If you are looking for a crochet bag that feels cheerful, practical, and straightforward to make, the Asbury Tote is a wonderful project to add to your handmade collection. This tote combines a simple crocheted base with a body worked in the round, decorative color changes, sturdy cord handles, and grommets that give the finished bag a distinctive look.
The design is especially appealing for warm-weather use. Its colorful stripes make it an easy accessory for beach days, swimming trips, summer outings, or everyday errands. Although the finished tote has a playful appearance, the construction is uncomplicated: first crochet the rectangular base, then build the bag upward in rounds, finish the top section, add the grommets, and attach the cord handles.
This tutorial walks through the project in a beginner-friendly way while keeping the original pattern instructions and stitch counts intact. The Asbury Tote measures 15 1/2 inches long by 14 inches high by 4 inches wide when finished. The pattern uses Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn in Woodbury, Cream, and Aqua, along with a 6.5 mm crochet hook.
Why the Asbury Tote Makes a Great Summer Project
A handmade tote is one of those crochet projects that can be both enjoyable to make and genuinely useful after the final ends are woven in. The Asbury Tote has a relaxed, colorful character that works particularly well with summer clothing and casual outfits.
The pattern also offers several different crochet techniques without making the project overly complicated. You begin with rows of single crochet for the base, transition into rounds for the body, work through single crochet in the back loop only, introduce double crochet, and then use the half double crochet cluster technique for a textured section.
Another attractive feature is the color arrangement. Woodbury, Cream, and Aqua create three distinct visual elements in the tote. The colors are introduced at specific rounds, so the finished bag develops its striped and textured appearance as you work upward.
The construction is also practical. The pattern uses Bernat Maker Home Dec, a cotton and nylon blend that gives the fabric softness while also providing durability. The addition of twisted cord handles and grommets completes the tote with a sturdy, functional finish.
Finished Measurements
The completed Asbury Tote measures:
- 15 1/2 inches long
- 14 inches high
- 4 inches wide
These measurements describe the finished tote and are useful when checking the overall proportions of your project. Keeping the specified hook size and yarn helps you work toward the intended result.
Materials You Will Need
Before beginning, gather all of the supplies required for the crochet and finishing stages. Having the grommet equipment and cord ready before you reach the final stage can make assembly much easier.
- Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn in Woodbury, Cream, and Aqua
- A little more than half a skein of Woodbury
- About 1/4 skein of Cream
- A little less than 1/4 skein of Aqua
- 6.5 mm crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Grommet kit
- Hammer for the grommets
- 1 1/2 yards of 3/8-inch twisted cord for the handles
The original project uses a grommet kit with a tool, and the handles are made from twisted cord. The pattern notes that similar cord can be found from a variety of retailers, so the important construction detail is the specified 1 1/2 yards of 3/8-inch twisted cord.
Understanding the Yarn Choice
The Asbury Tote uses Bernat Maker Home Dec in Woodbury, Cream, and Aqua. The combination of cotton and nylon gives this yarn a soft feel while also making it durable, which is useful for a bag intended to be carried and used regularly.
Woodbury is the primary color and is used extensively throughout the pattern. Cream and Aqua are introduced for the decorative sections of the body. Pay attention to each color-change instruction because the sequence is part of the finished design.
Pattern Abbreviations
These are the abbreviations used throughout the pattern:
- ch — Chain
- sc — Single Crochet
- dc — Double Crochet
- HDCC — Half Double Crochet Cluster
- blo — Back Loop Only
- st — Stitch
How the HDCC Is Worked
The half double crochet cluster used in the pattern has a specific construction. Yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop so that there are 3 loops on the hook. Yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop so that there are 5 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 5 loops on the hook. Then chain 1.
The original pattern describes this essentially as creating a half double crochet decrease followed by a chain 1. Because this stitch is part of a specific round sequence, follow the instructions exactly rather than substituting another cluster stitch.
Step 1: Crochet the Base
The first part of the Asbury Tote is a flat rectangular base. The base is worked using Woodbury and consists of 12 rows. Once the base is complete, the body will be crocheted around its edges.
Base Instructions
Using Woodbury, chain 37.
Row 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each remaining chain across. You should have 36 stitches.
Row 2: Chain 1, turn, and single crochet in each stitch across. You should have 36 stitches.
Rows 3 through 12: Repeat Row 2.
At the end of Row 12, you have the rectangular base needed for the tote. This section establishes the foundation around which the body will be built.
Base Checkpoint
- Starting chain: 37
- Row 1 stitch count: 36
- Row 2 stitch count: 36
- Rows 3 through 12: repeat Row 2
- Color: Woodbury
It is helpful to check the base before beginning Round 1 of the body. A neat, even rectangle makes the transition into the round easier to manage.
Step 2: Begin the Body in the Round
Once the base is finished, the construction changes. Instead of working back and forth in rows, the remainder of the body is crocheted in the round.
The first round travels around the entire base. This is where the pattern creates the additional stitches needed around the corners and along the short sides.
Round 1
Chain 1 and turn. Work 3 single crochet stitches in the first stitch, then work 1 single crochet in each of the next 34 stitches. Work 3 single crochet stitches in the next stitch.
Next, crochet 11 single crochet stitches along the short side of the base. In the 11th stitch, crochet 3 single crochet stitches. Continue by working 1 single crochet in each of the next 34 stitches, followed by 3 single crochet stitches in the next stitch.
Finally, crochet 10 single crochet stitches along the other short side of the base. Slip stitch to the first single crochet of the round.
Total: 100 stitches.
Step 3: Build the Lower Body with Back Loop Only Stitches
Rounds 2 through 6 create the first section of the tote body. These rounds use single crochet worked through the back loop only. This technique creates a subtle horizontal ridge and gives the fabric additional visual texture.
Rounds 2 through 6: Chain 1, single crochet through the back loop only in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch.
Each round has 100 stitches.
Because the pattern remains at 100 stitches, this is an excellent point to perform regular stitch-count checks. If your count changes unexpectedly, correcting the issue now is easier than discovering it after several more rounds.
Step 4: Add the Cream Double Crochet Section
After completing Round 6, change to Cream. The next round introduces double crochet worked through the back loop only.
Round 7: Chain 2, double crochet through the back loop only in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch.
Total: 100 stitches.
This round provides a noticeable change in both stitch height and color. Keep the double crochet stitches consistent around the entire round so the top edge of this section remains even.
Step 5: Work the Aqua HDCC Round
Change to Aqua for Round 8. This is the most distinctive stitch section in the first color sequence.
Round 8: Chain 2. Complete the HDCC starting in the first stitch as the join. Continue completing the HDCC all the way around, remembering to chain 1 after each stitch. Join with a slip stitch.
Total: 100 stitches.
The chain 1 after each HDCC is an important part of the pattern. Do not omit these chains because they are included in the original construction of the round.
Step 6: Repeat the Color and Texture Sequence
Round 9: Repeat Round 7. This means working with the Round 7 double crochet construction and maintaining a total of 100 stitches.
Rounds 10 through 25: Repeat Rounds 2 through 9 respectively twice.
This repetition creates the central decorative body of the tote. Since several rounds are repeated, keeping track of where you are in the sequence can be useful. A simple written checklist of rounds 2 through 9 can help prevent accidentally skipping a color or stitch pattern.
Central Body Checkpoint
- Rounds 2–6: single crochet through back loop only, 100 stitches each
- Round 7: Cream, double crochet through back loop only, 100 stitches
- Round 8: Aqua, HDCC with chain 1 after each stitch, 100 stitches
- Round 9: repeat Round 7, 100 stitches
- Rounds 10–25: repeat Rounds 2–9 respectively twice
The repeated sequence is what gives the tote its recognizable striped and textured appearance.
Step 7: Finish the Upper Section with Single Crochet
After Round 25, the pattern becomes simpler again. The remaining rounds are worked in the round using only single crochet.
Round 26 — Woodbury: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch. Total: 100 stitches.
Round 27 — Cream: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch. Total: 100 stitches.
Round 28 — Aqua: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch. Total: 100 stitches.
Round 29: Repeat Round 26. Total: 100 stitches.
Round 30: Repeat Round 27. Total: 100 stitches.
Round 31: Repeat Round 26. Total: 100 stitches.
Round 32: Repeat Round 25. Total: 100 stitches.
After completing Round 32, bind off and weave in the ends.
Keeping the Color Changes Organized
The Asbury Tote has a carefully specified color sequence, so it is worth paying attention whenever the pattern says to change colors. Woodbury is used for the base and returns in the upper section, while Cream and Aqua create the contrasting decorative bands.
When changing colors, finish the specified round before moving to the next color. If you prefer, keep a small checklist beside your work and mark each completed round. This is particularly useful during Rounds 10 through 25 because the earlier sequence is repeated twice.
Another useful habit is to count your stitches at the end of each round. The body consistently uses 100 stitches, making the number a convenient checkpoint throughout the project.
Adding the Grommets
Once the crochet body is complete, the tote receives its grommets. These create the attachment points for the cord handles and add a polished detail to the finished bag.
Lay your tote flat upside down so that the opening is facing you. On the second Aqua round, count 13 stitches in on each side. The grommets are placed between the 13th and 14th single crochet stitch on each side.
The original pattern includes a video tutorial demonstrating how to add the exact type of grommets used for the tote. The instructions direct you to begin that video at the 19:12 mark.
When working with the hammer and grommet tool, take care to position the tote securely and follow the directions for your grommet kit. The crochet fabric should be positioned so that the grommets are placed exactly where specified in the pattern.
Making and Attaching the Handles
The handles are made from 3/8-inch twisted cord rather than crocheted yarn. The pattern uses 1 1/2 yards of cord, which is cut in half to create the two handle pieces.
To begin, cut the cord in half. Take one piece and place one end through a grommet from the inside of the tote toward the outside. Make a knot to secure it.
Repeat the process with the other end of that same cord piece on the opposite side. Then turn the tote around and attach the second piece of cord in the same manner.
Assembly Tips for a Neat Finished Tote
The final appearance of the Asbury Tote depends not only on the crochet work but also on the finishing. Before securing the handles permanently, look at the tote from the front and check that the two sides are balanced.
- Confirm that the grommets are positioned between the specified 13th and 14th stitches.
- Check that the cord pieces have been cut in half evenly.
- Make sure the knots are secure.
- Check the placement of both handles before considering the assembly complete.
- Weave in the crochet ends neatly before using the bag.
The twisted cord provides a sturdy handle option and complements the structured shape of the tote. The grommets also give the finished bag a clean transition between the crocheted fabric and the handles.
Common Crochet Checkpoints
Because the body repeatedly returns to 100 stitches, stitch counting is one of the easiest ways to keep the project on track.
- Base rows should contain 36 stitches.
- Round 1 of the body should finish with 100 stitches.
- Rounds 2 through 6 should each contain 100 stitches.
- Round 7 should contain 100 stitches.
- Round 8 should contain 100 stitches.
- Round 9 should contain 100 stitches.
- Rounds 10 through 25 maintain 100 stitches.
- Rounds 26 through 32 each maintain 100 stitches.
If your stitch count is different, pause before continuing. Since the pattern does not introduce increases or decreases in the main body rounds, an unexpected change in count is worth investigating before moving forward.
Beginner-Friendly Tips
If this is one of your first crochet bags, take your time with the transition from the flat base to the circular body. Round 1 is more involved than the later rounds because you are working around the sides of the rectangular foundation.
For the back-loop-only rounds, make sure you are inserting the hook into the back loop as instructed. Working through both loops instead will change the texture of the fabric.
The HDCC round deserves particular attention. Read the stitch definition before beginning Round 8 and remember that each completed HDCC is followed by a chain 1.
It can also help to keep your yarn colors organized before beginning the project. Place Woodbury, Cream, and Aqua where they are easy to identify, especially during the repeated central section.
A Simple Project Checklist
- Gather Bernat Maker Home Dec in Woodbury, Cream, and Aqua.
- Prepare the 6.5 mm crochet hook.
- Have a tapestry needle and scissors ready.
- Prepare the grommet kit and hammer for the finishing stage.
- Have 1 1/2 yards of 3/8-inch twisted cord available.
- Complete the 37-chain foundation.
- Work the 12-row base.
- Build Round 1 around the base to 100 stitches.
- Complete the body through Round 32.
- Bind off and weave in the ends.
- Position the grommets between the 13th and 14th stitches as instructed.
- Cut the cord in half.
- Secure the two handles through the grommets.
What Makes the Construction Special?
The Asbury Tote demonstrates how a relatively straightforward crochet structure can produce a visually interesting finished bag. The base is simple and flat, while the body introduces changes in stitch direction, height, texture, and color.
The back-loop-only single crochet rounds establish one texture. The Cream double crochet section changes the height and visual rhythm, while the Aqua HDCC round adds another distinctive detail. Repeating these rounds creates the central decorative portion without requiring complicated shaping.
The upper section then returns to single crochet, providing a simpler finish before the project moves into its hardware and handle stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is the finished Asbury Tote?
The finished tote dimensions are 15 1/2 inches long by 14 inches high by 4 inches wide.
What crochet hook size does the pattern use?
The pattern uses a 6.5 mm crochet hook.
Which yarn colors are used?
The pattern uses Bernat Maker Home Dec in Woodbury, Cream, and Aqua.
How much yarn is required?
You need a little more than half a skein in Woodbury, about 1/4 skein in Cream, and a little less than 1/4 skein in Aqua.
How many stitches are in the body rounds?
The body rounds are worked with 100 stitches. Round 1 establishes the 100-stitch body, and the subsequent body rounds maintain that stitch count.
What is the HDCC stitch?
The HDCC is the Half Double Crochet Cluster described specifically in the pattern. It is worked across two stitches by drawing up loops to create five loops on the hook, pulling through all five loops, and then chaining 1.
What kind of handles are used?
The handles use 3/8-inch twisted cord. The pattern calls for 1 1/2 yards of cord, which is cut in half.
Where are the grommets placed?
With the tote laid flat upside down and the opening facing you, count 13 stitches in on each side on the second Aqua round. The grommets are placed between the 13th and 14th single crochet stitch on each side.
Final Thoughts
The Asbury Tote is a colorful crochet bag with a construction that is easy to follow one stage at a time. Starting with a simple 12-row base, the pattern develops into a 100-stitch body worked in the round. Back-loop-only single crochet, double crochet, and the specially defined HDCC stitch create variation without making the overall project unnecessarily complicated.
The three-color design gives the tote a bright seasonal feel, while the Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn provides a combination of softness and durability. Once the crochet body is finished, the grommets and twisted cord handles turn the crocheted fabric into a practical tote that is ready for everyday use.
For the smoothest experience, keep your stitch counts organized, follow every color change as written, and pay special attention to Round 8 and the grommet placement. With those checkpoints in mind, you can work through the project confidently and enjoy watching the colorful tote take shape.
The finished bag is particularly suited to the warmer months, making it a fun handmade accessory for beach trips, swimming, casual outings, and summer days. Whether you are an experienced crocheter or learning how to construct your first tote, the Asbury Tote offers a satisfying combination of simple construction, interesting texture, and colorful finishing details.