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Mosaic Summer Tote – Free Crochet Pattern

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The Mosaic Summer Tote is the perfect bag to take with you on all of your adventures this summer…or year round too! This bag is nice and sturdy, making it functional as well as pretty too!

The Mosaic Summer Tote is a nice and sturdy, roomy bag with beautiful texture and an eye-catching design.

This bag is worked from the bottom up using doubled strands of DK weight yarn (more details further on in pattern), with the straps being crocheted in the last few rounds at the top of the bag.

I loved working this bag in double strands of yarn! I don’t usually work with two strands together, but I wanted this bag to be nice and sturdy, plus I fell in love with the colors and feel of the Knit Picks/We Crochet CotLin yarn, which is a DK weight yarn. I am now a big fan of working with doubled yarn! This bag came together so fast and the design stands out really well in the “thicker yarn.”

For the Mosaic Summer Tote, I started out with a neutral beige for the bag base. Then I decided to use two accent colors in the bag body, along with white as the neutral main color in between. Originally, I had planned to use just the teal with the white, but I thought the pinky/red color would add in nicely too. I’m so glad I went with it because I love how the two colors complement each other so well. Then I finished up the top of the bag and the handles with the same color that I used for the bag base to balance it out.

Your bag will look great whether you use one or two accent colors in the bag body. The mosaic crochet pattern will be the eye catcher on this bag, no matter which colors you choose!

I hope you enjoy this crochet pattern and working up your Mosaic Summer Tote! I can’t wait to see your bag and the color combination you use!

If you love crocheting bags, check out all of the crochet bag patterns on the blog! There are over 15 to choose from!

For other Mosaic Crochet patterns, check out the Mosaic Bricks Tote, Mosaic Triangles Pillow, and the Mosaic Zig Zag Bag!

Remember to like Loops and Love Crochet on Facebook and join the Loops and Love Crochet Group! I’d also LOVE it if you followed @loopsandlovecrochet on Instagram!

If you like crochet video tutorials, check out (and subscribe to) my Loops and Love Crochet YouTube Channel!

PIN the Mosaic Summer Tote crochet pattern to your favorite Pinterest board to save it for later!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended. This is done at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Loops & Love Crochet!

The Mosaic Summer Tote crochet pattern is available for FREE on this website. If you’d like an ad-free, printable PDF version, you may purchase it for a small fee from my Etsy or Ravelry shops. Thank you so much for supporting Loops & Love Crochet!

This pattern was featured in the Summer Designer’s Pick Blog Hop hosted by Studio Crochet! While the blog hop is now over, you can still purchase the bundle including 33 patterns, including this one!

Materials:

  • DK Weight (#3) Cotton Yarn – This bag is worked in doubled strands of DK weight yarn (2 strands held together). Any cotton DK weight yarn can be used for this project. The bag pictured in this pattern was made using WeCrochet/KnitPicks CotLin yarn, which is a cotton and linen blend. Each skein of this yarn is 123yds/50g. Please see the yarn notes below for yardage breakdown and other details.
  • Crochet hook – 5.5mm size crochet hook
  • Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Yarn Notes:

  • Yardage – below is a breakdown of the colorways and yardage used for the bag pictured in this pattern, as well as the number of skeins you will need if you are using the same yarn. If you would like to use one accent color for the body instead of two, just double the yardage for one accent color and you will not need the other.
    • Linen (beige) – 216 yds (2 skeins)
    • Swan (white) – 246 yds (2 skeins)
    • Surf (blue) – 120 yds (1 skein)
    • Cerise (pink/red) – 120 yds (1 skein)
  • Buying yarn – Because the DK weight yarn is used doubled for this pattern, it’s easiest to work from two separate skeins, however, you can also split skeins of yarn in half to work from isntead. Please note that I crochet with a tight tension and if you crochet with the looser tension, you’ll need a bit more yarn than what is listed above. If you are using the same yarn as the pattern states, I’d recommend you have an extra skein on hand in the colors that the yardage needed is almost exactly the whole skein (swan, surf, cerise).
  • Substituting yarn – please check the gauge of the pattern when making changes to the yarn used. If you are changing the weight of yarn used, it will change the finished size of your bag. 

Stitches Used:

  • Ch – chain
  • Sl St – slip stitch
  • SC – single crochet
  • MDC – mosaic double crochet – See the video tutorial for this pattern to help with the Mosaic Double Crochet Stitch.

Gauge:

  • Gauge is not imperative to this bag turning out but may be helpful for bag sizing if you are substituting yarns.
  • 2 inches square is approx. 8 rows of 7 SC stitches.

Finished Size:

  • When laying flat, the Mosaic Summer Tote is approximately 15 inches wide and 13 inches tall, not including the handles.

Important Notes:

  • Joined Rounds – This bag is worked in joined rounds. At the end of each round, you will be joining the last stitch of the round to the first stitch with a slip stitch.
  • Color Changes – All color changes are worked in the last stitch of the round. Complete last SC of the round up until the last yarn over, yarn over in the new color and pull through. Join with a slip stitch to first stitch. For the body of the bag, each color is used for 2 rounds.
  • Starting Each Round – Start the first stitch of each round in the same stitch as the join and chain 1. The chain 1 stitch at the start of each round does not count towards the stitch count of each round.
  • Mosaic Crochet – The body of this bag is worked in mosaic crochet technique. Please read the notes below for working up this section of the bag. This pattern includes the written instructions, as well as the graph for the mosaic crochet section.
  • Bag Size – this bag was designed as a large tote size. If you would like to make your own custom sized bag, here are some tips to help:
    • If you are happy with the bag width, but want to make your bag taller, just add some extra rounds of SC at the bottom of the bag before the mosaic crochet section starts, and at the top of the bag after the mosaic crochet section ends and before working the handles.
    • If you would like to make a bag with a larger or smaller base, you can begin the pattern with a longer or shorter starting chain. This could require more math to work out ahead of crocheting.
      • Note that for this mosaic graph, the repeated section is 16 stitches. For the graph to work, your stitch count after the increasing rounds for the bag base are finished will need to be a multiple of 16.
      •  If you’d like to work your bag the same as in the pattern but want it to be just a bit larger or smaller, some other starting chains that will work are chaining 19 or 27 for a smaller bag, or chaining 43 or 51 for a larger bag. Other than the starting chain length, the rest of the bag will be worked up the same, but you can add or remove rounds as needed for the bag height according to your preferences.
    • Any changes you make to the pattern can affect how your bag straps line up. Please watch this video tutorial for instructions on how to place the handles so they line up evenly.

Mosaic Crochet Graphs and Notes for Bag Body

Below, you will see the mosaic crochet graph for the body of the Mosaic Summer Tote.

Here are some important Mosaic Crochet notes:

  • Each row in the graph counts as two rows of crochet stitches (Row A and Row B)
    • The color of the first stitch of the row indicates the color you are using for the whole row of the graph, which is two rounds in your crocheted work. You will be changing color after every 2 rows.
    • Each square of the graph shows 1 stitch or 1 skipped stitch. When squares of different colors appear in the row, they should be skipped. When you skip these stitches, replace them with chain stitches. Always chain one more chain than the number of stitches you are skipping. This will prevent your work from pulling and looking uneven. For example, if you are skipping 3 stitches, you will need to chain 4. Please see the video tutorial for more explanation and a visual on this
  • Every box marked with an “X” indicates where you will be working an MDC stitch. All MDC stitches will be worked into the skipped SC stitches 2 rounds down and will sit over top of the chain stitches. Note that MDC stitches are only worked on the “A” rows. On a “B” row, the MDC is replaced with a SC.
  • The graph shows 32 stitches; however, the bag has 96 stitches in each round. Repeat the graph 3 times to get to the 96 stitches in each round.
  • The white boxes represent the white yarn and grey boxes represent the accent color. I used blue as my accent color for half the graph and then switched to the pinky/red color for the other half.
  • You may choose to follow the graph or the written instructions in the pattern. If you are new to mosaic crochet, it is recommended that check out the video tutorial to make sure your SC, MDC, and Ch stitches are placed properly.

Mosaic Summer Tote – The Pattern

Bag Base

Round 1: In main color, Ch 35, SC in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across, make 4 SC in the last chain. Now continue around so you are working on the other side of the chain. SC the next stitch and in each stitch across, make 3 SC in last stitch (this will be the other side of the same stitch with the first SC of the round). Join with a sl st to first SC, ch 1. (72)

Round 2: 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next 32 stitches. 2 SC in each of the next 4 stitches (these are the ones at the end of the chain), SC next 32, 2 SC in each of the last 3 stitches. Join, ch 1. (80)

Round 3: 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next 33. *2 SC in next stitch, 1 SC in next. Repeat from * three more times, then SC in next 32 stitches. *2 SC in next stitch, 1 SC in next. Repeat from * two more times. Join, ch 1. (88)

Round 4: 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next 34 stitches. *2 SC in next stitch, SC in next 2 stitches. Repeat from * three more times. SC in next 32 stitches. *2 SC in next stitch, SC in next 2 stitches. Repeat from * two more times. Join, chain 1. (96)

You have finished making the base of the bag. It should measure approximately 12” long and 2” wide.

Now you will be working on the height of the bag, starting with some rounds of SC in the same color as the bag base, before moving onto the mosaic crochet section. Remember, if you have trouble working the base, body, or handles for this bag, please refer to the video tutorial.

Rounds 5-8: SC in each stitch around, join, ch 1. (96)

*Change to accent color before joining at the end of round 8. Then join and chain 1. Continue to mosaic crochet section instructions below for the next rounds or follow the graph.

Mosaic Crochet Section (Bag Body):

Round count will start back at 1 here so that if you choose to follow along with the graph, the row numbers and rounds will match up. Round 1 in the written pattern below lines up with Row 1 on the graph. Each round has 96 stitches, so the graph will be repeated the whole way around the bag.

Round 1a: SC in each stitch around, join, ch 1

Round 1b: SC in each stitch around, change color to white, join, ch 1

Round 2a: SC in each stitch around, join, ch 1

Round 2b: SC in each stitch around, change to accent color, join, ch 1

Round 3a: *SC 2 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 9, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 3, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 3b: *SC 2 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 9, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 3, repeat from * around, change color to white, join, ch 1

Round 4a: *SC 2 sts, MDC, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 7, ch 2, sk next st, MDC, SC next 3 sts, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 4b: *SC 3 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 7, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 4 sts, repeat from * around, change to accent color, join, ch 1

Round 5a: *SC 3 sts, MDC, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 5, ch 2, sk next st, MDC, SC next 4, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 5b: *SC 4 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 5, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 5, repeat from * around, change color to white, join, ch 1

Round 6a: *SC 4 sts, MDC, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 3, ch 2, sk next st, MDC, SC next 5 sts, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 6b: *SC 5 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 3, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 6 sts, repeat from * around, change to accent color, join, ch 1

Round 7a: *SC 4 sts, ch 2, sk next st, MDC, SC next 3, MDC, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 5, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 7b: *SC 4 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 5, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 5, repeat from * around, change color to white, join, ch 1

Round 8a: *SC 3 sts, ch 2, sk next st, MDC, SC next 5, MDC, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 4 sts, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 8b: *SC 3 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 7, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 4 sts, repeat from * around, change to accent color, join, ch 1

Round 9a: *SC 2 sts, ch 2, sk next st, MDC, SC next 7, MDC, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 3, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 9b: *SC 2 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 9, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 3, repeat from * around, change color to white, join, ch 1

Round 10a: *SC, ch 2, sk next st, MDC, SC next 9, MDC, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 2, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 10b: *SC, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 11, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 2, repeat from * around, change to accent color, join, ch 1

*This is the halfway point of the mosaic crochet section. If you’d like your bag to have two accent colors, as in the bag pictured, change to the second accent color at the end of round 10b.

Round 11a: *SC, MDC, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 9, ch 2, sk next st, MDC, SC next 2, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 11b: *SC 2 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 9, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 3, repeat from * around, change color to white, join, ch 1

Round 12a: *SC 2 sts, MDC, ch2, sk next st, SC next 7, ch 2, sk next st, MDC, SC next 3 sts, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 12b: *SC 3 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 7, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 4 sts, repeat from * around, change to accent color, join, ch 1

Round 13a: *SC 3 sts, MDC, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 5, ch 2, sk next st, MDC, SC next 4, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 13b: *SC 4 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 5, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 5, repeat from * around, change color to white, join, ch 1

Round 14a: *SC 4 sts, MDC, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 3, ch 2, sk next st, MDC, SC next 5 sts, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 14b: *SC 5 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 3, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 6 sts, repeat from * around, change to accent color, join, ch 1

Round 15a: *SC 4 sts, ch 2, sk next st, MDC, SC next 3, MDC, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 5, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 15b: *SC 4 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 5, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 5, repeat from * around, change color to white, join, ch 1

Round 16a: *SC 3 sts, ch 2, sk next st, MDC, SC next 5, MDC, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 4 sts, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 16b: *SC 3 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 7, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 4 sts, repeat from * around, change to accent color, join, ch 1

Round 17a: *SC 2 sts, ch 2, sk next st, MDC, SC next 7, MDC, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 3, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 17b: *SC 2 sts, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 9, ch 2, sk next st, SC next 3, repeat from * around, change color to white, join, ch 1

Round 18a: *SC 2 sts, MDC, SC next 9, MDC, SC next 3, repeat from * around, join, ch 1

Round 18b: SC in each stitch around (96 SC), change to accent color, join, ch 1

Round 19a: SC in each stitch around, join, ch 1 (96)

Round 19b: SC in each stitch around, change back to bag base color, join, ch 1 (96)

This is the end of the mosaic crochet section. Next, a couple rounds of SC will be worked before moving onto the handles. The round count here will start back at 1 and there will no longer be “A” and “B” rounds since we are no longer following the graph.

Working the Top of the Bag and the Handles

Rounds 1 and 2: SC in each stitch around, join, ch 1 (96)

In these next few rounds, you will be working the handles/straps for the bag. If you would like a longer or shorter handle/strap, you can add or remove chain stitches as needed to achieve your desired strap length. If you would like a wider strap, repeat round 7 until you have your desired strap thickness. Remember to watch the video tutorial for a visual on working the handles/straps.

Round 3: SC in first 16 stitches, chain 60, skip 25 stitches, SC in next 23 stitches, chain 60, skip 25 stitches, SC in last 7 stitches, join, ch 1

*If this handle placement is not lining up in the center of your bag or your handles are not lining up with each other, please see the “Placing the Bag Handles” instructions below before continuing further.

Round 4: SC in each stitch around and in each of the chain stitches (to form the handles), join, ch 1

Rounds 5-7: SC in each stitch around, join, ch 1.

*After round 7, do not chain 1. Fasten off and weave in ends.

You are all finished your Mosaic Summer Tote!

Placing the Bag Handles

Please note that your seam may have travelled differently than in the bag pictured. This can be due to differences in tension, how you are joining each round, yarn choice, or just because not everyone crochets the exact same. If the handle placement in round 3 does not line up in the middle of your bag, you can easily modify the instructions to move your handles. Check out this video tutorial or you can follow the written instructions below.

Lay your bag flat, measure it across and mark the stitch in the center. Then count 12 stitches on either side of the center stitch and mark those. This is the section of stitches you will be skipping for the handle placement (25 stitches in total) so keep a stitch marker at the start and end of that section. Repeat for the other side of the bag and make sure the stitches you marked lined up on both sides so the handles line up.

Once you’ve marked the stitches you’ll be skipping, just SC as you normally would until you get to the first marked stitch, chain 60, skip the 25 stitches, then SC in each stitch around until you get to the first marked stitch on the other side, chain 60, skip the 25 stitches, then SC in the rest of the stitches until you finish the round. Join, ch, 1. Then follow rounds 4-7 above.

Once your handles are placed and you have finished the last few rounds of the pattern, you are all done!

I hope you enjoyed this crochet pattern and love your new Mosaic Summer Tote!

**Want to be kept in the loop? Be sure to like Loops and Love Crochet on Facebook and join the Loops and Love Crochet Group! Don’t forget to follow @loopsandlovecrochet on Instagram! Remember to tag Loops and Love Crochet when you post your fnished projects on social media! I’d love to see them! **

*You may make and sell any items made from my patterns, but please link back to my blog or Loops & Love Crochet as the designer. Please do not copy this pattern or photos and share as your own, in part or in whole.  Instead, link back to the Loops and Love Crochet blog (especially when selling items you make from my patterns). Thank you!

Ruth

Saturday 11th of June 2022

this is a fantastic tote..thank you so much

Loops and Love Crochet

Thursday 16th of June 2022

Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it!

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