Remember when the Keep Calm trend was everywhere? The trend may have passed, but I still love this yarn bag and use it all the time.

I crochet a lot in the car while on the go, and my yarn used to get tangled every single time.

This yarn bag keeps everything neat with a spot for hooks, a pocket for patterns, and a clever opening that lets the yarn feed right through the side.

Now I can grab my tote and crochet on the couch, in the car, or at the park without dealing with a tangled mess.

Supply List

Grab the Free Printable

Cut List from Canvas

• 2 – 18.5″ x 15.5″ pieces (front and back)
• 1 –  52.5″ x 7″ (this will be your 3 sides)
• 1 –  5″ x 7″ (slots for crochet hooks)
• 1 –  15.5″ x 12″ (back pocket)
• 2 – 5″ x 34″ (straps)

Instructions

Step 1: Print the Fabric Label

Print the Keep Calm and Carry Yarn design onto fabric using your home printer.

If you have not printed on fabric before, this tutorial will walk you through the process: How to Print on Fabric.

The printable file is designed for a full sheet of paper. If you want a smaller label, resize the design before printing.

Set the printed fabric aside while you assemble the bag pieces.

Step 2: Sew the Back Pocket

Take the back panel and the pocket piece.

1. Fold the top edge of each piece under ½ inch and press.
2. Stitch the folded edge to create a clean hem.

Place the pocket on top of the back panel with right sides facing out. Align the bottom and side edges.

Sew a basting stitch along the sides to hold the pocket in place while you assemble the bag.

Set this piece aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Front Panel

Fold the top edge of the front panel down ½ inch and sew a hem.

Next, attach the printed fabric label.

1. Apply fusible web to the back of the printed fabric.
2. Center the design on the front panel.
3. Fuse according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Stitch around the edge using a zigzag stitch to secure it.

This step gives the bag a fun, handmade look while keeping the fabric label’s edges from fraying.

Step 4: Prepare the Side Panel

Take the long side panel piece and hem both short edges with a ½ inch seam allowance.

This long strip will wrap around the sides and bottom of the tote bag.

Step 5: Create the Crochet Hook Holder

Take the 5″ x 7″ piece that will hold your crochet hooks.

1. Fold the top and bottom edges under ½ inch.
2. Press and sew the hems.

Position this panel on the side panel piece where one side of the bag will be.

Sew vertical lines down the panel to create narrow pockets for crochet hooks, yarn needles, or stitch markers.

These small slots keep your tools organized so they do not disappear into the bottom of the bag.

Step 6: Sew the Bag Body

Now we assemble the tote.

Place the front panel and the long side panel right sides together.

The long strip wraps around one side, across the bottom, and up the other side of the bag.

Sew with a ⅜-inch seam allowance.

Once the front panel is attached, sew the back panel to the remaining edge of the side strip, again with right sides together.

You should now have the tote bag’s shape. This will be the view of the inside.

Step 7: Finish the Seams

To strengthen the bag and keep the inside neat, we will flatten the seams.

On the right side of the bag, start with the two bottom seams and pinch them together.

Press and sew. Once you do the two bottom sides, then do the 4 side seams.

Step 8: Sew the Straps

Take the strap pieces and fold each long edge inward ½ inch. Press well.

Fold the strap in half lengthwise, then press again to enclose the raw edges.

Topstitch along both sides of each strap.

My straps are a little longer because I tend to carry a lot of yarn and tools, but you can shorten them if you prefer a shorter tote.

Attach the straps to the inside of the bag opening.

Sew an X inside the square to secure the straps firmly.

Step 9: Add the Yarn Feed Grommets

On the side opposite the crochet hook holder, install the grommets.

These allow your yarn to feed smoothly out of the bag while you crochet.

Thread the yarn through the grommet and continue stitching without the yarn ball rolling across the floor or tangling.

It is one of my favorite features of this bag.

Your Yarn Tote Is Finished

And that is it! Your new yarn tote bag is ready to hold all your crochet supplies.

Load it up with yarn, hooks, patterns, and maybe a few stitch markers, then take your crochet projects wherever you go.

As always, if you run into any questions while following one of my tutorials, leave a comment or send me an email. I am always happy to help.

More Sewing Tutorials

Can you ever have too many sewing ideas? I don’t think so! Here are a few more fun projects to try next.

Hi, I’m Katie!

I’m so glad you’re here. Want to make something fabulous? I’m here to help!