About This By Your Side Basket Bag Pattern
This pattern creates a roomy, soft-sided basket tote crocheted in the round using Paintbox Yarns Recycled Crafty Pots. The bag features an oval base, vertical sides, worked handle openings and a neat finished seam. It uses simple single (double) crochet stitches and marker placement to shape the base and body.
Perfect for gifting or everyday use, the bag showcases soft stripe variations from the recycled yarn. The pattern includes full round-by-round instructions and materials list for accurate results.
Why You'll Love This By Your Side Basket Bag Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it turns recycled yarn into a beautiful, functional tote that feels modern and relaxed. I enjoy the way the base increases shape the bag so it sits nicely when filled. The handle opening technique is clever and secure, making it easy to carry heavier items with confidence. I also love that the stripe variations appear naturally from the yarn, giving each finished piece a unique personality.
Switch Things Up
I love swapping yarn colors to create entirely new looks; try tonal shades for a subtle ombre effect or bold contrasting colors for a statement bag.
I often change the handle length to make a shorter shoulder strap or a long crossbody strap—just adjust the chain length in the handle instructions.
If you want a sturdier base, I sometimes work a round or two of single crochet in a tighter tension or use a slightly smaller hook for the first few rounds.
I sometimes line the bag with fabric for extra structure and to protect delicate contents; sew the lining to match the handle openings for a clean finish.
For an even more durable handle, try making a double-thick handle by folding a longer strap and working both layers together when joining to the bag.
I like to add pockets inside the lined version for phone and keys; measure and sew the pocket into the lining before attaching it to the bag.
To scale the bag up or down, change your yarn weight and hook size; bulky yarn with a larger hook makes a chunky, roomy tote while finer yarn creates a dainty shopper.
Try decorative edge finishes—such as a round of reverse single crochet or a picot edge—to add a polished border around the opening.
I sometimes replace the chain handle section with a crocheted rope or wrapped leather strap for a mixed-material look that’s easy to carry.
Want to personalize the bag? Add embroidered initials, a crocheted flower, or sew on buttons for decorative detail—these little touches make each bag unique.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Forgetting to place or move stitch markers during increases; place a lockable marker at each specified point and move them up every round to keep the shaping accurate.
✗ Not counting stitches after rounds with increases or repeats; count your stitches at the end of each increase round to ensure you have the correct total before proceeding.
✗ Working with inconsistent tension while making the base and sides; maintain even tension throughout to keep the bag base flat and the sides uniform in height.
✗ Skipping the instruction to remove markers during the handle join step; remove markers as you go exactly where directed to ensure the handle opening forms correctly.
✗ Failing to secure and weave in ends after breaking yarn; fasten off neatly and weave in all loose ends with a darning needle to avoid unravelling and for a tidy finish.
