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Leopard tote Pattern

Leopard tote Pattern
4.1★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
1.6K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive crocheting.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Leopard tote Pattern

This pattern creates a roomy leopard-print tote crocheted from raffia yarn with a leather bottom and full lining. It includes step-by-step guidance for attaching the base, crocheting the jacquard leopard pattern, adding fringe, and sewing in the lining. The finished bag measures about 18 inches long and features sturdy handles for daily use.

Leopard tote Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The design uses three raffia colors and a simple single crochet canvas worked in spiral rows with colorwork. Detailed photos and a linked video support each stage for visual learners.

Why You'll Love This Leopard tote Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because the leopard jacquard looks striking yet is surprisingly simple to work using raffia yarn. I enjoy the tactile quality of the raffia canvas and how steam-shaping gives the bag a professional finish. Sewing the leather bottom and adding a soft felt lining makes the tote sturdy and practical, which I find very satisfying. I also appreciate how customizable it is — you can change colors, fringe length, or handle style to create a unique piece.

Leopard tote Pattern step 1 - construction progress Leopard tote Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Leopard tote Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Leopard tote Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love customizing this tote by changing the color palette — try soft pastels for a delicate look or bold contrasts for a modern statement.

You can make the bag larger or smaller by switching yarn weight and hook size; thicker raffia with a larger hook creates a chunkier, more structured tote.

I often replace the leather bottom with a contrasting fabric base for a softer finish — just adapt the hole spacing and reinforcement as needed.

Try different fringe lengths or omit the fringe entirely for a cleaner silhouette depending on your style preference.

Swap the short handles for a single long shoulder strap to convert the tote to a crossbody or shopper bag for increased versatility.

I sometimes add an internal pocket sewn to the felt lining for keys and phone — mark and stitch before inserting the lining for a tidy finish.

Embellish the canvas with simple embroidery or beads over the jacquard spots to create a luxe, textured effect unique to your piece.

For a more durable finish, back the felt lining with a lightweight interfacing or sew in a fabric lining instead of felt for higher wear resistance.

If you want adaptions for beginners, simplify the colorwork to two colors or single-color the entire bag while keeping the same construction steps.

I recommend experimenting with handle materials — leather, faux leather, or crocheted straps all change the bag’s look and comfort, so pick what suits your use case.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not straightening raffia before crocheting can cause uneven texture and snagging; always fluff or steam the raffia as directed before starting to ensure an even canvas. ✗ Joining new skeins without straightening and gluing can create lumps and weak joins; straighten ends, overlap 5 mm, glue with PVA, let dry, then wrap lightly before continuing. ✗ Pulling colorwork threads too tight will distort the jacquard pattern and tighten the canvas; crochet the last stitch before a color change with the next color and avoid pulling threads tightly inside. ✗ Skipping markers at the halves will cause misaligned pattern halves; place markers in the first loops of each half to keep the 80+80 loop pattern aligned. ✗ Forgetting to hide and secure ends leads to loose and untidy edges; pull the end under the first loop, pull back to the wrong side, tie knots, and hide ends as instructed.

Leopard tote Pattern

Make a stylish Leopard Tote using raffia yarn with clear step-by-step instructions. This intermediate crochet pattern teaches you base assembly, jacquard leopard print, fringe finishing, and how to attach a leather bottom and lining. Youll love the textured canvas and bold print — perfect for everyday use or standout gifts. Follow the tutorial and video link for extra guidance while you crochet.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Leopard tote Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Any raffia yarn of 3 colors, approximately 225 yards (200 m) each (example: raffia Ispie). Colors used: Autumn (main), Black (accent), Salt Lake (accent).
  • 02
    Leather bottom, 12*4 inches (30*10 cm) with 60 holes.
  • 03
    Sewing handles, 75*1.5 cm (approximate size, 2 handles).
  • 04
    Felt for the lining, 2 mm thick; cut to shape to match leather bottom and side stripe.

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.0 mm (recommended for raffia canvas)
  • 02
    Optional crochet hook 4.0-4.5 mm for base trim (to avoid tightening the edge)
  • 03
    Plastic needle with large eyelet for sewing handles and lining
  • 04
    Sewing thread and sewing needle
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    Stitch markers (2 or more)
  • 07
    PVA glue for joining raffia ends
  • 08
    Steam iron for shaping raffia and steam-finishing the base and fringe
  • 09
    Ruler or measuring tape

Progress Tracker

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— Materials and Tools :

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Any raffia yarn of 3 colors, 225 yards (200 m) each. For example, raffia Ispie. I used the following colors: Autumn, Black and Salt Lake;

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Leather bottom, 12*4 inches (30*10 cm) with 60 hole;

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Sewing handles, (75*1.5 cm);

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3 mm hook;

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Plastic needle with large eyelet;

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2 markers;

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Felt for the lining;

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Sewing thread and needle;

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Scissors.

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Gauge: 15 stitches and 14 row = 4*4 inches (10*10cm).

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Finished bag from the specified materials: length - 18 inches (45 cm), height without fringe - 9 1/2 inches (24 cm).

— Abbreviations :

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CH - chain stitch, SlSt - slip stitch, SC - single crochet.

— Recommendation for working with raffia yarn :

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1.Before crocheting with raffia, it must be straightened. If you have Fibranatura, then you need to «fluff» the yarn with your hands. If you have Ispie, you can steam yarn with an iron.

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2.When the thread runs out, you need to take a new skein and straighten the end of the thread. Put on the end of the working thread and the thread from a new skein with a clearance of 5 mm. Glue together with PVA glue. After drying, lightly wrap the thread.

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3.If you had to rip out your work, steam thread with an iron. The yarn will return to its original shape.

— Base trim of the bottom :

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Leave the end about 8 inches (20 cm) long to close the rows of the base trim.

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Crochet around the bottom edge as shown in the picture.

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Insert the hook in the side hole in the middle, pull the loop.

Round 1 :

Make CH, crochet 2 SC in the same hole.

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Next crochet 3 SC in each hole along the side part.

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Crochet 3 SC in 1 in the corner.

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Crochet 3 SC in 1, 2 SC in 1 along the long side of the bottom, repeat to the corner.

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Crochet 3 SC in 1 in the 2nd corner.

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Crochet 3 SC in each hole along the 2nd side part.

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Crochet 3 SC in 1 in the 3rd corner.

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Crochet 3 SC in 1, 2 SC in 1 along the 2nd long side of the bottom, repeat to the corner.

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Crochet 3 SC in 1 in the 4th corner.

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Crochet 3 SC in 1 in the hole, which are left on the 1st side part.

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Crochet the last SC with the end. Pull out the end. Pull the end under the 1st loop of the row. Pull back to the wrong side.

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There are 160 loops now.

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Pull the working loop, crochet SlSt in each hole.

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Crochet the last SlSt with the end. Pull out the end. Pull the end under the 1st loop of the row. Pull back to the wrong side.

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Cut the thread, tie the knot. Hide the ends.

— Crochet the base part :

Round 1 :

1 row. Take 3 skeins of the raffia yarn. Place it so that the thread unwinds counterclockwise.

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Take the thread of the base color. Insert the hook in the middle loop on the side part of the bottom on the back loop and the jumper only.

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Pull the loop.

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Pull the loop. Take 2 more thread of 2 different colors, put on along the row, crochet CH.

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Crochet row with SC on the back loop and the jumper only. Crochet the leopard print following to the pattern provided in the attachment.

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When crocheting jacquard, crochet the last stitch before the color change with the next color. Do not pull the threads tightly inside to avoid tightening the canvas.

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Pattern consists of 80 loops, that is, we crochet 2 halves with the same pattern (=160).

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Place the markers in the 1st loops of the halves of the row.

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Always pull the working loop to the level of the hook by 15-17 mm to make the canvas even and tight. After crocheting, pull the loop back.

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Crochet the last SC in the 1st loop of the row.

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Next crochet a spiral.

Round 2 :

2 row. Crochet 80+80 SC following to the pattern (=160).

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Recommendation. Place the skeins at a distance so that the threads do not get tangled. Rearrange the threads in the same order as your skeins are, when changing the thread in jacquard.

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If the thread is very twisted, then when it goes under the pattern, untwist it in the other direction, straight into the harness, until it is aligned. If it has already happened that nothing can be done, then just cut, straightened, glue PVA and crochet following to the pattern.

Round 3 :

3 row. Crochet 80+80 SC following to the pattern (=160).

Round 4 :

4 row. Crochet 80+80 SC following to the pattern (=160).

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Now hide the ends at the beginning of crocheting, and cut off the excess.

Round 5 :

5 row. Crochet 80+80 SC following to the pattern (=160).

Round 6-30 :

6-30 rows. Crochet 80+80 SC following to the pattern (=160).

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Steam the base of the bag with an iron after crocheting 10-12 rows.

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You can crochet more rows in height following to the pattern as desired.

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In the last row, before 2 SC to the marker, cut off additional threads, leaving only the main thread. Crochet 2 SC with a gradual decrease in the height of the SC.

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Remove the markers.

— Base trim :

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Crochet SlSt in each SC of the last row. Pull the loop by 4-5 mm, so as not to tighten the edge. You can take a 4-4.5 mm hook.

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Cut the thread, pull out the end. Pull the end under the 1st SlSt of the row. Pull back to the wrong side. Strengthen and hide the end on the wrong side.

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Steam the base of the bag with an iron.

— Fringe :

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Cut 160 pieces of fringe 8 inches (20 cm) long, of the main, green and black colors (approximately 80/ 60/ 20, respectively).

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Insert the hook from the wrong side under the braid and the loop of the base trim, grab the middle of the fringe, pull it out and pull the ends in the loop. Tighten the loop.

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Make the fringe in each loop of the edge (160 pieces). Choose the color of the fringe, which is the color of the braid of the last row.

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Steam the fringe with an iron, shape with hands. Cut off the excess.

— Sew on the handles :

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Count 6 holes from the corners of the bottom. Put markers on the edge of the bag opposite the sixth holes.

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Put the handles near the markers.

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Sew on the handles with the plastic needle. Make a few stitches.

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Tie the knot and hide the ends. You can fix it with PVA glue.

— Lining :

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Take felt 2 mm thick for the lining. Cut the bottom according to the shape and size of the leather bottom without seam allowances. Make 4 notches on the bottom.

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Measure the perimeter of the edge of the bag (in my example, 36 inches (90 cm)).

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Measure the height of the bag (in my example, 9 inches (23 cm)).

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Cut a stripe from felt 9 inches (23 cm) high and 36 inches (90 cm) long.

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Sweep the stripe in a circle along the side seam.

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Make 4 notches.

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Match the notches of the bottom and the stripe, pin with a pins.

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Sweep both parts. Make 10 mm tucks at the corners.

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Sew the lining. At this stage, you can give it to the atelier.

— Sew in the lining :

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Put in the lining in the bag. Pin with a pins.

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Sew neat stitches through one SC. Make a several fixing stitches along the seam. Strengthen and hide the end of the thread.

— Finish :

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Congratulations! Your cute tote with trends print is ready 👍

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I hope you enjoy this pattern, and if you have questions about it, please convo me. I am always glad to help!!!

Assembly Instructions

  • Crochet and attach the leather bottom by inserting the hook into the center side hole, working around the edge and closing the base trim; there should be 160 loops along the edge before working up the sides.
  • Place markers at the 1st loops of each half (the pattern uses 80 loops per half) to align the jacquard leopard print and then crochet in a spiral for a continuous canvas.
  • Sew on the handles by counting six holes from the corners of the leather bottom, place markers on the opposite edge, position handles at the markers and stitch them on with a plastic needle; tie knots and hide ends, securing with PVA glue if desired.
  • Make and attach the fringe by cutting 160 pieces (8 inches/20 cm) and knotting each into the edge loops of the base trim; steam and shape the fringe, trimming excess.
  • Cut and sew a 2 mm felt lining: cut the bottom to match the leather base, cut a side stripe (example size 9"x36"), make 4 notches and sew the lining into the bag, pinning and making corner tucks for a neat finish.

Important Notes

  • 💡Always straighten or steam raffia before crocheting to achieve an even texture and avoid snags or twists.
  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the halves of the row (80 loops each) and the beginning points to keep the jacquard pattern aligned.
  • 💡When working jacquard, crochet the last stitch before a color change with the next color and avoid pulling threads tightly to prevent canvas distortion.
  • 💡Steam-shape the base and fringe with an iron after 10-12 rows or as directed to set the shape and smooth the canvas.

This Leopard Tote Pattern guides you through creating a stylish raffia bag with leather bottom and fringed trim. The pattern includes full instructions, photos, and a video link to support each step. Make a bold, handmade accessory to enjoy or gift — happy crocheting! 🧶✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished tote measures approximately 18 inches (45 cm) in length and about 9.5 inches (24 cm) in height without fringe when made with the recommended materials.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

You can substitute different yarns, but changing yarn weight will alter the final size and drape; choose a hook appropriate for your yarn and make a gauge swatch to match the canvas density.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate because it uses jacquard colorwork, spiral single crochet, and assembly techniques like sewing a leather base and lining; basic single crochet and colorwork familiarity is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 8-10 hours, depending on experience level, speed, and how much time you spend on finishing details like fringe and lining.