1st st, dc across until 1 st remains, 2dc in last st. (38)

Row 6 :

Ch 2, turn, dc in 1st st, *ch 1, sk 1, dc 1* across until 1 st remains, dc in last st. (38)

Row 7 :

Ch 2, turn, dc in every st and ch sp across. (38)

Row 8 :

Ch 2, turn, dc in 1st st, *sk 1, dc 1, dc in sk st* across until 1 st remains, dc in last st. (38)

Row 9 :

Ch 2, turn, dc across. (38)

Rows 10-17 :

Repeat rows 6-9 two more times.

Front Panel Row 18 :

ch 1, turn, sc across. Do not fasten off.

Back Panel Row 18 :

(includes button loop): ch 1, turn, sc 19, ch 18, sc 19. (38 sc, 18 ch) Do not fasten off. (If you'd prefer a bag with no button, make two of the front panel!)

Info :

Continue sc around the outside edges of the panel, placing 1sc in the end of the sc rows, 2 sc in the end of each dc row, and 1 sc in each st of the foundation chain. Fasten off.

Info :

Place a stitch marker in each of the two center stitches at the bottom of each panel.

— Side/Bottom/Strap Panel : Switch to 6mm hook (or smaller hook)

Row 1 :

Ch 11, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. (10)

Row 2 :

Ch 1, turn, sc across. (10)

Rows 3-50 :

Repeat row 2. Place stitch markers at both ends of row 50.

Row 51 :

Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog. (8)

Row 52 :

Ch 1, turn, sc across (8)

Rows 53-149 :

repeat row 52.

Row 150 :

Ch 1, turn, 2sc in 1st st, sc across until 1 st remains, 2sc in last st. (10) Place stitch markers at both ends of row 150.

Row 151 :

Ch 1, turn, sc across. (10)

Rows 152-200 :

repeat row 151.

Info :

**For longer or shorter strap, add or subtract rows between rows 53 and 149.**

— Assembly :

Step 1 :

With right sides facing - Using the st markers placed at row 50 and 150 of strap, attach the strap panel to the top corners of one of the bag panels.

Step 2 :

Using the stitch markers at the bottom center of the bag panel, attach the ends of the strap to the bag panel.

Step 3 :

Starting at the bottom center, sc the panel and strap together, continuing around the edge of the strap and down the other side of the panel. Sl st into 1st st to join. Fasten off.

Info :

Repeat for the other side panel.

Info :

Using tail, sew the bottom of the bag closed. I used a mattress stitch, but any seaming method will work.

Finishing :

Weave in all ends. Sew a large button onto the top center of the front panel.

Info :

Enjoy your new tote!!!

Assembly Instructions

  • With right sides facing, use the stitch markers placed at row 50 and row 150 of the strap to align and attach the strap panel to the top corners of one bag panel.
  • Using the stitch markers at the bottom center of each bag panel, attach the ends of the strap to the bottom center points to form the bag shape.
  • Starting at the bottom center, single crochet the panel and strap together, continuing around the edge of the strap and down the other side of the panel, slip stitch into the first stitch to join, and fasten off.
  • Repeat the assembly for the other side panel and then sew the bottom of the bag closed using the tail and a mattress stitch (or any preferred seaming method).
  • Weave in all ends neatly and sew a large button onto the top center of the front panel, and create the button loop on the back panel as instructed in Row 18.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the two center bottom stitches of each panel and the ends of row 50 and row 150 of the strap for accurate alignment during assembly.
  • 💡Switch to a smaller hook for the side/bottom/strap to create a denser, sturdier fabric and use the larger hook for the front/back panels for drape.
  • 💡Do not count the ch 2 at the beginning of rows as a stitch when working the pattern; follow the stitch counts provided for each row.
  • 💡Work the crossed double crochet rows (Rows 4, 8, and repeats) by skipping the stitch, working into the next stitch, then working into the skipped stitch crossing in front of the previous stitch.

This Grindstone Tote Bag pattern is a beautiful, functional accessory you will love to make and use. It combines simple shaping with a pretty crossed double crochet texture for a stylish, beach-ready look. Customize it with different bulky yarns and buttons to create your perfect tote. 🧶✨👜

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Finished size varies based on yarn and tension, but tester bags range roughly between 9x13" and 13.5x17" depending on yarn and hooks used.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will change the finished size; worsted weight (4) will give a smaller bag and super bulky (6) will give a larger bag. Adjust hook size accordingly.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate; basic knowledge of double crochet, single crochet, decreases (sc2tog), and reading row instructions is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours depending on experience and chosen yarn, though time may vary.

How do I change the strap length?

To change the strap length add or subtract rows between rows 53 and 149 of the side/bottom/strap panel.