Crochet Leopard Print Tote Bag with Fringe – Free Pattern

There is something undeniably bold about a bag that announces itself before you even walk into the room. This crochet leopard print tote bag does exactly that. Worked in a warm tan base with graphic black spots and punchy teal accents, this structured tote is the kind of project that turns heads at the farmers market, the beach, or a casual lunch date. The fringe trim along the top edge adds a bohemian flair that makes the whole thing feel simultaneously wild and chic.

This is a tapestry crochet bag, meaning the pattern is created by carrying unused yarn colors across the back of the work while crocheting over them. The result is a thick, sturdy fabric that holds its shape beautifully without any lining or interfacing. If you have experience with basic single crochet and you are comfortable following a color chart or written color sequence, this project is well within your reach. The finished bag is large enough to carry a water bottle, sunscreen, a book, and everything else a busy day demands.

Whether this is your first colorwork project or your fifteenth, the step-by-step instructions below will walk you through every row, every color change, and every finishing detail — including how to add that gorgeous fringe.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Time

15–20 Hours

Hook Size

3.5 mm

Yarn Weight

DK / #3

Finished Size

38 cm × 30 cm

Gauge

20 sc × 22 rows = 10 cm × 10 cm square
Hook: 3.5 mm
Yarn weight: DK / Light Worsted (#3)

Always work a gauge swatch before beginning. To make your swatch, chain 24 and work single crochet back and forth for 26 rows. Block lightly and measure the center 10 cm. Adjust hook size up or down until your gauge matches. A tighter gauge will produce a sturdier bag. A looser gauge will produce a softer, more flexible fabric.

Materials List

MC (Main Color) — Tan/Camel DK yarn: approx. 400 g / 1,000 m
CC1 (Contrast Color 1) — Black DK yarn: approx. 100 g / 250 m
CC2 (Contrast Color 2) — Teal/Mint DK yarn: approx. 80 g / 200 m
Crochet hook: 3.5 mm
Yarn needle: for weaving ends
Scissors
Stitch markers: 4
Cardboard or ruler: for cutting uniform fringe lengths
Optional: bag base insert (plastic or cardboard, 36 cm × 8 cm) for added structure at the bottom

Abbreviations

Abbreviation	Meaning
ch	chain
sc	single crochet
sl st	slip stitch
st(s)	stitch(es)
BLO	back loop only
MC	main color (tan/camel)
CC1	contrast color 1 (black)
CC2	contrast color 2 (teal)
RS	right side
WS	wrong side
rep	repeat
pm	place marker
rnd	round
sk	skip

Pattern Instructions

PART 1: BAG BASE

The base is worked flat in rows, then joined to begin working in the round for the body.

Row 1 (RS): With MC, ch 77. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (76 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (76 sc)
Rows 3–16: Repeat Row 2. (76 sc each row)

At the end of Row 16 you will have a flat rectangular base measuring approximately 38 cm × 8 cm. Do not fasten off.

PART 2: BAG BODY (worked in the round)

Note on joining to work in the round: At the end of Row 16, you will now work around all four sides of the rectangle to begin working in continuous rounds. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to track your position.

Setup Round: Ch 1. Working along the long top edge of the base: sc across 76 sts. Working around the short right edge: sc 16 sts evenly. Working along the long bottom edge (second side of foundation chain — to work the second side of the foundation chain, simply turn the piece and insert your hook into the unused loops of the original starting chain): sc across 76 sts. Working around the short left edge: sc 16 sts evenly. Join with sl st to first sc. Pm at join. (184 sc)

Rnd 1: Sc in each st around in MC. (184 sc)
Rnd 2: Sc in each st around in MC. (184 sc)
Rnd 3: Sc in each st around in MC. (184 sc)

Now begin the leopard colorwork section. The pattern is worked in tapestry crochet — carry unused colors loosely across the back of the work, crocheting over them with the working color. This keeps all yarn ends hidden inside the fabric.

Leopard Spot Colorwork Chart — Written Instructions (Front/Back Panel, 76 sts each side; work sides separately tracking color positions):

The leopard motif repeats every 10 stitches across and every 6 rounds vertically. One full repeat unit consists of:

3 sts MC, 2 sts CC1, 3 sts MC, 2 sts CC1

Below is one full vertical repeat (6 rounds). Work this repeat 4 times total for the body (Rounds 4–27 of body).

Rnd 4: *3 MC, 2 CC1, 3 MC, 2 CC1; rep from * to end of front panel (76 sts). Work same sequence on back panel (76 sts). Work side panels in MC only (16 sts each side). (184 sc)

Rnd 5: *1 MC, 4 CC1, 1 MC, 4 CC1; rep from * across front and back panels. Side panels in MC. (184 sc)

Rnd 6: *2 MC, 1 CC1, 1 CC2, 1 CC1, 2 MC, 1 CC1, 1 CC2, 1 CC1; rep from * across front and back panels. Side panels in MC. (184 sc)

Rnd 7: Same as Rnd 5. (184 sc)

Rnd 8: Same as Rnd 4. (184 sc)

Rnd 9: Sc in each st in MC across all panels. (184 sc)

Repeat Rnds 4–9 three more times (Rounds 10–27 total). You will have 4 complete leopard spot repeat bands.

Rnds 28–30: Sc in each st around in MC. (184 sc each rnd)

PART 3: TOP BORDER

Rnd 31 (BLO): BLO means inserting your hook through only the back loop of the stitch, leaving the front loop free — this creates a visible ridge line. Sc in BLO of each st around. (184 sc)

Rnds 32–34: Sc in each st around in CC2. (184 sc each rnd)

Rnd 35: Sl st in each st around. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

PART 4: HANDLES (make 2)

Row 1: With MC, ch 7. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (6 sc)
Rows 2–70: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (6 sc each row)

Fasten off, leaving a 30 cm tail for sewing.

Fold the handle strip in half lengthwise and seam along the long edge using a whip stitch to create a rounded rope-style handle. Alternatively, leave flat for a wider strap. Each handle should measure approximately 35 cm in finished length.

Assembly Steps

Attach Handles: Position one handle on the front panel of the bag, with each end of the handle sitting approximately 10 cm in from the side seams and approximately 2 cm down from the top edge. Sew each end securely through multiple layers using a yarn needle and MC yarn, stitching a box stitch pattern (a rectangle with an X through it) for maximum strength. Repeat for the second handle on the back panel.
Add Fringe: Cut fringe strands measuring 30 cm each. Use a mix of CC1 (black) and CC2 (teal) strands. To attach fringe: fold two strands together in half, insert the folded loop through the front loop left by the BLO round (Round 31) using a crochet hook, pull the cut ends through the loop, and tighten. Space fringe every 2 stitches around the full top circumference of the bag. Trim all fringe ends to an even 12–14 cm after attachment.
Insert Base Support (optional): Cut a piece of cardboard or plastic canvas to 36 cm × 7.5 cm and slip it into the bottom of the finished bag to keep the base flat and structured.
Weave all ends securely on the wrong side. Steam block lightly if needed to even out colorwork tension.

Beginner and Intermediate Tips

Managing multiple yarn colors: When working tapestry crochet, do not cut the unused colors at the end of each row. Simply carry them along the back, crocheting over the strands as you work. This keeps the wrong side tidy and saves significant time.

Preventing color bleed: When carrying dark colors (especially CC1 black) behind lighter MC yarn, keep carried floats no longer than 3–4 stitches. If a section has more than 4 consecutive stitches in one color, twist the carried yarn around the working yarn every 3 stitches to anchor it and prevent puckering.

Consistent tension in rounds: Tapestry crochet tends to tighten up, especially in the round. If your bag is pulling inward, try going up half a hook size (to 4 mm) for the colorwork rounds only, then returning to 3.5 mm for the solid sections.

Fringe attachment tip: Cut all fringe at once using a piece of cardboard as a template. Wrap yarn around the cardboard the desired number of times, then cut along one edge for perfectly uniform strands.

Keeping track of colorwork rounds: Place a locking stitch marker on the right side of the fabric and use a row counter to track which colorwork round you are on. The 6-round repeat is very easy to lose your place in without a counter.

Variations

Desert Sunset Palette: Swap teal for a burnt orange or terracotta and use a cream base instead of tan for a warm, southwestern-inspired tote.
Mini Clutch Version: Work the base at 20 ch instead of 77 and reduce body rounds to 15 for a compact evening clutch. Omit handles and add a zipper or button closure.
Solid Boho Tote: Skip the colorwork entirely and work the entire body in one color, adding extra-long fringe in three contrasting colors for a maximalist boho statement.
Market Bag Mesh Insert: After completing the body, attach a drawstring mesh inner bag made from cotton cord to keep small items secure. This transforms the tote into a festival bag.
Oversized Beach Tote: Work the base at 100 ch and add 10 extra rounds of body height. Use cotton DK yarn for a lightweight, sand-proof summer tote that dries quickly.

If this free crochet leopard print tote bag pattern is on your make list, save it to your Pinterest boards right now so you can find it whenever you are ready to cast on. Tag your finished bag with #FoodieRippleCrochet — the community would love to see your color choices!