With the world starting to open back up after the pandemic, more and more of us are getting to go on vacations that we have been missing out on. The beaches in the part of the country where I live are packed with people who want to catch some waves and rays.
Even if you are unable to get to a beach, you may be headed to the pool and need something light but sturdy to carry your towel, sunscreen, and snacks in. This beach bag is the perfect solution!
A couple of months ago I was in our local Walmart when I saw something new in the yarn aisle. I just had to stop and look at it, of course. Then I knew I had to try it, because of course, it was new ha ha ha.
I had never seen this shiny fiber before and curiosity consumed me. What is this fiber, you ask? Well, it is Red Heart 100% Nylon Thread Size 18. It has a beautiful sheen and it also has some sand- and water-resistant properties.
You can see how shiny it is in the photo below. It has an almost golden look to it that gives your project a very upscale look.
It just had to come home with me.
Did I know what I was going to make with it?
No, I didn't.
Lol, isn't that how it goes with us "yarnies," insert *laughing-crying emoji* here ha ha.
So for a few weeks it sat on my shelf taunting me. Then one day it came to me while I was booking our family vacation to none other than, you probably guessed it, the beach!
I got all kinds of exciting warm fuzzy feelings inside of me as I just knew this fiber would be spectacular for a beach bag tote.
I had also recently purchased a new book called "Crochet Stitch Dictionary," which has 200 stitches in it, so there were some new stitches I learned from this book that I could not wait to try.
I had the image of a beach bag tote and the image of the honeycomb stitch floating in my head, and I went for it! Usually, if I can picture it in my head, I can make it and that's what I did!
Now, the caveat to making this bag is.... cue the "duh duh duh" sound in movies lol.... this particular thread and color is EXTREMELY hard to find. Apparently, it was in HIGH DEMAND and flew off the shelves. I went back to get some more and it was GONE!
I thought I could just find some at one of the other 10 Walmarts in my area, but NO, it was sold out everywhere. I searched online and it was near impossible to find.
To my dismay, not a single craft store in our area had it. I finally found some on Amazon, but there were only 2 left and I had to pay a high price to get them. But alas, I got them lol! It seems they have added more on Amazon but I'll warn ya -- its priced higher than it was in Walmart unfortunately.
The good news is if you want other colors like black, red, and green you can find them. The even better news is that Red heart is not your only option for Nylon Thread (I'll tell you more about the other options in just a moment).
One of my testers, Tanya P., used the red that was available in the Red Heart brand, and it came out beautifully and it gives off some great market bag vibes.
This would also go great with a black or white swimsuit. You could even wear a red sunhat with it. That would definitely give off some posh vibes ha ha!
There are several other options for this particular thread. My testers and I found Nylon Thread Size 18 on Amazon and in hardware stores in the masonry section.
The tricky part is that some nylons are coated more heavily for use in masonry work. It can still be used, and will definitely be more water-resistant and sturdy, but it does work up a little differently with a thicker coating on it.
Test, Gina B., tried the masonry nylon from her local Lowe's Hardware Store. It was coated more thickly than the Red Heart, and she said it had a more plastic-to-the-touch feel. She said it is EXTREMELY sturdy lol. The pitfall to using the thicker coated nylon is that it used more yardage. For this project, it was nearly double the Red Heart.
The upside of masonry nylon is that it is oil-, water-, mildew-, and mortar-resistant. It also said in the description that it is heat safe. So if you want a nearly indestructible bag that will last you years to come (and may even survive the apocalypse lol), then this will definitely do the job!
You can also find a lot of neon colors in the masonry and hardware departments of stores and on Amazon, and that will definitely make this bag hard to lose ha ha.
There are other brands of nylon on Amazon if you are still having trouble finding any in your local area. Finding it on Amazon can be tricky. Here is an example of one option I found.
The keywords to search with are all over the place lol.
Many of the listings have these kinds of words in their titles "masonry, thread, twine, crafting, size 18, DIY, trot line." I do not get many results when I type nylon crochet thread size 18.
Here is a screenshot example of why that is. The titles have a million keywords in them ha ha!
So to get more results with more options that have more yardage for the money you may have to try some of the keywords below.
If all else fails and you want to make your beach bag tote in another fiber, you can totally do that! Worsted #4 acrylic and 100% cotton work too! You could use other sizes and weights of yarn as well, so feel free to experiment.
Tester, Deborah A., used Peaches & Creme 100% cotton and it came out just as beautiful!
Before you begin crocheting this beautiful tote bag, I would like to let you know where to get a copy of the pattern that does not contain ads. It is available in all three of my shops below.
You can also get this pattern from June 1st - 30th, 2022, in the Littlejohns Yarn Blog Hop bundle! Yes, that's right, this pattern will be featured on Littlejohns Yarn Blog along with 29 other patterns from 29 other great designers! There will be a PDF bundle of all 30 patterns for $15! I will update this pattern with a link to the bundle on June 1st, 2022, so be sure to check back! UPDATE: Click here to visit the Blog Hop!
Here is how you crochet this tote:
“Beach Tote”
Crochet Pattern
Material:
100% Nylon - Size 18
450 yds - 550 yds
You can also work this pattern in 100% cotton or acrylic, see tester notes at end of the pattern
Hook - H 5 mm
Needle
Scissors
Stitch Marker
Note: This post contains affiliate links in which I may earn a small commission on for clicks and or purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps me provide the blog, website, and pattern free to you. Without your support, I could not provide these services and products! My family and I thank you!
Stitches:
Ch(s) - chain(s)
Sl st - slip stitch
Sc - single crochet
Dc - double crochet
Hdc - half double crochet
FPDC - front post double crochet
BPDC - back post double crochet
Hdc2tog or Sc2tog - half double crochet or single crochet two stitches together or do an invisible decrease
St(s) - stitch(es)
BLO - all sts in row back loop only
Arches - are created in the even-numbered Rounds from 6 - 38 by the “sc 5 around ch 5”
#st - complete # number of sts in same space
St # - complete stitch in next # number of spaces
* * - repeat instructions between asterisks
Language: For this pattern, American Standard Terms are used.
Pattern Info:
This pattern uses the “Honeycomb Mesh Stitch” and is created during the repeating Rounds 7 & 8. The tote bag, without the strap, is approximately 16 inches tall. It is 16 inches wide at the bottom and 14 inches wide at the brim. The strap is about 14 inches tall after it is attached to the brim of the bag. Three full-size towels, sunscreen, and sunglasses fit in my bag with room to spare!
Gauge:
Note: Guage can be challenging to achieve with nylon. It is a very "slippery fiber" and “gives” a lot. It is stretchy as well when lifted and objects are added therefore size changes slightly before and after use. See tester notes at end of the pattern to see how different brands and threads/weights responded to the pattern.
Gauge is not critical but if you want to get it close here is the info:
Foundation Ch = Multiples of 5 + 1
4 hdc sts in Rounds 2 - 4 of the bag section = approx. 1 inch
3 Rows in Rounds 2 - 4 = approx. 1 inch
Honeycomb Mesh Section Openings created by Repeat Rounds 7 & 8 = ¾ inch tall and wide.
You can stop at any height and make the strap longer or shorter. Notes are included to help you know how to adjust the sizes in the pattern.
Skill Level: Confident Beginner.
Pattern Instructions
Bag Section:
*beginning/turning chs count as a st for the main bag section
*main bag section is worked in continuous rounds
*bag is worked from the bottom up
*foundation ch = multiples of 5 + 1
Begin: Ch 61.
Round 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook, sc 59, continue around to the unworked side of the ch, sc 60, do not sl st to join. (120st)
Round 2: Hdc 120. (120st)
Round 3: *2hdc in the next two sts, hdc 58*, repeat *to* once more. (124st)
Round 4: *2hdc in the next 3 sts, hdc 59*, repeat *to* once more. (130sts)
Note: If you would like a bigger “solid” bottom to your tote, add as many rounds of “hdc in each st around” as you would like before going to Round 5
Note: Place a st marker in 1st st of the odd number rounds from Round 5 to 37.
Round 5: *Sc 3, ch 5, sk 2*, repeat *to* 25 more times. (78 sc sts, 26 ch 5 sps)
Round 6: Sk the first st of the previous round (where you left a st marker), sc in the next st, sk 1, sc 5 around the first ch 5 of previous round, *sk 1, sc, sk 1, sc 5 around the ch 5*, repeat *to* around 24 more times. (156sts - 26 arches see stitch key)
Note: in the diagram below the 5 sc sts worked around the ch 5 will form arches after completion
Round 7: *Ch 5, sc in the middle 3 sts of each arch*, repeat 25 more times. (78 sc sts, 26 ch 5 sps) *see photo and diagram
See diagram below for further assistance for Round 7
Round 8: *Sc 5 around ch 5, sk 1, sc, sk 1*, repeat *to* around, (see diagram after Round 6 if you need more assistance). (156sts - 26 arches)
Note: if you would like your tote taller repeat Rounds 8 & 9 as many times as you would like before proceeding to Round 39. If you would like it shorter you can omit rounds of the 7 & 8 repeat in the next section as much as you would like.
Rounds 9 - 38: Repeat rounds 7 & 8.
Round 39: *BLO sc 5, sk 1*, repeat *to* around. (130st)
Note: In the next round I decrease one more time to keep the top from “curling” over since nylon is not as stiff as cotton or acrylic. If you do not want to decrease yours you can skip the decreases and work a sc in each st around.
Round 40: *BLO sc 3, sc2tog*, repeat *to* around. (104st)
Round 41: BLO dc in each st around. (104st)
Round 42: *FPDC, BPDC*, repeat around. (104st)
Round 43: BLO sc in each st around, sl st to join. Rib section at top is complete, fasten off. (104st)
Handle/Strap:
Note: leave approx. 12in tails for attaching to bag
Begin: Ch 19.
Row 1: Hdc in the 2nd ch from the hook, hdc 17, ch 1. (18st)
Rows 2 - 6: Turn, hdc 18, ch 1. (18st)
Row 7: Turn, hdc2tog, hdc 14, hdc2tog, ch 1. (16st)
Row 8: Turn, hdc 16, ch 1. (16st)
Row 9: Turn, hdc2tog, hdc 12, hdc2tog, ch 1. (14st)
Row 10: Turn, hdc 14, ch 1. (14st)
Row 11: Turn, hdc2tog, hdc 10, hdc2tog, ch 1. (12st)
Note: Turning chs of 5 will count as a st on even Rows through Row 58
Row 12: Turn, hdc 12, ch 5. (12st)
Note: if you do not want the “windows” you can simply do rows of hdc 12 as many times as you would like until you reach Row 61 to make a solid strap/handle.
Row 13: Turn, sk 2, dc, *ch 2, sk 2, dc*, repeat *to* 2 more times, ch 1. (4 windows made)
Row 14: Turn, *sc in the top the dc st, sc 2 in the ch 2 sp*, repeat *to* two more times, sc in the last dc, sc 2 around the ch 5, ch 1. (12st)
Row 15: Turn, sc 12, ch 5. (12st)
Note: to make the handle shorter you can omit a repeat of the Rows 13, 14, and 15 in the next part, as many times as you would like before working Row 58. I am not a model by any means ha ha, but here is a photo of my bag with a towel & bottle of sunscreen in it. My strap is longer because I like wearing it across my chest. You can make yours shorter if desired.
Rows 16 - 57: Repeat Rows 13, 14 & 15
Row 58: Repeat Row 13.
Row 59: Turn, *hdc in the top of the dc st, hdc 2 in the ch 2 sp*, repeat *to* two more times, hdc in the last dc, hdc 2 around the ch 5, ch 1. (12st)
Row 60: Turn, hdc 12, ch 1. (12st)
Row 61: Turn, 2hdc, hdc 10, 2hdc, ch 1. (14st)
Row 62: Turn, hdc 14, ch 1. (14st)
Row 63: Turn, 2hdc, hdc 12, 2hdc, ch 1. (16st)
Row 64: Turn, hdc 16, ch 1. (16st)
Row 65: Turn, 2hdc, hdc 14, 2hdc, ch 1. (18st)
Rows 66 - 70: Turn, hdc 18, ch 1, fasten off after the last st of row 70. (18st)
Finish:
Lay your tote bag flat, put a st marker in the top left and right corners.
Fold your handle/strap ends in half. Put a st marker in the middle of the fold at each end of the handle/strap.
Line up the stitch markers on the bag top and the strap/handle ends. With your nylon thread, sew the straps on using your stitch of choice, and weave in ends.
Testers' Notes:
Tester name: Gina B.
Yarn Used: Twisted Mason Line from Home Depot (coated)
Yards: 850 yrds
Hook: H 5mm
Note: I shortened the bag and ended the “holes” on round 34 then went to round 39 and finished.
Finished Size: 18 inches wide x 13 inches tall not including handle.
Tester Name: Deborah Cox Anderson
Yarn Used: Peaches & Creme Cotton
Yards: used scraps (end bag with flower applique and lining was approx. 12.75 ounces)
Hook: H 5mm
Note: made handle extra long to use as a backpack/shoulder bag
Finished Size: 18 inches wide x 15 inches tall not including handle.
Tester Name: Tanya Person
Yarn Used: Red Heart Nylon Crochet Thread Size 18
Yards: 150 yards per skein (375 yards total)
Hook: H 5mm
Time: approx. 14 ¾ hrs
Size: 13 inches tall before being stretched (not including handle)
Tester name: Linda Elder
Yarn Used: Red Heart Nylon Crochet Thread Size 18 Natural
Hook: 413 yards
Hook: H 5mm
Size: 17 inches wide, 34 inches tall with handle
I hope you enjoyed this pattern and that it becomes a useful tote for your next beach vacation or trip to the pool!
If you would like an ad-free copy of this pattern you can get the printable version in one of my three shops below:
I would like to mention as well that starting June 1st, 2022 Orchid and Bee's will be offering "All Access Memberships" for as low as $8.99 a month!
You will have unlimited access every Orchid and Bee's Pattern valuing over $280 worth of patterns! New patterns will be added monthly and members will have access to special promotions to upcoming programs, events, and courses!
Members will also be eligible for special Member Appreciation gifts and drawings so stay tuned for more details!
So that you never miss out on a FREE Pattern or announcement be sure to subscribe to our email list!
Have a blessed summer!
Karen E.
Orchid and Bee's