Velvet Circle Tote Bag

Velvet Circle Tote Bag by Ashleigh Kiser | Sewrella

Project Overview

The Velvet Circle Tote Bag is a beginner-friendly crochet project designed to create a luxurious circular tote perfect for everyday use. This downloadable crochet pattern produces a textured bag ideal for carrying projects, personal items, or serving as a stylish large purse. The design emphasizes simple construction paired with beautiful texture, making it an excellent choice for crafters new to crochet who want to create a polished, finished accessory.

What You'll Make

This pattern creates a circular tote bag with practical dimensions and elegant styling. The finished bag measures 16 inches in diameter with a 4-inch depth, providing ample space for a project bag or daily essentials. The circular shape creates a modern silhouette, while the textured velvet yarn gives the bag a luxurious appearance suitable for both functional and fashion-forward use.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Velvet Circle Tote Bag utilizes fundamental crochet techniques appropriate for beginners. The pattern is worked in the round, building the circular structure from the center outward. Key stitches and techniques include:

• Half Double Crochet (HDC) – the primary stitch used throughout the pattern, providing a dense, textured fabric
• Chain (ch) – used for foundation and shaping
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – used to join rounds and create seamless transitions
• 3rd Loop Technique – working into the third loop of stitches only, positioned behind the top two loops, which creates additional texture and visual interest in the finished piece
• Yarn Held Double – the entire pattern is worked with yarn held double, which creates a thicker, more substantial fabric and accelerates project completion

Materials Required

Creating the Velvet Circle Tote Bag requires specific materials to achieve the intended luxurious texture and finished appearance:

• Lion Brand Vel-Luxe Yarn in Eggplant color – Weight 4/Medium, 5.3 ounces per skein with 246 yards per skein (2 skeins total required)
• Size K 6.5mm Crochet Hook – the appropriate hook size for working with the yarn held double
• Leather Bag Strap Handles – pre-made handles that attach to the crocheted bag body
• Scrap Lightweight Yarn or Strong Thread – for sewing the bag strap handles securely to the finished bag
• Tapestry Needle – a large-eye, sharp darning needle for weaving in ends and attaching handles
• Stitch Marker – for tracking round beginnings and pattern repeats

Gauge and Finished Measurements

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished size. When working with Lion Brand Vel-Luxe yarn held double using a Size K 6.5mm crochet hook, the gauge should measure 10 stitches by 8 rows in half double crochet over a 4-inch square. The finished bag dimensions are 16 inches in diameter with a 4-inch depth, creating a spacious circular tote suitable for multiple purposes.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

This pattern is classified as Level 1 – Beginner, making it accessible to crocheters new to the craft or those seeking a straightforward project with beautiful results. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF document, allowing immediate access to complete instructions and abbreviations using US crochet terminology. The beginner-friendly design combined with the luxurious velvet yarn creates a sophisticated finished product that belies the simplicity of construction.