Sahara Sunset Leather-Strap Crochet Tote: Free Boho Pattern

Carry a piece of the desert with you wherever you go! This stunning crochet tote bag combines warm terracotta and sand-colored cotton yarn with supple leather straps for a boho-luxe aesthetic that's both practical and beautiful. The textured stitch pattern creates a woven, ribbed appearance that's visually striking yet durable enough for everyday use. Whether you're heading to the farmer's market, the beach, or a coffee shop, this handmade bag will become your go-to accessory. Best of all, this free pattern is beginner-friendly, guiding you through every step from the flat circular base to the final leather strap attachment.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crochet session:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in two colors:
  • Color A (Terracotta) – approximately 200g
  • Color B (Sand) – approximately 200g
  Total: approximately 400g of worsted weight cotton yarn
• Crochet Hook: 5.5 mm (I/9) hook
• Leather Straps: Two leather straps, each 24 inches long and 1 inch wide (available at craft stores or online)
• Rivets or strong thread/needle for attaching leather straps
• Optional: Magnetic snap closure, yarn needle for weaving ends

Gauge: 14 single crochet (sc) x 16 rows = 4 x 4 inches. Always check your gauge to ensure the bag comes out the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bag Body (Worked in One Piece from Bottom Up)

The bag is worked in continuous rounds from the bottom up, starting with a magic ring and increasing evenly to create a flat, circular base. Once the base reaches the desired width, you'll switch to a textured stitch pattern for the body.

Base Rounds (Increasing)

Round 1: With Color A, make a magic ring. Chain 1, work 8 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the tail to tighten the ring closed. (8 stitches)

Round 2: Chain 1, work 2 sc in each stitch around. (16 stitches)

Round 3: Chain 1, *sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)

Round 4: Chain 1, *sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (32 stitches)

Round 5: Chain 1, *sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (40 stitches)

Round 6: Chain 1, *sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (48 stitches)

Round 7: Chain 1, *sc in next 5 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (56 stitches)

Round 8: Chain 1, *sc in next 6 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (64 stitches)

Round 9: Chain 1, *sc in next 7 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (72 stitches)

Round 10: Chain 1, *sc in next 8 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (80 stitches)

Round 11: Chain 1, *sc in next 9 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (88 stitches)

Round 12: Chain 1, *sc in next 10 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (96 stitches)

Round 13: Chain 1, *sc in next 11 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (104 stitches)

Round 14: Chain 1, *sc in next 12 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (112 stitches)

Your circular base should now measure approximately 10-11 inches in diameter. If it's smaller, you may need to check your gauge and adjust hook size accordingly.

Textured Stitch Pattern (Bag Body)

Now you'll begin the beautiful ribbed texture that gives this tote its distinctive look. The pattern alternates front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet (bpdc) to create a woven effect.

Round 15: Chain 1, working in back loops only, sc in each stitch around. (112 stitches) This creates a clean transition from the base to the body.

Round 16: Chain 1, working in both loops, sc in each stitch around. (112 stitches)

Round 17: Chain 1, *front post double crochet (fpdc) around next stitch, back post double crochet (bpdc) around next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (112 stitches)

Round 18: Chain 1, *bpdc around next stitch, fpdc around next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (112 stitches) This alternation creates the ribbed texture.

Rounds 19-20: Repeat Rounds 17 and 18.

Round 21: Switch to Color B (Sand). Chain 1, sc in each stitch around. (112 stitches)

Round 22: Chain 1, *fpdc around next stitch, bpdc around next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (112 stitches)

Round 23: Chain 1, *bpdc around next stitch, fpdc around next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (112 stitches)

Rounds 24-25: Repeat Rounds 22 and 23.

Round 26: Switch back to Color A (Terracotta). Chain 1, sc in each stitch around. (112 stitches)

Rounds 27-28: Repeat Rounds 17 and 18 (fpdc/bpdc pattern).

Round 29: Chain 1, sc in each stitch around. (112 stitches)

Round 30: Chain 1, working in back loops only, sc in each stitch around. (112 stitches) This creates a subtle ridge line.

Rounds 31-32: Chain 1, sc in each stitch around. (112 stitches)

Handle Openings

Now you'll create the openings through which the leather straps will be threaded. This is done by creating chain spaces that skip a section of stitches.

Round 33: Chain 1, sc in next 28 stitches, chain 20, skip 20 stitches, sc in next 24 stitches, chain 20, skip 20 stitches, sc in next 28 stitches. (112 stitches total, counting the chains as stitches)

You should now have two chain-20 spaces opposite each other, which will serve as the handle openings.

Round 34: Chain 1, sc in each stitch and each chain around. (112 stitches) Work sc into each of the 20 chains to close the openings.

Rounds 35-36: Chain 1, sc in each stitch around. (112 stitches)

Fasten off and weave in all ends securely with your yarn needle.

Attaching the Leather Straps

Now for the finishing touch that elevates this bag from simple crochet to boho-luxe accessory.

1. Cut two leather straps, each measuring 24 inches long and 1 inch wide. If your leather straps came longer, trim them to size.
2. Locate the two handle openings you created in Round 33. These are the chain-20 spaces that are now reinforced with sc stitches from Round 34.
3. Thread one leather strap through each opening. The strap should pass through the opening, with the ends extending outward on both sides of the bag.
4. Fold each end of the leather strap over itself by about 1 inch, creating a loop that wraps around the crochet fabric.
5. Secure the folded ends using rivets (following the rivet manufacturer's instructions) or by stitching firmly with a heavy-duty needle and strong thread. Make sure the straps are evenly placed and won't slip out.
6. Repeat for the second strap on the opposite side of the bag.

Finishing Touches

1. Fold the top edge of the bag down about 1 inch to create a neat, finished cuff. This also helps reinforce the top and gives the bag a more polished look.
2. Optionally, attach a magnetic snap closure inside the bag at the center of the top edge to keep your belongings secure.
3. Weave in any remaining loose ends with your yarn needle.
4. Give your bag a gentle steam block if desired to even out the stitches and help the bag hold its shape.

Tips for Success

• Post stitches: If you're new to front and back post double crochet, practice on a small swatch first. Remember that fpdc is worked around the post of the stitch from front to back, while bpdc is worked around the post from back to front.
• Color changes: When switching colors, do so in the last yarn-over of the previous stitch for a clean transition. Carry the unused yarn up the inside of the bag or cut and weave in ends.
• Stitch markers: Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to keep track of your place, especially during the increase rounds.
• Leather strap alternatives: If you prefer not to use leather, you can substitute with woven cotton webbing or crochet your own straps using a sturdy yarn.

Your Sahara Sunset Tote is now complete! This beautiful, textured bag with its warm desert-inspired colors and elegant leather straps is sure to turn heads wherever you go. The sturdy cotton yarn and reinforced construction mean it will hold up to daily use while maintaining its artisanal charm. Enjoy your new handmade companion, and don't forget to share your creation with fellow crochet enthusiasts!