{"id":1610,"date":"2025-09-14T06:07:31","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T06:07:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/?p=1610"},"modified":"2025-09-14T06:07:31","modified_gmt":"2025-09-14T06:07:31","slug":"the-urban-tote-crochet-handbag-a-detailed-tutorial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/?p=1610","title":{"rendered":"The &#8220;Urban Tote&#8221; Crochet Handbag: A Detailed Tutorial"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A handmade handbag is a beautiful and personal accessory, and one made with a simple, yet elegant design is even better. Inspired by the durability and modern look of t-shirt yarn projects, the <strong>\u201cUrban Tote\u201d Crochet Handbag<\/strong> is a perfect project for any crocheter. This detailed tutorial will guide you through creating a chic and functional handbag that is perfect for carrying your daily essentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxresdefault-1-4-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1611\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxresdefault-1-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxresdefault-1-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxresdefault-1-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxresdefault-1-4.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This project is an excellent choice for a confident beginner who wants to create a beautiful, practical item or for an experienced crocheter wanting a fast and fun project. The handbag is worked in the round from the bottom up, which makes it a seamless project that is easy to try on as you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Crochet the Urban Tote?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chic &amp; Modern:<\/strong> The clean lines and sturdy fabric of t-shirt yarn create a classic, modern aesthetic that is perfect for everyday use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sturdy &amp; Functional:<\/strong> The dense nature of the stitch creates a fabric that is stiff enough to hold its shape while still being flexible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Skill Building:<\/strong> You&#8217;ll master the art of working in the round and learn how to create a structured bag with a comfortable handle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Impressive Look:<\/strong> The finished handbag looks much more complicated than it actually is, making it a great conversation starter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Customizable:<\/strong> Easily change the size, colors, or add a different handle to make it your own.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Planning Your Handbag: Size &amp; Materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Finished Size:<\/strong> The pattern is designed for a versatile handbag, approximately <strong>10 inches (25 cm)<\/strong> wide and <strong>8 inches (20 cm)<\/strong> tall. You can easily adjust the size by changing your hook size or the number of increase rounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Yarn Choice:<\/strong> Choose a yarn that is durable and holds its shape well.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fiber:<\/strong> A sturdy, thick yarn like <strong>T-shirt yarn<\/strong>, <strong>Macrame cord<\/strong>, or a durable <strong>Worsted Weight (#4) Cotton<\/strong> is a great choice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Color:<\/strong> A single, solid color will best highlight the simple stitch pattern, but a variegated yarn could also create a beautiful effect.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Quantity:<\/strong> You will need approximately <strong>200-300 yards (180-275 meters)<\/strong> of yarn in total.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/The-Urban-Tote-Crochet-Handbag-A-Detailed-Tutorial-864x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1612\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/The-Urban-Tote-Crochet-Handbag-A-Detailed-Tutorial-864x1024.png 864w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/The-Urban-Tote-Crochet-Handbag-A-Detailed-Tutorial-253x300.png 253w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/The-Urban-Tote-Crochet-Handbag-A-Detailed-Tutorial-768x910.png 768w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/The-Urban-Tote-Crochet-Handbag-A-Detailed-Tutorial.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Materials You&#8217;ll Need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Yarn:<\/strong> Your chosen quantity of sturdy, medium-weight yarn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Crochet Hook:<\/strong> <strong>8.0 mm (L-11 US)<\/strong> or a size that gives you a dense but flexible fabric with your yarn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scissors:<\/strong> For cutting yarn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle):<\/strong> For weaving in ends.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stitch Markers (Optional):<\/strong> To mark the beginning of rounds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Essential Crochet Stitches &amp; Techniques<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Slip Knot<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chain (ch)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Slip Stitch (sl st):<\/strong> For joining and neatening.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Single Crochet (sc)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Half Double Crochet (hdc)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Working in the Round:<\/strong> The handbag is worked in continuous rounds from the top down.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Let&#8217;s Crochet the Urban Tote!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ll start with the base, then work up the body, and finish with the top and handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 1: The Base (Worked in Rounds)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This creates a flat, sturdy foundation for your handbag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Foundation Chain:<\/strong> Ch <strong>16<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Round 1:<\/strong> Sc in the 2nd ch from hook. Sc in each of the next 13 ch. Work 3 sc in the last ch. Rotate your work to work along the other side of the chain. Sc in each of the next 14 ch. Join with a sl st to the first sc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Round 2:<\/strong> Ch 1. Work <strong>2 sc<\/strong> in the first stitch. Sc in each of the next 14 stitches. Work <strong>2 sc<\/strong> in each of the next 3 stitches. Sc in each of the next 13 stitches. Work <strong>2 sc<\/strong> in the last 2 stitches. Join with a sl st.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Round 3:<\/strong> Ch 1. Sc in each stitch around, working 2 sc in the 3 sc stitches on each end. Join with a sl st.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Continue increasing in this manner until the base of the pouch is large enough to be your desired size.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres2-1-4-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1613\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres2-1-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres2-1-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres2-1-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres2-1-4.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 2: The Body (Waistcoat Stitch)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where you&#8217;ll create the height and the beautiful, textured pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Round 1:<\/strong> Ch 1. Sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Round 2:<\/strong> Ch 1. Work a single crochet stitch in the center of the &#8216;V&#8217; of the stitch below (this is the waistcoat stitch). Continue in this manner all the way around. Join with a sl st.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>You will be working your sc stitches into the &#8216;V&#8217; of the previous row&#8217;s stitches.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Repeat Round 2:<\/strong> Continue repeating this round until the handbag reaches your desired height (for this pattern, about <strong>8 inches \/ 20 cm<\/strong> tall).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres3-1-4-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1614\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres3-1-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres3-1-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres3-1-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres3-1-4.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 3: The Handle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Row 1:<\/strong> Ch 1. Sc in the first 10 stitches. Ch 1, turn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rows 2-20:<\/strong> Sc in each stitch across. Ch 1, turn.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>You are now creating a flat strap. You can make it longer or shorter as you wish.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Attach the Handle:<\/strong> Using your yarn needle, sew the handle to the opposite side of the bag. Weave in all ends securely.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres1-1-5-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1615\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres1-1-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres1-1-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres1-1-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxres1-1-5.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy your beautiful, handmade \u201cUrban Tote\u201d Crochet Handbag. Its elegant design and handmade charm are sure to be a conversation starter!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Video tutorial:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Crochet An Easy And Quick Bag With T-Shirt Yarn\" width=\"735\" height=\"413\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zXvbZAkcLLs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A handmade handbag is a beautiful and personal accessory, and one made with a simple, yet elegant design is even better. Inspired by the durability and modern look of t-shirt &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1611,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-crochet"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1610","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1610"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1610\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1616,"href":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1610\/revisions\/1616"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1611"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1610"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1610"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1610"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}