Cozy Tan Kitty Face Tote Bag Free Crochet Pattern

This cozy tan kitty face tote bag pattern is perfect for cat lovers and anyone looking for a fun, functional accessory. With its charming kitty design, this bag is great for everyday use or as a unique gift. We’ll be using basic stitches like single crochet and double crochet, making this pattern enjoyable to work on.

This pattern is suitable for intermediate crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and want to learn some new techniques. You'll enjoy creating a fun, practical accessory and even learn how to add a cute applique!

Why You'll Love This Tote Bag

• Adorable design – the kitty face is sure to bring smiles.
• Quick to make – complete this project in just a few hours.
• Functional and practical – perfect for daily use or gifting.
• Customizable – change colors to match your style.

Skill Level: Intermediate

You’ll need to be comfortable with the following stitches:

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• sl st – slip stitch

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• st – stitch
• sl st – slip stitch
• dc – double crochet
• FLO – front loop only

Gauge and Finished Size

• Finished size: Approximately 35 × 30 cm (14 × 12 in), excluding straps.
• Gauge: 14 sc and 16 rows = 10 cm (4 in) in single crochet.

To check gauge, work a small swatch of the pattern using single crochet and measure. If your gauge does not match, adjust your hook size accordingly.

Image shown for inspiration — your finished result may vary slightly.

How to Crochet a Cozy Tan Kitty Face Tote Bag (Step by Step)

Bag Body

The bag body is crocheted flat.

1. Foundation Row: Ch 52, turn.
2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (51 sts).
3. Row 2-20: Ch 1, sc in each st across (51 sts).
   • After 20 rows, your piece should measure approximately 30 cm (12 in) high.

Bottom of the Bag

We continue to add structure to the bag.
4. Row 21: Ch 1, sc in each st across (51 sts).
5. Row 22: Ch 1, turn, and sc in first 25 sts, ch 2 for the bottom corner, sc in last 26 sts (51 sts).
6. Row 23: Repeat Row 22 (51 sts).

Top Edging

Let’s create a nice finish for the top of the bag.
7. Row 24: Ch 1, sc in each st across (51 sts).
8. Row 25: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next 50 sts (51 dc).
9. Row 26: Ch 1, sc in each dc across (51 sts).

Straps (Make 2)

We’ll crochet the straps separately for a sturdy finish.
10. Strap Foundation: Ch 5.
11. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (4 sts).
12. Row 2-30: Ch 1, sc in each st across (4 sts).

• Straps should measure approximately 76 cm (30 in) long each.

Kitty Face Applique

Now, let’s make the cute kitty features.
13. Ears (Make 2, Tan):
- Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 4 sts (5 sts), turn.
- Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 1 st, sc2tog (3 sts), turn.
- Ch 1, sc2tog (2 sts), turn.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
14. Whiskers (Make 3, Black): Ch 5, cut yarn, leaving a tail.
15. Eyes (Make 2, White): Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to join (6 sts).
16. Pupils (Make 2, Black): Ch 1, 3 sc in 1 st, sl st to join (3 sts).

Assembly & Finishing

Now for the fun part—putting everything together!

• Attach Ears: Sew on the ears to the top of the bag about 5 inches apart.
• Sew Eyes and Pupils: Position the white eyes below the ears, then sew on the black pupils in the center of the whites.
• Add Whiskers: Sew the black whiskers onto the sides of the kitty face, spreading them out evenly.
• Attach Straps: Sew each strap to the inside of the bag, 20 cm (8 in) apart from each end.

Beginner Tips

• Use stitch markers to mark your rows, which can help keep your counting accurate.
• Count your stitches regularly to avoid any mistakes in stitch count.
• Maintaining consistent tension will give your bag a more polished look.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• "My project is too loose." – This can happen if your tension is too loose. Try using a smaller hook size.
• "The sides of my bag don't match." – Make sure to keep track of your row counts to avoid inconsistencies.
• "My stitches look uneven." – This might be due to varying tension. Try to keep an even hand as you crochet.

How to Care for Your Tote Bag

To clean your tote bag, hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry to maintain its shape and color.

FAQ

How do I resize the tote bag?

To make a smaller tote, reduce the foundation chain by multiples of 3. Adjust the number of rows for the body accordingly.

Can I use a different yarn?

Yes! You can use any worsted weight yarn, just make sure to check gauge for the best fit.

How long will this project take?

The estimated working time is about 3–4 hours in total, depending on your crochet speed.

Want to create a complete set? Check out our range of patterns or try the matching kitty face pouch.