Sunwashed Citrus Market Tote Free Pattern – Crochet with Woven Stripes
Carry a Slice of Summer: The Sunwashed Citrus Market Tote
There's something magical about a handmade bag that feels both practical and joyful. The Sunwashed Citrus Market Tote is exactly that—a vibrant, textured crochet project that brings the brightness of orange, lemon, and lime stripes into your everyday life. Whether you're heading to the farmers' market, planning a beach day, or simply want a cheerful carryall for your latest library haul, this tote delivers on both style and function.
The woven stitch pattern creates a dense yet breathable fabric with subtle openwork gaps, giving the bag a summery, airy feel while remaining sturdy enough for heavy groceries. The flat oval base ensures it stands upright when filled, and the two sturdy orange handles make it comfortable to carry even when loaded with fresh produce. Best of all, this pattern is beginner-friendly—if you can single crochet and work in rounds, you can create this beautiful tote.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth crochet session:
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in four colors:
- Orange (Color A) – approx. 250g
- Lemon Yellow (Color B) – approx. 250g
- Lime Green (Color C) – approx. 250g
- Cream (Color D) – approx. 250g
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors
Gauge: 16 single crochet (sc) x 18 rows = 4 x 4 inches. Be sure to check your gauge before starting to ensure your bag comes out the right size.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Part 1: The Base (Worked in Joined Rounds)
We'll start with a flat, oval-shaped base that gives the tote its roomy structure. Work each round and join with a slip stitch to the first stitch of that round.
Round 1: With Color A (orange), chain 2. Work 8 single crochet (sc) into the second chain from the hook. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (8 stitches)
Round 2: Chain 1. Work 2 sc into each sc around. Join. (16 stitches)
Round 3: Chain 1. *Sc in the next sc, 2 sc in the next sc.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (24 stitches)
Round 4: Chain 1. *Sc in the next 2 sc, 2 sc in the next sc.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (32 stitches)
Round 5: Chain 1. *Sc in the next 3 sc, 2 sc in the next sc.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (40 stitches)
Round 6: Chain 1. *Sc in the next 4 sc, 2 sc in the next sc.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (48 stitches)
Round 7: Chain 1. *Sc in the next 5 sc, 2 sc in the next sc.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (56 stitches)
Round 8: Chain 1. *Sc in the next 6 sc, 2 sc in the next sc.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (64 stitches)
Round 9: Chain 1. *Sc in the next 7 sc, 2 sc in the next sc.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (72 stitches)
Round 10: Chain 1. *Sc in the next 8 sc, 2 sc in the next sc.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (80 stitches)
Your base is now complete—a flat, circular-oval shape with 80 stitches around the edge. This will form the bottom of your tote.
Part 2: The Body (Worked in Continuous Rounds)
Now we'll build the sides of the bag. From this point forward, you'll work in continuous rounds without joining—simply continue crocheting in a spiral. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round.
Rounds 11-12: With Color A (orange), sc in each sc around. (80 stitches each round)
Round 13 (Woven Stripe Base): Switch to Color B (lemon yellow). Chain 1. *Sc in the next 4 sc, chain 2, skip 2 sc.* Repeat from * to * around. (You'll have 80 stitches plus 13 chain-2 spaces)
Round 14: With Color B, *sc in the next 4 sc, work 2 sc into the chain-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. (80 stitches)
Rounds 15-16: With Color B, sc in each sc around. (80 stitches each round)
Round 17: Switch to Color C (lime green). Repeat Round 13 pattern (sc in next 4 sc, ch 2, skip 2 sc).
Round 18: With Color C, repeat Round 14 pattern (sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in ch-2 space).
Rounds 19-20: With Color C, sc in each sc around.
Round 21: Switch to Color D (cream). Repeat Round 13 pattern.
Round 22: With Color D, repeat Round 14 pattern.
Rounds 23-24: With Color D, sc in each sc around.
Round 25: Switch to Color A (orange). Repeat Round 13 pattern.
Round 26: With Color A, repeat Round 14 pattern.
Rounds 27-28: With Color A, sc in each sc around.
Round 29: Switch to Color B (lemon yellow). Repeat Round 13 pattern.
Round 30: With Color B, repeat Round 14 pattern.
Rounds 31-32: With Color B, sc in each sc around.
Round 33: Switch to Color C (lime green). Repeat Round 13 pattern.
Round 34: With Color C, repeat Round 14 pattern.
Rounds 35-36: With Color C, sc in each sc around.
Round 37: Switch to Color D (cream). Repeat Round 13 pattern.
Round 38: With Color D, repeat Round 14 pattern.
Rounds 39-40: With Color D, sc in each sc around.
Your bag body is now complete with beautiful alternating citrus stripes. The woven pattern created by the chain spaces gives the bag its distinctive textured look.
Part 3: The Top Edge
Round 41: Switch to Color A (orange). Chain 1. Sc in each sc around, but work 2 sc into each chain-2 space from the previous round. (80 stitches)
Round 42: With Color A, sc in each sc around. Fasten off and weave in the end.
The top edge is now clean and reinforced, ready for the handles.
Part 4: The Handles (Make 2)
Row 1: With Color A (orange), chain 8. Sc in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. (7 stitches)
Rows 2-50: Chain 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. (7 stitches each row)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing. Repeat to make a second handle.
Part 5: Assembly
Now it's time to bring your tote together:
- Form the handle loops: Fold each handle in half lengthwise so the short ends meet. Sew the short ends together securely to form a loop.
- Attach the handles: Position one handle loop on each side of the bag's top edge. Space the attachment points about 6 inches apart on each side. Using the long tails, sew the handle ends securely to the inside of the bag's top edge. Make sure to sew through both the handle and the bag fabric several times for durability.
- Weave in all ends: Use your yarn needle to weave in any remaining loose ends on the inside of the bag. Trim any excess yarn.
Your Sunwashed Citrus Market Tote is complete! Give it a gentle stretch to shape it, and it's ready for its first outing.
Tips for Success
- Keep your tension consistent: The woven stitch pattern looks best when your tension is even throughout. If you tend to crochet tightly, consider going up a hook size.
- Use a stitch marker: Since the body is worked in continuous rounds, a stitch marker at the beginning of each round will save you from counting mistakes.
- Block your bag: If your bag looks a bit wobbly, gently wet-block it by spraying with water and shaping it flat to dry. This will help the stitches settle into place.
- Customize your colors: While the citrus palette is cheerful, feel free to swap colors to match your personal style—pastels for spring, earthy tones for fall, or a monochrome look for everyday elegance.
This tote is as practical as it is pretty. The dense cotton fabric holds its shape beautifully, the woven gaps allow for breathability (perfect for produce), and the sturdy handles can carry a surprising amount of weight. Whether you're treating yourself or gifting to a fellow crochet lover, the Sunwashed Citrus Market Tote is sure to bring a smile wherever it goes.
Happy crocheting—and enjoy your slice of handmade summer!
