Materials Needed: Yarn: Medium weight yarn (such as cotton or acrylic) in a color of your choice. Crochet Hook: Size H/8 (5 mm) hook. Scissors Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends. Stitch Markers: Optional, but helpful for keeping track of your rounds.

Stitches Used: Chain (ch) Slip Stitch (sl st) Single Crochet (sc) Double Crochet (dc)

Instructions Base of the Bag Chain 31: This will be the foundation chain of your bag. Round 1: Single crochet (sc) in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. At the end of the row, make 3 sc in the last chain. This will allow you to turn your work to crochet along the other side of the foundation chain. Continue to sc along the other side of the foundation chain. Make 2 more sc in the last chain (the same chain where you made the first sc of this side). Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first sc. You should have a total of 64 stitches. Round 2: Chain 1. Sc in the same stitch as the join and in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Rounds 3-5: Repeat Round 2.

Body of the Bag Round 6: Chain 2 (counts as first double crochet, dc). Dc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the top of the chain 2. Rounds 7-22: Repeat Round 6.

Handles Round 23: Chain 1. Sc in the same stitch as the join and in the next 9 stitches. Chain 30 (this will be one handle), skip 14 stitches, sc in the next 20 stitches, chain 30 (this will be the other handle), skip 14 stitches, sc in the next 10 stitches. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Round 24: Chain 1. Sc in the same stitch as the join and in the next 9 stitches. Sc in each chain of the handle, sc in the next 20 stitches, sc in each chain of the other handle, sc in the next 10 stitches. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Round 25: Chain 1. Sc in the same stitch as the join and in each stitch around, including each stitch of the handles. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Finishing Fasten off: Cut the yarn, leaving a small tail. Use a yarn needle to weave in the ends securely. Blocking (Optional): Wet block your bag to give it a neat, finished look. Shape it nicely and let it dry completely. Tips for Success: Tension: Keep your tension even throughout to ensure a uniform look. Stitch Markers: Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of your rounds if you have trouble keeping track. Customization: Feel free to adjust the length of the handles or the height of the bag to suit your preference. This simple tote bag is perfect for beginners and offers a practical project to practice basic crochet stitches and techniques. Enjoy your crocheting!