Learn to Crochet a Tuba Toothpaste Tote Bag

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed
3. Making the Foundation Chain
4. Creating Single Crochet Stitches
5. Working Slip Stitches
6. Tucking the Tail End
7. Slip Stitching Again
8. Creating Nice Horizontal Bar Stitches
9. Understanding V-Shape Symbols
10. Counting Rows and Finding the Corners
11. Making the Strap
12. Joining the Strap to the Bag
13. Finishing Touches
14. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to this tutorial on how to make a chunky tote bag using your hands instead of a crochet hook. This project is quick and easy, perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a fun crochet project. In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to create your own "Tuba Toothpaste" bag.

Materials Needed

To make this chunky tote bag, you will need the following materials:

• 2 pounds of jumbo weight cotton tube yarn
• Scissors
• Needle and thread (optional, for securing ends)
• Matching color thread (optional, for extra security)

Links to the materials mentioned above will be provided in the description below.

Making the Foundation Chain

To start, make a slipknot and leave a 5-inch tail. Create a foundation chain by pulling the long, working end of your yarn through the loop. Continue pulling the yarn through the loops until you have 11 chains. Remember to keep a fairly loose tension, as you will be working into each chain.

Creating Single Crochet Stitches

Find the second chain from your working loop and insert your fingers into the top strand of that chain. Grab the working yarn and pull it through the loop near the tip of your fingers. You will have 2 loops on your fingers. Then, pull the working yarn through both loops to create a single crochet stitch.

Continue single crocheting in each stitch, bringing up a loop and pulling the yarn through two loops until you reach the end of the chain. Chain one to carry your work over to the other side of the long edge.

Working Slip Stitches

Feed the yarn through the loop next to the slipknot and through the loop on your fingers. Make slip stitches down the length of your work until you reach the end of the row.

Tucking the Tail End

While it's still easy to access, tuck the tail end into your stitches. For extra security, you can secure it in place with a needle and thread.

Slip Stitching Again

Next, slip stitch into the last loop on the short end of your work and continue slip stitching around the long end of the work. Keep working slip stitches into the top loop of each stitch, pushing the yarn from the center of the bag to the outside of it.

Creating Nice Horizontal Bar Stitches

By leaving the front loop of each stitch unworked and only stitching through the back loop, you'll achieve nice horizontal bar stitches. This adds texture and visual interest to your bag.

Understanding V-Shape Symbols

When crocheting in the round, like you are here, make sure you are crocheting into V-shapes that are pointing to the right. They look like "greater than" symbols. In contrast, when crocheting a flat work, the Vs are pointing in the opposite direction, to the left, and look like "less than" symbols.

Counting Rows and Finding the Corners

Count 9 rows on the front and 9 rows on the back of your bag. From your working loop on the side of the bag, count forward 3 stitches and slip stitch into those 3 stitches. Then, chain 17 to create the strap. Adjust the number of chains if you want a longer or shorter strap. Repeat the process on the other side of the bag.

Joining the Strap to the Bag

Feed the working yarn through a stitch on the side of the bag and through the loop on your strap to join them together. Slip stitch your way to the back side where the opposing straps meet, and make another chain of 17. Align the strap on the other side and join with a slip stitch. Weave in the tail end and secure it with a needle and thread.

Finishing Touches

Congratulations! Your tote bag is complete. While it is unlined, you can easily sew a rectangular pocket into the inside to line it if desired.

Conclusion

Thank you for following along with this tutorial on how to make a chunky tote bag using your hands. We hope you enjoyed this project and consider subscribing to our channel for more crochet videos. Stay tuned for more exciting projects coming your way!