Teagan Tote Crochet Pattern – Basketweave Texture Bag

There is something deeply satisfying about making a bag you actually want to carry. Not just a practice piece you tuck away in a drawer, but a finished object that earns compliments at the farmers market, holds up through a full grocery run, and still looks polished enough to bring to a dinner party. The Teagan Tote is exactly that kind of project. With its rich basketweave texture, sturdy structure, and roomy interior, this bag is one of those patterns you will return to again and again — for gifts, for yourself, and for every season in between.

This post walks you through everything you need to know about the Teagan Tote Crochet Pattern, from the materials and stitches involved to tips for getting that signature basketweave texture just right. Whether you are a confident beginner ready to push your skills or an experienced crocheter looking for a rewarding weekend project, this pattern was designed with you in mind.

What Is the Teagan Tote?

The Teagan Tote is a structured, medium-to-large crochet bag worked primarily in front post and back post double crochet stitches to create a classic basketweave texture across the entire body of the bag. The result is a fabric that looks woven, with raised ridges running in alternating directions that create the appearance of interlocking wooden strips — like a real wicker basket translated into yarn.

The bag features a flat, rectangular base, straight sides that maintain their shape without needing stiffeners or liners (though both are options if you prefer them), and long handles that can be worn over the shoulder or looped over a wrist. It is roomy enough to serve as a market bag, a beach tote, a project bag for other crochet work, or an everyday carry.

The name Teagan simply refers to this specific construction and texture combination. It is not tied to a specific yarn brand or weight, which is part of what makes the pattern so adaptable. You can make a casual cotton version for summer or a structured jute version for year-round use. The basketweave stitch works beautifully in both.

Materials You Will Need

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The specific quantities will depend on your chosen yarn weight and hook size, but this list covers everything needed to complete the Teagan Tote in a worsted or bulky weight cotton.

Yarn: Approximately 400 to 600 yards of cotton yarn in worsted or bulky weight, depending on your final bag size. Cotton is strongly recommended for this project because it holds the basketweave texture exceptionally well, doesn’t stretch out of shape over time, and is washable. Look for a smooth, tightly spun cotton rather than a fluffy or textured yarn, which would obscure the stitch definition. Popular choices include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, WeCrochet Dishie, or any similar mercerized cotton. Jute twine also produces a beautiful, firm result if you prefer a more natural look.

Hook: A 5mm (H/8) to 6.5mm (K/10.5) crochet hook works well for most worsted cotton yarns. Go up a size or two from what the yarn label recommends — a slightly looser gauge helps the bag maintain a flexible, structured body rather than a stiff one.

Stitch markers: You will need at least four to mark the corners of the base and the beginning of each round.

Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends.

Scissors.

Optional: A bag bottom insert or piece of plastic canvas cut to size for extra structure at the base. A fabric lining if you prefer a finished interior. D-rings or bag hardware if you want to add a closure or detachable strap.

Understanding the Basketweave Stitch

The basketweave stitch is what makes the Teagan Tote special, and it is simpler than it looks. The entire texture is created using just two stitches: the front post double crochet (FPdc) and the back post double crochet (BPdc). If you have worked either of these before, you are ready to jump in. If not, a brief explanation will get you there quickly.

A standard double crochet inserts the hook under the two loops sitting on top of a stitch. A post stitch, by contrast, inserts the hook around the vertical post of the stitch — the part of the stitch that runs up and down. When you work around the front of the post (inserting from the front, going behind the post, and coming out the front again), you create a raised ridge on the front of your fabric. When you work around the back of the post, you create a raised ridge on the back.

The basketweave pattern alternates groups of front post stitches with groups of back post stitches across a row, then swaps them on the next row. So where you had raised ridges going one direction, you now have ridges going the other way. Over multiple rows, this creates the visual illusion of interlocking horizontal and vertical strips — the classic basketweave look.

For the Teagan Tote, the basketweave is worked in panels of four stitches, meaning you will work four FPdc followed by four BPdc across each row. On the alternating rows, those groups flip. The panel size can be adjusted to three or six stitches per group if you prefer a tighter or wider weave pattern, but four is the traditional choice and produces the most recognizable texture.

Pattern Notes and Abbreviations

Before reading through the full pattern, familiarize yourself with these abbreviations and notes.

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
FPdc — front post double crochet
BPdc — back post double crochet
st(s) — stitch(es)
RS — right side
WS — wrong side

Notes: The bag base is worked flat in rows. The sides are worked in joined rounds. The basketweave pattern begins once the sides are established. Turning chains do not count as stitches in this pattern unless otherwise noted. Always work post stitches around the post of the corresponding stitch in the row or round below, not under the top loops. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency matters — check that your basketweave panels align correctly from round to round.

Pattern Instructions

Step One: The Base

Chain 31.

Row 1 (RS): Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (30 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (30 sc)

Repeat Row 2 until the base measures approximately 10 inches long. For a smaller tote, work until the base measures 8 inches. For a larger tote, work until it measures 12 inches.

At the end of your final row, do not fasten off.

Step Two: Joining to Work in the Round

You will now work around all four sides of the base to set up the first round of the bag sides. Place stitch markers at each of the four corners of the base to help you keep track.

Round 1 (setup round): Ch 1. Work sc evenly around all four sides of the base. Along the two short ends, work 1 sc in each row end. Along the two long sides, work 1 sc in each stitch. Work 2 sc in each corner stitch to turn the corners smoothly. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Count your stitches. For a base that is 30 stitches wide and 20 rows long, you will have approximately 100 stitches in this first round, but the exact count will vary based on your tension and gauge. What matters most is that your stitch count is divisible by 8, which is required for the basketweave pattern to work out evenly. If necessary, add or remove one or two stitches in this setup round by working into the corners slightly differently.

Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Work dc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first dc.

This plain round of double crochet creates a stable foundation for the basketweave pattern to sit on top of.

Step Three: The Basketweave Body

Now the texture begins. Starting from this round, you will work the basketweave pattern in 8-stitch repeats — four FPdc followed by four BPdc — all the way around the bag for every round.

Basketweave Round A: Ch 2. Work 4 FPdc around the posts of the next 4 dc, then work 4 BPdc around the posts of the next 4 dc. Repeat from to around. Join with a sl st to the first FPdc.

Basketweave Round B: Ch 2. Work 4 BPdc around the posts of the next 4 FPdc, then work 4 FPdc around the posts of the next 4 BPdc. Repeat from to around. Join with a sl st to the first BPdc.

These two rounds create the basketweave texture. Alternate between Round A and Round B for the entire body of the bag. If you started with a panel of FPdc on Round A, Round B will place BPdc over those same stitches, pushing the ridge to the other side. This is what creates the woven look.

Continue alternating Round A and Round B until the body of the bag measures your desired height. For a standard tote, 9 to 11 inches of basketweave body is ideal. For a shorter market bag, 6 to 7 inches works well.

Step Four: The Rim

Once you have reached your desired height, work one or two rounds of plain dc around the top to create a clean, sturdy rim. This also gives you a tidy edge from which to attach the handles.

Rim Round 1: Ch 2. Dc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first dc.

Rim Round 2 (optional for added sturdiness): Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Step Five: The Handles

The handles are worked separately and then attached, which gives you the flexibility to adjust their length and placement before committing.

For each handle, chain 80. (Adjust this number up or down depending on your preferred handle length — 80 chains makes a handle approximately 18 to 19 inches long, which works for both shoulder and hand carry.)

Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (79 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Fold each handle in half lengthwise and use the long tail and a tapestry needle to whipstitch the long edge closed, creating a flat, tubular strap that is sturdy and comfortable.

Make two handles.

To attach: Position each handle on the inside of the bag, centered over one of the long sides. Each end of the handle should sit about 3 to 4 inches from the center of the bag opening. Sew each end securely to the inside of the rim, stitching through multiple layers and reinforcing with a box stitch (a small rectangle with an X through it) to hold the handle in place under weight.

Sizing and Customization

One of the best things about the Teagan Tote is how easily it adjusts. The pattern above produces a bag that is approximately 14 inches wide, 11 inches tall, and 5 inches deep — a generous everyday tote. But you can scale it up or down by changing the base dimensions and the number of rounds you work.

For a mini tote or a project bag, start with a base of 20 chains and work 14 rows before joining to work in the round. Reduce the basketweave body to 5 or 6 rounds.

For an oversized beach bag, start with a base of 40 chains and work 25 rows. Extend the basketweave body to 12 or 14 rounds and add a round of sc with evenly spaced ch-2 spaces along the top for a drawstring closure.

The basketweave pattern also lends itself beautifully to colorwork. You can work each pair of basketweave rounds in a different color to create a striped bag where the texture still shows clearly beneath the color changes. Two-color basketweave totes are especially popular for gift giving, and the texture pops even more dramatically when contrasting colors are used.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Post stitches have a tendency to tighten over time, especially in cotton. If your bag feels stiff after the first few rounds of basketweave, try going up a half size in your hook. The sides of the bag should have a slight give — firm enough to hold their shape, but not rigid.

Blocking this bag makes a noticeable difference. After finishing, wet the bag thoroughly, reshape it gently around a similarly sized box or a stack of books wrapped in plastic bags, and allow it to dry completely. This sets the basketweave ridges and gives the bag a polished, professional appearance.

If you choose to line the bag, a simple fabric lining sewn from a sturdy canvas or duck cloth and slip-stitched to the inside of the rim covers the handle attachment points and makes the interior look neat and intentional. A pocket sewn to the lining is a practical addition.

For a sturdier base, trace the finished base dimensions onto a piece of plastic canvas, cut it slightly smaller than the actual base, and slip it inside the bag before lining. This prevents the base from sagging when the bag is loaded.

Caring for Your Teagan Tote

Cotton totes are generally machine washable, which is one of the great joys of making them. Turn the finished bag inside out, place it in a mesh laundry bag, and wash on a gentle cold cycle. Lay flat or reshape over a form to dry. Avoid putting cotton bags in the dryer on high heat, as this can shrink the yarn and cause the handles to stiffen.

If you made your bag from jute, hand washing only is recommended, and you should allow it to dry completely before storing to prevent mildew.

Why the Basketweave Stitch Is Worth Learning

If you have never worked post stitches before, the Teagan Tote is the perfect introduction. The technique looks complicated but falls into a very satisfying rhythm after just a few rounds. Once your hands understand the motion — hook forward for front post, hook behind for back post — the alternating panels become almost meditative to work.

The basketweave stitch also transfers to countless other projects. You will find yourself reaching for it when making dishcloths, placemats, blanket borders, and hat bands. It is one of those foundational textures that dramatically expands your crochet vocabulary without requiring anything beyond basic double crochet technique.

Many crocheters who start the Teagan Tote as a beginner-adjacent challenge report finishing it and immediately casting on a second one in a new color. That is the kind of pattern this is — accessible enough to complete with confidence, rewarding enough to want to make again.

Final Thoughts

The Teagan Tote Crochet Pattern is more than a bag pattern. It is an invitation to slow down, learn something new, and end up with something genuinely beautiful and useful. The basketweave texture gives this tote a handcrafted quality that mass-produced bags simply cannot replicate, and the sturdy cotton construction means it will last for years with minimal care.

Whether you are making it as a first foray into textured crochet or adding it to a long list of completed bag patterns, the Teagan Tote delivers on every level. Clear construction, a striking stitch pattern, and a finished object you will actually reach for every day — that combination is hard to beat.

So pull out your cotton yarn, grab your hook, and give yourself permission to make something worth keeping. Your Teagan Tote is waiting.