About This By Your Side Basket Bag Pattern
This pattern creates a soft, striped basket bag worked in rounds from a small oval base up to the bag body, finishing with comfortable crocheted handles. The design uses Paintbox Yarns Recycled Crafty Pots to achieve a lovely ombre/striped effect. You will work increases, even rounds and a simple handle shaping to complete the tote.
The pattern uses US terminology with UK terms noted, and is written for intermediate crocheters. It includes a materials list, gauge note and step-by-step round instructions for accurate shaping.
Why You'll Love This By Your Side Basket Bag Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it turns recycled, responsibly sourced yarn into a functional and fashionable tote you can use every day. I enjoy the rhythmic repetition of the single (double) crochet rounds — they are meditative yet productive. The colour transitions in the Recycled Crafty Pots yarn give such a beautiful gradient effect without complicated colourwork. I also love how the simple handle shaping creates sturdy, wearable straps without extra hardware.
Switch Things Up
I love customizing this bag by switching the yarn colours to create bold stripe combinations or a tonal ombre — it changes the whole look instantly.
If you want a bigger or smaller bag I change yarn weight and hook size: bulky yarn with a larger hook makes a chunkier tote, while finer yarn trims it down.
I often lengthen the handle chains (add more than ch 50) for a crossbody or shorten them for a shorter shoulder strap depending on how I plan to use the bag.
I sometimes add a fabric lining and sew it in place to give a neater interior and prevent small items falling through the stitches.
I like to add pockets inside the lining for phone and keys; use lightweight cotton to keep the bag flexible and comfortable.
Try decorative finishes like tassels, pompoms or a contrast-colour edging to personalize the style — these are quick additions that make a big impact.
For extra structure I occasionally slip a piece of interfacing into the base of the lining or make a crochet base with tighter tension and insert it before finishing.
I recommend testing a small swatch with your yarn to confirm the fabric drape; drapier yarns produce a softer slouchy tote, while stiffer yarns keep it upright.
If you prefer faster makes, I sometimes work the body in fewer colour changes (longer stripes) or carry two strands together for a chunkier, quicker fabric.
When gifting, I change colours to match the recipient and add a handmade tag or sewn-in label to make each bag feel extra special.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Not placing markers in the second stitch of the three-st increase can throw off your shaping; place markers exactly as instructed and move them up each round to maintain correct seam placement.
✗ Skipping the instruction to work back along the foundation chain will leave the base uneven; after working the first side, turn and work into the other side of the chain to form the full oval base.
✗ Failing to count stitches after increase rounds may result in an incorrect stitch count later; count your stitches at the end of each increase round to confirm you have the correct total.
✗ Pulling stitches too tight when making the handle chains and joining can distort the handle opening; keep a relaxed consistent tension for the chain and when slip-stitching to join the handle to the bag.
