About This Spike Stitch Tote Bag Pattern
This Spike Stitch Tote Bag pattern combines functionality with stunning texture work. The spike stitch creates a beautiful woven appearance that adds depth and visual interest to your finished bag. Starting with a firm oval base and building up through alternating spike stitch rounds, this pattern results in a sturdy, structured tote that can handle daily use while looking absolutely gorgeous.
The pattern offers flexibility with two strap options - crochet your own handles for a fully handmade piece, or attach pre-made faux leather straps for a modern, professional finish. Either way, you'll end up with a bag that's as practical as it is beautiful.
Why You'll Love This Spike Stitch Tote Bag Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it teaches you the spike stitch technique in such a practical way - you're not just making a swatch, you're creating something you'll actually use every day! The alternating cream and beige colors create a subtle, sophisticated look that goes with everything, and the structured base means your bag will hold its shape beautifully. I also appreciate how the pattern gives you choices - whether you want to go fully handmade with crocheted straps or prefer the polished look of leather handles, both options are included. The finished size is perfect - roomy enough for groceries or beach essentials, but not so large it becomes unwieldy.
Switch Things Up
I love how versatile this tote bag pattern is! While the original uses cream and beige for a neutral, sophisticated look, I've experimented with so many color combinations that completely transform the vibe. Try bright, summery colors like coral and turquoise for a beach bag, or go bold with black and white stripes for a modern, graphic look. You could even work the base in one color and switch to variegated yarn for the body to create a unique ombre effect.
For a more eco-conscious version, I've made this bag using recycled cotton yarn or T-shirt yarn, which creates an even sturdier structure perfect for farmer's market trips. The thicker yarn works up faster too! Another fun modification is adjusting the height - work fewer rounds for a shorter, wider bag that's perfect as a project tote for your yarn stash, or add more rounds to create a tall, narrow bag ideal for carrying wine bottles or baguettes.
If you want to add personal touches, consider working a simple monogram or motif into rounds 49-53 where the pattern calls for plain single crochet in cream. You could also add pockets to the inside by crocheting separate rectangular pieces and sewing them to the interior before finishing. I've even added magnetic snap closures to the top edge for bags I use for work, keeping everything secure while commuting. The spike stitch technique itself is forgiving enough that you can play with the pattern - try alternating the colors every few rounds instead of just at the top, or work the entire bag in spike stitch for maximum texture.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Not crocheting around a second strand of yarn for structure, resulting in a floppy bag that won't hold its shape properly
✗ Pulling spike stitches too tight or too loose, creating uneven texture - remember to pull loops up to the height of the current round
✗ Forgetting to work in back loops only during the body rounds, which changes the texture and appearance of the spike stitch pattern
✗ Misplacing strap positions without using stitch markers first, leading to uneven or crooked handles that affect the bag's balance and appearance
