The Timberlost Tote is a practical and eye-catching crochet bag worked with a combination of simple stitches, textured stitch patterns, multiple colors, and sturdy construction. The finished tote measures 13.5” W, 11” T, and 3.5” D, making it useful for everyday essentials, crochet projects, supplies, or other items you want to carry with you.
This crochet tote is worked from the bottom up in two identical panels. Once the panels are complete, they are seamed together along the bottom and sides before the bottom corners are shaped. A crocheted upper trim creates the finished opening, while two drawstring cords provide the closure. Finally, two crocheted straps are sewn securely to the bag.
One of the most enjoyable features of this design is the variety of stripes and stitch textures. The pattern moves through single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, slip stitch, front post and back post double crochet, clusters, chain spaces, and other stitch combinations. The color changes give each section a distinct appearance while keeping the construction consistent.
What Makes the Timberlost Tote Special?
This tote is designed around two identical panels, so once you understand the first panel, the second one follows the exact same construction. The panels begin with a foundation chain and are worked upward. The lower portion starts with simple rows before gradually introducing decorative stitch combinations and colorful stripes.
The design also includes practical construction details. The bottom is extended by 8 single crochet stitches on both sides using foundation single crochet stitches. Later rows maintain a width of 77 stitches. At the top, four rounds of trim create a finished edge around the opening.
The drawstring cords are worked separately in Color C and reach approximately 26” long. Two straps are then made in Color A, each approximately 24” long, although the strap length can be adjusted according to preference.
Materials You Will Need
- Worsted (4) Weight Yarn, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Ecru — 3 skeins or 500 yards
- Worsted (4) Weight Yarn, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Spruce — 1 skein or 95 yards
- Worsted (4) Weight Yarn, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Beachnut — 1 skein or 110 yards
- Worsted (4) Weight Yarn, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Camel — 1 skein or 125 yards
- G/4.00mm Crochet Hook
- Needle
- Measuring Tape
- Scissors
Finished Measurements and Gauge
The completed Timberlost Tote measures 13.5” W, 11” T, and 3.5” D.
The gauge is 18 Sc by rows 1-19 of pattern = 4×4”. Checking gauge can be helpful before beginning the main panels, especially if you want the finished bag to remain close to the stated measurements.
Color Key and Crochet Abbreviations
The pattern uses US crochet terminology throughout.
- Color A: Ecru
- Color B: Spruce
- Color C: Beachnut
- Color D: Camel
- Ch(s): Chain(s)
- Sc: Single Crochet
- RS: Right Side
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Dc: Double Crochet
- Sk: Skip
- Sp: Space
- Hdc: Half Double Crochet
- Sl St: Slip Stitch
- Fpdc: Front Post Double Crochet
- Bpdc: Back Post Double Crochet
- BLO: Back Loop Only
Important Notes Before You Begin
The bag is made in 2 separate panels from the bottom up. Each panel is worked identically, so it is useful to keep your row counts organized as you progress.
Starting Ch 1’s do not count as a stitch. Starting Ch 2’s also do not count as a stitch. There are two specific exceptions to remember: the Ch 3 in Row 14 counts as 1 stitch, and the Ch 4 in Row 15 counts as 1 stitch and 1 Ch-1 space.
When changing colors at the ends of rows, the yarn can often be dropped and floated up the side rather than immediately cut. When you return to that color later, this can reduce the number of yarn ends that need to be woven in. There will still be several places where the yarn needs to be cut and joined on the opposite side.
In Row 28, when the pattern says to work in the stitch from two rows below, the double crochet is worked around the Ch 3 from the previous row, with the stitch worked into the top of the double crochet from the row before it.
In Row 37, when the pattern says to work in the stitch from two rows below, the half double crochet is worked around the chain from the previous row, with the stitch worked into the Ch-1 space from the row before it.
Make the Two Main Panels
You will make 2 identical panels. Begin both panels with Color A.
Rows 1-8: Building the Beginning of the Panel
With Color A, Ch 62.
Row 1: 1 Sc in the second Ch from the hook and each Ch across, turn. (61 Sc)
Row 2 (RS): Ch 1, 1 Sc in each St across, turn. (61 Sc)
Switch to Color B.
Row 3: Ch 1, *1 Sc, 1 Dc*, repeat from * to * across the row until 1 St remains, 1 Sc in last, turn. (61 Sts)
Row 4: Repeat Row 2. (61 Sc)
Switch to Color A.
Row 5: Repeat Row 2.
Switch to Color C.
Row 6: Repeat Row 2.
Row 7: Repeat Row 3.
Row 8: Repeat Row 2.
Fasten off. Turn your work and set it aside. The following row extends both sides by 8 Sc using Fsc stitches to shape the bottom of the bag.
Rows 9-13: Extending the Bottom
Start with a new strand of Color A.
Row 9: 8 Fsc, join back into the main body of the bag by working a Sc into the last St made in Row 8, continue with 1 Sc in each St across, then work 8 Fsc to extend the opposite side. Turn. (77 Sc)
When working the final 8 Fsc, Ch 2, work the first Fsc St in the first Ch, and continue as normal for a total of 8 Fsc.
Rows 10-13: Repeat Row 2.
At this stage, the panel has expanded from 61 stitches to 77 stitches, establishing the wider body used throughout the remainder of the panel.
Rows 14-19: Decorative Stitch Section
Switch to Color D.
Row 14: Ch 3 (counts as 1 Dc), 3 Dc in first St, *Sk 3 Sts, 1 Sc in next Sc St, Ch 3, 3 Dc in the same St as the Sc*, repeat from * to * across row until 4 Sts remain, Sk 3, 1 Sc in final St, turn. (77 Sts)
Row 15: Ch 4 (counts as 1 Dc and 1 Ch-1), *Special St in next 3 Dc, Ch 1, 1 Sc in Ch-3 Sp, Ch 1*, repeat from * to * across row until 4 Sts remain, Special St in last 3 Dc, Ch 1, 1 Sc in top of last St (the starting Ch 3), turn. (77 Sts)
Switch to Color A.
Row 16: Ch 1, 1 Sc in each St and Ch Sp across, turn. (77 Sc)
Remember that the starting Ch 4 from the previous row counts. The second to last St will therefore be worked in the Ch 4 Sp, and the last Sc will be worked in the 3rd Ch of the starting Ch 4.
Rows 17-19: Repeat Row 2.
Special Stitch Instructions
The decorative section includes a Special Stitch. Work it exactly as follows:
Special Stitch: YO, insert hook in the first Dc of the set of 3, YO and pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops on hook, YO, insert hook in next Dc, YO and pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops on hook, YO, insert hook in SAME Dc, YO, pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops on hook, YO, insert hook in last Dc, YO, pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops on hook, YO and pull through all 5 loops on hook.
The pattern also uses a 4-Dc Cluster and a 2-Dc Cluster later in the project.
4-Dc Cluster: YO, insert your hook into indicated St, YO and pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops on hook, *YO, insert hook into same St, YO and pull up a loop, YO pull through 2 loops on hook*, repeat from * to * 2 more times, YO, pull through all 5 loops on hook.
2-Dc Cluster: YO, insert your hook into indicated St, YO and pull up. All, YO, pull through 2 loops on hook, YO, insert hook into same St, YO and pull up a loop, YO pull through 2 loops on hook, YO and pull through all 3 loops on hook.
Rows 20-25: Half Double Crochet Texture
Switch to Color C.
Row 20: Ch 1, 1 Hdc in each St across, turn. (77 Hdc)
Switch to Color B.
Row 21: Ch 1, *1 Hdc, 1 Sl St*, repeat from * to * across the row until 1 St remains, 1 Hdc in last St, turn. (77 Sts)
Switch to Color D.
Row 22: Repeat Row 20.
Switch to Color A.
Rows 23-25: Repeat Row 2.
This section provides a visual transition between the earlier decorative stitches and the more dimensional post-stitch work that follows.
Rows 26-34: Openwork and Post-Stitch Details
Switch to Color B.
Row 26: Ch 2, 1 Dc in each St across, turn. (77 Dc)
Row 27: Ch 1, 1 Sc in first St, *Ch 3, Sk 3, 1 Sc*, repeat from * to * across the row, turn. (77 Sts)
Switch to Color A as your working yarn. Color B will be carried along only for the following row. To carry the yarn, work your Dc stitches over the yarn strand and the Ch 3 to hide them under the stitches.
Row 28: With Color A, Ch 2, 1 Dc in first St, *1 Dc in the next 3 Sts, from 2 rows below (the 3 skipped Dc Sts), switch to Color B, work 1 Fpdc around the post of the Dc from 2 rows below, switch back to Color A*, repeat from * to * across the row until 4 Sts remain, 1 Dc in next 3 Sts from 2 rows below, 1 Dc in final St of previous row, turn. (77 Dc)
Switch to Color B.
Row 29: Ch 2, 1 Dc in first St, *1 Dc in next 3 Sts, 1 Bpdc around following St*, repeat from * to * across the row until 4 Sts remain, 1 Dc in final 4 Sts, turn. (77 Dc)
Switch to Color A.
Rows 30-34: Repeat Row 2.
Rows 35-38: Cluster Texture
Switch to Color C.
Row 35: Ch 2, 1 Dc in first St, Ch 1, Sk 1, 4-Dc Cluster, *Ch 1, Sk 1, 2-Dc Cluster, Ch 1, Sk 1, 4-Dc Cluster* repeat from * to * across the row until 2 Sts remain, Ch 1, Sk 1, 1 Dc in final St, turn. (77 Sts)
Row 36: Ch 1, 1 Sc in first St, *Ch 1, Sk 1, 1 Sc*, repeat from * to * across the row, turn. (77 Sts)
Switch to Color D.
Row 37: Ch 1, 1 Hdc in first St, *1 Hdc in Ch-1 Sp from 2 rows below, 1 Hdc in top of next St from previous row*, repeat from * to * across the row, turn. (77 Hdc)
Row 38: Ch 1, 1 Sc in each St across, turn. (77 Sc)
Rows 39-52: Completing the Main Panel
Switch to Color A.
Rows 39 & 40: Repeat Row 2.
Switch to Color C.
Row 41: Repeat Row 21.
Row 42: Repeat Row 2.
Switch to Color A.
Rows 43 & 44: Repeat Row 2.
Switch to Color D.
Row 45: Repeat Row 21.
Row 46: Repeat Row 2.
Switch to Color A.
Rows 47 & 48: Repeat Row 2.
Switch to Color B.
Row 49: Repeat Row 21.
Row 50: Repeat Row 2.
Switch to Color A.
Rows 51 & 52: Repeat Row 2.
Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming the side of the bag.
Adding the Upper Trim
With the bag RS still facing, join Color A with a Sl St to the left of either side seam.
Round 1: Ch 1, 1 Sc in each St around, Sl St to the first Sc made to join, turn. (154 Sc)
Round 2: Ch 2, 1 Dc in each St around, Sl St to the first Dc made to join, turn. (154 Dc)
Rounds 3 & 4: Repeat Round 1.
Fasten off.
Make the Two Drawstring Cords
You will make 2 drawstring cords using Color C.
With Color C, Ch 2, 1 Sc in first Ch made, rotate your work slightly and insert your hook into the loop on the side of the stitch you just made, work 1 Sc into it.
Then repeat the following process: rotate your work slightly, find the 2 loops next to each other on the side of the stitch, insert your hook underneath them and work 1 Sc. Continue until the cord reaches approximately 26” long.
Fasten off.
Alternatively, you can work a long chain until it is approximately 30” long, then Sl St into the second Ch from the hook and in each Ch across.
Make the Two Straps
Make 2 straps with Color A.
Foundation: Ch 9, leaving a 12” long tail for sewing.
Row 1: 1 Sc (BLO) in the second Ch from the hook and across, turn. (8 Sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, insert your hook into the BLO of the first St plus the BLO of the St from the row below and work 1 Sc, continue working Sc Sts across the row, putting your hook in the BLO of the current row and the BLO of the row below, turn. (8 Sc)
Repeat Row 2 until the strap reaches approximately 24”. The strap length can be adjusted if you prefer longer or shorter straps.
Final Row: Ch 1, insert your hook under the back loop of the first St, plus the BLO of the row below, work a Sl St. Continue working Sl Sts across the row, putting your hook under the back loop of the current St and the BLO of the St in the row below.
Fasten off, leaving a 12” tail for sewing the strap to the bag.
Assembling the Timberlost Tote
Once both panels, the drawstrings, and the straps are complete, it is time to turn the flat crochet pieces into the finished tote. Take your time during assembly because accurate alignment will help the finished bag look balanced and symmetrical.
Place both panels of your bag together with the RS facing. Using your needle and yarn tail, sew the bottom of Row 1 of both panels together.
Next, sew the sides of the bag together along Rows 9-52. Keep the two panels aligned as you work so the side seams remain even.
Now sew the bottom corners together. Open up each corner of the bag and line up the side seam with the bottom seam. Sandwich the sections together and sew across to close.
Adding the Drawstrings
Turn the bag RS out. Weave the first drawstring from right to left on one of the panels.
Insert the cord just to the left of the side seam in Round 2. Weave the cord in and out approximately every 5 Dc Sts until you reach the opposite side seam. The placement can be adjusted if desired.
Repeat the same process on the second side with the second cord. Tie the ends of the cords together in a knot. You can add a tassel, a pompom, or leave the cord ends bare. Repeat on the opposite side.
Sewing the Straps in Place
Finally, add the straps. Turn your bag WS out.
Line up your strap approximately 4” away from the edge of the bag on both sides. Overlap the strap edges and bag about 2” from the top of the bag.
Before sewing, make sure both sides of the strap are lined up evenly. You can adjust the strap placement according to your preference. Most importantly, make sure the straps are not twisted.
Stitch markers can be useful for temporarily holding the straps in position while you sew.
Sew the bottom of the strap and work in a rectangular shape as you sew. Stop just before the row with your drawstring and keep the seam below it. Do not sew over the drawstring rows because doing so would prevent the cord from moving.
Repeat the process on the other side of the bag, checking carefully that the second strap is positioned evenly with the first.
Helpful Tips for Color Changes
The Timberlost Tote uses four colors: Ecru, Spruce, Beachnut, and Camel. Rather than cutting the yarn every time you change colors, the pattern specifically recommends dropping the yarn at the end of the row and floating it up the side whenever possible.
This technique can reduce the number of yarn ends you need to weave in later. However, there are several color changes where cutting and joining on the opposite side is necessary, so expect to have some ends to finish.
When carrying Color B in Row 28, work your Color A double crochet stitches over the yarn strand and the Ch 3. This hides the carried strand beneath the stitches.
Stitch and Count Checkpoints
- Rows 1-8 begin with 61 stitches.
- Row 1 has 61 Sc.
- Rows 2 and 4 have 61 Sc.
- Row 3 has 61 Sts.
- Row 9 expands the panel to 77 Sc.
- Rows 10-13 maintain 77 stitches.
- Rows 14 and 15 contain 77 stitches.
- Row 16 contains 77 Sc.
- Rows 17-19 continue with 77 stitches.
- Row 20 contains 77 Hdc.
- Row 21 contains 77 Sts.
- Rows 22-25 maintain the 77-stitch width.
- Row 26 contains 77 Dc.
- Rows 27-29 maintain 77 stitches.
- Rows 30-34 repeat the established single crochet row.
- Rows 35-38 contain 77 stitches.
- Rows 39-52 continue the 77-stitch panel.
- Trim Round 1 contains 154 Sc.
- Trim Round 2 contains 154 Dc.
- Each strap begins with 8 Sc after the foundation chain.
Common Construction Points to Watch
The first important transition occurs at Row 9, where the panel expands from 61 stitches to 77 stitches. Make sure the 8 Fsc stitches are completed on both sides so the bottom shape is symmetrical.
Another important point is the special treatment of the starting chains. Ch 1 and Ch 2 do not count as stitches in the general pattern, while the Ch 3 in Row 14 and Ch 4 in Row 15 have specific counting instructions. Keeping these details in mind will make stitch counting much easier.
The post-stitch section in Rows 28 and 29 requires attention to stitches from earlier rows. Follow the instructions for working into stitches two rows below rather than substituting a standard stitch location.
During assembly, take special care around the drawstring area. The strap seams must stop below the drawstring rows so that the cords remain free to move.
Finishing the Bag
After both straps have been securely sewn and the drawstrings are positioned, fasten off and weave in any remaining ends.
Before considering the tote finished, check that both straps are even, neither strap is twisted, the drawstrings slide properly, and the side and bottom seams are secure. The final bag should measure approximately 13.5” W, 11” T, and 3.5” D.
Timberlost Tote Quick Reference
- Project: Timberlost Tote Crochet Pattern
- Construction: 2 identical panels worked from the bottom up
- Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Worsted (4) Weight
- Color A: Ecru
- Color B: Spruce
- Color C: Beachnut
- Color D: Camel
- Hook: G/4.00mm Crochet Hook
- Finished Size: 13.5” W, 11” T, 3.5” D
- Gauge: 18 Sc by rows 1-19 of pattern = 4×4”
- Drawstrings: 2, approximately 26” long using Color C
- Alternative Drawstring: Approximately 30” chain followed by Sl St across
- Straps: 2, approximately 24” long using Color A
- Pattern Terms: US Crochet Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
How many panels are needed?
The bag is made from 2 identical panels. Both panels are worked from the bottom up using the same instructions.
What yarn is used for the Timberlost Tote?
The pattern uses Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Worsted (4) Weight. The specified colors are Ecru, Spruce, Beachnut, and Camel, with the listed quantities and yardages given in the materials section.
What crochet hook size is required?
The pattern calls for a G/4.00mm Crochet Hook.
How long should the drawstring cords be?
Each crocheted cord should reach approximately 26” long. The alternative chain method calls for approximately 30” of chain before slip stitching back across it.
Can the straps be made longer or shorter?
Yes. The pattern instructs you to repeat Row 2 until the strap reaches approximately 24”, and notes that adjustments can be made if you prefer your straps longer or shorter.
Why should the drawstring rows not be sewn over?
The drawstring needs to move freely through the upper portion of the bag. Sewing over the drawstring rows would prevent the cord from moving.
What should I do with yarn when changing colors?
When possible, drop the yarn at the end of the row and float the color up the side of the panel instead of cutting it immediately. Some color changes require the yarn to be cut and joined on the other side.
Final Thoughts
The Timberlost Tote combines useful everyday functionality with an engaging crochet construction. Its two-panel construction keeps the main body organized, while the changing colors and stitch textures make the process interesting from beginning to end.
The finished tote includes a drawstring closure, sturdy crocheted handles, a defined bottom, and a variety of decorative stitch sections. The combination of Ecru, Spruce, Beachnut, and Camel creates the original striped look, while the specified Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton provides the yarn foundation for the design.
For crocheters who enjoy projects with clear construction stages, this tote offers plenty of satisfying checkpoints. You begin with straightforward single crochet rows, expand the lower section using foundation single crochet, move through decorative stitch patterns, complete the upper trim, and then bring everything together during assembly.
Take particular care with stitch counts, color changes, the stitches worked from two rows below, and the placement of the straps and drawstrings. Following these details as written will help preserve the intended structure of the Timberlost Tote.
When you finish weaving in the ends and have checked that the drawstrings move freely and the straps are evenly positioned, your Timberlost Tote is ready to carry your crochet WIPs, everyday essentials, or supplies wherever you are headed.