Hi Friends! I’m so happy to introduce you to the Marley Tote Bag free crochet pattern!
I wanted to design a crochet bag that felt a bit more sturdy. So I used two strands of yarn held together to make the bag stronger and create a pretty marled effect.
My first design was for the short handles because, let’s face it, crochet bag handles tend to stretch out over time. So the short handle option puts less stress on the stitches and distributes the weight a bit more.
But then sometimes, you need the convenience of a long strap to sling over your shoulder. That’s why I created a long handle option. The adjustment between the two patterns is very small, but it makes a big difference! See the free pattern below to find out how I did it.
What’s your favorite? Short or long handles? I think they both work for different scenarios. I could see using the short handles for transferring things a short distance, like groceries from the shopping cart to the car. But for strolling along a farmer’s market, the long straps might be a better option. The best part is that it’s up to you!
To make this bag, I used 8 skeins of Lion Brand Re-Up. For the short handled bag I used 4 skeins ecru and 4 skeins gray.
And for the long handled bag I used 4 skeins ecru and 4 skeins black.
My Insta friend Kim Moore tested out this pattern for me! She used Premier Home Cotton in shades of pink and purple. My daughter wants one exactly like it!
Want to download the ad-free PDF?
Purchase the pattern and yarn on Love Crochet.
Purchase the Marley Tote Bag pattern on Ravelry.
Purchase the Marley Tote Bag Pattern on Etsy.
If you would rather watch how to make it than read the pattern, check out the video tutorial!
Here are the directions for the Marley Tote Bag Free Crochet Pattern!
General Instructions: The Marley Tote Bag is a 2-in-1 crochet pattern using two skeins of yarn held double. A simple stitch pattern worked in the round forms the base of the bag. Then choose either the short or long handle option to finish this fun and easy project.
Supplies: Size 6.0mm crochet hook, tapestry needle
Yarn: #4/Medium (cotton blend recommended) in 2 colors (456 yds per color)
Shown: Lion Brand RE-UP (85% cotton, 15% polyester) 4 skeins each ecru and grey (114 yds/skein) or ecru and black. Premier Home Cotton can also be used.
Gauge: 6.5” diameter after round 4 completed
Finished
Measurements: 16” h x 16” w; 8” tall handle for long handle
option
Abbreviations and Special
Stitches
btwn: between
ch: chain
dc: double crochet
dc2tog / dc 2 together: Insert hook in next st, pull up a loop, insert hook in
next st, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, pull through
remaining loops on hook. (decrease made)
inc: 2 tr in same st (increase made)
rep: repeat
rnd: round
sc: single crochet
sl st: slip stitch
sp: space
st(s): stitch(es)
tr: treble crochet
Pattern Notes
- Ch 3 or 4 at the beginning of a round counts as 1 stitch.
- Ch 1 at the beginning of a round does not count in stitch count
Directions
With both colors held double, ch 4, sl st in first ch to form a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 4, 15 tr in ring; sl st to join to top of ch 4. (16 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc btwn each st around; sl st in 1st sc. (32)
Rnd 3: Ch 4, sk 1st sc, inc in next st, *1 tr, inc; rep from * around; sl st in top of ch 4. (48)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, *(sc btwn next 2 sts) 2x, 2 sc btwn next 2 sts; rep from * around, sl st in 1st sc. (64)
Rnd 5: Ch 4, sk 1st sc, 2 tr, inc in next st, *3 tr, inc in next st; rep from * around; sl st in top of ch 4. (80)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, *(sc btwn next 2 sts) 4x, 2 sc btwn next 2 sts; rep from * around, sl st in 1st sc. (96)
Rnd 7: Ch 4, sk 1st sc, tr in each st around; sl st in top of ch 4.
Rnd 8: Ch 1, sc btwn each st; sl st in 1st sc.
Rnds 9-24: Repeat rnds 7 and 8.
Rnd 25: Ch 3, 16 dc2tog, 16 dc, 16 dc2tog, 15 dc, sl st in top of ch 3. (64)
Rnd 26: Ch 1, sc btwn each st; sl st in 1st sc.
Rnd 27: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st in 1st sc.
For short handle version:
Rnd 28: Ch 1, 3 sc, ch 12, sk 10, 22 sc, ch 12, sk 10, 18 sc, sl st in 1st sc. (68)
Rnd 29: Ch 1, sc in each sc and ch st around, sl st in 1st sc.
Rnds 30-34: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st in 1st sc.
For
long handle version:
Rnd
28: Ch 1, 3 sc, ch 50, sk 10, 22 sc, ch 50, sk 10, 18 sc, sl st in 1st
sc. (143)
Rnd 29: Ch 1, sc in each sc and ch st around, sl st in 1st sc.
Rnds 30-31: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st in 1st sc.
Want to download the ad-free PDF?
Purchase the pattern and yarn on Love Crochet.
Purchase the Marley Tote Bag pattern on Ravelry.
Purchase the Marley Tote Bag Pattern on Etsy.
Want more crochet bag patterns? Check out my Medina Market Tote!
I hope you enjoy this pattern and share your projects on Instagram with #marleytotebag and #tealandfinch. Be sure to follow along with me @tealandfinch to find out about the latest patterns and testing opportunities.
And let me know if you have any questions in the comments below! Enjoy!