Paradise Beach Tote Crochet Pattern

With Spring upon us and the sun shinning, I know we are all dreaming of visiting the nearest sandy shores for a splendid day at the beach. Grab your tote, fill it with goodies such as a towel, sunscreen, water, snack and flip flops. Oh wait, is your old tote need to visit the recycle bin? No worries, take the stress out of it and crochet up a new Paradise Beach Tote with this fabulous crochet pattern.

Paradise Beach Tote Crochet Pattern

Not only is this an ideal size for a day at the beach, you may learn a few new tricks of the trade (our crochet trade)!

the Paradise Beach Tote

Designed to be just the right size for a day trip, the totes completed size will come out at about 14” wide by 15” tall and is 3” deep. The square base allows for more room to place those essentials in a more organized fashion.

As the crochet pattern progresses up towards the top, you will follow a graph. But, don’t fret over this. If reading graphs is not your favorite thing, I have included a “cheat sheet” on the graph. It will tell you exactly how many stitches in each color need to be worked in each row.

So Many Tutorials – Twist Cord

The Paradise Beach Tote was so much fun to design and see it develop into what I had envisioned. As I neared the top I had to make a decision on what type of strap I wanted. I have always loved the look of Twist Cords so thought that would be a fun way to reintroduce the colors back into the design.

But, it is a little tricky to explain how to make one of these fun and colorful twist cords. As in so many of my designs, I decided to just make a quick video tutorial to help demonstrate how easy they really are to make.

Or Click HERE To Watch

More Tutorials on Grommets too!

The Twist Cords for each strap of the tote are completed! Yay, you may have just learned something new. But, adding them to the tote can be a little tricky. Leaving holes in your crochet piece works but over time, they stretch and won’t hold their shape.

The solution: Grommets! You will be amazed at how easy they are to add. Again, I went to my video camera and threw together another quick tutorial:

Or Click HERE To Watch

Where Can I get My Grommets & Tools

Hopefully you are convinced this is a great tool to use and so easy! Now, are you wondering where to get the grommets, and what about those tools? Well, it is easy to purchase a small kit. I used this one on Amazon:

Find this exact set on Amazon – Click HERE

The great part about this Grommet Kit is that it comes with multiple grommets and all the tools you need including that scrap piece of wood.

See Samples Made by my Pattern Testers

One of the greatest rewards with designing crochet patterns is seeing the completed projects from those that have made something from them. This test was so fun when I got the feedback and photos from my testers.

Susie made her tote using Red Heart Ombre yarn (in the color ‘scuba’) and it created lovely color fades. The bold contrast of the Hobby Lobby I Love that Yarn (in the color ‘coral sparkles’) was the perfect color for the lettering. Susie said, “I can fit my large beach towel, water shoes, mask, snorkel and so much more.”

Nancy tested the tote and I love the alterations she made. The bold colors are perfect for spring. She also adjusted the final round to be made in a contrasting color showing off the texture. More alterations included her brilliant addition of the pegs on the bottom of the bag and the strap running straight across from one end to the other (instead of 1 strap on each side like mine).

Paradise Beach Tote Bottom

The next test that came is was done by Heidi. She made the straps slightly shorter and in 3 colors (instead of 4) and I love how distinct all the colors are in it! Heidi also topped the bag with the same colors as the middle lettering which really tied the bag together.

The final test that was completed was by Vickie, she did a fabulous job and shows off the size and how useful the tote is! Pluss her decision to use the same multi-colored yarn for all the lettering turned out perfect.

Materials Needed for Paradise Beach Tote Crochet Pattern

  • Crochet Hook size H (5.00 mm)
  • Worsted Weight Yarn (#4)
  •          920 total yards
  •          Sample Made using Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday   
  • Measuring Tape
  • Scissors
  • Yarn Needle
  • 4 – 3/8” grommets (hammer for installation)
Paradise Beach

Where to find the Paradise Beach Tote crochet pattern

More Handbag Patterns you may Love:

More Crochet Fun

Follow Sweet Potato 3 on Facebook to see more pattern releases, sales and crochet fun, just click HERE.

However, if you would enjoy a more interactive group experience, you need to join my Crochet & Conversations facebook group, click HERE. It is a ton of fun and I encourage everyone to share their projects, WIPS (works in progress) and inspirations. Plus you get exclusive deals, are the first to see new releases, give input on designs and have opportunities to win patterns. Join now and get to know others who also enjoy the art of crochet.

Bella Borsetta Clutch Crochet Pattern

Spring is in the air and everyone is on the hunt for some fun new patterns. As I sat down to decide what to design, I kept running across the cutest handbags and knew that I needed to design one. It didn’t take long for the Bella Borsetta Clutch crochet pattern to come into view and become a complete and ready design just for you.

Bella Borsetta Clutch

The clutch pattern is a great small crochet project. It is ideal to crochet during the warmer spring and summer months when we don’t want blankets or other big projects being created and laying on our laps.

Behind the Bella Borsetta Clutch Name

Bella Borsetta, just the sound of it is lovely and has a fancy ring to it’s name. Do you know what Bella Borsetta means? It is translated to “Pretty Handbag” in Italian, which is a perfect fit for this design. I need to thank Judy from my Crochet & Conversations Facebook group for suggesting it.

  • Bella Borsetta

The Design

Designed as a small purse for your essentials. The clutch is about 5″ by 5″ and a perfect size for quick errands, evenings out or a day shopping. If you would like the clutch to be slightly smaller {like for a phone case} or larger {deeper to hold something like books} just adjust the length of the main body.

The crochet clutch has a beautiful decorative flap. The raised edges angle towards the center tip of the flap to accentuate the triangular closure. It is finished off with a slight scallop edge that resembles flower petals and adds that perfect touch of spring… plus the flirty tassel that adorns the front is just plain fun!

Video Tutorials Included

Crochet bags sometimes don’t hold their shape or they stretch in the wrong places. However, in this design the thermal single crochet stitch constructs the body of the clutch. It creates an extra thick fabric that assists in holding the shape of the clutch and preventing the dreaded “holes” in your crochet.

Thermal Single Crochet Stitch Tutorial

I have created a couple tutorials to assist you with the clutch pattern. The first tutorial is for the Thermal Single Crochet Stitch.

Watch Tutorial on YouTube HERE

Fish Bone Cord

The next stitch tutorial included in the pattern is for the Fish Bone Cord. I love this cord because it creates a fun and unique woven and/or braid. You can make it with a single strand of yarn but it is ideal to use 2 strands held together for the clutch to make it a more appropriate thickness for the strap. Instructions on how to begin the cord can be found in the pattern.

Watch Tutorial on YouTube HERE

See Samples Made by my Pattern Testers

Pattern testers work along side me to help me release patterns that are easy to read, follow and helps reduce the possibilities of errors (but we are human) in the pattern. I couldn’t do what I do without all their hard work.

I have to admit, it is super rewarding to see how amazing their samples turn out and know that the pattern does come out how it is suppose to-LOL! Check them out gorgeous their Bella Borsetta Clutches turned out

  • Test by Jillian – Yarn It
    Loops & Threads Impeccable yarn in the color, Aran.
  • Test by Nicolee
    I love the Terracota color, the clutch was made using Premier Everyday anti-pill.
  • Test by Sara K
    Made with Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton. Sara said she is “kind of in love with the mini tassel”
  • Bella Borsetta Pattern Test
    Made by Radhika in Lion Brand Basic Stitch
  • Bella Borsetta Test Sample
    Test done by Trudy in Spotlight USA Style in the color, Peach.
  • Bella Borsetta
    1st Test by Hedi using Red Heart Fleck, I love how she made it a wristlet.
  • Bella Borsetta
    Tested by Susie using Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek, it gives it a fun sheen!
  • Bella Borsetta
    Nancy decided to help her stash pile out and used up some yarn to create hers.
  • Bella Borsetta Test Sample
    Test by Richelle using Red Heart Ombre – love the slight color variation in this sample.
  • Bella Borsetta Clutch
    Linda did her test in Caron Simply Soft and made the body shorter so she could use it as a phone case.
  • Test by Kim, from K’s Keepsakes. This darling little clutch was made using Big Twist.
    Kim added a cute bead between her tassel and front closure flap which turned out darling.

Materials Needed for Bella Borsetta Clutch

  • Crochet Hook H (5.00 mm)
  • Crochet Hook K (6.50 mm)
  • Worsted Weight Yarn (#4) ~ 180 yards       
  • Samples made using Berroco Comfort Worsted Weight Yarn colors: 9707 Boy Blue & 9709 Jadeite
  • Other Suggested Yarn:  see testers yarn in above section
  • Measuring Tape, Scissors, Yarn Needle
Bella Borsetta Clutch

Where to find the Bella Borsetta Clutch crochet pattern

More Handbag Patterns you may Love:

More Crochet Fun

Follow Sweet Potato 3 on Facebook to see more pattern releases, sales and crochet fun, just click HERE.

However, if you would enjoy a more interactive group experience, you need to join my Crochet & Conversations facebook group, click HERE. It is a ton of fun and I encourage everyone to share their projects, WIPS (works in progress) and inspirations. Plus you get exclusive deals, are the first to see new releases, give input on designs and have opportunities to win patterns. Join now and get to know others who also enjoy the art of crochet.

Practice your C2C Crochet Skills – FREE Pattern Round Up

This year, I have been focusing on learning new crochet skills. Even as a designer, who has over 30 years of crochet experience, I have so many things to learn. This past month, I had a guest speaker come and talk to my facebook group (SP3 Crochet & Conversations) about Corner to Corner crochet, also know as C2C.

Malena from, Straight Hooked, taught the course and went over everything from reading graphs, how to build the crochet blocks, how the stitches increase/decrease, color changes and any other info we wanted to know. She did an amazing job and there is a replay available if your interested in watching, click HERE.

C2C crochet laptop cover

As part of the lesson, Straight Hooked, designed a FREE laptop cover pattern for everyone. It was a fun project for us to practice our skills on. Here is my practice swatch, I still need to make the back and seam them together. Find your copy of the laptop cover pattern for FREE by clicking HERE.

Implementing your new C2C Skills

Learning a new skill can be really fun. I love to dive in and try new projects with the techniques I’ve learned. The most common C2C projects are with cute images crocheted from graphs. However, I wanted to focus on mastering the actual stitches first including increasing and decreasing.

I searched for some fun projects that will allow you to practice your skills without worrying about the color changes in the chart. Most of these are quick, will allow you to play with the technique and create something fun and useful. One of the projects is larger, but it will allow you to use up your scrap yarn (yippee)!

Corner 2 Corner Crochet

So many people love the cute graphs that you can crochet into designs, but the stitches are lovely on their own and you can create to traditional crochet patterns with them. If you are just learning the C2C method, these are great patterns to practice the technique.

FREE Eventide Infinity Scarf - by Left In Knots

Photo Credit: www.leftinknots.com

Take advantage of the luxurious look of self striping yarn as you practice your stitches and crochet this gorgeous infinity scarf.

FREE Pastel Triangles Pillow - by Lilla Bjorn Crochet

Photo Credit: www.lillabjorncrochet.com

Start working in a few easier color changes as you learn C2C to create this jaw dropping design. Plus, it is a "join-as-you-go" project, one of my favs!

FREE Acorn Cowl Pattern - by Creations by Courtney

Photo Credit: creationsbycourtney.com

Practice your new C2C crochet skills and turn it into a fabulous cowl. I love this unique design, it looks so warm and cozy. I think it will find its way into my closet soon.

FREE Corner 2 Corner Dishcloth - by Amanda Crochets

Photo Credit: Amanda Crochets

This is an idea project to practice C2C crochet, plus you get a new dishcloth. We are all in need of new dishcloths! So, grab your stash, find some cotton and wip a few up!

FREE Tutorial on C2C Free-Form - by Heart Sprinkle

Photo Credit: heartsprinkle.com

A fantastic tutorial on taking the traditional C2C crochet method and create free form shapes. You are going to love this.

FREE Madigan Blanket - by Meghan Makes Do

Photo Credit: meghanmakesdo.com

Meghan Makes Do hosted a CAL that was a perfect Stash Buster and look at the results! Combine panels of C2C to get this amazing, colorful and eye catching blanket all while using up yarn you have had sitting around for years.

FREE Don't Be A Square Beanie - by Maria's Blue Crayon

Photo Credit: mariasbluecrayon.com

Using the traditional C2C crochet, this darling hat looks like it works up quick and has a cute "twist" to it. This would be a great small project to practice your stitches on.

FREE C2C Crochet Tote Pattern - by The Purple Poncho

Photo Credit: The Purple Poncho

A fun tote bag! We all need another project bag and I love how she uses the C2C technique in this colorful design.

I would love to see any what you end up crocheting to practice your corner to corner (C2C) skills. Join my facebook group (info is below) to share your creations and inspire others with your finished crochet pieces.

More Round Ups You Will Love

More Crochet Fun

Follow Sweet Potato 3 on Facebook to see more pattern releases, sales and crochet fun, just click HERE.

However, if you would enjoy a more interactive group experience, you need to join my Crochet & Conversations facebook group, click HERE. It is a ton of fun and I encourage everyone to share their projects, WIPS (works in progress) and inspirations. Plus you get exclusive deals, are the first to see new releases, give input on designs and have opportunities to win patterns. Join now and get to know others who also enjoy the art of crochet.

pattern group

Mother’s Day Pretty in Pink Crochet Pattern Round Up

Mom’s are the best, they give so much of themselves for their children. They pray for, teach, guide, love and cherish their children all their lives. Growing up, I always felt blessed to have such an amazing mom and today, being a mom to 3 children, I strive to be like my Mom. Here is my Mom on Mother’s Day, I believe in 1984 (I am the one of the right).

Mother's Day 1984

Mother’s day is wonderful day where we get to tell our Moms, or the Mother figures in our lives, how much we appreciate them and all they do for us.

Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.”

History.com

Traditionally, we present our Mother’s with gifts. As young children we always made something handmade. Whether it was a hand painted card, a paper plate crown with glitter or a bright and awkward big beaded necklace that they had to wear and show off (oh, the memories).

Mother's Day

Bring Back Handmade for Mother’s Day

This year, you can bring back the “handmade” part of the Mother’s Day gift. Let us all shower our Mother’s with one of these beautiful crochet patterns. Each one is unique, is a fairly quick project and can be customized to fit your Mother’s personality perfectly.

Mother's Day Pretty In Pink Pattern Round Up

Love Cushion Pillow Pattern by LittleDoolally 

Photo Credit: LittleDoolally

Such a beautiful pillow design that all Mom's would love to receive. Customize the colors to fit her homes decor. This would be so cute on an entry way bench, bed, couch or displayed on the chair next to the entry way of her home.

Crochet Flower Placemat Pattern by The Alpaca Studio

Photo Credit: The Alpaca Studio

I love the circular design of these place mats, then add a slightly lacy look and I am in love. I know my Mom would love to receive a set of these for when she hosts special occasions. Be creative with the colors and make them personal to her style.

Crochet shawl pattern flower motif  by Something Delight

Photo Credit: Something Delight

The gorgeous flower motifs in this shawl really make it elegant. The lacy look also makes it ideal for spring and summer. Make sure you check out the listing to see other ways to wear this, it really is versatile and each way is stunning. I am in love with this shawl and I know your Moms will love it too.

Pretty in Pink Ladies Slippers by Mon Petit Violon

Photo Credit: Mon Petit Violon

I love house slippers and these was really are one of my favorite designs. The stitches look elegant but warm and the cute button strap ensure they stay in place. Add these with a basket of foot soaks and nail polish and your Mom will be pampered for her special day.

Wine Crochet Dishcloth Patterns by Lainetree Creations

Photo Credit: Lainetree Creations

Is your Mom a Wine Lover? These are so much fun to add to a wine themed gift, and we all know how much we love to get new things for the kitchen. What a great addition to your Mother's Day gift.

Handbag crochet tote by Kseniya Design

Photo Credit: Kseniya Designs

Let's just be honest, we all "need" another handbag. I love having different color, different textures and different sizes. This unique, beautiful handbag is an ideal addition that I need to make for my Mom (and for me).

Flower Bookmark pattern by The Woolly Baa Designs

Photo Credit: The Woolly Baa Designs

Does your Mom love to read? This beautiful flower bookmark is so pretty she is going to love it! Gift this along with a journal or a book that has been on her wish list. The added tassel at the end is also the cutest idea to add a special touch!

Geometric Crochet Basket by JaKiGu

Photo Credit: JaKiGu

Baskets, Baskets and more Baskets! We all love them and use them in every corner of our homes. I love the geometric look to this basket, it's striking and beautiful all at the same time. I know my Mom would love this! Fill it with a plant, spa materials or even a craft basket, make it personal to her and she will love it!

I would love to see any what you end up crocheting and gifting this year for Mother’s Day. Join my facebook group (info is below) to share your creations and inspire others with your finished crochet pieces.

Etsy Mother’s Day Gift Guide

To find more gifts on Etsy where you can support handmade business owners, check out the link below:

Etsy Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2020

More Round Ups You Will Love

More Crochet Fun

Follow Sweet Potato 3 on Facebook to see more pattern releases, sales and crochet fun, just click HERE.

However, if you would enjoy a more interactive group experience, you need to join my Crochet & Conversations facebook group, click HERE. It is a ton of fun and I encourage everyone to share their projects, WIPS (works in progress) and inspirations. Plus you get exclusive deals, are the first to see new releases, give input on designs and have opportunities to win patterns. Join now and get to know others who also enjoy the art of crochet.

pattern group

Knot Your Average Bag – Crochet Pattern

Using the traditional Japanese Style Bag to design the latest crochet pattern from Sweet Potato 3, I am excited to share with you the, “Knot Your Average Bag”. A fun and unique style combined with some super fun stitches that look like bows or diamonds or just a whimsical design.

Knot Crochet Bag Pattern

Knot Your Average Bag designed Just for YOU

The style of this handbag design was a special request. A member in the Crochet & Conversations FB group (Join HERE) requested a traditional Knot Bag. When she suggested this knot style bag I knew it had to be designed and it had to be fun. My hope is that that this crochet pattern inspires you to “make one just for yourself”! Many crocheters never crochet anything for themselves, but this project was designed just for you <3

Where did you find that Yarn?

Made in a worsted weight yarn the Knot Your Average Bag works up with about 400 yards of your favorite yarn. Finding a yarn that is ideal for a crochet bag can be a challenge. I was lucky enough to have a few hanks of Cloudborn Superwash Merino Worsted yarn sent to me and I knew it was going to be perfect for the Knot Your Average Bag pattern.

Shop the entire line, all 34 colors, of Cloudborn Superwash Merino Worsted yarn to find your perfect color (affiliate link): HERE

What makes the Design Unique

Featuring two straps of varying lengths is the key to the Knot Your Average Bag design. Simply pull the longer strap through the short strap and it naturally closes and opens with ease. A short strap acts as the closure. While the longer strap is the handle. You can easily customize this for your ideal bag. Leave the handle short to use as a wristlet. A medium length is great for a traditional handbag as shown in the modeled photos. Crochet the strap extra long for a cross body bag. The options are endless.

Where to get your pattern

Girls Handbag Pattern – Bow, Fox, Owl and Kitten

I am so excited to have the Girls Handbag ready for all of you! This fun pattern is ready just in time for the Holidays. Who are the little girls on your list? I have a few that I know would love one of these.

Sweet Potato 3

This is an all in one pattern. The body of the handbag, for each design, is constructed the same. Detailed information is included to guide you through making the right changes depending on your final outcome. The main changes are in the closing flap and final details such as eyes, nose and ears.

My favorite part of this pattern is the handbag handle/strap. I researched until I combined 3 different tutorials to create a non-stretching crochet strap. I love it and know you will to. The pattern includes a detailed photo tutorial on how to make it perfect in any length.

Grab your copy the Girls Handbag on Ravelry / Etsy / Craftsy

Use code “CuteBag” on Ravelry and get it for 50% off through October 31, 2016.

Sweet Potato 3

Don’t miss out on any crochet fun! Make sure to follow me by email (just enter your information under my photo on the right). Then join me on facebook for more interactive fun!