Girly Tote in Caron Simply Soft Collection - Downloadable PDF

Girly Tote in Caron Simply Soft Collection – Free Crochet Pattern by Darlene Dale

The Girly Tote is a charming, colorful crocheted handbag designed by Darlene Dale and published by Caron International as part of their Simply Soft Collection. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this beginner-friendly crochet pattern produces a compact, structured tote with playful multicolor stripes and cheerful pom-pon embellishments — perfect for everyday use, gifting, or as a first bag-making project for newer crocheters.

Finished Measurements

The completed tote measures approximately 9 inches (23 cm) wide, 9¼ inches (23.5 cm) tall, and 1¼ inches (3 cm) deep, making it a neat, structured small bag suited for carrying everyday essentials.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a small rectangular crocheted tote bag worked in flat panels that are seamed together. The design features a striped colorwork body using five coordinating shades from the Caron Simply Soft Collection, finished with a decorative reverse single crochet edging and handmade pom-pons. An optional piece of heavy cardboard can be inserted into the base to give the bag added structure and stability.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Caron Simply Soft (100% Acrylic) in five colors, used in the following amounts:

• Color A – #0015 Strawberry: ½ oz
• Color B – #0016 Melon: 1½ oz
• Color C – #0017 Lemon: 1½ oz
• Color D – #0003 Pistachio: 1½ oz
• Color E – #0004 Blueberry: 1½ oz

Caron Simply Soft is a worsted weight yarn celebrated for its soft, smooth feel and wide color range, making it an excellent choice for accessories and garments alike. Its 100% acrylic composition means the finished tote is easy to care for, durable, and machine washable.

Hook and Additional Supplies

• US G-7 (4.5mm) crochet hook, or size needed to achieve gauge
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming
• Pins for blocking or holding pieces in place
• Pom-pon maker sized for 2-inch (5 cm) pom-pons
• Heavy cardboard approximately 8½ x 1¼ inches (21.5 x 3 cm) — optional, for the bag's base

Gauge

The stated gauge is 15 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. Achieving correct gauge is important for ensuring the tote reaches its intended finished dimensions, so swatching before beginning is recommended.

Techniques Used

This pattern is classified as a beginner crochet project, making it accessible to those who are still building their skills. The primary technique throughout is flat crochet construction — working rows back and forth to create the front, back, and side panels before joining them together. The pattern also incorporates colorwork through color changes, where the old color is completed to its final yarn-over and the new color is drawn through to finish the stitch. This clean method of switching colors creates neat, defined stripes across the body of the bag.

A decorative reverse single crochet edging (also known as crab stitch) is worked around the bag's opening. This technique involves working single crochet in the opposite direction to normal — moving right to left for right-handed crocheters — which creates a distinctive twisted, rope-like border that adds a polished, professional finish to the top edge