Prism Dune Tote Free Pattern – Textured Crochet Bag with Rainbow Stripes and Woven Strap

Introducing the Prism Dune Tote: A Rainbow of Texture

Imagine carrying a piece of the desert sunset with you wherever you go. That's the magic of the Prism Dune Tote—a vibrant, textured crochet bag that combines bold rainbow stripes with a sturdy, hand-woven strap. This isn't just a bag; it's a statement piece, a conversation starter, and a delightful project for crocheters ready to move beyond the basics.

With its dense, ribbed single crochet texture and a flat, rectangular base, this tote is as practical as it is beautiful. The rainbow stripe sequence—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet—creates a joyful, eye-catching design that pairs perfectly with a neutral cream base and edging. Whether you're heading to the farmer's market, the beach, or just around town, this boho-chic tote is your new favorite accessory.

Best of all, this is a free pattern that's surprisingly beginner-friendly. The construction is straightforward, worked in continuous rounds, and the woven strap adds a unique, handmade touch that elevates the entire design. Let's dive in and create this stunning piece together!

Materials Needed: Gather Your Rainbow

Before you begin, make sure you have all your supplies ready. The Prism Dune Tote is made with worsted weight cotton yarn, which gives it structure, durability, and that beautiful, crisp stitch definition.

Yarn

• Worsted weight cotton yarn in 7 vibrant colors:
  • Red (approx. 100g)
  • Orange (approx. 100g)
  • Yellow (approx. 100g)
  • Green (approx. 100g)
  • Blue (approx. 100g)
  • Indigo (approx. 100g)
  • Violet (approx. 100g)
• Neutral base color (e.g., cream, off-white, or beige) – approx. 200g. This is used for the base, the top edging, and the strap.

Hook & Notions

• 5.0 mm crochet hook (US H-8)
• Yarn needle (for weaving in ends and sewing the strap)
• Stitch marker (to mark the beginning of rounds)
• Scissors
• Sewing needle and thread (matching the neutral yarn color, for securing the strap ends)

Gauge

16 single crochet (sc) x 18 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm). Be sure to check your gauge to ensure your bag turns out the right size. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Prism Dune Tote

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds, meaning you won't join at the end of each round—just keep going! Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round. Let's get started.

Part 1: The Bag Body (Worked in Continuous Rounds)

Step 1: The Base
With your neutral color yarn, chain (ch) 26.
- Work 2 single crochet (sc) in the 2nd ch from the hook.
- Sc in the next 23 chains.
- Work 3 sc in the last chain (this turns the corner).
- Now, working on the opposite side of the foundation chain, sc in the next 23 chains.
- Finally, work 1 sc in the first chain (the same stitch where you made your first 2 sc).
You should now have a total of 50 sc around the oval base. Place your stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Step 2: Shaping the Base (Increasing Rounds)
We'll now increase at the ends of the oval to create a flat, rectangular base. Follow these rounds carefully:

• Round 1: Sc in each sc around (50 sc).
• Round 2: *Sc in next 24 sc, 2 sc in next sc*; repeat from * to * once more (52 sc).
• Round 3: *Sc in next 25 sc, 2 sc in next sc*; repeat from * to * once more (54 sc).
• Round 4: *Sc in next 26 sc, 2 sc in next sc*; repeat from * to * once more (56 sc).
• Round 5: *Sc in next 27 sc, 2 sc in next sc*; repeat from * to * once more (58 sc).
• Round 6: *Sc in next 28 sc, 2 sc in next sc*; repeat from * to * once more (60 sc).

Step 3: Straight Sides
Now that your base is 60 stitches wide, we'll work even to build up the sides of the bag.

• Rounds 7-10: Sc in each sc around (60 sc).

Step 4: The Rainbow Stripes
This is where the magic happens! You'll attach each new color at the beginning of a round and work 4 rounds of single crochet in that color. When you finish a color, fasten it off and weave in the ends, or carry the yarn up the inside if you prefer (though weaving in ends is cleaner for a bag).

• Stripe 1 (Red): Attach Red yarn. Work 4 rounds of sc in Red (60 sc).
• Stripe 2 (Orange): Attach Orange yarn. Work 4 rounds of sc in Orange (60 sc).
• Stripe 3 (Yellow): Attach Yellow yarn. Work 4 rounds of sc in Yellow (60 sc).
• Stripe 4 (Green): Attach Green yarn. Work 4 rounds of sc in Green (60 sc).
• Stripe 5 (Blue): Attach Blue yarn. Work 4 rounds of sc in Blue (60 sc).
• Stripe 6 (Indigo): Attach Indigo yarn. Work 4 rounds of sc in Indigo (60 sc).
• Stripe 7 (Violet): Attach Violet yarn. Work 4 rounds of sc in Violet (60 sc).

Step 5: Finishing the Top
After your final violet stripe, it's time to finish the bag body.

• Rounds 1-6 (after last stripe): With your neutral color, work 6 rounds of sc in each sc around (60 sc).
• Top Edging: Work 1 round of reverse single crochet (also known as crab stitch) in the neutral color. This creates a beautiful, twisted cord-like edge. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Part 2: The Woven Strap

The strap is what truly sets this tote apart. It's made from two crocheted strips that are woven together to create a sturdy, braided-looking band.

Step 1: Create Two Strips
With your neutral color yarn, chain (ch) 120.
- Work 1 row of single crochet (sc) in each chain across.
- Fasten off.
- Repeat to make a second, identical strap.

Step 2: Weave the Strips Together
Lay the two straps parallel to each other on a flat surface. Now, carefully weave them together: take one strap and pass it over and under the other at regular intervals (every few inches). This creates a beautiful woven, braided pattern. Take your time to ensure the weave is even and tight.

Step 3: Secure the Ends
Once you're happy with the woven pattern, secure the ends of both straps together using a needle and thread. Make a few sturdy stitches to hold them in place, then trim any excess thread.

Step 4: Attach the Strap to the Bag
Position the woven strap on the inside of the bag at both sides. Using a yarn needle and matching neutral yarn, sew the strap securely to the inside of the bag. Make sure to sew through both layers of the strap and the bag fabric for maximum strength. Repeat on the other side.

And there you have it—your very own Prism Dune Tote! Turn it right side out, admire your handiwork, and get ready to show it off. This bag is not only a beautiful accessory but also a testament to your crochet skills. Happy crafting!