If you’re looking for a quick and fashionable summer project, check out this beginner crochet beach bag using the suzette stitch.

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If you’re like me, you’ve learned to crochet and you’ve got the basics down. You can single and double crochet with the best of them…. heck you are a wiz at granny squares… but you’re looking for something more practical and cute to do with your skills. Does this sound like you? Are you still in the beginner crochet step? It’s cool. This free Beginner Crochet Beach Bag is for crafters of all skill levels and makes a beautiful suzette stitch that no one will even have to know how easy it is! In fact, the suzette stitch is a great one to have in your arsenal. It works up a beautiful thick but breathable texture that is great for any number of projects.

This inspiration for this bag came from a recent trip to the beach (because apparently Los Angeles decided to skip spring all together and go right into summer) wherein my favorite beach bag not only broke but got covered in sunscreen. Cue dramatic freaking out noise. So!!! In a fit of crochet desperation and some love for Pantone’s color of the year (and my birth stone!) I made a bag. Since it’s cotton yarn I can wash it on gentle. So if someone spills juice or apple sauce or sunscreen, I don’t have 30 minutes of wet wiping ahead of me. AND!!!! It’s versatile! If you don’t live near the beach, this bag also works wonderful as a fashionable market bag. Pretty cool right? So grab a crochet needle, sit down with Lilo and Stitch (and some other fun Disney movies) and let’s make all the things!

Beginner Crochet Beach Bag

Supplies:

Lily Sugar ‘N Cream Solids in Mod Green (4 balls)
Size J crochet hook (I love this set from Susan Bates!)
Yarn needle
Ruler and pen or marker

Time: Weekend/Binge watch
Cost: $10
Skill level: Beginner

* Please note that I am not a super experienced pattern writer so mistakes may happen and I’ll correct as they are brought to light!*

KEY:
ch – Chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
sk – skip
st – stitch

With J hook, Chain 81.

Now we’re going to start the suzette stitch (1 sc, 1 dc)

Row 1: In second stitch from hook. *Skip the next stitch. (1 sc, 1 dc) into next stitch. Repeat from * to last stitch. 1 sc in last stitch and turn. ch 1

Row 2:  (1 sc, 1 dc) into first sc. Sk next dc. Repeat to the end of the row. ch1

NOTE: Don’t be overly concerned with when you need to change balls. I just tie a double knot and leave enough end out on both sides to sew or stitch in.

Repeat row 2 until your very large rectangle thing measures 14 inches tall.

Begin sc for 6 rows – or about 1 inche of banding.

Once you’ve got the whole thing crochet(ed) fold the bag in half and sc down the sides and bottom of the the bag. I originally did this with a slip stitch, but the sc gives you a better hold overall creating a sturdier bag. Once you get to the last corner of the bag, finish off and sew in the ends using a yarn needle. Trim ends.

Straps (make 2):

Ch 50 and sc for 5 rows.

To attach the straps you’ll need a length of yarn and your yarn needle.

Turn the bag inside out. Using the ruler and marker, measure out 1 inch from the seam on each side of the bag. So it will be 1 inch. Dot. 1 inch. Dot. (if this makes sense) You’ll attach the straps between the dots.

Using the yarn needle, stitch each strap to the bag using a large square going from the bottom of the strap to the top of the strap and across. Then stitch an X through the square. Tie off and weave in ends. Do this to the other end of the strap making sure it isn’t twisted. Flip the project over and repeat the process on the other side.

Wash in cold water with like colors and enjoy!

If you like fun summer projects that keep the party going all year long, be sure to pin this  Beginner Crochet Beach Bag to your crochet pattern, summer crafts or bag boards!