The Sunburst Market Tote: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Bohemian Granny Square Purse

The Sunburst Market Tote: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Bohemian Granny Square Purse

Elevate your everyday carry with this modern take on the classic granny square bag. Featuring a radiant sunburst motif and a soft, suede-like texture, this tote is the perfect accessory for farmers' markets, beach days, or adding a handmade touch to any outfit. The earthy color palette of terracotta, cream, sage, and camel creates a timeless, boho-chic look that will complement any wardrobe. This pattern is designed for confident beginners who are comfortable with basic crochet stitches and working in the round.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (100% mercerized cotton; 100g/186 yds) in 4 colors:
  • Color A (Terracotta): Approximately 2 skeins
  • Color B (Cream): 1 skein
  • Color C (Sage): 1 skein
  • Color D (Camel): 1 skein
• Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional)
• Gauge: One completed granny square (Rounds 1-4) measures 4 inches across. Exact gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency is key for even squares.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes

• This bag is made from 12 granny squares (6 for the front, 6 for the back) and 2 half-squares for the sides.
• Each square is worked in the round, with the right side facing you at all times.
• Join squares using the mattress stitch or single crochet seam for a sturdy finish.
• The strap is worked separately and attached.

Granny Square (Make 12)

Round 1: With Color A, make a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc into ring. Sl st to top of ch-3 to join. (12 dc)

Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (24 dc) Fasten off Color A.

Round 3: Join Color B in any dc. Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, *sk 2 sts, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next st* repeat from * around, ending with 3 dc in the starting st, ch 2, sl st to top of ch-3. (8 clusters, 4 corners)

Round 4: Sl st to next ch-2 corner space. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same space, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner space* repeat from * around, ending with ch 1, sl st to top of ch-3. Fasten off Color B.

Round 5: Join Color C in any corner space. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same space, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner space* repeat from * around, ending with ch 1, sl st to top of ch-3. Fasten off Color C.

Round 6: Join Color D in any corner space. Repeat Round 5 pattern, working 3 dc in each ch-1 space along the sides. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Half-Square (Make 2)

Row 1: With Color A, ch 4, sl st to form ring. Ch 3, 2 dc in ring, ch 2, 3 dc in ring. Turn. (1 cluster, 1 corner)

Row 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in first st, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 space, ch 1, 3 dc in top of ch-3. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in first st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, 3 dc in top of ch-3. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Assembly

1. Arrange 6 full squares in a 2x3 grid for the front. Repeat for the back.
2. Using Color D and a tapestry needle, whip stitch the squares together through the back loops only. Start by joining the squares into rows, then join the rows.
3. Attach the half-squares to the sides of the front and back panels, aligning the straight edges with the top and bottom of the bag.
4. With right sides together, single crochet the front and back panels together along the bottom and side edges, leaving the top open. Turn right side out.

Strap

With Color D, ch 6.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (5 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Rows 2-80: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (5 sc) Repeat until strap measures approximately 30 inches, or desired length. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Finishing

1. Sew the ends of the strap securely to the inside of the bag, approximately 3 inches from the top edge on each side.
2. Optional: Line the bag with fabric for added structure and to prevent items from slipping through. Cut a fabric rectangle slightly larger than the bag, fold over the top edge, and sew in place by hand.
3. Weave in all remaining ends.

Your Sunburst Market Tote is now complete! Enjoy your handmade, boho-chic accessory that's perfect for any occasion.