Why do the rounds alternate direction in herringbone stitch?

even rounds you insert the hook normally into the back loop. On odd rounds you insert from back to front instead. This swap is what creates the chevron effect.

Can I skip the embellishments to save time?

Yes, the bag stands on its own without them. But the rose, rosebud, flower, and leaf are what give it character. Each one is small and quick once you have the herringbone rhythm down.

What hook size keeps the fabric structured?

I use a US E-4 / 3.5 mm hook for this pattern. It keeps the herringbone stitch tight and the bag firm enough to hold its shape without an insert.

How much yarn do I actually need?

Plan on about 600 yards of lavender for the main color. You'll also need roughly 80 yards each of white and sage green, plus 40 yards of the deeper lavender shade.

Lavender chevron tote with herringbone texture and rolled flowers

Herringbone chevron tote in lavender cotton. E-4 hook, firm tension. About 25-35 hours total.

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LevelIntermediate
Time25-35 hours
Hook3.5 mm
YarnWorsted

About This Pattern

This tote is a slow build, not a quick one. The herringbone slip stitch makes diagonal ribs that flip direction every round. It rewards patience more than speed. Work the base and sides over several evenings, then save the flowers for a calm afternoon. Each embellishment is small: a rose, a rosebud, a flower, a leaf. Together they turn a plain bag into something worth carrying.

Abbreviations

blo (back loop only): Insert your hook under only the back loop of the stitch
ch (chain): Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook
ch-sp (chain space): The gap created by a chain in the previous row
dc (double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops twice
flo (front loop only): Insert your hook under only the front loop
hdc (half double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops
inc (increase): Work 2 single crochet in the same stitch
MR (magic ring): An adjustable loop that closes tightly at the center
pm (place marker): Put a stitch marker in the indicated stitch
rnd (round): One complete pass around circular work
RS (right side): The outer, visible side of your work
sc (single crochet): Insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over and pull through both loops
sc2tog (single crochet 2 together): A decrease that combines 2 stitches into 1
sk (skip): Pass over the indicated stitch without working into it
sl st (slip stitch): Insert hook, yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on hook
st/sts (stitch/stitches): Individual crochet stitches
WS (wrong side): The inner, hidden side of your work
yo (yarn over): Wrap yarn around hook from back to front
hbss (herringbone slip stitch): Insert hook into the back loop only of the next stitch at a slight forward angle, yarn over, draw up a loop, then draw that loop through both loops on the hook as a slip stitch; the insertion angle alternates between odd and even rounds to create the chevron texture

Joining up

Step 1 Wet block your bag before attaching embellishments. Submerge in cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. Press out water gently with a towel. Stuff with plastic bags to maintain the rectangular shape while drying.
Step 2 Weave in all ends securely. Consider adding a fabric stiffener spray or a cardboard insert at the bottom for extra structure.

Small notes

Use the E-4 / 3.5 mm hook and work firmly throughout. A loose gauge will blur the chevron lines.
Choose smooth, firm-twist cotton. Fuzzy yarn will hide the herringbone texture you worked hard to build.
Block the finished bag before attaching embellishments. Stuff it with plastic bags while drying to hold the shape.
Gauge: 18 stitches x 22 rows = 4 inches x 4 inches in the Herringbone Slip Stitch pattern, worked flat, blocked. Please swatch before starting. This bag relies on tight, structured fabric. If your swatch is too loose, go down a hook size.
Finished dimensions: Width 14 inches (35.5 cm), Height (body only) 11 inches (28 cm), Depth 5 inches (12.7 cm), Handle drop 5 inches (12.7 cm), Total height with handles 18 inches (45.7 cm). This is a generous everyday bag that will hold a tablet, a water bottle, a wallet, and still have room for a light sweater.
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced. The herringbone slip stitch requires consistent tension and a bit of practice to master, plus comfort working small dimensional pieces and attaching them neatly. If you can single crochet, work in the round, and follow detailed instructions, you can make this bag.

Little questions

Why do the rounds alternate direction in herringbone stitch?
even rounds you insert the hook normally into the back loop. On odd rounds you insert from back to front instead. This swap is what creates the chevron effect.
Can I skip the embellishments to save time?
Yes, the bag stands on its own without them. But the rose, rosebud, flower, and leaf are what give it character. Each one is small and quick once you have the herringbone rhythm down.
What hook size keeps the fabric structured?
I use a US E-4 / 3.5 mm hook for this pattern. It keeps the herringbone stitch tight and the bag firm enough to hold its shape without an insert.
How much yarn do I actually need?
Plan on about 600 yards of lavender for the main color. You'll also need roughly 80 yards each of white and sage green, plus 40 yards of the deeper lavender shade.

Original pattern: https://bunnypatterns.com/lavender-fields-chevron-tote-free-crochet-pattern/

About the Author

Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.

Lavender chevron tote with herringbone texture and rolled flowers

About This Pattern

In the basket

Important

Optional

Optional

Abbreviations