This red heart i love guide walks through the key details from the source pattern. Making a tote bag can be a warm project that blends style with practicality. The I Love My Tote Bag pattern shows charming heart motifs that come as one to create a vibrant accessory perfect for carrying your daily essentials or market finds. This bag not only serves a useful purpose but also shows your crochet skills in a fun and colorful way.
Made for intermediate makers, this pattern requires an knowing of various crochet stitches and skills. The heart motifs are crocheted apart and then assembled, making it key to pay close focus to the build details provided in the steps.
Understanding the Construction of the Tote Bag in This Red Heart Crochet I Love My Tote Bag
This tote bag is constructed using bordered heart motifs, which are sewn as one to form two panels. The panels are then edged and joined to a gusset that creates the sides and bottom of the bag. The handles are worked on the top edge of the panels, giving both functionality and style. It’s crucial to follow the assembly steps well to ensure the motifs align correctly, mainly since the squares are joined horizontally first before moving to vertical joins.
Color Management for a Vibrant Look in This Red Heart Crochet I Love My Tote Bag
The pattern utilizes four colors, which can be arranged in a way that maximizes visual appeal. Each heart motif is made using exact colors, with the recommendation to make six motifs each of the chosen colors. This arrangement allows for a balanced display of colors through the bag. When changing colors, be mindful of how they interact with one another to maintain a cohesive look that boosts the full design.
Tips for Joining the Motifs
Joining the motifs is an key step in creating a seamless look for your tote bag. Begin by joining the last motifs of the first and second panels with their wrong sides as one. Work through the inner loops of the horizontal edges first, as this helps keep the seams tidy. Once the horizontal joins are complete, proceed to the vertical joins to secure the entire structure, making sure that everything aligns properly.
Specifications for the I Love My Tote Bag Pattern
Sizes & fit
Tote measures: 14” (35.5 cm) long x 14” (35.5 cm) wide x 3” (7.5 cm) deep, excluding handles Special Stitches ehdc (extended half double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over, draw up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through one loop on hook, yarn over, draw through all 3 loops on hook.
Gauge & motif dimensions
Heart Motif through Row 5 = 4” (10 cm) across at widest point. Each motif measures 4½” (11.5 cm) long x 4½” (11.5 cm) wide, slightly stretched. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge. Continued…
Pattern skill level: Intermediate.
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Round 2 (right side): Ch 1, sc in same st as join, sc in each ch to next 2 sc, sc in each of next 2 sc, sc in each of next 2 ch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch (corner made), sc in each of next 3 ch, sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 7 ch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch (corner made), sc in each of 6 ch, sc in next sc, sc in each of next 6 ch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch (corner made), sc in each of next 7 ch, sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 3 ch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch (corner made), sc in each of next 2 ch, sc in last sc; join with slip st in first sc, turn—60 sc and 4 ch-2 spaces. Fasten off, leaving a sewing length. Gusset With D, ch 14.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn—13 sc.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 4, skip next 3 sc, sc in next sc] 3 times, turn—4 sc; 3 ch-4 spaces.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first sc, ch 1, slip st in first ch-4 space, [ch 4, slip st in next ch-4 space] twice, ch 1, sc in last sc, turn—2 sc and 2 ch-4 spaces.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 4, slip st in next ch-4 space] twice, ch 4, sc in last sc, turn—2 sc; 3 ch-4 spaces. Repeat Rows 3-4 until Gusset measures 37½” (95 cm) long, ending with Row 3. Next Row: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 4, sc in next ch-4 space] twice, ch 4, sc in last sc, turn—4 sc; 3 ch-4 spaces. Next Row: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [3 sc in next ch-4 space, sc in next sc] 3 times, turn—13 sc Last Row: Ch 1, sc in each sc across—13 sc. Fasten off.
Hook specified in the pattern
Susan Bates® Crochet Hooks: 4mm [G-6 US]
Materials Required for the I Love My Tote Bag Pattern
RED HEART® Super Saver®: 1 ball each of 718 Shocking Pink A, 319 Cherry Red B, 726 Coral C, and 400 Grey Heather D Susan Bates® Crochet Hooks: 4mm [G-6 US] Yarn needle, Stitch markers
Instructions for Completing the I Love My Tote Bag Pattern
Round 1: With wrong side facing, join D with sc in marked st, sc in next st, ch 6, skip next 4 sts, sc in each of next 3 sts, ch 14, skip next 8 sc, sc in 2nd ch of next ch-3 space, ch 14, skip next 8 sc, sc in each of next 3 sts, ch 6, skip next 4 sts, sc in each of next 2 sts, ch 5; join with slip st in first sc, turn—11 sc and 45 ch. Tote measures: 14” (35.5 cm) long x 14” (35.5 cm) wide x 3” (7.5 cm) deep, excluding handles Special Stitches ehdc (extended half double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over, draw up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through one loop on hook, yarn over, draw through all 3 loops on hook.
Notes
1. Tote is made from bordered heart motifs sewn together to form 2 panels. Panels are edged then joined to gusset that forms the sides and bottom of the tote. Handles are worked on top edge of panels. 2. Each heart is worked in turned rounds. Not all rounds are joined so follow instructions carefully. Border is added to create a square. 3. Squares are joined across horizontal edges first, then joined across vertical edges. 4. Gusset is designed to stretch. Measure length along outer edge.
TOTE
Motifs Heart (make 18: 6 each with A, B, and C) Ch 2.
Round 1 (right side): Work 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook; join with slip st in first sc, turn—6 sc. Note Place markers on Round 2 before joining.
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around; join with slip st in first sc, turn—12 sc. Place markers in first and last sts.
Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in first marked st, (sc, hdc) in next st, hdc in next st, (hdc, dc) in next st, 2 dc in next st, (tr, ch 3, tr) in next st, 2 dc in next st, (dc, hdc) in next st, hdc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st, 2 sc in next st, slip st in last marked st; do not join to first st, turn—20 sts; 1 ch-3 space. RED HEART® Super Saver®, Art. E300 available in solid color 7 oz (198 g), 364 yd (333 m); multicolor, heather and print 5 oz (141 g), 244 yd (223 m), flecks 5 oz (141 g), 260 yds (238 m) skeins Designed by Randy Cavaliere What you will need: RED HEART® Super Saver®: 1 ball each of 718 Shocking Pink A, 319 Cherry Red B, 726 Coral C, and 400 Grey Heather D Susan Bates® Crochet Hooks: 4mm [G-6 US] Yarn needle, Stitch markers GAUGE: Heart Motif through Row 5 = 4” (10 cm) across at widest point. Each motif measures 4½” (11.5 cm) long x 4½” (11.5 cm) wide, slightly stretched. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge. Continued…
Pattern skill level: Intermediate.
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Round 2 (right side): Ch 1, sc in same st as join, sc in each ch to next 2 sc, sc in each of next 2 sc, sc in each of next 2 ch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch (corner made), sc in each of next 3 ch, sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 7 ch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch (corner made), sc in each of 6 ch, sc in next sc, sc in each of next 6 ch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch (corner made), sc in each of next 7 ch, sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 3 ch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch (corner made), sc in each of next 2 ch, sc in last sc; join with slip st in first sc, turn—60 sc and 4 ch-2 spaces. Fasten off, leaving a sewing length. Gusset With D, ch 14.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn—13 sc.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 4, skip next 3 sc, sc in next sc] 3 times, turn—4 sc; 3 ch-4 spaces.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first sc, ch 1, slip st in first ch-4 space, [ch 4, slip st in next ch-4 space] twice, ch 1, sc in last sc, turn—2 sc and 2 ch-4 spaces.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 4, slip st in next ch-4 space] twice, ch 4, sc in last sc, turn—2 sc; 3 ch-4 spaces. Repeat Rows 3-4 until Gusset measures 37½” (95 cm) long, ending with Row 3. Next Row: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 4, sc in next ch-4 space] twice, ch 4, sc in last sc, turn—4 sc; 3 ch-4 spaces. Next Row: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [3 sc in next ch-4 space, sc in next sc] 3 times, turn—13 sc Last Row: Ch 1, sc in each sc across—13 sc. Fasten off.
FINISHING
Front/Back Panel (make 2) Join 9 Motifs together following Assembly Diagram for placement. Horizontal Strips 1 and 2 are joined from last motifs across to first motifs, then Horizontal Strip 3 is joined to Strip 2 in the same manner. When joining vertically, skip over horizontal join and work into loops of remaining ch. Horizontal Join: Hold last Motifs of first and 2nd panels with wrong sides together, working through inner loops of horizontal edges, join A with slip st in 2nd ch of first ch-2 space, ** *ch 1, slip st in next st; repeat from * across to next ch-2 space, ch 1, slip st in first ch of next ch-2 space***, ch 1, slip st in 2nd ch of ch-2 space of next motif; repeat from ** once; repeat from ** to *** once. Fasten off. Repeat to attach Panel 3 to the bottom of Panel 2. Vertical Join: Rotate panel so right side and vertical edges are facing. Working through inner loops of vertical edges, join A with slip st to 2nd ch of first ch-2 space, ** *ch 1, slip st in next st; repeat from * across to next ch-2 space ch 1, slip st in first ch of next ch-2 space***, ch 1, slip st in 2nd ch of ch-2 space of next motif; repeat from ** once; repeat from ** to *** once. Fasten off. Repeat Vertical Join across 3 remaining unjoined Motifs. Panel Edging
Round 1: With right side facing, join A with sc in any outer corner ch-2 space, working in back loops only, *sc in each sc and ch-space to next outer corner ch-2 space**, sc in next ch-2 space; repeat from * around, ending last repeat at **; join with slip st in first sc. Block each panel to 14” x 14” (35.5 x 35.5 cm). On top edge, find midpoint over A and C-colored hearts and place markers 2 sts to the right of each midpoint (for placement of Handles). Gusset Measuring along long edge, place markers on each edge of Gusset to divide it into 3 equal sections. Holding long edge to wrong side of panel, place first and last rows at sc in ch-2 spaces at top corners and marked rows to sc in ch-2 spaces at bottom corners. Sew Gusset to inner loops of Edging around both sides and bottom. Repeat to attach other long edge to 2nd panel. First Handle With wrong side of top of front panel facing, join C with sc to first marked st over A-colored heart.
Row 1 (wrong side): Sc in next 4 sc, turn— 5 sc.
Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st), hdc in first sc, hdc in each sc across, turn—5 hdc. Repeat Row 2 until strap measures 10” (25.5 cm) from beginning, change to B. With B, repeat Row 2 until strap measures 20” (51 cm) from beginning, ending with a wrong side row. With wrong side of panel facing, hold right sides of strap and panel together at 2nd marked st over C-colored heart. Last Row: Ch 1, working through double thickness, sc in each of next 5 sts—5 sc. Fasten off. Repeat for Second Handle on back panel. Weave in ends.
ABBREVIATIONS
A, B, C = color A, B, C; ch = chain; dc = double crochet; hdc = half double crochet;
| Abbreviation | Meaning in the original pattern |
|---|---|
| sc | single crochet |
| sp(s) | space(s) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| tr | treble (triple) crochet; ( ) = work directions in parentheses into same st; [ ] = work directions in brackets the number of times specified; * or ** = repeat whatever follows the * or ** as indicated. |
A B C
BC A
C AB
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
FRONT AND BACK
STRIP 1
VERTICAL
JOIN 1
VERTICAL
JOIN 2
STRIP 2
STRIP 3
LW4069 I LOVE SHOPPING TOTE
DIAGRAM
Frequently Asked Questions about the I Love My Tote Bag
How do I ensure my motifs are the correct size?
To ensure that your heart motifs are the correct size, it is key to check your gauge. The pattern lists that the heart motif through row five measures four inches across at its widest point. Each completed motif should be slightly stretched to achieve the chosen sizes. Adjust your hook size if needed to meet the gauge requirement. This will affect the full size of the done tote.
What is the best way to join the motifs?
The motifs are joined both horizontally and vertically. Start by joining the last motifs of the first and second panels with their wrong sides as one, working through the inner loops of the horizontal edges. After securing the horizontal joins, proceed to the vertical joins. It’s key to follow the assembly steps well to ensure that the motifs align correctly and create a cohesive look.
Can I customize the colors used in this pattern?
Absolutely! While the pattern suggests exact colors, you can customize your tote bag with your favorite shades. Just keep in mind the full color balance when selecting your yarns. The heart motifs will still maintain their charm regardless of the colors you choose, letting for a own touch in your done project.
Now that you have a clear knowing of how to approach this tote bag project, gather your supplies and start making those heart motifs. Enjoy the process of creating something nice and useful that shows your crochet skills!
Save & Print This Crochet Pattern
Prefer working offline or keeping a printed copy in your project bag? Download our formatted Crochet I Love My Tote Bag printable PDF guide below, complete with the full materials table, stitch diagrams, color-key charts, and step-by-step assembly instructions prepared for Derecipe.
READER COMMENTS & PATTERN QUESTIONS
Have a question about stitch counts, yarn substitutions, or sizing? Leave a comment below — Mary Ward reads and replies to every maker question!