Whether strolling downtown or on the boardwalk, this vibrant raffia tote will set the mood for fun this summer. Small but durable, this tote will easily hold your wallet, sunglasses, sunscreen, e-reader, sandals, and more summer essentials.

How This Tote Is Made

Crocheted raffia takes the shape of a shell in this intriguing design. A ribbed stitch pattern worked in front post and back post stitching creates the shell texture and lends to the tote's cylindrical shape. A pair of oval black wooden handles are oriented vertically for a unique and dramatic look.

This tote is crocheted in 2 pieces. Each begins by working single crochet stitches around a handle and then the rows work outward from Row 1. The assembly utilizes the JAYGO (join-as-you-go) technique to seam the front and back panels in the final row of the front panel.

Instructions include 20 high-quality photos to walk you step by step from beginning to end. These photos include crocheting around the handle, how to make individual stitches, as well as how to spray block the tote and mold it into a cylindrical shape.

Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Concentration Level
Some concentration required. The first 3 rows, which guide you through crocheting around the handle and establishing the stitch pattern, and the joining row at the end require some focus and counting. Otherwise, the stitch pattern is easy to memorize and less focus is required.

Stitches Used
Single crochet join, single crochet, chain(s), double crochet, front post double crochet, back post double crochet

Techniques Used
JAYGO (join-as-you-go) assembly in the last row, shaping fabric using spray blocking

Finished Measurements (approximate size after blocking)
14 inches wide x 11 inches tall x 3 inches deep, including handle

Medium (CYC #4) Weight Yarn
400 - 500 yards (366 - 457 m)

The gray sample shown here was made with a G/6/4.00mm crochet hook and Universal Yarn Yashi medium (worsted) weight cellulose rayon yarn (1.41 oz/99 yds/40g per ball) in
#107 Pewter. The project required 5 balls of this yarn.

Suggested Yarn Substitutes
Rayon raffia yarn (see Q & A section below)

Care should be taken when choosing a substitute for cellulose raffia yarn. If you choose to substitute another brand of raffia yarn, making a swatch and taking it through the wet-blocking steps outlined in the pattern is recommended. This will help ensure desired results before you begin the project. (Wet blocking may ruin some types of raffia.)

Additional Tools and Materials
Size G/6/4.00mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
Tapestry needle
1 pair oval wooden purse handles, 6½ inches x 4½ inches
5 hand towels
Spray bottle with water
Scissors

Gauge
Rows 2–4 = 1¾ inches long

PATTERN INCLUDES
• An 8-page premium pattern pdf with professional full-color photographs.
• List of abbreviations used, plus detailed instructions for special stitches and techniques. 

This Pattern Comes with Additional Resources to Help You Along
• A detailed photo tutorial will walk you through crocheting around the handle, assembling your bag using a join-as-you-go method, and blocking it to the desired shape.
• Pattern support. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I’m always happy to help!

Q & A

What yarn do you recommend for this bag project?

As of April 2025, the original yarn I used for this bag has been discontinued. Here are some suggested alternatives and things to consider.

The chief concern with choosing a raffia yarn for this project is that it needs to be able to withstand moisture. The last step in creating your bag will be to spray block it to help mold it into shape. I’ve found that rayon raffias tend to work better for this process than paper raffias. Here are two that I believe will work well:

• ISPIE Raffia, which is distributed by Roookies

• Eco Andaria from Hamanaka

If you want to try a paper raffia, I would recommend Ra Ra Raffia from Wool and the Gang. You’ll just want to be very gentle when blocking it into shape.