Sunkissed Citrus Market Tote Free Pattern – Textured Crochet Bag with Woven Strap Motif

Sunkissed Citrus Market Tote: A Free Crochet Pattern for Summer

There's something undeniably joyful about carrying a handmade bag that feels like a burst of sunshine. The Sunkissed Citrus Market Tote is designed to bring that exact feeling to your everyday errands. This textured crochet bag features a unique woven strap motif and cheerful citrus hues of lemon yellow, tangerine orange, and cream. Whether you're heading to the farmers' market, planning a beach day, or simply want a sturdy, stylish carryall, this pattern is your perfect companion.

This project is ideal for confident beginners looking to expand their skills. The construction is simple—worked in continuous rounds of single crochet—but the result is a dense, sturdy fabric that holds its shape beautifully. The thick worsted weight cotton yarn ensures durability, while the color-blocked stripes add a playful, summery vibe. Let's dive into this delightful crochet tote pattern and create something truly special.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your crochet session smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in three colors:
  • Lemon Yellow (Yarn A) – approximately 150g
  • Tangerine Orange (Yarn B) – approximately 100g
  • Cream (Yarn C) – approximately 50g
  Total yarn needed: approximately 300g
• Crochet Hook: 5.5mm (US I-9) crochet hook
• Other Tools: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing straps, scissors, stitch markers (optional but helpful)

Gauge: 14 single crochet (sc) stitches x 16 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm). Be sure to check your gauge to ensure your bag turns out the correct size. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds, meaning you will not join at the end of each round unless specified. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of your rounds. Let's get started!

Bag Body (Worked in Continuous Rounds)

Round 1: With Yarn A (Lemon Yellow), make a magic ring. Work 8 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring tightly. (8 stitches)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (16 stitches)

Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch* — repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)

Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* — repeat from * to * around. (32 stitches)

Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* — repeat from * to * around. (40 stitches)

Round 6: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* — repeat from * to * around. (48 stitches)

Round 7: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* — repeat from * to * around. (56 stitches)

Round 8: *Sc in the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* — repeat from * to * around. (64 stitches)

Round 9: *Sc in the next 7 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* — repeat from * to * around. (72 stitches)

Round 10: *Sc in the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* — repeat from * to * around. (80 stitches)

Your bag base is now complete. It should be a flat, circular disc approximately 8 inches in diameter. Now we'll start building the sides.

Rounds 11-20: Sc in each stitch around. (80 stitches) Do not increase. This creates the straight sides of your tote.

Round 21: Switch to Yarn B (Tangerine Orange). Sc in each stitch around. (80 stitches)

Rounds 22-23: Continue with Yarn B. Sc in each stitch around. (80 stitches)

Round 24: Switch to Yarn C (Cream). Sc in each stitch around. (80 stitches)

Rounds 25-26: Continue with Yarn C. Sc in each stitch around. (80 stitches)

Round 27: Switch back to Yarn A (Lemon Yellow). Sc in each stitch around. (80 stitches)

Rounds 28-35: Continue with Yarn A. Sc in each stitch around. (80 stitches)

At this point, your bag body should measure about 10-11 inches tall from the center of the base. Now we'll create the handle openings.

Round 36: *Sc in the next 8 stitches, chain (ch) 10, skip 10 stitches (this creates the handle opening)* — repeat from * to * once more. Then, sc in the remaining stitches to the end of the round. (80 stitches + 2 chain-10 spaces)

Rounds 37-40: Sc in each stitch around. When you reach a chain-10 space, work 1 sc into each chain stitch. This closes the opening and creates a sturdy edge for your handles. (80 stitches)

Fasten off and weave in all loose ends securely.

Woven Strap (Make 2)

The straps are designed to mimic a woven texture, giving your tote a unique, artisanal look. They are simple rectangles that you'll fold and sew.

With Yarn B (Tangerine Orange), chain (ch) 120.

Row 1: Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (119 stitches)

Row 2: Chain 1, turn. Sc in each stitch across. (119 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches) for sewing the strap to the bag.

Repeat to make a second strap.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring your tote together. This step is crucial for a professional-looking finish.

Step 1: Fold each strap in half lengthwise, with the right side facing out. The folded strap should now be about 1 inch wide and 30 inches long.

Step 2: Using your yarn needle and the long tail, sew the long edges of the folded strap together. Use a whip stitch or mattress stitch for a neat, invisible seam. This creates a thick, sturdy, woven-looking strap.

Step 3: Position the straps. Lay your bag flat. You should see the two handle openings you created in Round 36. Attach one end of a strap to the inside edge of one handle opening. Attach the other end of the same strap to the inside edge of the opposite handle opening. Repeat with the second strap on the other side.

Step 4: Ensure the straps are not twisted and are evenly spaced. Sew each end securely to the inside of the bag using the yarn needle and the long tail. Use a strong, repeated stitch (like a figure-eight) to ensure the straps can bear the weight of your groceries or beach gear.

Finishing

Weave in all remaining loose ends with your yarn needle. Give your bag a gentle steam block if desired to even out the stitches and give it a crisp, polished look.

Optional: For extra durability and to prevent small items from slipping through the stitches, you can sew a fabric lining into the bag. Cut a piece of cotton fabric to fit the interior, sew the sides and bottom, and hand-stitch it to the top edge of the bag.

Your Sunkissed Citrus Market Tote is now complete! This vibrant, textured bag is as functional as it is beautiful. The sturdy cotton yarn and dense single crochet stitches ensure it will hold up to daily use, while the cheerful colors are sure to brighten any outing. Enjoy your handmade creation, and don't be surprised if you receive compliments wherever you go!