Free Pattern No. 2 — Recycled Sari Silk Crochet Statement Tote Bag

KnitSilk Free crochet tote pattern No. 2

Recycled Sari Silk
Statement Tote Bag

Three Balls. One Beautiful Bag. Every bag is one of a kind.

Colorful. Sturdy. Completely unique. This crochet tote uses KnitSilk Recycled Sari Silk. Its thickness and colors vary. This creates a bag that looks complex but works up in an afternoon.

Every KnitSilk Recycled Sari Silk ball is reclaimed from pre-loved Indian sari fabric. No two balls are the same — and no two bags will ever be the same either.

Shop KnitSilk Recycled Sari Silk →

🧶 Crochet Tote Pattern Project at a Glance

✂️ What You’ll Need

• 3 × 100g KnitSilk Recycled Sari Silk balls
• 9 mm crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Optional: stitch marker, magnetic snap, fabric lining

Get your KnitSilk Recycled Sari Silk here →

📖 Basic Stitches Used

• Slip Knot — your starting loop
• Chain (ch) — yarn over and pull through the loop
• Single Crochet (SC) — insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
• Half Double Crochet (HDC) — yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops
• Slip Stitch (sl st) — insert hook, yarn over, pull through both loops to join rounds

💡 Stitch Tip:

⚠️ Before You Start: Embrace the Yarn

Recycled sari silk is intentionally irregular. Texture and color changes are part of the look. They are not mistakes. Let the colour changes and texture create the design.

🟥 Step 1 — Make the Base

Create an oval base for the bag.

1. Chain 21, keeping the chain relaxed.
2. Round 1: SC in the 2nd chain from hook and across. Work 3 SC in the final chain. Continue SC along the underside. Work 2 SC in the final stitch. Slip stitch to join.
3. Round 2: Continue SC around. Add increases at the rounded ends to keep the base flat.
4. Round 3: Continue SC until the base measures approximately 8–9 in long × 3–4 in wide.

📌 Base Tip:

🟧 Step 2 — Build the Bag Body

Crochet in rounds without increasing once the base is complete.

1. Round 1 (SC): Ch 1, SC in every stitch around. Slip stitch to join.
2. Round 2 (HDC): Ch 2, HDC in every stitch around. Slip stitch to join.
3. Continue HDC rounds until the body measures approximately 8 in tall.

Optional: alternate one HDC round with one SC round for a ridged, woven-look fabric.

🧶 Yarn Join Tip:

🟦 Step 3 — Add the Top Edge

1. Top Round 1: SC around.
2. Top Round 2: SC around, slip stitch to finish. Fasten off leaving an 8–10 in tail.

🟣 Step 4 — Make the Handles

Two crochet handles, approx. 9–10 in drop.

1. Attach yarn approximately 2 in from a side seam.
2. Chain 25 (adjust for preferred drop length).
3. SC back along the chain. Repeat for 3 rows total.
4. Fasten off and repeat for the second handle symmetrically.

🟤 Step 5 — Attach the Handles

1. Position both handles symmetrically on the inside of the bag.
2. Sew each handle securely using a tapestry needle.
3. Reinforce each attachment point with several passes of yarn.

✨ Step 6 — Finishing

1. Weave loose ends securely, changing direction before trimming.
2. Lightly mist and reshape if needed. Avoid aggressive stretching.
3. Optional: add a magnetic snap or simple cotton lining for a polished finish.

🌈 Color & Yarn-Join Tips

• Use Ball 1, then Ball 2, then Ball 3 in sequence.
• For deliberate color blocks, begin a new ball at the start of a round.
• Unexpected color transitions are a design feature — own it.

🧺 Care Instructions

• Hand wash gently in cool water with mild detergent
• Do not wring or twist
• Lay flat to dry — avoid high heat

♻️ From Sari to Second Life

KnitSilk Recycled Sari Silk gives pre-loved Indian sari fabric a vibrant new purpose. Each ball is unique — its own blend of colors, textures, and history. The bag you make from this pattern will never be replicated.

🛍️ Ready to Make Yours?

Shop Recycled Sari Silk → All KnitSilk Yarns →

Ships to all 50 US states. knitsilk.us

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How many balls do I need?

Three 100g balls (~50 yards each) give approximately 150 yards. The bag uses 110–140 yards, leaving a little for a tassel or charm.

My yarn is very thick in places — what do I do?

Relax your tension and use a 10 mm hook. Thick sections create a natural texture ridge — part of the character of recycled sari silk.

Can I make the bag larger or smaller?

Yes. Use a longer foundation chain (24–28) for a wider bag, or shorter (16–18) for a smaller tote. Adjust body height by working more or fewer rounds.

Do I need a lining?

Optional, but a simple cotton lining gives a cleaner interior and helps the bag hold its shape. A magnetic snap is an easy upgrade too.