The Sunburst Meadow Tote: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Bohemian Summer Bag

Carry a Piece of Sunshine: The Sunburst Meadow Tote

Imagine strolling through a sun-drenched meadow, the scent of wildflowers in the air, and a bag that captures that very essence. The Sunburst Meadow Tote is more than just a crochet project; it's a wearable piece of art. Featuring a vibrant, textured sunflower motif and a sturdy, boho-chic design, this tote is perfect for farmers' markets, beach days, or simply adding a handmade touch to your everyday style. With its rich colors and dense single crochet body, this bag is as functional as it is beautiful—a true statement piece you'll be proud to carry.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in three colors:
  • Sunflower Yellow (MC) – approximately 300g (10.6 oz)
  • Chocolate Brown (CC1) – approximately 100g (3.5 oz)
  • Sage Green (CC2) – approximately 50g (1.8 oz)
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends and sewing motifs, scissors, stitch markers (optional)
• Gauge: 16 single crochet (sc) x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Sunburst Meadow Tote. Take your time, especially with the sunflower motifs, and enjoy the process.

Part 1: Sunflower Motifs (Make 2)

These motifs are worked in the round. Each one will be sewn onto the bag panels later.

Round 1 (Center): With CC1 (Chocolate Brown), make a magic ring. Chain 2 (this counts as your first half double crochet, hdc). Work 11 hdc into the ring. Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the top of the beginning chain-2. You should have 12 hdc total.

Round 2 (Center): Chain 2 (counts as first hdc). Hdc in the same stitch (the base of the chain). Then, work 2 hdc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning chain-2. You now have 24 hdc.

Round 3 (First Petal Base): Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Single crochet (sc) in the same stitch. *Chain 3, skip 1 stitch, sc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * around. You will end with a chain-3, then join with a sl st to the first sc. You should have 12 chain-3 spaces.

Round 4 (Small Petals): Slip stitch into the first chain-3 space. Chain 1 (does not count). In the same space, work: (sc, hdc, double crochet (dc), hdc, sc). This creates one small petal. *In the next chain-3 space, work (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc).* Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off CC1.

Round 5 (Large Petal Base): With MC (Sunflower Yellow), join with a sl st in any dc from the previous round (the center of any small petal). Chain 1 (does not count). Sc in the same stitch. *Chain 5, skip to the next dc (the center of the next small petal), sc in that dc.* Repeat from * around. You will end with a chain-5, then join with a sl st to the first sc. You should have 12 chain-5 spaces.

Round 6 (Large Petals): Slip stitch into the first chain-5 space. Chain 1 (does not count). In the same space, work: (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc). This creates one large petal. *In the next chain-5 space, work (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc).* Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off MC. Weave in ends. Repeat to make a second identical motif.

Part 2: Bag Body Panels (Make 2)

These panels are worked in rows to create the front and back of the tote.

Foundation Row: With MC, chain 41. Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. You should have 40 sc.

Rows 2-40: Chain 1, turn your work. Single crochet in each stitch across. (40 sc each row). Repeat until you have a total of 40 rows. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Repeat to make a second identical panel.

Part 3: Assembly

Now we bring the bag together.

Step 1: Attach Sunflower Motifs
Center one sunflower motif on each panel. Position it approximately 4 rows up from the bottom edge and centered horizontally. Using CC2 (Sage Green) and a tapestry needle, sew the motif securely to the panel. Sew through the back loops of the motif's outer petals and the panel's stitches for a neat finish. Repeat for the second panel.

Step 2: Join Panels
Place the two panels together with wrong sides facing (the right sides should be on the outside). Using MC and your crochet hook, single crochet through both layers along the bottom and side edges. Leave the top edge open. Tip: For a rounded bottom, work 3 sc in each corner at the bottom to create a gentle curve.

Step 3: Top Edge
Chain 1, turn your work. Single crochet evenly around the top opening. You should have approximately 80 sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Step 4: Straps (Make 2)
With MC, chain 6. Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (5 sc). Continue working in rows of sc (chain 1, turn, sc across) until the strap measures 24 inches (61 cm) or your desired length. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Step 5: Attach Straps
Sew the straps to the inside of the bag, approximately 4 inches (10 cm) from each side edge. Ensure they are securely attached by sewing through both the strap and the bag's top edge.

Step 6: Optional Lining
For added durability and a professional finish, cut a fabric lining to match the bag's interior dimensions. Sew the lining pieces together, then hand-stitch it inside the bag, hiding the raw edges.

Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends with a tapestry needle. Block the bag lightly by misting it with water and shaping it flat, especially the sunflower motifs, to help them lay flat and defined. Allow to dry completely. Your Sunburst Meadow Tote is now ready to carry your summer essentials!