Pocketed Ripple Crossbody Tote: Free Crochet Pattern

Pocketed Ripple Crossbody Tote: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This pocketed ripple crossbody tote is the perfect first bag project for a confident beginner. It is worked as one flat chevron rectangle, then folded and seamed into a roomy 12-inch tote, so there is no complicated shaping to worry about. The ripple stitch gives the grey cotton body a soft, whimsical wave texture, while a dusty rose patch pocket and matching strap add a cheerful pop of color. The finished bag is light, sturdy, and easy to wear hands-free all day.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) cotton, approx. 200 yd (183 m) total: 150 yd (137 m) grey (A) and 50 yd (46 m) dusty rose (B). Sample uses Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran (100% cotton, 50 g/85 yd per ball): 2 balls A, 1 ball B.
• Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, tape measure
• Finished size: Bag body 12 in (30.5 cm) wide x 12 in (30.5 cm) tall when folded (12 in wide x 6 in deep bag). Strap 44 in (112 cm) long x 1 in (2.5 cm) wide. Pocket 4 in (10 cm) wide x 3.5 in (9 cm) tall.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• sk – skip: leave the next stitch(es) unworked.
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• RS / WS – right side / wrong side (the outside and inside of the bag)
• [ ] – repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times stated

Gauge

16 sts and 8 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in the chevron pattern (one 16-st repeat is 4 in wide; one 8-row repeat is 4 in tall). Work a small swatch and measure it flat before starting so your bag matches the finished size.

Tips Before You Start

• Count your stitches at the end of every row. Each row of the body should stay at 48 sts — the 3-sc peaks and sk-2 valleys balance each other, so a lost stitch will throw off the ripple.
• Keep your tension relaxed and even; tight single crochet makes the chevron pull in and narrows the bag.
• Use a stitch marker in the center peak stitch of each row so you can find it easily on the next row.
• Cotton has little stretch, which is ideal for a bag — avoid substituting acrylic, which will sag when loaded.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bag Body (A)

Ch 50.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 6 ch, [3 sc in next ch, sc in next 7 ch, sk 2 ch, sc in next 7 ch] 2 times, 3 sc in next ch, sc in next 7 ch, turn. (48 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first 7 sts, [3 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in next 7 sts] 2 times, 3 sc in next st, sc in last 7 sts, turn. (48 sts)

Rows 3–24: Repeat Row 2. (48 sts)

Fasten off. Piece measures approx. 12 in wide x 12 in tall.

Pocket (B)

Ch 18.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 6 ch, 3 sc in next ch, sc in next 7 ch, sk 2 ch, sc in next 7 ch, turn. (16 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first 7 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in last 7 sts, turn. (16 sts)

Rows 3–8: Repeat Row 2. (16 sts)

Fasten off. Pocket measures approx. 4 in wide x 3.5 in tall.

Strap (B)

Ch 5.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (4 sts)

Rows 2–176: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (4 sts)

Fasten off. Strap measures approx. 44 in long x 1 in wide.

Assembly

With WS facing, fold the Bag Body in half horizontally to form a 12 in x 6 in rectangle. Whipstitch the side seams using A. Turn RS out.

Pin the Pocket to the front of the bag, centered horizontally and 2 in up from the bottom edge. Whipstitch the pocket in place using B, leaving the top edge open.

Attach one end of the Strap to the top left corner of the bag and the other end to the top right corner, sewing securely with B.

Edging (B)

Join B at the top right corner of the bag.

Rnd 1: Sc evenly around the entire top opening (approx. 48 sc). Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends on the wrong side of the bag, threading each tail through several stitches before trimming. Block the finished bag lightly: mist it with water, shape it flat to the 12 in x 6 in dimensions, and let it dry away from direct heat. Check that the strap ends and pocket edges are firmly sewn before using the bag.

Pro Tips and Variations

• For a sturdier base, work a second round of B single crochet along the bottom fold of the bag.
• Swap the pocket color for mustard or sage to change the look without altering the pattern.
• Make the strap longer or shorter by adding or removing rows in multiples of 2 before fastening off.