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Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern
4.4★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.7K 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 playful citrus granny square that joins into a charming tote bag. You will crochet color rounds, add embroidered segment lines, and assemble thirteen squares into a wearable bag. The finished project combines simple granny construction with a bright embroidered center for a fresh summer look.

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

Instructions include full round-by-round directions, embroidery steps, assembly diagrams, and a strap tutorial. Suitable for intermediate crocheters comfortable with DC clusters and joining techniques.

Why You'll Love This Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines a classic granny-square construction with a bold, graphic citrus motif that really pops. I enjoy the quick satisfaction of finishing each citrus square and the transformative effect of the white embroidery lines. Sewing the squares together into the final bag feels like building a little piece of wearable art. The bag is practical, lightweight, and fun to customize with your favorite color palette.

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 changing colors; try lime green and pale yellow for a lime-inspired bag.

You can make the bag larger or smaller by adding or removing granny squares from the layout before joining.

I often switch to a cotton blend yarn for a sturdier market bag that holds shape better when filled.

For a softer, smaller purse, use DK weight yarn and a smaller hook to create a more delicate square.

Experiment with different embroidery thread thicknesses for the white segment lines to make them subtle or bold.

Consider adding a lining fabric and a hidden pocket for extra structure and practicality inside the bag.

I sometimes add a button and loop closure at the top center for extra security when carrying smaller items.

Try crocheting a coordinating coin pouch using one citrus square as a quick matching accessory.

Swap the light blue background for a neutral or contrasting color to dramatically change the bag's overall look.

If you prefer longer straps, simply increase the chain counts in Part Two when working the strap chains.

You can also create a set: make a small clutch and a tote using the same squares and assembly technique for a matching gift set.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the recommended stitch count checks can make corners or sides uneven; recount stitches after each round and compare to the pattern. ✗ Not leaving long tails when cutting color changes makes finishing harder; cut strands leaving a 6 inch tail to weave in and secure later. ✗ Joining squares without aligning right sides can hide the citrus motif; always place squares with right sides facing each other before slip stitching or single crocheting them together. ✗ Crocheting the straps too loosely will create sagging handles; maintain consistent tension and follow the chain counts, then block lightly if needed. ✗ Forgetting to embroider before assembly can be cumbersome; complete the white segment embroidery on each square while they are still flat for easier stitching and cleaner results.

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Make a bright, summery Citrus Tote Bag using fun citrus granny squares. This pattern walks you through making the citrus motif squares, embroidering the segments, joining the squares, and creating sturdy straps. Perfect for gifting or a colorful everyday bag, you will love the playful design and texture.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Yarn: Medium (4) weight (worsted).
  • 02
    Color - light yellow (used for round 1 citrus center)
  • 03
    Color - dark yellow (used for round 4 citrus outer ring)
  • 04
    Color - white (used for round 3 and embroidery lines)
  • 05
    Color - light blue (used for grannysquare rounds/background)
  • 06
    I used Impeccable yarn by Loops & Threads (as noted in pattern)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.5mm
  • 02
    Yarn needle
  • 03
    Tapestry needle (for weaving ends)
  • 04
    Scissors
  • 05
    Stitch markers (optional for counting)

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.

Info :

Please see the last page for instructions on how to complete each stitch!

— 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.

— Assemble the bag :

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 this 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 boarder 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 :

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).

Round 1 :

Ch 60

Round 1 :

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 :

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 :

Ch 60

Round 1 :

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 :

Info :

SLIP STITCH - Insert hook, yarn over, pull through all loops on hook

Info :

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

Info :

HALF DOUBLE CROCHET - Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch, yarn over, pull through 3 loops on hook

Info :

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

Info :

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

Info :

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

Info :

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

  • Make 13 citrus granny squares following the Citrus Granny Square rounds and embroidery instructions before assembly.
  • Position two squares together with right sides facing; insert hook through both corners, sl st, ch 1, then sc through both layers to join along edges—continue joining squares following the diagram order (attach 11 in the main configuration).
  • Fold the assembled strip of squares in half to align top and bottom, use the remaining two squares as the folded side panels, and stitch along the marked red and blue lines to form the bag shape.
  • Create the top border by following Part One (Row 1 and Row 2) on both sides, then construct straps using Part Two in one continuous round, ch 60 for each strap section as directed.
  • After finishing straps, cut yarn leaving 6 inches to weave in; turn bag inside out and weave all tails securely with a tapestry/yarn needle.

Important Notes

  • 💡Leave approximately 6 inch tails when cutting color changes so you can easily weave and secure ends later.
  • 💡Complete the white embroidery lines on each square while the square is flat to ensure straighter, cleaner lines.
  • 💡When joining squares, always align right sides together and insert your hook through both layers for a neater seam.
  • 💡Maintain consistent tension for the straps to avoid sagging; blocking the finished bag lightly can help shape the edges.

Bright, sunny, and full of personality, this Citrus Tote Bag brings a splash of summer to your day. Create a stack of citrus squares, embroider the segments, and assemble into a cheerful tote that makes a perfect gift or market bag. Make one for yourself or a friend and enjoy handmade style all season long! 🧶🍋🧵

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FAQs

What size will the finished bag be?

The size depends on your tension and yarn, but with medium (4) yarn and 4.5mm hook the assembled bag using 13 squares will be a medium tote suitable for everyday use; exact dimensions vary with blocking.

Can I change the colors to make different citrus fruits?

Yes, swap the light and dark yellow for lime green, orange, or grapefruit colors to create different citrus looks—follow the same round instructions and embroidery steps.

Do I need to embroider before assembling the bag?

It is recommended to complete the white embroidery lines on each square before assembly for easier handling and cleaner finished lines.

Is this pattern suitable for beginners?

This pattern is rated intermediate because it uses dc clusters, edc corners, and joining techniques; beginners with confidence in these stitches may also enjoy it.

How long does it take to complete the bag?

Most crocheters can complete this project in 5-7 hours, depending on experience, speed, and time spent on embroidery and assembly.