How to Crochet a Tote Bag With Bottom Shoe Compartment (The Two-Deck Tote)

In this tutorial, I'll walk you through making a practical and stylish crochet tote bag that features a spacious main compartment and a separate bottom compartment designed specifically for shoes. This tote is perfect for classes, gym visits, or a day out shopping, and the best part is, it's beginner-friendly!

[Descriptive Image Caption: An elegantly crocheted tote bag in navy blue with a light grey bottom compartment for shoes, sitting on a wooden table.]

Why You'll Love This Pattern

Making this Two-Deck Tote is a fantastic project for beginners looking to advance their skills. The bag is functional, practical, and even a little trendy! Plus, the entire project will only take around 6-8 hours to complete, so you can enjoy it soon after starting.

In This Post

What You'll Need
Stitches You'll Use in This Pattern
Pattern Details
Abbreviations
Step-by-Step Instructions
Assembly / Putting It All Together
Finishing
Full Recipe-Card-Style Summary Box
What's Next?

What You'll Need

Yarn:
- Worsted Weight (Aran) — This is a medium-thickness yarn that is easy to see your stitches with.
- Main Color (MC): Navy Blue (400 yards / 366 meters)
- Contrast Color (CC): Light Grey (200 yards / 183 meters)
Crochet Hook:
- 5.0 mm (H-8) and 5.5 mm (I-9) — These sizes will help achieve the right gauge for your bag.
Stitch Markers (optional but helpful):
These little tools help you keep track of your rows and rounds.
Scissors:
For trimming any loose yarn ends.
Yarn/Tapestry Needle:
This needle is used to weave in the ends after finishing your project.
Stiff Interfacing:
To give your tote bag extra structure (1 yard).

Stitches You'll Use in This Pattern

ch (chain): This creates the little loops to start your work. To make a chain, hold the yarn in your left hand, wrap it around the hook, and pull it through the loop already on the hook. Repeat as needed.
sc (single crochet): Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over (wrap the yarn around the hook), pull the yarn back through (you should now have two loops on your hook), yarn over again, and pull through both loops on the hook.
dc (double crochet): Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over again and pull through (three loops on your hook), yarn over and pull through the first two loops, yarn over again and pull through the last two loops.
sl st (slip stitch): Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
sp (space): This indicates the space created when skipping stitches.
inc (increase): This means to make two stitches in the same stitch.
dec (decrease): This means to work two stitches together as one.

Pattern Details

Skill Level: Intermediate
Finished Size: Approximately 15 inches wide x 12 inches tall x 6 inches deep (38 cm x 30.5 cm x 15 cm)
Time to Complete: Approximately 6-8 hours
Yarn Amounts:
- Main Color: Navy Blue — 400 yards / 366 meters
- Contrast Color: Light Grey — 200 yards / 183 meters
Terms: This pattern uses US crochet terms.

Abbreviations

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
sp = space
inc = increase (2 stitches in the same stitch)
dec = decrease (2 stitches worked together as one)

Let's Get Started: Full Pattern Instructions

1. Base of the Bag

Using MC and 5.5 mm hook:

Ch 40.
Row 1: In the 4th ch from hook (this counts as your first dc), dc in each ch across. (You will have 38 dc.)
Row 2: Ch 3 (this counts as your first dc), turn your work, and dc in each dc across. (You still will have 38 dc.)
Rows 3-11: Repeat Row 2. (You will always have 38 dc.)

2. Sides of the Bag

Continue with MC:

Row 12: Ch 1, sc around the perimeter of the base. In each corner, place 3 sc to help the bag hold its shape. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (You will have 116 sc total.)
Rows 13-22: Ch 3, then dc in each st around. At the end of the round, join with sl st to the top of the ch 3. (You will have 116 dc total.)

3. Bottom Shoe Compartment

Changing to CC:

Row 23: Ch 1, sc in each st around. (You will have 116 sc.)
Row 24: Ch 1, sc in each st around, but ch 2 and skip the last 2 sc to create an opening for the shoe compartment. (You will now have 114 sc.)
Rows 25-27: Ch 1, sc in each st until you reach the opening. Make sure to maintain 114 sc throughout this section.

4. Final Edging

Row 28: Switch back to MC and sc evenly around the top edge of the bag for a finished look. In each corner, place 3 sc. Join with a sl st to complete. (You will have approximately 140 sc.)
Fasten off your yarn and cut it.

Assembly / Putting It All Together

Begin by sewing the stiff interfacing to both the base and sides of the bag. This will help give the bag structure.
Use the tapestry needle to weave in all your loose ends.
If you want to shape the bag, lightly block it. This means laying it flat in the desired shape and possibly spraying it with water to help hold its form.

Finishing

Weave in Ends: Take your tapestry needle and thread it with any loose yarn ends. Insert the needle into the stitches of the bag, pulling the yarn through to hide it. Trim any excess yarn once it's secure.
Blocking (optional): Blocking helps your finished piece hold its shape. This can be done by lightly spraying the finished bag with water and shaping it to the desired dimensions or using steam, if needed.

Full Recipe-Card-Style Summary Box

Title: Crochet Tote Bag With Bottom Shoe Compartment (The Two-Deck Tote)
Yield: 1
One-line description: A stylish and functional crochet tote bag with a separate compartment for shoes.
Full materials list:
- Worsted Weight Yarn: Navy Blue (400 yards), Light Grey (200 yards)
- Stiff interfacing (1 yard)
- Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm and 5.5 mm
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
Full numbered instructions:
1. Base: Ch 40, Row 1: dc in 4th ch, dc across (38 dc). Row 2: Ch 3, dc across (38 dc). Rows 3-11: Repeat Row 2 (38 dc).
2. Sides: Row 12: Ch 1, sc around (116 sc). Rows 13-22: Ch 3, dc around (116 dc).
3. Bottom Compartment: Row 23: Ch 1, sc around (116 sc). Row 24: Ch 1, sc around, ch 2 and skip last 2 sc (114 sc). Rows 25-27: Ch 1, sc around (114 sc).
4. Final Edging: Row 28: With MC, sc around (approx. 140 sc). Fasten off.
Notes: Care Instructions: Hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry. Do not iron.

What's Next?

Save this for later: I hope you enjoyed making your Two-Deck Tote! Save this post to Pinterest so you can find it again later.

Leave a comment: If you have any questions or need help while crocheting, please feel free to leave a comment. All questions are welcome!

Share your finished project: I would love to see your finished tote bag! Feel free to share your creations. You did amazing work, so be proud of it!