The Meadow Breeze Tote: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Floral-Embellished Summer Bag

Carry a Garden with You: Introducing the Meadow Breeze Tote

Imagine strolling through a sun-drenched meadow, the scent of wildflowers in the air. That's the feeling you'll capture with the Meadow Breeze Tote. This charming crochet bag combines a delicate, textured shell stitch body with a cascade of hand-crocheted 3D flowers, creating a piece that's equal parts boho elegance and everyday practicality. Whether you're heading to the farmer's market, the beach, or a casual brunch, this tote adds a touch of whimsical, handcrafted beauty to any summer outfit. Best of all, this free pattern is beginner-friendly, guiding you through every step from a solid circular base to the final floral embellishments.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact yarn and hook will ensure your tote matches the sample, but feel free to experiment with your favorite worsted-weight cotton.

• Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (worsted weight; 100% cotton; 100g/186yds)
  • 2 skeins in 'Ecru' (MC - Main Color)
  • 1 skein in 'Lavender' (CA)
  • 1 skein in 'Rose' (CB)
  • 1 skein in 'Mint' (CC)
• Hook: US Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional)
• Gauge: 14 sc x 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency is important for size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Notes: The bag is worked in joined rounds from the bottom up. The flowers are made separately and sewn on. A ch 1 at the beginning of rounds does not count as a stitch unless stated.

Bag Bottom (worked in continuous rounds)

We'll start by creating a solid, flat circle that forms the base of your tote.

• Round 1: With MC, make a magic ring, ch 1, work 8 sc into ring. Pull tight to close. (8 sts)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (16 sts)
• Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (24 sts)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (32 sts)
• Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (40 sts)
• Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (48 sts)
• Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (56 sts)
• Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (64 sts)
• Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (72 sts)
• Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (80 sts)

Bag Body (worked in joined rounds)

Now we'll build the sides of the bag using the beautiful shell stitch pattern.

• Round 11: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (80 sts)
• Round 12: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (80 sts)
• Round 13: Ch 1, *skip 2 sts, work 5 dc in next st (shell made), skip 2 sts, sc in next st; repeat from * around, join. (13 shells)
• Round 14: Ch 1, *sc in next st, ch 3, sc in center dc of next shell; repeat from * around, join. (13 ch-3 spaces)
• Round 15: Sl st into ch-3 space, ch 1, *work 5 dc in ch-3 space, sc in next sc; repeat from * around, join. (13 shells)
• Rounds 16-25: Repeat Rounds 14-15 five more times (or until bag reaches desired height, about 10 inches from bottom).
• Round 26: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (80 sts)
• Round 27: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. Fasten off MC.

Handles (make 2)

These sturdy, rectangular handles are crocheted flat and sewn on later.

• Row 1: With MC, ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (5 sc)
• Row 2-60: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (5 sc) Work until handle measures about 18 inches long, or desired length. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Flowers (make 5-7 in various colors)

Add the signature floral touch with these simple 3D flowers. Use CA (Lavender), CB (Rose), and CC (Mint) to create a mix of small and large blooms.

Small Flower:

• Round 1: Make a magic ring, ch 1, work 5 sc into ring, join with sl st to first sc. (5 sts)
• Round 2: *Ch 3, sl st in next st; repeat from * around. (5 petals) Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Large Flower:

• Round 1: Make a magic ring, ch 1, work 6 sc into ring, join. (6 sts)
• Round 2: *Ch 4, sl st in next st; repeat from * around. (6 petals) Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring all the pieces together.

1. Sew the handles: Using the long tails and a tapestry needle, sew the handles to the inside of the bag, about 3 inches from the side seams. Ensure they are securely attached by stitching through both the handle and the bag body several times.
2. Attach the flowers: Arrange the flowers on the front of the bag in a pleasing cluster. Sew each flower in place using its tail, weaving in ends carefully on the inside of the bag.
3. Weave in ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in all remaining yarn ends securely.

Finishing

Block the bag lightly if desired to even out stitches and give it a polished look. Simply mist with water and shape gently, then allow to dry flat. Your unique, handcrafted Meadow Breeze Tote is now ready to accompany you on all your summer adventures!