Crochet Tote Bag Pattern: Mini Tote Bag for Phone & Essentials

There is something undeniably satisfying about making a bag from scratch. You choose the yarn, you decide the size, and at the end of a few hours of work, you have something practical that you can actually use every day. A mini tote bag for your phone and essentials is one of those projects that sits right at the intersection of cute and functional, and it has become one of the most popular crochet accessories for good reason.

Whether you are newer to crochet and looking for a confidence-building project, or you are a seasoned maker wanting a quick, rewarding make, this crochet tote bag pattern is designed to be approachable, customizable, and genuinely useful. By the end of this post, you will have a complete pattern for a mini crochet tote bag sized perfectly to hold your phone, a wallet, keys, lip balm, and anything else you like to carry without dragging along an enormous purse.

Let’s get into it.

Why a Mini Crochet Tote Bag?

Before we dive into the pattern itself, it is worth talking about why the mini tote bag format has become such a beloved project in the crochet community.

Practicality is the first reason. Large tote bags are wonderful, but they have a tendency to swallow everything you put inside them. A mini version solves that problem entirely. When your bag is small, everything inside it is easy to find, and you naturally keep it edited to just the things you actually need.

Portability is the second reason. A mini tote is light enough to carry on its own or slip inside a larger bag when you need more capacity. It makes an excellent gym bag insert, a market bag for small hauls, or a dedicated phone bag for evenings when you don’t want to lug everything around.

Speed is the third reason, and for many people this is the most compelling one. A full-size tote bag can take weeks depending on your pace. A mini tote, worked in a worsted or bulky weight yarn, can be finished in a single weekend or across a few evenings. That quick turnaround is incredibly motivating, especially when you are balancing crochet with a busy life.

Finally, mini crochet tote bags make exceptional gifts. They are personal, handmade, and genuinely useful, which puts them in a different category from decorative items that the recipient might not know what to do with.

Materials You Will Need

One of the best things about this pattern is that the materials list is short and affordable. Here is what you need to gather before you begin.

Yarn: You will need approximately 150 to 200 yards of worsted weight yarn (size 4). Cotton yarn is the classic choice for bags because it holds its shape well, resists stretching under weight, and comes in a huge range of colors. Good options include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK (worked doubled if you prefer), WeCrochet Comfy Cotton Blend, or any worsted cotton you already have in your stash. If you want a slightly more structured bag, you can use a cotton-acrylic blend, which tends to have a little more body.

Hook: A 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook works well with most worsted cotton yarns. If your gauge is coming up loose, try a 4.5 mm. If it is tight, move up to a 5.5 mm.

Additional supplies: You will need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and stitch markers (the removable kind works best when crocheting in the round). Optionally, you can add a bag liner or a small piece of craft stabilizer for the base if you want a more structured finished bag, but these are completely optional.

Gauge and Sizing

Gauge: 14 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet with worsted weight cotton and a 5.0 mm hook.

Gauge matters more for bags than it might seem. If your gauge is off, your bag could end up too floppy to hold its shape, or so stiff it is difficult to open and close. Take a few minutes to work a small swatch before you begin the main pattern.

Finished size: Approximately 7 inches wide by 6 inches tall (not including handles), with a base depth of about 2 inches. This creates a bag that comfortably fits a standard smartphone (including larger models like the iPhone Pro Max), a slim wallet, a set of keys, and a few small extras.

If you want a slightly larger bag, you can add 6 additional foundation stitches to the starting chain and work 6 additional rows in height. If you want to scale it down further for a coin purse or earbuds pouch, reduce the foundation chain by 6 stitches and work 4 fewer rows.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

This pattern is written using US crochet terminology.

ch — chain
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
sl st — slip stitch
st(s) — stitch(es)
BLO — back loop only
sp — space
rep — repeat
pm — place marker
rm — remove marker

The Pattern: Mini Crochet Tote Bag

Part One: The Base

The bag is constructed from the bottom up, starting with a flat oval base that gives the finished tote its boxy, structured shape.

Foundation: Chain 16.

Round 1: Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc across 14 stitches. In the last chain, work 3 sc. Now rotate your work and sc along the other side of the foundation chain, picking up 14 stitches. Work 2 sc in the first stitch to close the oval. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of your round. (34 sts)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in the first stitch, sc in the next 13 stitches, 2 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, sc in the next 13 stitches, 2 sc in the next 2 stitches. (40 sts)

Round 3: Sc in the first stitch, 2 sc in the next, sc in the next 13 stitches, (sc, 2 sc) 3 times, sc in the next 13 stitches, (sc, 2 sc) twice. (46 sts)

Round 4: Sc in the first 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next, sc in the next 13 stitches, (sc 2, 2 sc) 3 times, sc in the next 13 stitches, (sc 2, 2 sc) twice. (52 sts)

At the end of Round 4 you should have a flat oval base measuring approximately 7 inches long by 3.5 inches wide. If you prefer a slightly larger base, you can work one or two additional rounds following the same increase pattern.

Part Two: The Body

This is where the bag starts to build height. Working in the back loop only for the first round of the body creates a clean, defined edge between the base and the sides, giving your bag that structured boxy look.

Round 5 (BLO): Working through the back loop only, sc in each stitch around. (52 sts) This round creates the “turn” from the base to the walls of the bag.

Rounds 6 through 20: Working in both loops as normal, sc in each stitch around. (52 sts per round)

You will work 15 rounds of even single crochet after Round 5. This builds the body of the bag to approximately 4.5 inches in height.

If you would like to add texture to the body of the bag, you have a few options. Working in BLO throughout the entire body section creates a ribbed effect that looks beautiful and adds a little structure. Alternatively, you can work in a simple moss stitch (alternating sc and ch 1, skip 1) for a more open, textured fabric. The plain single crochet version is the most durable and holds its shape the best, so it is what the base pattern calls for.

Round 21 (Turning ridge for the top edge): Working through the back loop only again, sc in each stitch around. (52 sts) This creates a subtle folded edge at the top of the bag.

Round 22: Working in both loops, sc in each stitch around. (52 sts)

Fasten off and weave in ends, or continue directly to the handles.

Part Three: The Handles

The handles are worked separately and then attached to the top edge of the bag. This method is stronger than working handles directly from the bag body, especially when you will be loading the bag with a phone and other essentials.

Make two handles:

Chain 61. Starting in the second chain from the hook, sl st in each chain across. (60 sl sts)

Fasten off, leaving a tail of approximately 10 inches on each end for attaching.

The sl st cord creates a neat, firm handle that doesn’t stretch out with use. If you prefer a wider, flatter handle, you can instead chain 61 and work two rows of single crochet across for a band-style handle.

Attaching the handles:

Lay the bag flat. On the front panel, count in 10 stitches from each side edge. Use your yarn needle to sew one end of a handle to the inside of the top edge at that point, and the other end at the corresponding stitch on the other side. The handle loop should rise approximately 8 to 9 inches above the top edge of the bag, which is comfortable to carry in the hand or slip over a wrist.

Repeat for the back panel with the second handle.

Work several figure-eight stitches through the attachment points and the bag fabric for security, then weave in the remaining tails thoroughly.

Finishing

Once your handles are attached, you can add a few finishing touches to elevate the look.

For a cleaner top edge: Before attaching the handles, work one round of reverse single crochet (also called crab stitch) around the entire top opening of the bag. This creates a polished edge that lies flat and looks professional.

For a closure: A simple button loop closure works beautifully on this bag. After attaching your handles, sew a button to the center of the front or back panel just below the top edge. On the opposite panel, use your hook to crochet a small chain loop that fits snugly over the button. This keeps the bag closed when you are moving around.

For a stiffer base: Cut a piece of plastic canvas or thin craft foam to match the oval base dimensions and slip it inside the bottom of the bag before your first use. This helps the bag maintain its shape and stand upright on its own.

Yarn Color Ideas and Variations

One of the joys of making your own bag is that you get to choose exactly what it looks like. Here are a few color and design ideas to spark your creativity.

A single solid color in a classic neutral like cream, tan, or slate gray is timeless and pairs with almost everything. If you want a bag that looks polished and deliberate, this is a great route.

A two-color striped version is achieved simply by switching yarn colors every few rounds during the body section. Three rounds of one color followed by three rounds of another creates bold, graphic stripes. Two rounds alternating creates a thinner, more delicate stripe effect.

Color blocking the base in a contrasting color against the body is another beautiful option. Work the base and Round 5 in a darker shade like mustard yellow or terracotta, then switch to a neutral cream or white for the body. The defined edge from the BLO round makes the color transition look intentional and clean.

Variegated or speckled yarns work wonderfully in this pattern because the simple single crochet stitch doesn’t compete with the color variations in the yarn. Let the yarn do the work and keep the stitch pattern plain.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Tension consistency matters more than anything else. Because this bag is worked entirely in single crochet, variations in tension are more visible than they would be in a more textured stitch. Try to maintain consistent tension throughout, and if you notice yourself crocheting more tightly as the project progresses (which happens to a lot of people), take a break and relax your hands before continuing.

Blocking cotton bags is highly recommended. Once your bag is complete, wet-block it by submerging it in cool water, gently squeezing out the excess moisture, and reshaping it while damp. Stuff the bag with a plastic bag or a small towel to help it hold its shape while it dries. Blocking evens out any tension inconsistencies and gives the finished piece a much more professional look.

Use stitch markers liberally. When working in the round without a join, it is easy to lose track of where your round begins. Move your marker up at the start of every round without exception.

Check your stitch count regularly. On the base in particular, count your stitches at the end of each round. It is much easier to fix a missed increase in Round 2 than to discover the problem in Round 4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size phone does this bag fit? The finished bag interior is approximately 6.5 inches by 5 inches with a 1.5-inch depth. This accommodates phones up to approximately 6.7 inches in length, including most current flagship smartphones in a slim case. If you have a particularly large phone or want extra room, work one additional round on each end of the starting oval base and add two more body rounds.

Can I use a different yarn weight? Yes. If you use a bulky weight (size 5 or 6) yarn, your bag will work up faster and have more structure, but it will also be thicker and slightly less refined in appearance. If you use a DK weight (size 3), the bag will be lighter and more delicate, but you will want to add the plastic canvas base insert to prevent sagging. For best results, stick with a worsted weight cotton.

How do I wash the finished bag? Cotton yarn is machine washable in most cases, but always check your specific yarn label. For best results, machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water and lay flat to dry. Avoid putting a bag with a plastic canvas insert in the washing machine.

Is this pattern suitable for beginners? Yes, with some qualifications. You need to be comfortable with chains, single crochet, crocheting in the round, and basic seaming. If you can make a dishcloth and have crocheted a few small round projects, you have everything you need for this bag. The oval base is the trickiest part, but if you take it slowly and count your stitches at the end of each round, you will be fine.

Making This Bag Your Own

Patterns are starting points, not rules. Once you have made one of these mini totes and understand the construction, you will find it easy to adapt.

Add a small front pocket by crocheting a flat rectangle and seaming it to the body before attaching the handles. A pocket that is about 3 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall is perfect for a transit card or a lip balm.

Experiment with decorative stitches in the body section. The shell stitch, the lemon peel stitch, or even a simple crossed double crochet can all replace the plain single crochet body while working on the same number of stitches.

Try a market bag variation by switching to a mesh stitch for the body and making the handles longer to slip over a shoulder. The same base construction works perfectly as a starting point.

Add surface decoration after finishing. Embroidered flowers, a crochet appliqué, or even a simple running stitch in a contrasting thread can transform a plain bag into something truly unique.

A Note on Making Multiples

Once you have the pattern memorized, this mini tote works up in about three to five hours of active crocheting. That makes it an excellent project for batch making, whether you are stocking a craft fair booth, making holiday gifts, or building a small Etsy inventory. The straightforward construction also makes it a good pattern to return to seasonally as new yarn colors and colorways become available.

There is a reason the mini crochet tote bag has become a perennial favorite in the making community. It is the kind of project that manages to be both meditative in the making and genuinely useful in the finished result. Every round of single crochet is a small, satisfying step toward something you will actually reach for on your way out the door.

Take your time with the base, stay consistent with your tension, and don’t skip the blocking step. The finished bag will be sturdy, beautiful, and entirely yours.

Happy crocheting.