The Meadowlark Tote: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Wildflower Shoulder Bag

Carry a piece of the prairie with you wherever you go! The Meadowlark Tote is a textured crochet shoulder bag featuring dimensional wildflower motifs and a soft, earthy palette. This sturdy yet cozy construction makes it perfect for farmers' markets, beach days, or everyday adventures. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this free pattern will guide you through creating a beautiful, boho-inspired accessory that's as functional as it is gorgeous.

With its dense single crochet fabric and charming floral appliqués, this tote is a true statement piece. The combination of sage green, cream, dusty rose, butter yellow, and terracotta creates a warm, natural aesthetic that pairs beautifully with any outfit. Let's dive into this delightful project!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crochet experience:

Yarn

• Main Color (MC): Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in Sage Green – approx. 300g (about 600 yards)
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Cream – approx. 100g (about 200 yards)
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Dusty Rose – approx. 50g (about 100 yards)
• Contrast Color 3 (CC3): Butter Yellow – approx. 50g (about 100 yards)
• Contrast Color 4 (CC4): Terracotta – approx. 50g (about 100 yards)

Tools & Notions

• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8)
• Yarn Needle: For seaming and weaving in ends
• Stitch Markers: To keep track of rounds and rows
• Scissors: For cutting yarn

Gauge

16 sc x 18 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) in single crochet with MC. Gauge is important for achieving the correct bag size, so be sure to check your tension before starting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully to create your Meadowlark Tote. The pattern is broken down into manageable sections: the bag body, handles, and the beautiful wildflower motifs.

Part 1: Bag Body (Worked Flat, Then Seamed)

The bag body is worked in a simple rectangle of single crochet, which is then folded and seamed to create a flat-bottomed tote.

Row 1: With MC, chain (ch) 41. Single crochet (sc) in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. You should have 40 sc. Chain 1 (ch 1) and turn.

Rows 2–40: Sc in each stitch (st) across (40 sc). Ch 1, turn at the end of each row. At the end of Row 40, do not turn. Fasten off MC, leaving a long tail for seaming.

Pro Tip: Keep your tension consistent throughout these rows to ensure a uniform fabric. The dense single crochet creates a sturdy bag that holds its shape beautifully.

Bottom Seam

Fold the rectangle in half with right sides together (short ends meeting). Using MC and a yarn needle, whip stitch the bottom edge closed, sewing through 20 rows. Turn the bag right side out. This creates a bag that is 20 rows deep and 40 stitches wide.

Side Seams

With MC, whip stitch the two side edges together, leaving the top 8 rows open for the bag opening. This creates a flat-bottomed tote with an 8-row-deep opening. Weave in the ends securely.

Part 2: Handle Attachments (Make 2)

These sturdy handles are crocheted flat and then sewn to the bag, providing comfortable carrying support.

Row 1: With MC, ch 61. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across (60 sc). Ch 1, turn.

Rows 2–4: Sc in each st across (60 sc). At the end of Row 4, fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Pro Tip: For extra durability, you can fold the handle in half lengthwise and whip stitch the edges together before attaching, creating a thicker, more padded strap.

Sew one handle to each side of the bag opening, centered on the side seam, using the long tail. Ensure the handles are securely attached by sewing through both the handle and the bag fabric multiple times. Weave in all ends.

Part 3: Wildflower Motifs

Now for the fun part – creating the dimensional wildflowers that give this bag its charm! You'll make a total of 5 flowers and 4 leaves.

Rose Motif (Make 2 with CC2 - Dusty Rose)

Round 1: With CC2, make a magic ring. Ch 1, work 8 sc into the ring. Slip stitch (sl st) to join. (8 sc)

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as half double crochet, hdc), work 2 hdc in the same st. *Work 3 hdc in the next st.* Repeat from * around. Sl st to join. (24 hdc)

Round 3: Ch 1, sc in the first st. *Skip 2 sts, work 5 double crochet (dc) in the next st (this forms a petal), skip 2 sts, sc in the next st.* Repeat from * around, ending with a sl st to join. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. (4 petals)

Pro Tip: The magic ring is essential for creating a tight, closed center for your flowers. If you're not familiar with it, practice a few times – it's a game-changer for circular crochet!

Yellow Motif (Make 2 with CC3 - Butter Yellow)

Round 1: With CC3, make a magic ring. Ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring. Sl st to join. (6 sc)

Round 2: Ch 2, work 2 dc in the same st. *Work 3 dc in the next st.* Repeat from * around. Sl st to join. (18 dc)

Round 3: Ch 1, sc in the first st. *Skip 2 sts, work 4 dc in the next st, skip 2 sts, sc in the next st.* Repeat from * around. Sl st to join. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. (3 petals)

Terracotta Motif (Make 1 with CC4 - Terracotta)

Round 1: With CC4, make a magic ring. Ch 1, work 8 sc into the ring. Sl st to join. (8 sc)

Round 2: Ch 2, work 2 dc in the same st. *Work 3 dc in the next st.* Repeat from * around. Sl st to join. (24 dc)

Round 3: Ch 1, sc in the first st. *Skip 2 sts, work 6 dc in the next st, skip 2 sts, sc in the next st.* Repeat from * around. Sl st to join. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. (4 petals)

Leaf Motifs (Make 4 with CC1 - Cream)

Row 1: With CC1, ch 6. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, hdc in the next ch, dc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, sc in the last ch. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Sc in the first st, hdc in the next st, dc in the next st, hdc in the next st, sc in the last st. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. (This creates a leaf shape)

Part 4: Assembly of Motifs

Now it's time to bring your wildflower garden to life on the front of your tote!

Arrange the 5 flower motifs and 4 leaf motifs on the front of the bag in a pleasing cluster. A lovely arrangement is a central terracotta flower surrounded by the two dusty rose and two butter yellow flowers, with the leaves tucked between them for a natural, organic look.

Once you're happy with the placement, use a yarn needle and matching yarn to sew each motif securely to the bag front. Be sure to catch only the back loops of the motifs and the top layer of the bag fabric to keep the stitches invisible on the inside. Weave in all ends as you go.

Part 5: Finishing Touches

Weave in all remaining ends with your yarn needle, ensuring everything is secure and tidy.

Optional: For extra durability and to prevent stretching, you can line the bag with fabric. Cut a piece of cotton fabric to fit the inside of the bag, leaving a seam allowance, and sew it in place by hand.

Finally, block the bag lightly to shape. To block, dampen the bag with a spray bottle and gently shape it with your hands, then allow it to dry flat. This will help even out the stitches and give your tote a polished, professional finish.

Congratulations! You've completed your very own Meadowlark Tote. This beautiful, boho-inspired bag is perfect for carrying your essentials in style. The textured fabric and charming wildflower motifs make it a unique accessory that's sure to draw compliments wherever you go.

We'd love to see your finished creation! Share your Meadowlark Tote photos on social media and tag us – happy crocheting!