Crochet Tote Bag With Built-In Hand Warmer Muff (The Muff Tote) for Beginners

This crochet tote bag pattern makes a unique Muff Tote featuring a built-in hand warmer muff to keep your hands toasty on chilly days. With straightforward stitches, this project combines function and style, perfect for carrying your everyday essentials.

This pattern is great for those looking to learn new techniques while creating something practical and cozy. You’ll enjoy making this stylish tote while keeping your hands warm – what a bonus!

Why You'll Love This Muff Tote

• Functional and stylish – the built-in muff keeps your hands warm while you carry your daily essentials.
• Versatile design – perfect for different seasons and can be customized with various colors.
• Quick project – with an estimated total time of around 9 hours, you'll love how fast you can complete it.
• Great gift idea – perfect for friends and family who appreciate unique handmade items.

Is This Pattern Good for Beginners?

Yes! While this pattern is marked as intermediate, it uses basic stitches like single crochet and double crochet, which beginners can certainly learn. You’ll also get to practice some new techniques, which is all part of the fun!

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• dc – double crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• inc – increase (2 stitches in the same stitch)
• dec – decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together)

Shell Stitch: *[Dc 5 into the same stitch], skip 2 stitches, sl st in the next stitch; repeat from *.

Size and Gauge

• Finished Muff Size: Approximately 12 × 5 inches (30 × 13 cm) when folded.
• Finished Tote Size: Approximately 14 × 12 inches (36 × 30 cm).
• Gauge: 14 sc and 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. To check gauge, make a swatch of 16 rows x 14 stitches in sc. If your swatch doesn’t match, adjust your hook size accordingly.

Step 1: The Bag Body

The bag body is worked in rows with a combination of single crochet and shell stitches.

1. Foundation: Using 5.0 mm hook and Medium Blue yarn, ch 40.
2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. (39 sts)
3. Rows 2–20: Ch 1, turn, sc across. (39 sts)
4. Row 21: Ch 2, turn, (dc, ch 1, dc) in first st, *skip 1 st, shell stitch in next st; repeat from * to last st, dc in last st. (20 shells + 1 dc)
5. Row 22: Ch 1, turn, sc across. (39 sts)
6. Rows 23–28: Repeat Rows 21 and 22 alternatively two more times. (39 sts)
7. Row 29: Ch 1, turn, sc across. (39 sts)
8. Row 30: Ch 1, turn, sc in first st, *dec in next 2 sts; repeat from * across until 1 st left, sc in last st. (20 sts)
9. Row 31: Ch 1, turn, sc across. (20 sts)
10. Row 32: Ch 1, turn, sc in first st, *dec in next 2 sts; repeat from * across until 1 st left, sc in last st. (10 sts)
11. Row 33: Ch 1, turn, sc across. (10 sts)
12. Fold the bag body in half lengthwise; sl st both sides together, leaving 5 inches (13 cm) open at the bottom for the mouth.

Step 2: Muff

The muff is worked separately and then attached to the tote.

1. Start: Using 6.0 mm hook and Soft Grey yarn, ch 30.
2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. (29 sts)
3. Rows 2–10: Ch 1, turn, sc across. (29 sts)
4. Row 11: Ch 2, turn, (dc, ch 1, dc) in first st, *skip 1 st, shell stitch in next st; repeat from * to last st, dc in last st. (15 shells + 1 dc)
5. Row 12: Ch 1, turn, sc across. (29 sts)
6. Rows 13–15: Repeat Rows 11–12.
7. Fold muffin body in half and sl st together both sides, creating a pocket.

Step 3: Assembly

1. Attach Muff: Position muff at the edge of the tote opening and seam it in place to the sides of the tote bag.
2. Add Buttons: Sew on buttons as decorative closure options just below the muff entrance.

Beginner Tips for a Neat Muff Tote

• Keep your workspace organized; it helps prevent misplaced materials.
• Maintain an even tension throughout your stitches to ensure uniformity.
• Check your size as you go; if your gauge is off, adjust your hook size early on.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• "My tote is too small." – This may happen if your gauge is off. Make sure to check your stitch count and hook size!
• "The stitches are uneven." – Consistent tension is key. Practice maintaining even pressure on your stitches.
• "My muff lost its shape." – This can occur if it's not stuffed properly. Ensure you add enough fiberfill to keep its form.

How to Care for Your Muff Tote

To care for your Muff Tote, hand wash it in cold water and lay it flat to dry. Avoid wringing out the yarn; this helps maintain its shape and appearance.

FAQ

Can I customize the size?

Yes! You can adjust the foundation chain length and the number of rows to make the tote larger or smaller as needed.

What’s the best way to choose yarn colors?

Pick colors that suit your personal style or reflect the season. You can even mix and match main and contrast colors for a unique look.

How long will this project take?

The total project time is approximately 9 hours, with the muff taking around 3 hours and the bag body about 6 hours.

Want a matching set? Check out our crochet purse patterns or see all our free crochet bag patterns.

Image shown for inspiration — your finished result may vary slightly.