Sunny Meadow Market Bag Free Pattern – Crochet a Cheerful Sunflower Tote

Carry a piece of summer with this cheerful sunflower market bag, crocheted in bright golden yellow and earthy brown tones. The textured sunflower granny squares and sturdy strap make it perfect for farmers' markets or beach days. This free crochet pattern is beginner-friendly and results in a roomy, durable tote that's as beautiful as it is functional. Let's get started!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All yarn amounts are approximate and based on a standard worsted weight cotton yarn.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in three colors:
  • Sunflower yellow (Yarn A) – approx. 150g
  • Warm brown (Yarn B) – approx. 100g
  • Leaf green (Yarn C) – approx. 50g
  Total: approx. 300g
• Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook (US H-8)
• Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing, scissors, stitch markers (optional)
• Gauge: One sunflower granny square = 4 inches across (after blocking). Gauge is important for consistent sizing, so check your square before proceeding.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bag is made from 12 sunflower granny squares (6 for each side) and a sturdy strap. Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise noted. Let's break it down into manageable steps.

Part 1: Crochet the Sunflower Granny Squares (Make 12)

Each square is worked in the round, starting from the center. You will make 12 identical squares total.

Round 1 (Yellow Center)

1. With Yarn A (sunflower yellow), make a magic ring. If you're not familiar with this technique, wrap the yarn around your fingers twice, insert hook, and pull up a loop. Chain 1 to secure.
2. Work 12 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the tail to tighten the ring closed.
3. Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first sc. You should have 12 stitches. Fasten off Yarn A and weave in the end.

Round 2 (Brown Petals)

1. With Yarn B (warm brown), join in any stitch from Round 1. To join, insert your hook into a stitch, pull up a loop of Yarn B, and chain 1.
2. Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet, dc).
3. Work 2 double crochet (dc) in the same stitch. You now have a group of 3 dc.
4. Chain 2 (this creates a corner space).
5. In the next stitch, work 3 dc.
6. Chain 2.
7. Repeat steps 5-6 around the entire round. You should have 12 groups of 3 dc and 12 chain-2 spaces.
8. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning chain-3. Fasten off Yarn B and weave in ends.

Round 3 (Completing the Sunflower)

1. With Yarn B, slip stitch into the next chain-2 space (the corner space from Round 2).
2. Chain 3 (counts as first dc).
3. Work 2 dc in the same corner space.
4. Chain 2, then work 3 dc in the same corner space. This creates a corner (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
5. In the next chain-2 space (the side space), work 3 dc, then chain 1. This is a side.
6. In the next chain-2 space (the next corner), work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc.
7. Repeat steps 5-6 around the entire round. You will have 4 corners (each with 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) and 4 sides (each with 3 dc, ch 1).
8. To finish the round, work 3 dc, ch 1 in the last side space. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning chain-3. Fasten off Yarn B and weave in ends.

Round 4 (Leaf Green Border)

1. With Yarn C (leaf green), join in any corner chain-2 space.
2. Chain 3 (counts as first dc).
3. Work 2 dc in the same corner space.
4. Chain 2, then work 3 dc in the same corner space. This is your corner.
5. In the next side chain-1 space, work 3 dc.
6. In the next side chain-1 space, work 3 dc.
7. In the next corner chain-2 space, work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc.
8. Repeat steps 5-7 around the entire round. You will have 4 corners and 8 side groups (2 per side).
9. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning chain-3. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Repeat these 4 rounds to make a total of 12 squares. Block all squares lightly to ensure they are uniform in size (4 inches across).

Part 2: Assemble the Bag Sides

Now we'll join the squares to form the front and back panels of the bag.

1. Arrange the squares: For each side of the bag, arrange 6 squares in a rectangle: 2 squares across and 3 squares down. Ensure all squares are facing the same direction (sunflower centers up).
2. Join the squares: With Yarn C (leaf green) and a yarn needle, whip stitch the squares together. Work through the back loops only of the outer edges of the squares. This creates a neat, flat seam on the front. Match the corners carefully.
3. Join all 6 squares to form one large rectangle. Repeat this process for the second side of the bag. You should now have two identical rectangles, each measuring 2 squares wide by 3 squares tall.

Part 3: Join the Sides of the Bag

With the right sides facing out, we'll crochet the two panels together.

1. Place the two rectangles together, aligning the edges. The right sides (the pretty sunflower side) should be facing outward.
2. With Yarn C, start at one top corner. Insert your hook through both layers of the bag.
3. Work single crochet (sc) through both layers along the bottom and up the sides. Work 1 sc in each stitch across the bottom and up the sides.
4. At each corner, work 2 sc in the same corner stitch to give the bag a nice, rounded shape.
5. Continue until you have crocheted around the bottom and up both sides, leaving the top edge open.
6. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Part 4: Create the Sturdy Strap

The strap is crocheted flat and then attached to the top edges of the bag.

1. With Yarn A (sunflower yellow), chain 120 (or your desired strap length. For a shoulder bag, 120 chains is a good starting point. You can adjust this to be longer or shorter).
2. Row 1: Single crochet (sc) in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. You should have 119 sc. Chain 1 and turn.
3. Row 2: Sc in each stitch across. Chain 1 and turn.
4. Repeat Row 2 until the strap is 2 inches wide. This will take approximately 4-5 rows total, depending on your tension.
5. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches) for sewing.

Part 5: Attach the Strap

Secure the strap to the bag with strong, reinforced stitching.

1. Fold the strap ends over the top edge of the bag on each side. Position them so the strap is centered on the side panels.
2. Using a yarn needle and the long tail from the strap, sew the strap securely to the inside of the bag. Use a whip stitch or backstitch for strength.
3. For extra durability, reinforce the attachment by sewing a small square or X shape over the strap ends. This will help the strap withstand the weight of your groceries or beach items.
4. Repeat on the other side of the bag.

Part 6: Finishing Touches

1. Weave in all ends with your yarn needle. Make sure all tails are securely hidden inside the stitches.
2. Block the bag lightly to shape it. Spray with water and gently shape the bag, allowing it to dry flat. This helps the squares lie flat and the bag to hold its form.
3. Optional: For extra durability and to prevent stretching, you can add a fabric lining. Cut a piece of cotton fabric to fit the inside of the bag, sew it into a pouch, and hand-stitch it to the top edge of the bag.

Your Sunny Meadow Market Bag is complete! This cheerful tote is perfect for carrying fresh produce, beach essentials, or your latest library haul. The sturdy cotton yarn and reinforced strap ensure it will be a reliable companion for many seasons to come. Happy crocheting!