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Free Pattern: The Aquamarine Crochet Beach Bag

by Mari Gio

Get ready for summer with this free crochet beach bag tutorial! Learn how to make a sturdy, lined aquamarine tote featuring a stunning 3D sea anemone.

Summer is finally here, and there is no better time to get ready to hit the beach in style. This season’s absolute star is the handcrafted crochet bag, the perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality. As you can admire in the beautiful image below, the design of this delightful, lined aquamarine bag is a true tribute to summer freshness.

The inspiration comes directly from the sea: the openwork crochet motif keeps the bag lightweight and breezy, while a stunning three-dimensional sea anemone decoration, complete with delicate hanging water drops, adds a beautiful touch of coastal charm. Beyond being visually flawless, it is designed to be roomy and sturdy. It is the perfect tote for carrying your summer reads, sunscreen, and, of course, your latest crochet work-in-progress!

Ready to get started? Here is the complete tutorial to make it.

Materials Needed

For this project, we chose natural fibers, ideal for the warm season and to guarantee a long life for the accessory:

  • DMC Natura Just Cotton crochet yarn (aqua green color)
  • 3.5 mm crochet hook
  • Stitch markers
  • Paper to make the lining pattern
  • 0.5 m of patterned fabric for the outer lining
  • 0.5 m of solid color fabric for the inner lining
  • Toy stuffing, a small amount
  • Needle and thread
  • Brooch pin

Eco-Tip: The lining is the perfect opportunity for an upcycling project! If you have old cotton summer shirts or fabric scraps you no longer use, this is the ideal chance to give them a new life while reducing textile waste.

How to Make the Beach Bag

The main section of the bag is worked in the round. Note: The 2 chains at the beginning of each half double crochet round of the base (Rounds 2-7) do not count as a stitch, to ensure a cleaner finish: skip the chains and slip stitch into the first half double crochet to close each round.

Base

  • Base chain: Using the Surf color and the 3.5 mm hook, chain 35.
  • Round 1: Single crochet in the back loop of the 2nd chain from the hook, 32 single crochets in the back loops, 3 single crochets in the last chain, turn the work, work in the space where the two chains intersect to obtain a sturdier base, 33 single crochets, 3 single crochets in the last stitch, slip stitch in the starting stitch. (72 stitches)
  • Round 2: Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch), 1 half double crochet in the same stitch, 32 half double crochets, 2 half double crochets in each of the next 3 stitches, 33 half double crochets, 2 half double crochets in each of the next 3 stitches, slip stitch in the starting stitch. (78 stitches)
  • Round 3: Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch), 1 half double crochet in the same stitch, 32 half double crochets, (2 half double crochets in the next stitch, 1 half double crochet) 3 times, 33 half double crochets, (2 half double crochets in the next stitch, 1 half double crochet) 3 times, slip stitch in the starting stitch. (84 stitches)
  • Round 4: Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch), 1 half double crochet in the same stitch, 34 half double crochets, (2 half double crochets in the next stitch, 1 half double crochet) 3 times, 36 half double crochets, (2 half double crochets in the next stitch, 1 half double crochet) 3 times, 1 half double crochet, slip stitch in the starting stitch. (90 stitches)
  • Round 5: Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch), 1 half double crochet in the same stitch, 37 half double crochets, (2 half double crochets in the next stitch, 1 half double crochet) 3 times, 39 half double crochets, (2 half double crochets in the next stitch, 1 half double crochet) 3 times, 1 half double crochet, slip stitch in the starting stitch. (96 stitches)
  • Round 6: Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch), 1 half double crochet in the same stitch, 39 half double crochets, (2 half double crochets in the next stitch, 1 half double crochet) 3 times, 42 half double crochets, (2 half double crochets in the next stitch, 1 half double crochet) 3 times, 2 half double crochets, slip stitch in the starting stitch. (102 stitches)
  • Round 7: Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch), 1 half double crochet in the same stitch, 42 half double crochets, (2 half double crochets in the next stitch, 1 half double crochet) 3 times, 45 half double crochets, (2 half double crochets in the next stitch, 1 half double crochet) 3 times, 2 half double crochets, slip stitch in the starting stitch. (108 stitches)

Cut and fasten off the yarn.

Main Section

Use stitch markers to mark the beginning and end of each handle to help you keep track; find the apex of each long side (count the stitches from both sides to ensure you have placed the markers evenly), place a marker 5 stitches away from both sides of the center stitch. (10 stitches)

  • Round 8: Rejoin the yarn at the right marker of one of the two ends, chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), 1 single crochet in the same stitch, 11 single crochets, chain 2, (4 single crochets, chain 2) 10 times, 14 single crochets, repeat from * to *, 2 single crochets, slip stitch in the starting stitch. (108 stitches + 22 chain-2 spaces)
  • Round 9 (Begin Lace Motif): Chain 3 (counts as a treble crochet), 9 treble crochets (forms the handle), skip 2 stitches, (1 treble crochet, chain 3, 1 treble crochet) in each chain-2 space (work into 11 chain-2 spaces; the single crochets are not worked), skip 2 stitches, 10 treble crochets (forms the handle), repeat from * to *, slip stitch in the top of the starting chain.
  • Round 10: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), 1 single crochet in the same space, 9 single crochets, (2 single crochets, chain 2, 2 single crochets) in each chain-3 space, 10 single crochets (in the treble crochets of the previous round), repeat from * to *, slip stitch in the starting stitch.
  • Rounds 11-24: Repeat Rounds 9 and 10 seven more times.
  • Round 25: Repeat Round 9 one more time.
  • Round 26: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), 1 single crochet in the same space, 9 single crochets, 3 single crochets in each chain-3 space, 10 single crochets (in the treble crochets of the previous round), repeat from * to *, slip stitch in the starting stitch. (86 stitches)
  • Round 27: Chain 2 (counts as a half double crochet), 9 half double crochets, 2 half double crochets closed together (decrease) 16 times, 11 half double crochets, 2 half double crochets closed together 16 times, 1 half double crochet, slip stitch in the starting stitch. (54 stitches)
  • Rounds 28-29: Chain 2 (counts as a half double crochet), half double crochets all around, slip stitch in the starting stitch.
  • Round 30: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), 1 single crochet in the same space, 9 single crochets, (slip stitch, chain 4, slip stitch) in the next stitch, slip stitch 8 times, (slip stitch, chain 4, slip stitch) in the next stitch, 10 single crochets, repeat from * to *, slip stitch in the starting stitch.

Do not cut the yarn…

The lining also prevents too much sand from getting in.

(Note: In the original text, the following rounds 3 to 6 appear at this point in the layout, representing the continuation of the Anemone Base).

  • Round 3: (2 single crochets in the next stitch, 1 single crochet) 6 times. (18 stitches)
  • Round 4: (2 single crochets in the next stitch, 2 single crochets) 6 times. (24 stitches)
  • Round 5: (2 single crochets in the next stitch, 3 single crochets) 6 times. (30 stitches)
  • Round 6: (2 single crochets in the next stitch, 4 single crochets) 6 times, slip stitch in the next stitch. (6 stitches) Cut and fasten off the yarn. Stretch the disc to loosen the stitches. Weave in the ends.

Attention to Details

The main part of the bag is worked in the round. The 2 chains at the beginning of each half double crochet round of the base (Rounds 2-7) do not count as a stitch to ensure a cleaner finish; skip the chain and slip stitch into the 1st half double crochet to close each round.

Strap (Handle)

Note: The strap is worked in rows (back and forth).

  • Row 1: Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch), 1 half double crochet in the same space, 9 half double crochets. (10 stitches)
  • Repeat this row 40 more times or until the desired length is reached.
  • Cut and fasten off the yarn, leaving a long tail.

Finishing

Use the yarn tail to sew the strap to the other side of the bag, right sides together. In the central section, fold the handle over itself twice to create an easy-to-grip section, and sew it closed. Weave in the ends.

Lining

  1. Lay the bag flat on the paper and trace its outlines, leaving a seam allowance all around.
  2. Use the paper pattern to cut two pieces each for the outer and inner lining.
  3. With right sides together, sew the curved seam of each lining, but leave an opening on the outer lining so it can be turned right side out later. Press the seams (including the unsewn section, as it will make sewing easier later).
  4. With right sides together, sew the inner and outer linings together along the top edge. Press the seams.
  5. Turn the work right side out and hand-sew the opening closed.
  6. Pin it inside the bag and hand-sew it in place.

How to Make the Sea Decorations

Sea Anemone

Note: Work the sea anemone base in a continuous spiral round.

Base

  • Using the Dove color and the 3.5 mm hook, make a magic ring with chain 1.
  • Round 1: 6 single crochets in the ring. (6 stitches)
  • From this point on, work only in the back loops.
  • Round 2: 2 single crochets in each stitch. (12 stitches)

Fronds

  • Starting from the center, (1 slip stitch, chain 8) in each loop. We used the Lettuce color for the central part and the Dove color for the two outermost rows.

Water Drops

(Make 2) Note: Work the water drops in the round using the spiral amigurumi method.

  • Use the wrong side as the right side (meaning, let the right side face inward as you work).
  • Using the Dove color and the 3.5 mm hook, make a magic ring with chain 1.
  • Round 1: 6 single crochets in the ring. (6 stitches)
  • Round 2: 2 single crochets in each stitch. (12 stitches)
  • Weave in the center yarn tail now, as it will be difficult to do it later.
  • Rounds 3-5: 1 single crochet in each stitch.
  • Stuff the shape.
  • Round 6: 2 single crochets closed together (decrease) through the back loops 6 times. (6 stitches)
  • Add more stuffing.
  • Round 7: 2 single crochets closed together (decrease) through the back loops 3 times. (3 stitches)
  • Round 8: Slip stitch in the stitch opposite the hook, chain 6 on one and chain 12 on the other (or more if you want it to hang lower), cut and fasten off the yarn, leaving a long tail.

Finishing

Using the long tails, sew the water drops to the back of the sea anemone and attach the brooch pin.

Ready for Summer: Your Unique Handmade Bag

Making this bag is not only a relaxing project, but it also provides the priceless satisfaction of showing off a unique accessory, designed and created entirely with your own hands. Whether you decide to take it to the beach, use it for a sunset stroll, or as a faithful companion for your outdoor summer reads, this perforated bag will be the true star of the season. The delicate detail of the sea anemone will also bring a hint of sea breeze wherever you go.

But now I am curious to discover your versions and to see how your creativity will take shape! Tell me in the comments:

  • What palettes will you choose? Will you stay true to the fresh shades of aquamarine, or will you dare with the warm tones of summer sunsets?
  • Room for recycling: Did you follow the upcycling tip for the lining? What old garment or fabric scrap found a beautiful new life in your project?

I can’t wait to admire your masterpieces. Remember to take a photo of your finished bag (perhaps with the sea or nature in the background!) and share it on social media by tagging Artedelricamo. It will be a pleasure to reshare the most original variations and inspire our entire community of craft lovers.

Happy crocheting and, above all, a wonderful creative summer to you all!