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Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern
4.0★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.0K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

This pattern creates a charming citrus-motif tote bag made from individual citrus granny squares. Each square builds a colorful citrus slice with simple rounds and embroidered spokes for detail. The pattern includes step-by-step rounds, embroidery instructions, and clear assembly directions to join 13 squares into a finished bag. Perfect for summer markets, gifts, or everyday use.

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

You will make 13 individual citrus granny squares and stitch them together into a tote shape. The tutorial covers creating straps and finishing touches like weaving in ends and embroidered details.

Why You'll Love This Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it blends crochet basics with a playful, graphic design that instantly brightens any outfit. I enjoy the satisfying rhythm of the rounds as the citrus slice grows, and the embroidery step adds a handmade, polished touch I adore. The assembly process turns simple squares into a surprisingly sturdy and wearable tote that I am proud to use. Best of all, I find it addictive to make multiple colorways and gift them to friends for summer outings.

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern step 1 - construction progress Citrus Tote Bag Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Citrus Tote Bag Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Citrus Tote Bag Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this pattern by swapping colors to create different fruit looks; try limes, oranges, or grapefruit shades for variety.

I sometimes change yarn weight and a larger hook to make a chunkier, basket-style tote that's great for heavier items.

I often adjust the number of squares for a smaller clutch or larger beach bag—add or remove rows of squares to scale the finished size.

I like to swap the light blue background for a neutral or striped color to change the overall mood of the bag.

I also experiment with embroidery: use contrasting thread for bold spokes or subtle shades for a refined look depending on the recipient.

I occasionally add a lining sewn in fabric for extra durability and to prevent small items from slipping through the granny gaps.

I sometimes reinforce the straps by crocheting a second strap and sewing it inside the first for added strength when carrying heavier loads.

I enjoy turning the squares into coasters or placemats by skipping the strap assembly and finishing with a round of single crochet.

I recommend trying metallic or textured yarn for the citrus ring to add shimmer and an upscale finish for gift versions.

I often gift mini versions as keychain charms—just use a finer yarn and smaller hook to make tiny citrus slices.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the slip stitch join at the end of a round can leave an uneven edge; always complete the round with the stated slip stitch to secure your work. ✗ Cutting yarn too short when leaving tails for sewing makes weaving in difficult; leave at least a 6 inch tail to sew in securely. ✗ Failing to count stitches after color changes causes gradual size differences; count stitches after each round to maintain the correct stitch total. ✗ Not testing gauge or hook size can produce wavy or bowl-shaped squares; make a test square and adjust hook up or down until the edges lay flat.

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Make a sunny citrus-themed tote bag using vibrant granny squares and simple assembly techniques. This pattern walks you through colorful round work, embroidery details, and joining squares to form a lightweight, summery bag. You will learn a fun citrus slice granny square and how to assemble straps for a finished tote you can carry everywhere.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium weight yarn (4) - light yellow (used for citrus center, no quantity specified in pattern)
  • 02
    Medium weight yarn (4) - dark yellow (used for citrus ring, no quantity specified in pattern)
  • 03
    Medium weight yarn (4) - white (used for inner ring and embroidery, no quantity specified in pattern)
  • 04
    Medium weight yarn (4) - light blue (used for granny square background and joining, no quantity specified in pattern)
  • 05
    Impeccable yarn by Loops & Threads (used by designer)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.5mm
  • 02
    Yarn needle / tapestry needle for weaving in ends and embroidery
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Stitch markers (optional for counting)
  • 05
    Tape measure (optional for checking gauge)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Citrus Granny Square :

Round 1 :

Color - light yellow Begin with a magic circle, ch 2 (this counts as first dc). Dc 11 in magic circle. Pull tight. Sl st to join round with original ch 2. (12 stitches total)

Round 2 :

Ch 2 then 1 dc in the same stitch. Make 2 dc in each dc of the previous round until you reach the beginning. After the final stitch, use a sl st to join with the first ch 2 in the round. (24 stitches total)

Round 2 :

Cut yellow yarn leaving a 6 inch tail to sew in. Pull the end through the slip stitch and pull tight.

Round 3 :

New color - white Create a slip knot and place it on the crochet hook. Join on the last stitch in round 2 with a sl st, then ch 1. Make 2 sc in the next stitch. In the next stitch, make 1 sc. Continue alternating between 2 sc and 1 sc per stitch all the way around. Join with a sl st to first ch 1 in the round. (36 stitches total)

Round 3 :

Cut white yarn leaving a 6 inch tail to sew in. Pull the end through the slip stitch and pull tight.

Round 4 :

New color - dark yellow Create a slip knot and place it on the crochet hook. Join on the last stitch in round 3 with a sl st, then ch 1. Make 1 sc in each st all the way around. Finish the round with a sl st to first ch 1 in the round.(36 stitches total)

Round 4 :

Cut dark yellow yarn leaving a 6 inch tail to sew in. Pull the end through the slip stitch and pull tight.

Round 5 :

Color - light blue Create a slip knot and place it on the crochet hook. Join on the last stitch in round 4 with a sl st, then ch 2. Make 1 dc in the next stitch. Make hdc in the next four stitches, then dc in the next two stitches. To make the corner, in the next stitch make 2 edc, ch 1, then 2 edc. *Make dc in the next 2 stitches, hdc in the next 4 stitches, then dc in the next 2 stitches. Make another corner in the next stitch with 2 edc, ch 2, then 2 edc*

Round 5 :

Repeat steps in * 2 more times creating 4 corners. Finish the round with a sl st to the first ch 2 in the round.

Round 5 :

Cut light blue yarn leaving a 6 inch tail to sew in. Pull the end through the slip stitch and pull tight.

— Embroidery :

Info :

To make the lines, cut a piece of white yarn about 14 inches long. Tie off one end on the wrong side of square near the center. Using the yarn needle, pull the white yarn through the center of the square and push it back through between the white and dark yellow rounds. Continue weaving the white yarn through the square in between the white and dark yellow rounds and coming up through the middle at the four corners, top, bottom, and sides. Tie off the white yarn on the wrong side when done.

Info :

To finish the square, weave in the tails using the yarn needle.

— Assembly :

Info :

Make 13 Granny Squares

Info :

Position two squares together with the right side facing each other. Create a slip knot and place it on the hook. Insert the crochet hook through the corners of both squares, make a sl st, and ch 1. Make a sc in each stitch along the side of the square, inserting the hook through stitches in both squares each time.

Info :

Attach 11 squares in this configuration. I recommend continuing along the red line then the blue line. However, any order will work if this shape is the end result.

Info :

Once all the squares are attached, fold it in half to align the top and the bottom. The remaining two squares will be the sides of the bag (folded in half in the diagram). Stitch along the red and blue lines.

Info :

Now that the main part of the bag is complete, it is time to make the straps!

— Straps :

Info :

To avoid gaps, the ch 1 that creates the corner are counted as a st when creating the straps. Times when crocheting in this space is noted in each row.

Part One :

In this part, we will be creating the border on the top of the bag in the middle section.

Row 1 :

Create a slip knot and place it on the crochet hook. Lay bag flat with right side out. Join using a slip stitch onto the corner (made by the ch 1) on the right side. Make one double crochet in the next 10 st. Next, dc6tog including the ch 1 that creates the corner of each square (you will be inserting your hook in the 2 edc and ch 1 from the first granny square and then the ch 1 and 2 edc in the next granny square). Continue up the next granny square making a dc in each of the next 11 st (the last dc will be in the ch 1 creating the corner). Ch 2 and turn work.

Row 2 :

Skip the first st (ch 2 counts as first dc in this row) and make dc in the next 8 st. Next, dc5tog. Make one dc in the next 9 st. To finish the row, ch 1, cut yarn leaving 6 in to weave in, and pull the end through the loop and pull tight.

Info :

Flip over and repeat part one on the other side.

Part Two :

In this part the straps of the bag are created. Choose one side of the bag to be Side A and the other will be Side B. This will determine the number each granny square will be referred to. This portion will be created in one continuous round demonstrated by the red portion in the diagram.

Round 1 :

Create a slip knot and place it on the crochet hook. Lay bag flat with side A facing up. Join using a slip stitch onto the ch 1 space of the top corner of granny square 1*. Make one double crochet in the next 10 st. Next, dc6tog (including the ch 1 forming corners). You are now working on side B.

Round 1 continued :

On granny square 4 make one dc in the next 11 st (ending in the ch 1 space in the corner). Make 2 dc in each row from part one (4 total). Ch 60.

Round 1 continued :

Make 2 dc in each row from part one (4 total) on granny square 3*. Make one dc in the next 11 st (the first will be the ch 1 forming the first corner of granny square 3). Next, dc6tog (including the ch 1 forming corners). You have now returned to side A.

Round 1 continued :

On granny square 2 make one dc in the next 11 st (ending in the ch 1 space in the corner). Make 2 dc in each row from part one (4 total).

Round 1 continued :

Ch 60.

Round 1 continued :

Make 2 dc in each row from part one on square 1. Use a slip st to join the round. Ch 2.

Round 2 :

Skip the first st (ch 2 counts as first dc in this row) and make dc in the next 8 st. **Next, dc5tog. Make one dc in the next 13 st. Continue with one dc in each ch creating the strap (60). Make one dc in the next 13 st.**

Round 2 :

Repeat steps within ** one more time across the second strap.

Round 2 :

Finish the row with one dc in the next 4 stitches, then use a sl st to join the round. Cut the yarn leaving 6 in to weave in, pull the end through the loop and pull tight.

Info :

Turn the bag inside out and weave in all the ends using a tapestry needle.

— Stitch Guide :

Slip stitch :

Insert hook, yarn over, pull through all loops on hook

Single crochet :

Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook

Half double crochet :

Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch, yarn over, pull through 3 loops on hook

Double crochet :

Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through last two loops on hook

Extended double crochet :

Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch, yarn over, pull through first loop on hook, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through last two loops on hook

Double crochet five together :

Yarn over, *insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook* Repeat between * 4 more times (inserting in 5 stitches total) Yarn over and pull through 6 loops on hook

Double crochet six together :

Yarn over, *insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook* Repeat between * 5 more times (inserting in 6 stitches total) Yarn over and pull through 7 loops on hook

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach squares two at a time with right sides facing and slip stitch through corner, ch 1, then sc through both layers along the seam to join squares securely.
  • Arrange and attach 11 squares in the layout shown (continue along the red line then the blue line) and then stitch the remaining two squares as side panels folded in half to form the bag shape.
  • Fold the joined piece in half to align top and bottom and sew along the marked red and blue lines to close the sides and bottom of the bag.
  • Create the top border and straps by joining at the ch 1 corner spaces and working the prescribed dc, dc6tog/dc5tog sequences to form stable, continuous straps.
  • After finishing straps, turn the bag inside out and weave in all tails and ends with a tapestry needle to complete the project.

Important Notes

  • 💡Make a test granny square before starting to check gauge; adjust hook size if edges are wavy or the square cups up.
  • 💡Leave at least a 6 inch tail each time you cut yarn so you can easily sew and weave in ends without reattaching.
  • 💡When joining squares, insert the hook through both layers consistently to avoid uneven seams and mismatched tension.
  • 💡Count stitches after each round and after color changes to ensure your stitch totals match those listed for each round.

Create a bright citrus tote that's as functional as it is cheerful. Each citrus granny square is portable and fun to make — perfect for sunny afternoons and gift-making. Carry summer with you everywhere you go and share handmade joy with friends. 🧡🍋✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished tote size depends on your gauge and yarn, but using the recommended medium weight yarn and 4.5mm hook the bag will be a medium market tote suitable for daily use.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but the finished size and strap strength will change; adjust your hook size accordingly and make a test square first.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate; familiarity with basic stitches, joining rounds, and working dc tog clusters will help you follow the instructions easily.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, though time may vary based on your experience level and how many squares you make at once.