This crochet elephant tote bag was inspired by these handles that I picked up at a convenience shop in Spain a couple summers ago. I couldn’t resist grabbing a couple pairs of these handles as the were only 1 euro for each set! I knew I’d use them at some point, I just needed a little inspiration! The other set of handles I bought I used for this mustard retro tote that I LOVE. You can check my previous post about that tote here: https://mbstitches.com/2017/11/29/sunny-yellow-crochet-tote/
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This project is very simple and perfect for a beginner crocheter! It’s all single crochet all around with a cute cross stitch elephant on one side and a versatile pocket on the other. I found a pinterest picture with no link for my crochet motif. I did change the trunk a bit so that it would fit symmetrically on my tote size (I omitted the first set of x’s on the trunk and made the 2nd set of the trunk 3 x’s instead of 2 – up and down). This bag is 26 stitches across by 32 stitches tall. This motif fits perfectly, with 3 empty stitches on each side (with the minor trunk adjustment I described above). I also counted the stitches from top to bottom and made sure to start the x stitch in the middle of the tote, around the 16th row. Feel free to put find your own favorite crochet motif for the front! Here is the one I used:
Materials:
- Lion 640-153 Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn , 97 Meters, Black
(3 skeins – exactly!!! You won’t have any left over)
- Lion Brand Yarn 620-151 Wool-Ease Yarn, Grey Heather
- Clover 1049/J Amour Crochet Hook, Size J, 6.0mm
- Yarn needle
- Yarn Scissors
- Everything Mary- Beaded Purse Handles
or similar purse handles
(3 skeins – exactly!!! You won’t have any left over)
or similar purse handlesAbbreviations:
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
Two large panels
ch 27
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook across
turn. Ch 1. sc across.
Continue repeating this pattern for 32 total rows
(2 Panels)
Bottom
ch 27
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook across
turn. Ch 1. sc across.
Continue repeating this pattern for 8 total rows
Two Side Panels
ch 9
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook across
turn. ch 1. sc across
Continue repeating this pattern for 32 total rows
You will now have 5 pieces and they should look like this:
When you finish the 5 pieces, you can start putting it together! I used sc to join all the pieces to give it a ‘shopping bag’ look. You can certainly just whip stitch if you prefer. I found that sc gave it a very boxy look that I just love. You can sc in any order that you would like. I began by sc the bottom to all the panels, and then sc up the sides to attach the side panels.
If you would like to add an option pocket on the other side:
ch 16
sc in 2nd ch from hook across
Turn. ch 1. sc across for a total of 14 rows.
Sew onto to other side of the bag in the middle.
Other patterns you may like!