Tahki Yarns Montauk Crochet Beach Tote Pattern Pattern

Tahki Yarns Montauk Crochet Beach Tote

Project Overview

The Montauk Crochet Beach Tote is a spacious, structured bag designed by Lidia Karabinech using crochet techniques. This downloadable pattern creates a practical beach accessory with finished measurements of 13 inches wide at the base, 8¾ inches deep, and 11 inches tall, making it ideal for carrying essentials to the shore or poolside.

Construction Techniques

This crochet pattern employs a straightforward construction method that begins with a flat rectangular base, which is then worked upward to form the bag body. The base is created by working in rows, and the body transitions into working in rounds to form the sides of the tote. This technique ensures even stitch distribution and creates a sturdy, structured shape suitable for a functional beach bag.

Crochet Stitches Used

• Single Crochet (sc): The primary stitch throughout the pattern. Single crochet is worked by inserting the hook into the next stitch or chain, yarning over, drawing the yarn through the stitch (creating 2 loops on the hook), then yarning over again and drawing through both loops. This stitch creates a dense, durable fabric ideal for a bag that will hold weight.
• Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and finish edges. The slip stitch is a minimal-height joining stitch that creates a seamless transition between rounds without adding height to the fabric.
• Chain (ch): Used to establish the foundation and create turning chains at the beginning of rows.

Pattern Construction Details

Bag Bottom: The base is constructed by chaining 33 stitches, then working single crochet in each chain across to create 32 stitches. Rows are repeated until the piece measures 13 inches from the beginning, establishing the width of the bag's foundation.

Bag Body: After the bottom is complete, stitches are worked evenly along the long sides and short sides of the base to pick up 164 stitches total. The pattern then transitions to working in rounds using single crochet, continuing until the piece reaches 11 inches in height. A final round of slip stitches is worked around to finish the top edge.

Handles: Two identical handles are created separately by chaining 7 stitches and working single crochet rows until each handle measures 17 inches in length, providing comfortable carrying straps for the completed tote.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern uses two complementary yarns from Tahki Yarns, both 100% mercerized cotton, which provides durability and a refined finish suitable for a beach accessory.

• Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic (Color #3009 Grey): 7 skeins required. Each skein contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 108 yards (100 meters) of yarn. This yarn serves as component A in the pattern.
• Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic Lite (Color #4017 Titanium): 5 skeins required. Each skein contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 146 yards (135 meters) of yarn. This lighter-weight yarn serves as component B.

Both yarn strands are held together as one throughout the pattern, creating a blended color effect and achieving the desired fabric weight and structure.

Tools and Gauge

The pattern requires one crochet hook in size H-8 (5mm) and a yarn needle for finishing. The recommended gauge is 14½ stitches and 15½ rows measured over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working single crochet with one strand each of yarn A and B held together. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished bag meets the specified dimensions.

Yarn Weight and Fiber Benefits

The combination of Cotton Classic and Cotton Classic Lite creates a fabric that balances structure with breathability. Mercerized cotton provides a smooth, lustrous finish that resists pilling and maintains its appearance through repeated use and washing. The cotton fiber is particularly suitable for a beach tote, as it is lightweight, quick-drying, and comfortable for warm-weather use.