Navy, cream, and metallic gold come together in a bold Art Deco mandala that looks straight out of the 1920s. This structured tote stands on its own, feels boutique-worthy, and rewards every hour you put into the colorwork and overlay spokes. If you love geometric patterns and are ready for a satisfying challenge, this is the bag. Let’s build something elegant.
The Story Behind This Stunning Bag
I call this one the Gatsby Tote. It started as a sketch in an old notebook from years ago when I was obsessed with Art Deco architecture and those gorgeous geometric patterns from the 1920s. I wanted to capture that era’s elegance in yarn form, but the design sat untouched for ages because I honestly wasn’t sure I could pull it off.
Last winter, I finally dusted off that notebook and got to work. After countless swatches, frogging sessions, and late nights figuring out the overlay technique, this bag came to life. The mandala motif with its radiating spokes, the structured boxy shape, the subtle gold metallic accents. It’s everything I imagined and more.
Now I’m sharing it with you. Fair warning: this is an advanced project that requires patience and experience with colorwork. But if you’re ready for a challenge that results in a truly show-stopping handmade bag, keep reading.
About This Art Deco Tote Crochet Pattern
This structured tote bag features a large-scale Art Deco mandala motif worked in navy, cream, and gold on both the front and back panels. The design uses a combination of tapestry crochet for the colorwork background and overlay crochet for those beautiful dimensional spoke elements that really make the pattern pop.
The bag has a rigid, boxy silhouette achieved by crocheting each panel separately and joining them together. The side panels feature a charming checkerboard pattern in navy and cream. The result is a sophisticated everyday bag that stands upright on its own and looks like it could have come from a high-end boutique.
Skill Level: Advanced. This crochet tutorial requires comfort with tapestry crochet, overlay crochet, working from a colorwork chart, joining panels seam-to-seam, and constructing a three-dimensional box structure. If you’re newer to colorwork, I’d recommend practicing with some simpler tapestry projects first.
Time Estimate: 40 to 60 hours for an experienced crocheter working at a steady pace.
Finished Measurements
Your completed Navy and Gold Art Deco Tote will measure:
- Width: approximately 14 inches (35.5 cm)
- Height: approximately 13 inches (33 cm)
- Depth: approximately 4 inches (10 cm)
- Handle drop: approximately 7 inches (18 cm)
- Total height with handles extended: approximately 20 inches (51 cm)
Materials Needed
Yarn
- Color A (Cream or natural white): approximately 600 yards (549 m) of sport or DK weight 100% cotton
- Color B (Navy blue): approximately 400 yards (366 m) of sport or DK weight 100% cotton
- Color C (Metallic gold): approximately 150 yards (137 m) of sport or DK weight 100% cotton or cotton-metallic blend
Yarn Suggestions
- Option 1: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in White, Navy, and Gold Metallic. This yarn has excellent stitch definition and holds its shape beautifully.
- Option 2: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in Paper White and Midnight Blue, paired with Paintbox Yarns Metallic DK in Gold.
- Option 3: Drops Safran in Off White and Dark Navy, paired with Drops Glitter or Rico Essentials Cotton DK Metallise in Gold.
Substitution tip: Choose a tightly spun cotton or cotton-blend DK or sport weight yarn with low halo and good stitch definition. Avoid fuzzy fibers as they obscure the Art Deco linework.
Hooks
- US size E-4 (3.5 mm) for main panels
- US size F-5 (3.75 mm) for handle cords (optional, to keep cords pliant)
Notions
- Tapestry needle for weaving ends
- Stitch markers (at least 8)
- Plastic canvas or stiff interfacing cut to 14 x 4 inches (35.5 x 10 cm) for bottom reinforcement (optional but strongly recommended)
- Stiff interfacing or thin foam cut to 14 x 13 inches (35.5 x 33 cm) for front and back panel lining (optional)
- Cotton fabric for interior lining, 1/2 yard (0.45 m), in coordinating color (optional)
- Sewing needle and coordinating thread if lining
- Scissors
- Blocking mats and pins
Gauge
22 stitches x 24 rows = 4 inches x 4 inches (10 cm x 10 cm) in single crochet (sc) with Color A using US E-4 (3.5 mm) hook, after blocking.
Gauge is critical for this project. Each panel must reach the specified dimensions for the box construction to align properly. Make a swatch of at least 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm), block it flat, and measure the interior 4 x 4 inch area.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
Before we dive into the step by step instructions, here are all the abbreviations you’ll need:
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- tr = treble crochet
- dtr = double treble crochet
- sk = skip
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sp = space
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- yo = yarn over
- blo = back loop only
- flo = front loop only
- pm = place marker
- rep = repeat
- rnd = round
- fpdc = front post double crochet
- bpdc = back post double crochet
- OSS = overlay spoke stitch
- TSC = tapestry single crochet
Special Stitches
Tapestry Single Crochet (TSC)
This technique lets you carry the non-working yarn inside the stitches as you work across, creating the colorwork blocks.
- Before inserting hook, lay the non-working yarn horizontally across the top of the previous row’s stitches.
- Insert hook into the next stitch, going under both loops as normal, and also under the carried yarn.
- Pull up a loop with the working yarn.
- Yarn over and draw through both loops on hook to complete the single crochet.
- The carried yarn is now encased inside the stitch.
- To switch colors, work the last pull-through of the sc before the color change with the new color.
Overlay Spoke Stitch (OSS)
This stitch is the key element of the Art Deco mandala spokes radiating from the center. It creates those beautiful dimensional lines. Work this on right-side rows only.
- Identify the target stitch in the round indicated in the pattern (this will be several rounds below).
- Insert hook from front to back into that target stitch, going through the fabric.
- Yarn over with the working yarn (Color A or Color C as directed).
- Pull up a loop to the height of the current working round, elongating it so it lies flat on the fabric surface without puckering.
- Yarn over and draw through both loops on hook.
Tip: Work OSS loosely. If the fabric behind puckers, pull the stitch slightly longer before completing it.
Twisted Rope Cord (for handles)
- Cut 12 strands of Color A, each 80 inches (203 cm) long.
- Hold all 12 strands together and fold in half so you have 24 strands total. Knot one folded end.
- Secure the knotted end to a stationary point and twist the bundle clockwise until it begins to kink.
- Fold the twisted cord in half and allow it to twist around itself naturally.
- Knot the free ends together. Make 2 cords.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
- The bag is constructed in six flat panels: Front, Back, Left Side, Right Side, and Bottom. All panels are worked flat in rows.
- The front and back panels feature the Art Deco mandala motif worked in tapestry crochet with overlay spoke stitches applied afterward.
- Color changes in tapestry crochet are made on the last yarn over of each sc. Do not cut yarn when changing between Color A and Color B within a row.
- All panels use a ch-1 turning chain that does NOT count as a stitch.
- When working the colorwork chart, read RS rows (odd-numbered) from right to left, and WS rows (even-numbered) from left to right.
- In the pattern, “XA” means X stitches in Color A (cream), and “XB” means X stitches in Color B (navy).
Front and Back Panel (Make 2 Identical)
The front panel is 77 stitches wide x 78 rows tall in tapestry sc.
With Color A, ch 79. Work the foundation and outer frames in solid and two-color blocks as charted, building the navy border, cream secondary frame, diamond rings, and center medallion. The colorwork creates the large-scale geometric field that the overlay spokes will sit on top of.
After completing both panels, block them firmly so they measure approximately 14 inches wide by 13 inches tall. Accurate sizing is what makes the boxy construction click into place later.
prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution close-up of navy and cream tapestry crochet Art Deco mandala panel in progress with gold metallic accents, realistic cotton yarn texture, soft natural lighting, professional craft photography, sharp geometric line definition orientation is portrait
Overlay Spoke Stitches on Front and Back Panels
After both panels are complete, apply the overlay spoke stitches to each panel on the right side. The mandala has 8 primary spokes radiating from the center at compass positions, plus petal groups that give the design its classic Art Deco energy.
Work the outer spoke ring in cream, then add the gold metallic spokes for that signature sparkle. Keep the stitches long and relaxed so they lie flat without puckering the fabric underneath. Once the spokes are in place, the mandala suddenly looks three-dimensional and polished.
prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution close-up of dimensional overlay spoke stitches in cream and metallic gold on a navy Art Deco mandala crochet panel, realistic yarn texture and raised lines, soft studio lighting, professional tutorial photography orientation is portrait.
You Might Also Like
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- Spring Garden Granny Square Tote Free Crochet Pattern
- Autumn Harvest Granny Square Handbag Free Crochet Pattern
- Sunshine Yellow Daisy Stripe Tote Free Crochet Pattern
FAQ’s
Is this really an advanced project?
Yes. Tapestry colorwork plus overlay spokes plus precise panel construction add up. If you have already made a few tapestry bags or colorwork projects, you can handle it. Newer crocheters should practice the techniques on smaller swatches first.
Why does gauge matter so much here?
Because every panel has to match exactly for the box shape to stand square. A slightly off gauge throws the seams and the base out of alignment. Block your swatch and measure carefully before you commit to the full panels.
Can I skip the metallic gold?
You can, but the gold is what gives the design that true Art Deco sparkle. A solid cream or soft yellow works as a substitute if you prefer a matte look.
Do I need the base insert and lining?
Strongly recommended. The plastic canvas or stiff interfacing keeps the bottom rigid, and a simple fabric lining protects the colorwork while adding structure. The bag looks and feels more expensive with both.
How long will the handles last?
The twisted rope cords are surprisingly strong when twisted tightly. Reinforce the attachment points with extra stitches and they will handle daily use without stretching out of shape.
Can I change the size?
It’s possible but tricky. Adding or removing stitches affects the motif proportions. Stick close to the given stitch counts unless you are comfortable redesigning the chart.
Final Thoughts
This Navy and Gold Art Deco Tote is a true statement piece. The geometric mandala, the dimensional spokes, and the crisp boxy shape come together into a bag that feels special every time you pick it up. It asks for focus and patience, but the finished result looks like it belongs in a boutique window.
Take it one panel at a time, enjoy the rhythm of the colorwork, and watch those gold spokes transform the design. When you finally join everything and stand the bag upright, you’ll understand why this one was worth every hour. Grab your navy, cream, and a touch of gold—your Gatsby Tote is waiting.
prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution full product shot of a finished Navy and Gold Art Deco Tote bag standing upright, large geometric mandala with cream and gold spokes on navy background, structured boxy shape, twisted rope handles, soft natural lighting, realistic cotton texture, clean neutral background, professional product photography orientation is portrait prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution lifestyle photo of the Navy and Gold Art Deco Tote being carried, bag showing bold Art Deco mandala and gold accents, soft daylight, realistic yarn details and structure, polished elegant style orientation is landscape prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution close-up of twisted rope handle cords in cream yarn attached to the top of the Art Deco tote, realistic texture and twist definition, soft natural light, professional craft photography orientation is portrait
