Sunset Bloom Crochet Tote Bag Free Pattern

Carry Golden Hour: The Sunset Bloom Crochet Tote Bag

There is something magical about the transition from day to night—the sky ignites in shades of terracotta, mustard, burnt orange, and cream. Now, imagine capturing that fleeting beauty in a handmade accessory you can carry every day. The Sunset Bloom Crochet Tote Bag does exactly that. This boho-inspired, textured bag features a stunning three-dimensional sunflower motif and rich autumnal stripes that evoke warmth and nostalgia. Whether you're heading to the farmer's market, the beach, or simply running errands, this tote is the perfect companion for your everyday adventures.

Designed with beginners in mind, this pattern uses basic single crochet stitches and simple color changes. The result is a dense, sturdy fabric that holds its shape beautifully—thanks to the worsted weight cotton yarn. Let's dive into this free pattern and create a piece that feels like a warm hug on a crisp autumn day.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your crochet session smooth and enjoyable.

Yarn

• Worsted weight cotton yarn in the following colors (approx. 400g total):
• Terracotta (approx. 150g) – for the main body stripes and handles
• Mustard Yellow (approx. 100g) – for the sunflower center and body stripes
• Burnt Orange (approx. 100g) – for the sunflower petals and body stripes
• Cream (approx. 50g) – for the accent stripes

Hook and Notions

• 5.5 mm crochet hook (US I-9)
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing
• Scissors
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for counting)

Gauge

14 single crochet stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet. This gauge is important to achieve the correct finished size. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly—use a smaller hook if your stitches are too loose, or a larger hook if they're too tight.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in one large rectangle for the bag body, then folded and seamed. The sunflower motif is crocheted separately and attached. Finally, two sturdy handles complete the bag. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful tote in no time.

Bag Body (Worked in One Piece, Then Folded)

Foundation Row: With terracotta yarn, chain 41. Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. You should have 40 single crochet stitches. This forms the base of your bag.

Row 1: Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each stitch across. (40 sc)

Rows 2-3: Repeat Row 1 in terracotta. You now have 4 total rows of terracotta.

Row 4: Switch to mustard yellow. Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each stitch across. (40 sc)

Rows 5-6: Repeat Row 4 in mustard yellow. You now have 3 total rows of mustard yellow.

Row 7: Switch to burnt orange. Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each stitch across. (40 sc)

Rows 8-9: Repeat Row 7 in burnt orange. You now have 3 total rows of burnt orange.

Row 10: Switch to cream. Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each stitch across. (40 sc)

Rows 11-12: Repeat Row 10 in cream. You now have 3 total rows of cream.

Row 13: Switch to terracotta. Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each stitch across. (40 sc)

Rows 14-15: Repeat Row 13 in terracotta. You now have 3 more rows of terracotta.

Row 16: Switch to mustard yellow. Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each stitch across. (40 sc)

Rows 17-18: Repeat Row 16 in mustard yellow. You now have 3 more rows of mustard yellow.

Row 19: Switch to burnt orange. Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each stitch across. (40 sc)

Rows 20-21: Repeat Row 19 in burnt orange. You now have 3 more rows of burnt orange.

Row 22: Switch to cream. Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each stitch across. (40 sc)

Rows 23-24: Repeat Row 22 in cream. You now have 3 more rows of cream.

Row 25: Switch to terracotta. Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each stitch across. (40 sc)

Rows 26-27: Repeat Row 25 in terracotta. You now have 3 more rows of terracotta.

Row 28: Switch to mustard yellow. Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each stitch across. (40 sc)

Rows 29-30: Repeat Row 28 in mustard yellow. You now have 3 more rows of mustard yellow.

Row 31: Switch to burnt orange. Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each stitch across. (40 sc)

Rows 32-33: Repeat Row 31 in burnt orange. You now have 3 more rows of burnt orange.

Row 34: Switch to cream. Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each stitch across. (40 sc)

Rows 35-36: Repeat Row 34 in cream. You now have 3 more rows of cream.

Row 37: Switch to terracotta. Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each stitch across. (40 sc)

Rows 38-39: Repeat Row 37 in terracotta. You now have 3 more rows of terracotta. Fasten off and weave in the end.

Pro Tip: When changing colors, do not cut the yarn until you're sure you won't need it again. However, since this pattern uses distinct color blocks, you can cut and weave in ends as you go to keep your work tidy.

Fold and Seam

Now it's time to transform your rectangle into a bag.

1. Lay your rectangle flat with the right side facing up. Fold it in half, bringing the two short ends together. The fold will be the bottom of your bag.
2. With the right sides still together, use a whip stitch or slip stitch to seam the two open sides. Start at the bottom fold and work your way up to the top edge. Leave the top open—this is the bag opening.
3. Once both sides are seamed, turn the bag right side out. Gently push out the corners to give the bag a nice shape.

Sunflower Motif (Make 1)

This beautiful three-dimensional sunflower will be the focal point of your bag. Let's create it step by step.

Round 1: With mustard yellow yarn, make a magic ring. Chain 2 (this counts as your first double crochet). Work 11 double crochet into the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the chain-2. You should have 12 double crochet stitches.

Round 2: Chain 2 (counts as first dc). Double crochet in the same stitch. Then, work 2 double crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the chain-2. You should have 24 double crochet stitches. This forms the sunflower's center.

Round 3: Switch to burnt orange yarn. Chain 1, single crochet in the same stitch. *Chain 3, skip 1 stitch, single crochet in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with a chain 3 and a slip stitch to the first single crochet. You should have 12 chain-3 spaces—these will become the petals.

Round 4: Slip stitch into the first chain-3 space. Chain 1. In each chain-3 space around, work the following: (single crochet, half double crochet, 2 double crochet, half double crochet, single crochet). This creates a lovely petal shape. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Pro Tip: The magic ring is essential for a tight, closed center. If you're not familiar with it, you can chain 4 and slip stitch to form a ring, then work Round 1 into the ring. Just pull the tail tight to close the center.

Attach the Sunflower Motif

Position the sunflower motif in the center front of your bag. Use the long tail you left to sew it securely in place. Weave the needle through the back of the motif and into the bag fabric, making sure it's attached firmly. Weave in the end when you're done.

Handles (Make 2)

These sturdy, rolled handles are both functional and stylish.

Row 1: With terracotta yarn, chain 61. Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. You should have 60 single crochet stitches.

Row 2: Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each stitch across. (60 sc)

Row 3: Repeat Row 2. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assemble the Handle: Fold the handle in half lengthwise (the long way). With your yarn needle and the long tail, sew the long edges together using a whip stitch. This creates a sturdy, rolled strap. Repeat for the second handle.

Attach the Handles

Place one handle on each side of the bag opening. Position them evenly, about 2-3 inches from the side seams. Sew each handle securely to the inside of the bag, using a strong whip stitch. Make sure to catch both the handle and the bag fabric. Reinforce with a few extra stitches at the ends for durability.

Weave in all remaining ends. Your Sunset Bloom Crochet Tote Bag is complete!

Final Thoughts

This tote is more than just a bag—it's a wearable piece of art that captures the warmth of a sunset. The dense single crochet fabric ensures it's strong enough for groceries, books, or beach essentials, while the sunflower motif adds a touch of whimsy and boho charm. Whether you make it for yourself or as a heartfelt handmade gift, this pattern is sure to bring joy.

Don't forget to share your creation! Tag your photos with #SunsetBloomTote and inspire others to carry a little golden hour with them. Happy crocheting!