Brighten your crochet projects with this Sunflower Tote Bag – a perfect blend of practicality and whimsy! Designed with Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton yarn, this roomy 17″ bag features cheerful sunflowers, sturdy straps, and a pretty ribbon accent. Whether you’re headed to the farmer’s market, beach, or just running errands, this tote is as functional as it is charming.
This intermediate-level pattern is ideal for crocheters comfortable with:
- Working in rounds to create seamless construction
- Colorwork techniques for the sunflower embellishments
- Structural stitches like half-double and treble crochet
Why you’ll love this pattern:
- Quick project: Works up fast with worsted weight yarn
- Customizable: Choose bold or muted color combos
- Great for gifting: Pair with homemade goodies for a heartfelt present
Grab your hook and let’s make sunshine!
Materials
- Yarn (Lily Sugar’n Cream®):
- Main Color (Jute): 440 yds
- Contrast A (Warm Brown): 240 yds
- Contrast B (Yellow): 40 yds
- Contrast C (Country Yellow): 40 yds
- Hook: 4mm (US G/6)
- Other supplies:
- 1 yd yellow satin ribbon (¼” wide)
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- BLO: back loop only
- RS/WS: right/wrong side
Gauge & Size
- Gauge: 15 hdc x 12 rows = 4″
- Finished Size: 17″ wide x 16″ tall (excluding handles)
Pattern Instructions
Bag Base
- Chain 33, then work 1st round:
- 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 30 sc, 3 sc in last ch
- Work opposite side: 30 sc, 2 sc in last ch (66 sts)
- Rounds 2-7: Increase gradually to 90 sts, shaping corners.
Bag Body
- Rounds 8-10: Work BLO increases (94 → 102 sts).
- Rounds 11-32: Alternate plain and increase rounds (146 sts).
- Eyelet Round: Ch 4, skip 2 sc, dc around for ribbon channel.
Straps (Make 2)
- With 2 strands of Warm Brown, ch 84.
- Work dc down both sides, then fold and slip stitch closed.
Sunflowers (Make 3)
- Centers (Brown):
- Start with 6 sc in magic ring, increase to 60 sts.
- Create “bobbles” with alternating sc/tr stitches.
- Petals:
- 1st Layer (Yellow): Ch-8 loops with sc/hdc/dc.
- 2nd Layer (Country Yellow): Weave behind first petals.
Assembly & Finishing
- Sew straps to inside top edge of bag.
- Attach sunflowers to front with yarn tails.
- Thread ribbon through eyelet round, tie at back.
Tips for Success
- Sturdy base: Use tight tension for the first rounds.
- Sunflower trick: Push tr stitches to RS for 3D texture.
- Ribbon alternative: Try crocheting a chain tie instead.
Final Thoughts
This sunflower tote is more than just a bag—it’s a wearable burst of joy! Customize it with different flower colors or add pockets for extra functionality. However you make it, this sunny accessory is sure to turn heads.
