FREE PATTERN
Samarah Beach Bag Crochet Pattern
Crochet the Samarah Beach Bag — a colorful striped cotton tote with fan stitch texture, fabric lining, and sturdy handles.
A colorful striped crochet tote — made for summer, sunshine, and the sound of waves
The Story Behind the Samarah Beach Bag
Some bags carry things. This one carries a feeling.
The Samarah Beach Bag was born from a longing — the kind that sneaks up on you on a quiet Sunday morning when your mind drifts somewhere far away. For me, it always drifts to the ocean.
Growing up in the Philippines, the beach was never a destination. It was just life. Every Sunday after church, my family would walk down to the shore — my brothers and sisters laughing, my feet already knowing the way. The smell of saltwater, the sound of waves rolling in one after another, the warm sand between my toes. It was the most ordinary, most beautiful thing in the world.
Then I moved to Hungary — one of the most landlocked countries in Europe. The nearest coastline is hours away. The ocean even further. And on certain Sunday mornings, I feel that old pull: salt air, wave sound, bare feet on warm sand.
So I crocheted a beach bag. A bag that would be ready — ready for the family trip I’ve been excited about this summer, the one where my little boy sees the ocean again. I wanted every stitch to carry that excitement forward, like a promise I was making to myself one row at a time.
I named her Samarah — a name that feels like warm wind and open water. She’s striped like a beach towel, colorful like a summer market, and structured enough to hold everything you need for a day by the sea: sunscreen, a good book, a snack for a curious toddler, and maybe a little shell you couldn’t bear to leave behind.
✦ Pattern highlights
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
The A→B→C→D color sequence repeats throughout — easy to follow, impossible to get bored with. The color chart tells you exactly which round to use which color.
With a fabric lining sewn in and sturdy crocheted handles, this bag is built to carry real things at real beaches — not just look pretty on Pinterest.
Every 4th round uses a simple fan stitch that creates the lacy open texture you see on the bag. It sounds fancy — it’s just 3 hdc in the same stitch. You’ve got this.
The pattern works with any 4 colors + a handle color. Four curated alternate colorways are included so you can customize it to your style.
You’re welcome to sell bags made from this pattern. It makes a gorgeous handmade gift or craft market piece — especially in the summer months.
At ~32 cm tall and ~28 cm wide, it fits a beach towel, water bottle, sunscreen, and a paperback. The 9 cm handle gap sits comfortably on your shoulder.
Materials & Tools
DK weight Cotton
Yarn used in this pattern:Drops Cotton Light
Coral Pink, Light Pink, Teal Green, Lemon Yellow, and Gray
Lining cloth 30×34 cm
Thread matches the lining cloth color
4 mm crochet hook
Yarn needle + sewing needle
Stitch markers
Pins
Scissors
Gauge
8 HDC = 4 cm | 3 rounds = 2 cm | Using DK cotton + 4 mm hook at loose tension. Always check your gauge before starting — it affects the finished size of the bag.
Before You Begin
Please read through the entire pattern before picking up your hook. Familiarize yourself with the abbreviations, color key, and notes below. If you get stuck at any point, reach out — I’m always happy to help at angie@woolshie.com.
Pattern Notes
- The bag works in continuous rounds — the handle works in rows
- Use a stitch marker at each end of every round
- Keep your tension loose — relax your hands as you go
- Adjust hook size up or down if needed to match gauge
- [ … ] = repeat the instructions inside the brackets
- ( … ) = total stitch count for that round
- Ch 2 at the start of a round is not counted in the stitch total
- When changing color: sl st to close the round with old color, then join new color
- When joining a new color, always begin at the side of the bag — not the front
Abbreviations (US Terms)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| inc | increase — 2 sc in the same stitch |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| inc hdc | increase — 2 hdc in the same stitch |
| dec hdc | decrease — crochet 2 hdc together |
| bp hdc | back post half double crochet (special stitch — see video link below) |
Watch the Back post half double crochet (bp hdc) video tutorial here
| Label | Color Name |
|---|---|
| A | Coral Pink |
| B | Light Pink |
| C | Teal Green |
| D | Lemon Yellow |
| E | Gray |
Written Pattern
Want the Full PDF?
The complete 10-page pattern PDF includes the written pattern, color stripe chart, assembly photos, lining instructions, and handle tutorial — all beautifully formatted and ready to print.
This pattern is also available on Ravelry.
Samarah Beach Bag Crochet Pattern PDF
A colorful striped crochet tote — made for summer, sunshine, and the sound of waves.
Bag Body
Use yarn A and a 4 mm crochet hook
Start with ch 50 as foundation stitches
– round 1: ch 1, 1 inc on the 2nd ch from the hook, 47 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc, 1 inc, 47 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc, sl st (104)
– round 2: ch 1, inc, 49 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc, 1 inc, 49 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc, sl st (108)
– round 3: ch 2, bp hdc all around, sl st (108)
– rounds 4-5: ch 2, hdc all around, sl st (108)
– round 6: Change to yarn B, insert hook, ch 1, sl st all around (108)
– rounds 7-8: ch 2, hdc all around, sl st (108)
– rounds 9: ch 2, [3 hdc in the same st, skip 2 sts] repeat 36x, sl st (108)
– round 10-37: Repeat rounds 6-9 seven times, change yarn colors in the order A → B → C → D, then repeat the colors.
– round 38: Change yarn color, insert hook, ch 1, sl st all around (108)
– rounds 39-40: ch 2, hdc all around, sl st (108)
– round 41: ch 1, [2 sl st, ch 1, skip 1 st] repeat 36x, sl st unto the first st (108)
– round 42: ch 2, [3 hdc into the skipped sts in round 41] repeat 36x, sl st (108)
Fasten off, cut and hide the yarn end.
Note: When you change to a different yarn color and inserting the hook, make sure to begin the new round at the side of the bag.
Securing the yarn ends (Before attaching the lining)
For the rounds where yarn colors were changed, if you cut the yarn when changing the color, secure them by tying together.
Handle
Use E yarn and 4 mm crochet hook, make 2 handles
Note: the ch 1 and 2 at the end of the rows are excluded from total number of stitches in the parentheses (…)
Start at the 20 cm (yarn tail) and begin with ch 2
– row 1: 2 hdc in the 2nd ch from the hook, ch 2, turn (2)
– row 2: 2 inc hdc, ch 2, turn (4)
– row 3: 4 inc hdc, ch 2, turn (8)
– row 4: 1 hdc, 1 dec hdc, 2 hdc, 1 dec hdc, 1 hdc, ch 1, turn (6)
– row 5: 6 sc, ch 2, turn (6)
– rows 6- 58: 6 hdc, ch 2, turn (6)
For the handle, you can reduce or extend the length by adjusting it in these rows.
– row 59: 6 hdc, ch 1, turn (6)
– row 60: 6 sc, ch 2, turn (6)
– row 61: 1 hdc, 1 inc hdc, 2 hdc, 1 inc hdc, 1 hdc, ch 2, turn (8)
– row 62: 4 dec hdc, ch 2, turn (4)
– row 63: 2 dec hdc, ch 2, turn (2)
– row 64: 1 hdc dec, ch 1
Fasten off and cut long yarn end/tail for sewing.
Assembly
Sew the handle on the preferred placement. For this pattern, I recommend the 2 front spots that hold the weight of the bag, with 9 cm gap.
Cloth lining
Cut a piece of fabric ~30×34 cm.
Hand- or machine-sew the 3 sides inside-out; leave one side open.
If you wish to have a clean opening side, fold and sew it cleanly. Place it properly inside the bag and attach it by sewing the opening side to round 41 of the bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I sell finished bags made from this pattern?
Yes! You are welcome to sell finished items made from the Samarah Beach Bag pattern. Please just credit Woolshie.com as the pattern designer. The pattern itself (the PDF or written instructions) may not be resold or redistributed.
2. What yarn can I substitute for Drops Cotton Light?
Any DK weight (#3) cotton yarn works well. Look for something with good stitch definition and a slightly smooth twist so the fan stitch shows up clearly. Paintbox Cotton DK, Rico Creative Cotton DK, and Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton are popular alternatives.
3. Can I make this without the fabric lining?
Absolutely! The lining is optional but highly recommended for functionality — it keeps small items from poking through the fan stitch holes. If you skip it, the bag still looks gorgeous and works well for towels, produce, or anything larger.
4. How do I make the handles longer or shorter?
Simply add or remove rows in the rows 6–58 section of the handle. Each additional row adds approximately 0.5–0.7 cm to the handle length. The default length creates a comfortable shoulder-carry bag.
5. I’m a beginner — is this pattern really suitable for me?
Yes! If you know how to chain, single crochet, half double crochet, and slip stitch, you have everything you need. The fan stitch (3 hdc in the same stitch) is the only “new” technique, and there’s a video tutorial linked in the pattern. The color stripe chart takes all the guesswork out of when to change colors.
6. Can I use a different hook size?
You can, but check your gauge first — a larger hook will make a bigger bag, a smaller hook makes it smaller and denser. The 4 mm hook with DK cotton at loose tension is the tested sweet spot for this pattern.
✦ Make it yours
Alternate Colorway Ideas
Swap yarns A–D (and E for the handles) with any palette below. The pattern stays exactly the same — only the colors change.
Cool and coastal — perfect for a seaside holiday vibe. Deep teal, sky blue, sand, warm cream, and driftwood gray.
Soft and romantic — great for spring, Mother’s Day gifting, or a farmers market Saturday.
Warm and vibrant — a bold statement bag for a summer market or outdoor gathering.
Cool pastels with a dreamy feel — hugely popular on Pinterest and perfect for gifting.
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Accessibility Statement
Written in easy and beginner-friendly crochet terms, this pattern is designed to be accessible to crocheters of all skill levels. This guide is structured carefully to ensure that even first-time amigurumi makers can follow along and enjoy crocheting along the way.
Copyright
This Samarah Beach Bag crochet pattern is a Copyright of Woolshie, written by Angie. Do not copy, reproduce, or share this pattern, in partial or full, without permission. Feel free to sell finished items using this pattern. Please credit TAG @woolshie when posting your makes. I would love to see it!
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