Macrame is a beautiful and ancient art form, but its distinctive knotted texture can also be created with a crochet hook! The “Bohemian Knot” Macrame Tote Bag is a perfect project for combining these two crafts, using a simple but stunning stitch to create a durable, textured bag that mimics the look of classic macrame. This bag is not only a fantastic accessory for everyday use but also a testament to the versatility of crochet.
This detailed tutorial will guide you through creating this unique tote, from the flat, sturdy base to the elegant, knotted body. It’s an excellent project for anyone looking to learn a new, impressive stitch and create a stylish, high-end bag that is both fashionable and functional.
Why Crochet the Bohemian Knot Tote Bag?
- Unique Macrame-Inspired Look: The stitch pattern creates a beautiful, knotted texture that is visually striking and tactile.
- Sturdy & Functional: The dense stitch and thick yarn make this bag incredibly durable and able to hold its shape, making it perfect for daily use.
- Skill Building: You’ll learn how to master a new stitch that is simple once you get the hang of it, but creates a high-end look.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the size, add a different handle, or change the yarn color to make it your own.
- Quick Project: Because of the thickness of the yarn and the large hook, this bag works up surprisingly fast.
1. Planning Your Bag: Size & Materials
- Finished Size: The pattern is designed for a versatile tote bag, approximately 12 inches (30 cm) wide and 14 inches (35 cm) tall. You can easily adjust the size by changing your starting chain and the number of rows.
- Yarn Choice: To achieve the macrame-like texture, a firm, sturdy yarn is essential.
- Fiber: Look for a macrame cord, a sturdy cotton yarn, or a thick T-shirt yarn.
- Weight: A thick, chunky yarn is necessary for this project. Super Bulky (#6) is a great choice.
- Color: A single, solid color in a natural tone (like cream, beige, or brown) will best highlight the knotted texture of the pattern.
- Quantity: You will need approximately 400-500 yards (365-457 meters) of yarn.
2. Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: Your chosen quantity of Super Bulky (#6) yarn.
- Crochet Hook: A large hook is essential for working with this chunky yarn. A 10.0 mm (N/P-15 US) or 12.0 mm (O-17 US) hook is recommended.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): A large-eyed, blunt-tipped needle for weaving in ends.
- Stitch Markers (Optional): To mark the beginning of rounds.
3. Essential Crochet Stitches & Techniques
- Slip Knot
- Chain (ch)
- Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining and neatening.
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Macrame-Inspired Stitch: This is the key stitch for the body of the bag. It’s a variation of a single crochet that is worked in the space between the stitches, creating a dense, knotted look.
- Working in Rows and in the Round: The base is worked in rows, and the body of the bag is worked in the round.
4. Let’s Crochet the Bohemian Knot Tote Bag!
We’ll start with the base, then work the body in the beautiful macrame-inspired stitch, and finish with the handles.
Part 1: The Base (Worked in Oval Rounds)
This creates a flat, sturdy foundation for your bag.
- Foundation Chain: Ch 26.
- Round 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook. Sc in each of the next 23 chs. Work 3 sc in the last ch (this is the corner). Now, working on the opposite side of the foundation chain, sc in each of the next 24 stitches. Work 2 sc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the first sc of the round.
- [52 stitches]
- Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 2 sc in the first stitch. Sc in each of the next 24 stitches. Work 2 sc in each of the next 3 stitches (the corner). Sc in each of the next 24 stitches. Work 2 sc in each of the last 2 stitches. Join with a sl st to the first sc of the round.
- [60 stitches]
- Round 3: Ch 1. Sc in the first stitch. Work 2 sc in the next stitch. Sc in each of the next 25 stitches. Work 2 sc in the next stitch. Sc in the next stitch. Work 2 sc in the next stitch. Sc in the next 26 stitches. Work 2 sc in the next stitch. Sc in the next stitch. Work 2 sc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- [66 stitches]
- The base should now be a nice, flat oval.
Part 2: The Body (Worked in the Round)
This is where you’ll create the height and the unique knotted pattern.
- Round 1 (Defining the Edge): Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Working in the BLO creates a clean, defined ridge that separates the base from the body.
- Round 2 (Macrame Stitch Start): Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in the space between the first two stitches of the previous round. Sc in the next space between stitches. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Round 3: Ch 1. Sc in the first stitch. Sc in the space between the next two stitches. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- This stitch creates a beautiful, dense fabric that is perfect for a bag.
- Repeat Round 2 and 3: Continue alternating these two rounds until the bag reaches your desired height (for this pattern, about 15-20 rounds total for the body).
- Keep your tension consistent to ensure the texture is uniform.
Part 3: The Handles and Finishing
- Creating the Handles:
- Ch 40 (or your desired length for the handle).
- Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
- Repeat for the second handle.
- Attach Handles:
- Position the handles evenly on the top edge of the bag.
- Using your yarn needle and the long tail, securely sew the handles to the bag.
- Weave in All Ends: Use your yarn needle to carefully weave in any remaining loose yarn tails.
- Block: The bag will hold its shape well, but you can give it a light steam block to even out the stitches and remove any wrinkles.
Enjoy your beautiful and unique “Bohemian Knot” Macrame Tote Bag. Its elegant texture and handmade charm are sure to be a conversation starter!
Video tutorial:
