This is a structured market tote worked in tapestry crochet with rows of hearts switching between deep ocean blue and warm golden shimmer. The pattern uses single crochet throughout and carries the unused color inside each round. Your finished bag will hold its shape without a lining.
The tapestry technique might sound intimidating if you have never tried it before. But if you can single crochet and change colors, you can absolutely make this bag. The heart chart is straightforward once you get the rhythm going.
I love how the colors swap from band to band. Navy hearts on gold, then gold hearts on gold. The effect is striking without being complicated. Let me walk you through everything you need to know.
About This Tapestry Crochet Tote Pattern
This tote bag uses two color tapestry crochet to create a bold heart motif that repeats around the entire bag. The technique involves working normal single crochet (sc) stitches while carrying the unused color across the tops of the stitches, enclosing it inside. This keeps the inside of your bag neat and gives the fabric a firm, basket like structure.
The bag is worked in continuous spiral rounds with no joining and no turning. You will start with an oval base, work up the walls, add four heart bands, finish with a clean top edge, and attach sturdy handles.
Finished size: 10 x 9 x 4 inches (25.5 x 23 x 10 cm) for width, height, and depth. The handle drop is approximately 5 inches (13 cm).
Skill level: Intermediate. You should be comfortable changing colors mid round and maintaining even tension while carrying yarn.
Time estimate: 10 to 14 hours over a few sittings.
Materials You Will Need
Gather these supplies before you begin:
Yarn:
The pattern shown uses Ocean Blue and Golden Shimmer cotton blend crochet yarn, which gives crisp stitch definition. You can also use mercerised cotton for a structured finish or a cotton acrylic aran blend for a softer, more economical option.
Tools:
Gauge
18 sc x 20 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in tapestry single crochet.
Check your gauge before starting the body of the bag. Tapestry crochet tends to pull tighter than regular single crochet because you are carrying an extra strand. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.
Abbreviations and Special Stitches
Here are all the abbreviations used in this pattern. US crochet terms are used throughout. UK crocheters should read every sc as dc (double crochet).
Special Techniques
Tapestry sc: Work a normal single crochet while carrying the unused color across the tops of the stitches, enclosing it. To change color, draw the new color through on the final yarn over of the stitch before the change. This creates a clean color switch.
Invisible join: At the very end of the top edge, cut the yarn, thread it through your tapestry needle, and skim under the first stitch of the round to fake a final stitch. This creates a seamless rim.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
Read through these tips before you start crocheting:
The Heart Chart
Every heart is a 9 stitch wide, 11 round tall motif. You will work it 14 times around each band. In the written instructions below, H represents a heart stitch (contrast color) and a dot (•) represents a background stitch (main color).
Written chart for one 9 stitch repeat:
Work each row across all 14 repeats before moving to the next round.
Making the Base
The base is worked as a firm oval in Color A (gold). This creates a sturdy bottom for your tote.
With Color A, ch 40.
Rnd 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 38 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Rotate to work the opposite side of the foundation chain. Sc in next 38 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Do not join. Work in a spiral. (82 sc)
Rnd 2: Sc around, working 6 evenly spaced increases at each curved end. (94 sc)
Rnd 3: Sc around, working 6 increases at each end, staggered from the round below. (106 sc)
Rnd 4: Sc around, working 6 increases at each end. (118 sc)
Rnd 5: Sc around, working 4 increases at each end. (126 sc)
Rnd 6: Sc in BLO around. This fold sets the base of the bag and makes the walls stand up. (126 sc)
Check Your Base
Your base should measure about 10 x 4 inches (25.5 x 10 cm) and lie flat. If it cups upward, you need a few more increases. If it ruffles, you have too many. Adjust now for a tidy tote.
Body and Heart Bands
Continue up the walls in spiral tapestry sc. Four heart bands stack up the bag. Each begins with one plain setup round in its new background color, then 11 chart rounds. All rounds are 126 sc.
Color assignments for each band:
Transition and Band 1
Rnd 7: With A, sc around. This is your transition round. (126 sc)
Rnd 8: Join B. Sc around in B. This is your setup round. (126 sc)
Rnds 9 to 19: Work Heart Chart Rows 1 through 11, worked across all 14 repeats. (126 sc each round)
Band 2
Rnds 20 to 31: With A as background, repeat the Band 1 sequence. Work 1 setup round, then Heart Chart Rows 1 through 11, working navy hearts on gold. (126 sc each round)
Band 3
Rnds 32 to 43: With B as background, repeat the band sequence. Work 1 setup round, then Rows 1 through 11, gold hearts on navy. (126 sc each round)
Band 4
Rnds 44 to 55: With A as background, repeat the band sequence. Work 1 setup round, then Rows 1 through 11, navy hearts on gold. (126 sc each round)
Top Edge and Handles
Top Edge
Rnd 56: With A, sc around. (126 sc)
Rnd 57: Sc around. Then sl st in next st and fasten off with an invisible join. (126 sc)
The front and back each span 45 stitches (5 hearts). Each side spans 18 stitches (2 hearts). The handles will sit centered over the front and back panels.
Handles (Make 2)
Create a firm round cord in Color B (navy). For extra structure, work over a 5 mm cord or piping.
Foundation: With B, ch 56 (about 12.5 inches or 32 cm).
Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end, 3 sc in last ch. Work along the opposite side of the chain, sc to end, 2 sc in last ch. Join to work around. (112 sc)
Rnds 2 to 4: Sc around, keeping the cord rolled into a firm tube. (112 sc each round)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Attaching the Handles
Center each handle over the front and back, with the two ends about 4 inches (10 cm) apart. Anchor them approximately 1 inch below the top edge. Whip stitch each end firmly through several rounds, then reinforce by stitching a second pass. Weave in all ends on the inside.
Finishing Your Tote
Weave in all tails into the inside fabric for at least 2 inches, splitting the yarn ply for a secure, invisible finish.
Steam block the walls lightly with the bag stuffed with a towel so it sits square and upright. This helps the hearts pop and keeps the structure firm.
Optional: For a self standing tote, cut a piece of plastic canvas to the base size and drop it inside. This gives extra rigidity for heavier loads.
Care Instructions
How to Resize This Pattern
Want a different size? Here is how to adjust:
Wider or narrower: Change the starting count in multiples of 9 (one whole heart). Each added 9 stitches equals one more heart per round.
Taller: Add another heart band. Each band adds about 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) of height.
Mini version: Drop to sport weight yarn and a 3.5 mm hook to shrink everything proportionally.
Longer handles: Add chains in pairs to the foundation for a shoulder length drop.
Tips for Tapestry Crochet Success
If this is your first tapestry crochet project, here are some pointers:
Keep your tension consistent. The carried yarn should lie flat against the back of your stitches without bunching or pulling.
Count your stitches frequently. It is easy to accidentally skip or add a stitch when switching colors. Use a stitch marker and check your count at the end of each repeat.
Do not pull too tight when changing colors. A gentle tug is all you need. Pulling too hard will pucker the fabric.
Work in good light. Seeing the difference between gold and navy is easier with bright lighting, especially when counting chart squares.
I hope you love making this navy and gold heart tote as much as I loved designing it. The finished bag is sturdy enough for farmers market trips, cute enough for everyday errands, and impressive enough to give as a gift.
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern. If you make one, I would absolutely love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or share a photo on Facebook. Seeing your finished projects truly makes my day.
Save this pattern to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you are ready to start. And please leave a comment below if you give it a try. I love hearing how your projects turn out!
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