T-shirt Yarn Tote Bag - FREE Crochet Tutorial

I've had some t-shirt yarn hanging around my craft room for awhile. I wanted to make a purse, but didn't love the idea of the yarn bottom sitting on the ground. I found some purse bases, and it immediately upgraded my project! Scroll down for a quick tutorial on how I made my purse.

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Materials:

T-shirt Yarn - I used Premier Yarns Ribbon Yarn, or Tshirt yarn from Knitznpurls on Etsy

Purse Base

Purse Handles

#7 Hook - 4.5mm

J Hook - 6mm

Abbreviations:

CH - Chain

Sl St - Slip Stitch

SC - Single Crochet

WSS - Waistcoat Stitch (see VIDEO)

TSC - Twisted Single Crochet (see VIDEO)

Instructions:

Using H hook, insert hook into one of the holes of the purse base. The outside/bottom of the base should be facing you. VIDEO?????

1. Ch 1, SC in each hole around. Join with sl st to first SC. 

2. Ch 1, SC blo in ea st around. Do NOT join.

3. In the first SC from the previous round, WSS in ea st around. Do NOT join.

4. WSS around, do NOT join. 

Repeat round 4 until you reach your desired purse height.

For the top edging I used a modified Twisted Single Crochet stitch, here is the video showing how. 

Weave in any remaining ends. 

I used cotton crochet thread to sew on the purse handles.

I would love to see your finished tote bags! Tag me on socials @sarahlizfiberarts so I can see your work.

Your support of my small business is truly appreciated!

*Permissions*

- You are free to sell what you make from this pattern. I would appreciate links back to my blog, Ravelry, or website to credit me as the designer.

- You may not use my photos.

- You may not share this pattern, or any part of this pattern.

- You may not sell this pattern, distribute it, or claim it as your own.

© 2026 Sarah Gross - Sarah Liz Fiber Arts/Crafts by Sarah Liz