The Polka Dot Diva Bag: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Playful, Vintage-Inspired Tote

Channel Your Inner Icon: The Polka Dot Diva Bag

Get ready to add a touch of playful, vintage-inspired charm to your accessory collection with the Polka Dot Diva Bag. This structured tote, featuring a classic black and white polka dot motif and a sweet red bow, is perfect for adding whimsy to any outfit. Whether you're heading to the market or a casual brunch, this crochet bag is sure to turn heads. Best of all, this free pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using simple stitches and a clear color-change technique.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn:
  • Black: approx 200g
  • White: approx 150g
  • Red: small amount for the bow
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch marker (optional)

Gauge

16 single crochet stitches x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet with Black yarn. Adjust hook size if necessary to match gauge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bag Bottom (worked in continuous rounds)

Note: Do not join rounds; use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round.

1. With Black yarn, make a magic ring.
2. Round 1: 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. (6 stitches)
3. Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
4. Round 3: *Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around. (18 stitches)
5. Round 4: *Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around. (24 stitches)
6. Round 5: *Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around. (30 stitches)
7. Round 6: *Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around. (36 stitches)
8. Round 7: *Sc in next 5 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around. (42 stitches)
9. Round 8: *Sc in next 6 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around. (48 stitches)
10. Round 9: *Sc in next 7 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around. (54 stitches)
11. Round 10: *Sc in next 8 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around. (60 stitches)
12. Fasten off Black yarn and weave in the end.

Bag Body (worked in continuous rounds)

Note: When changing colors, carry the unused yarn loosely behind the work to keep an even tension.

1. Round 1: With Black, sc in each stitch around. (60 stitches)
2. Round 2: Repeat Round 1.
3. Round 3 (Polka Dot Row): *Sc in next 4 stitches with Black, sc in next stitch with White* repeat around. (60 stitches)
4. Round 4: *Sc in next 4 stitches with Black, sc in next stitch with White* repeat around. (60 stitches)
5. Round 5: With Black, sc in each stitch around. (60 stitches)
6. Round 6: With Black, sc in each stitch around. (60 stitches)
7. Round 7 (Polka Dot Row): *Sc in next 4 stitches with Black, sc in next stitch with White* repeat around. (60 stitches)
8. Round 8: *Sc in next 4 stitches with Black, sc in next stitch with White* repeat around. (60 stitches)
9. Repeat Rounds 5-8 until the bag measures approximately 8 inches (20 cm) from the bottom. End with two rounds of Black (Rounds 5 and 6).

Bag Top and Handles

1. Round 1: With Black, sc in each stitch around. (60 stitches)
2. Round 2: Chain 1, sc in next 15 stitches, chain 20 (skip 10 stitches for handle opening), sc in next 20 stitches, chain 20 (skip 10 stitches for handle opening), sc in next 15 stitches. Join with slip stitch to first sc. (40 sc + 2 handle chains)
3. Round 3: Chain 1, sc in each sc and in each chain around. (80 stitches) Join with slip stitch.
4. Round 4: Chain 1, sc in each stitch around. (80 stitches) Join with slip stitch.
5. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Bow (make one)

1. With Red yarn, chain 31.
2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across. (30 stitches) Chain 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-10: Sc in each stitch across. (30 stitches) Chain 1, turn.
4. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches).
5. Fold the rectangle in half widthwise and sew the short ends together to form a tube.
6. Flatten the tube so the seam is in the center back.
7. Wrap the long tail tightly around the center of the bow several times to cinch it, then secure and weave in the end.
8. Sew the bow onto the front center of the bag, just below the handle openings.

Your Polka Dot Diva Bag is complete! Enjoy your playful, vintage-inspired tote that's perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to any outfit.