Serifos bag

Serifos Tote Bag Crochet Pattern

Project Overview

The Serifos Tote Bag is an intermediate-level crochet project designed by PLEXTOPATTERN. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a spacious, two-tone raffia tote bag suitable for everyday use. The finished bag measures 46 cm in height without handles and 39 cm in width, making it a practical accessory for shopping or travel.

What Is Being Made

A structured crochet tote bag featuring a color-blocked design with natural dark and natural light tones. The bag includes integrated handles and reaches a total height of 66 cm when handles are included. The design combines functionality with visual interest through its two-color construction.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 340 grams total of raffia yarn in sport weight (approximately 150 meters per 100 grams). Specifically: 190 grams in color A (natural dark) and 150 grams in color B (natural light)
• Crochet Hook: Size 3.00 mm (US size 5)
• Additional Supplies: Tapestry needle and scissors for finishing

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The primary stitch used throughout is the half double crochet (hdc), which creates a dense, structured fabric ideal for a sturdy tote bag.

The pattern incorporates several stitch variations to add shaping and dimension:

• Chain stitch (ch): Used to establish the foundation of the pattern
• Half double crochet (hdc): The main stitch forming the body of the bag
• Increases (hdc2in1, hdc4in1, hdc5in1): Multiple half double crochets worked into the same stitch to create shaping and expansion in the fabric
• Slip stitch (slst): Used to join rounds and create seamless transitions
• Skip stitch (sk): Used to decrease or adjust stitch count as needed

Construction Method

The Serifos Tote Bag is constructed using a distinctive two-part foundation technique. The pattern begins with a chain line, with the first row worked up one side of the chain and then back down the opposite side. This creates a structured base. The bag is then worked in joined rounds, with each round beginning at a designated point.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 half double crochet stitches by 10 rows over a 10 cm square (4 inches by 4 inches). Achieving proper gauge is essential for the finished bag to reach its intended dimensions. Crocheters should adjust hook size accordingly: use a larger hook if too many stitches appear in 10 cm, or a smaller hook if too few stitches are achieved.

Finished Dimensions

• Height without handles: 46 cm (18.11 inches)
• Total height with handles: 66 cm (25.98 inches)
• Width: 39 cm (15.35 inches)

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern requires familiarity with basic crochet stitches and the ability to work with increases and joined rounds. The raffia yarn material adds slight complexity due to its texture, but the straightforward stitch palette makes it accessible to crocheters progressing beyond beginner projects.