*  You can purchase the INEXPENSIVE AD-FREE PDF of this pattern on Etsy! This printer friendly, stylishly formatted PDF includes a crochet chart for the front and back panels, photo tutorial type pictures to help you along the way and is a total of 9 pages including the cover page. *

Maybe it’s a maker thing, a girl thing, or maybe a mom thing but who doesn’t need an extra bag? My partner would strongly disagree on this one as I already have lots of bags at home, but the idea for this one popped in my head last year, and it was one of those ideas that just stuck around and that I just had to realize. 

The Horizon Tote is, in my opinion, the perfect size to do just about anything. It can be used as a beach bag, a market bag, an everyday tote, a mom bag (hello snacks) or even an oversized purse. 

I pictured this bag with leather straps from the very beginning, but I included instructions for crocheted straps if that is more your speed. After making both versions, I like the classy, more elevated look that the leather straps provide just as much as the simplicity and boho vibes from the crocheted straps. 

Construction: The Horizon Tote is constructed from three pieces: two U-shaped panels and one long rectangular strip that forms the sides and bottom of the bag. Once complete, the pieces are crocheted together to assemble the tote. Choose between crocheted straps or store-bought handles to customize the finished look.

Skill level: Beginner

Materials:

Hook

7mm or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions

• Scissors
• Darning needle
• Locking stitch markers (2)
• Leather straps (I got mine from Amazon but you can easily find them many places online in a variety of colours. The ones pictures are a standard 0.7″(1.8 cm) x 23.6″ (60 cm) purse strap.

Yarn

The bag is worked holding two strands of worsted weight (level 4) yarn at the same time. I opted for Lion Brand Yarn – 24/7 Cotton which is a mercerized cotton. Pictures in this pattern show this yarn in colour Denim.

Yardage:

You will need: 

• 5 skeins (930 yards / 850m / 500g) of your chosen colour if you are doing leather straps; or
• 6 skeins (986 yards / 901m / 530g) of your chosen colour if you are doing crocheted straps. 

Not ready to knit just yet? Pin it so you can come back to it later!

Gauge: In hdc, using 7 mm hook: 4”x4” (10cm x 10cm) = 11 stitches across x 10 rows high.

Final measurements: The finished tote measures 15″ (38 cm) wide x 15″ (38 cm) long x 3.5″ (9 cm) thick not including the straps. The straps had an extra 8.5″ (22 cm) in length.

Notes:

• This pattern uses standard US crochet terms.
• Chain 2 at the beginning of each row does not count as a stitch.
• I strongly recommend using stitch markers to indicate when the increases start and finish, it’s an easy way to save yourself some counting and to make sure your increases are correct. I’ve indicated in the pattern where to insert them, in subsequent rows, remove the stitch marker are you come to them and move them to the new stitch you’ll have just made in the previously marked stitch.
• Each front/back piece uses two skeins almost completely. I recommend using the center strand from two different skeins for ease. 
• The side piece uses one skein almost completely. I recommend puling both strands of yarn from the same skein (one strand from the center and one strand from around). 

Abbreviations and special stitches:

• Fhdc – foundation half double crochet
• St(s) – stitch(es) 
• Hdc – half double crochet
• Ch – chain
• Inc – increase (two hdc in the same st)
• Fsc – foundation single crochet
• Sc – single crochet
• Sl st – slip stitch

Pattern – Back and Front Pieces

Row 1: Using a 7mm crochet hook and 2 strands of yarn held together, fhdc 22 sts, hdc 4 in the last st, working in the bottom/back of the foundation chain; hdc in remaining 21 sts, turn.

Row 2: Ch 2, hdc 21, PM, inc in the next 5 sts, hdc 1, PM, hdc 20, turn. (52 sts)

Row 3: Ch 2, hdc 21, [inc, hdc], repeat [] 5 times, hdc 21 turn. (57 sts)

Row 4: Ch 2, hdc 21, [inc, hdc 2], repeat [] 5 times, hdc 21, turn. (62 sts)

Row 5: Ch 2, hdc 21, [inc, hdc 3], repeat [] 5 times, hdc 21, turn. (67 sts)

Row 6: Ch 2, hdc 21, [inc, hdc 4], repeat [] 5 times, hdc 21, turn. (72 sts)

Row 7: Ch 2, hdc 21, [inc, hdc 5], repeat [] 5 times, hdc 21, turn. (77 sts)

Row 8: Ch 2, hdc 21, [inc, hdc 6], repeat [] 5 times, hdc 21, turn. (82 sts)

Row 9: Ch 2, hdc 21, [inc, hdc 7], repeat [] 5 times, hdc 21, turn. (87 sts)

Row 10: Ch 2, hdc 21, [inc, hdc 8], repeat [] 5 times, hdc 21, turn. (92 sts)

Row 11: Ch 2, hdc 21, [inc, hdc 9], repeat [] 5 times, hdc 21, turn. (97 sts)

Row 12: Ch 2, hdc 21, [inc, hdc 10], repeat [] 5 times, hdc 21, turn. (102 sts)

Row 13: Ch 2, hdc 21, [inc, hdc 11], repeat [] 5 times, hdc 21, turn. (107 sts)

Row 14: Ch 2, hdc 21, [inc, hdc 12], repeat [] 5 times, hdc 21, turn. (112 sts)

Row 15: Ch 2, hdc 21, [inc, hdc 13], repeat [] 5 times, hdc 21, turn. (117 sts)

Row 16: Ch 2, hdc 21, [inc, hdc 14], repeat [] 5 times, hdc 21, turn. (122 sts)

Row 17: hdc in each stitch around. (122 sts)

DO NOT fasten off just yet. Leave the yarn attached as we will use it later to assemble the bag together. 

Your front piece is now complete. 

Using the yarn from two new skeins, repeat these instructions once more to make the back piece, do not fasten off on this piece either.

PATTERN – SIDE 

We will now work a narrow but long rectangle that will form the sides/bottom and will be used to connect the front and back pieces.

Row 1: Using a 7mm crochet hook and 2 strands of yarn held together, fsc 10 sts, turn. (10 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (10 sts)

Rows 3-122: repeat row 2.

Fasten off.

ASSEMBLY

Grab one of your front/back pieces and your side piece. Align the side piece behind the front piece.

Using the working yarn on your front piece, we will now slip stitch through both the front piece and the side piece at the same time.

Each row of the side piece corresponds to a stitch on the front/back piece.

Continuing with the working yarn on your front piece: ch 1, sl st in each st around (122 sts) making sure to go through both pieces at the same time. Fasten off. 

Repeat the same process with the back piece but instead of fastening off, keep yarn attached.

We will now work a row of sc around the top of the bag to finish it off. With your working yarn still attached, ch 1. place 1 sc in each row along the front/back pieces and 1 in each st along the side pieces, sl st into first st and fasten off. 

Weave in your ends. 

IF USING LEATHER STRAPS

Weave in your ends. Attach your leather straps with the provided rivets. Ensure both sides are the same distance apart from the side. I placed mine in row 10. 

I strongly recommend putting the rivets through the stitches rather than in between them as it will help prevent some stretching to your bag and keep them more secure.

If the head of your rivet is still too small, you can add a small piece of canvas fabric or thin plastic on the inside of your bag to prevent the head of the rivet from going through the stitch (I used plastic from a strawberry container which I cut into circles to make sure mine wouldn’t poke through). 

IF MAKING CROCHETED STRAPS

Row 1: Using a 7mm crochet hook and 2 strands of yarn held together, fsc 60 sts, turn. (60 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across. (60 sts)

Fasten off and weave in ends. 

Repeat these instructions a second time to make the second strap. 

Using stitch markers, place the ends on your straps where you want them. I aligned mine with row 10 of the front/back pieces, about 7 stitches down. Using spare yarn stitch in place. 

Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton held double is a perfect choice for a bag that’s made to be used. As a mercerized cotton yarn, it has a smooth finish, beautiful stitch definition, and exceptional durability, helping the tote hold its shape even when filled with your everyday essentials. 

Holding the yarn double creates a thicker, sturdier fabric while still maintaining enough flexibility for the bag to feel comfortable to carry. The result is a tote that’s structured without being stiff—a combination that’s ideal for everything from beach towels to market finds.

I hope the Horizon Tote becomes one of those handmade pieces you use for years to come. There’s something especially satisfying about carrying a bag you’ve made yourself, and I can’t wait to see the colours and handle options you choose to make it uniquely yours.

If you like this pattern, please share on social media using #HorizonTote and tag @KnitalieCo.

If you would like to purchase the INEXPENSIVE AD-FREE PDF of this pattern, here’s the link! Purchasing the printer friendly, stylishly formatted PDF which includes a crochet chart for the front and back panels + photo tutorial type pictures to help you along the way and helps me continue sharing free content.

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