Sunkissed Citrus Market Tote Free Pattern – Crochet Raffia Summer Bag

Sunkissed Citrus Market Tote: A Free Crochet Pattern for Summer

Imagine strolling through a sun-drenched farmers' market, your arm looped through a bag that captures the very essence of the season. That's the magic of the Sunkissed Citrus Market Tote. This vibrant, textured crochet bag is crafted from raffia yarn in a juicy palette of lemon yellow, tangerine orange, and coral pink. The sturdy, openwork stitch pattern is not only beautiful but also incredibly practical—perfect for hauling fresh produce, beach-day essentials, or your latest library finds. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this free pattern will guide you through creating a stunning, handmade accessory that's sure to turn heads.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

This tote is a celebration of texture and color. The raffia yarn gives the bag a natural, slightly stiff structure that holds its shape beautifully, while the alternating solid double crochet clusters and chain spaces create an airy, breathable fabric. The round base is worked in continuous rounds, making it a meditative and satisfying project. Plus, the color-blocked stripes add a playful, modern touch that screams summer. You'll end up with a bag that's as functional as it is fashionable.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather your supplies. This project is wonderfully portable and requires minimal materials.

• Yarn: Raffia yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Raffia) in three colors: Lemon Yellow, Tangerine Orange, and Coral Pink. You will need approximately 250g total. A good breakdown would be roughly 100g of Lemon Yellow, 80g of Tangerine Orange, and 70g of Coral Pink.
• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8) crochet hook.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing handles, and scissors.

Gauge & Size

Gauge: 14 double crochet (dc) x 8 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in the pattern stitch. It's always a good idea to make a gauge swatch to ensure your bag turns out the intended size, though this pattern is quite forgiving.

Finished Size: The bag measures approximately 30 cm (12 inches) wide at the base and 25 cm (10 inches) tall, excluding the handles. The handles add another 25 cm (10 inches) in length.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let's get crocheting! This pattern is worked in continuous rounds for the base, then in joined rounds for the body. Pay close attention to the color changes for the stripes.

Crochet Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rnd: round

Part 1: The Base (Worked in Continuous Rounds)

Note: Do not join at the end of these rounds. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round.

1. R1: Make a magic ring, work 8 single crochet (sc) into the ring. (8 sts)
2. R2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (16 sts)
3. R3: *Sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)
4. R4: *Sc in the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (32 sts)
5. R5: *Sc in the next 3 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (40 sts)
6. R6: *Sc in the next 4 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (48 sts)
7. R7: *Sc in the next 5 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (56 sts)
8. R8: *Sc in the next 6 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (64 sts)
9. R9: *Sc in the next 7 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (72 sts)
10. R10: *Sc in the next 8 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (80 sts)
11. R11: *Sc in the next 9 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (88 sts)
12. R12: *Sc in the next 10 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (96 sts)

Your base should now be a flat, circular disc. If it's ruffling, your tension is too loose; if it's cupping, your tension is too tight. Adjust accordingly for the next rounds.

Part 2: The Body (Worked in Joined Rounds)

Note: From here on, you will join each round with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain.

13. R13: Chain 3 (counts as your first dc), dc in the next 2 sts. *Chain 1, skip 1 st, dc in the next 3 sts*; repeat from * to * around, ending with a ch 1, skip 1 st, and sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. (96 sts, 24 ch-1 spaces)
14. R14: Ch 3, dc in the next 2 sts. *Ch 1, skip the ch-1 space, dc in the next 3 sts*; repeat from * to * around, sl st to the top of the ch-3.
15. R15-24: Repeat R14, changing colors every 2 rounds to create the stripes:
    • R15-16: Lemon Yellow
    • R17-18: Tangerine Orange
    • R19-20: Coral Pink
    • R21-22: Lemon Yellow
    • R23-24: Tangerine Orange

When changing colors, do so in the last yarn-over of the final stitch of the previous round. This creates a clean, seamless color transition.

Part 3: Top Edging

25. R25: With your current yarn (Tangerine Orange), ch 1. Work 1 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each ch-1 space around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (120 sc)
26. R26: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in the end.

This edging creates a neat, sturdy rim for your bag, preventing it from stretching out of shape.

Part 4: Handles (Make 2)

These handles are designed to be strong and comfortable to carry.

1. Row 1: With Lemon Yellow yarn, chain 80. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (79 sc)
2. Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Part 5: Assembly

Now it's time to bring your bag together.

1. Fold and Sew Handles: Fold each handle in half lengthwise, with the right sides together. Sew the long edges together using a whip stitch and a tapestry needle. This creates a doubled, sturdy strap. Turn the handle right side out if you prefer a neater seam, or leave the seam on the inside.
2. Attach Handles: Position one handle on the inside of the bag at one side, with the ends of the handle placed about 5 cm (2 inches) down from the top edge. The ends should be spaced about 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) apart. Sew securely through both layers of the handle and the bag fabric using the long tail and a tapestry needle. Repeat for the second handle on the opposite side of the bag.
3. Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in any remaining loose ends securely into the fabric of the bag.

Your Sunkissed Tote Awaits

Congratulations! You've just created your very own Sunkissed Citrus Market Tote. This bag is more than just an accessory; it's a statement of handmade style and a practical companion for all your summer adventures. The textured raffia and vibrant colors are sure to bring a smile to your face every time you use it. We'd love to see your finished creation! Share your photos on social media and tag us so we can celebrate your beautiful work. Happy crocheting!