Creating a beautiful summer tote bag can elevate your style while being incredibly practical for daily use, and this crochet project is perfect for the sunny season. This charming bag is made using lovely daisy granny squares joined together to form a simple yet spacious rectangle design, complete with sturdy handles. With warm cream backgrounds, sunny yellow centers, white petals, and leafy green joining, this tote is a delightful accessory for outdoor markets or beach outings.
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn in warm cream, sunny yellow, white, and leafy green
- Crochet hook (size H/8 or 5.0 mm)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations
- MR: magic ring
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- inc: increase
Instructions
Daisy Square Construction
-
Center: Using sunny yellow yarn, create a MR. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), and then work 11 more dc into the ring. Pull tightly to close the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (12 dc)
-
Round 1: Change to white yarn. Ch 1, (sc in next dc, ch 2) around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (12 ch-2 spaces)
-
Round 2: Sl st to the first ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same space. (3 dc in next ch-2 space); repeat around. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. (36 dc)
-
Round 3: Change to warm cream. Sl st to the first dc. Ch 1, (sc in next 2 dc, ch 2) around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (12 ch-2 spaces)
-
Round 4: Sl st to the first ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in the same space. (3 dc in each ch-2 space); repeat around. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. (36 dc)
Square Count
To create the tote bag, make a total of 12 daisy squares. Once you’ve completed the squares, block them to ensure they are flat and evenly shaped.
Joining the Squares
- Position your squares in a rectangle, using 3 squares placed horizontally and 4 squares vertically, forming a total of 12 squares.
- Using the leafy green yarn, whip stitch the squares together along the edges, making sure to maintain a consistent tension.
Handles
To create sturdy handles:
- Using warm cream yarn, chain 60 (or desired length for handles).
- Work 1 sc in each chain back across the 60 chains for sturdiness.
- When you reach the end, sl st to attach to the bag body where convenient, ideally about 5 squares from each side.
- Repeat for the second handle on the opposite side.
Optional Lining
For a polished look and added durability, consider adding a lining:
- Cut fabric lining to fit the inside of the bag.
- Sew the lining pieces together, leaving an opening for the handles.
- Attach the lining to the bag using a slip stitch along the top edge, ensuring it’s secure.
Tips for the Best Result
- Keep the tension firm when working on the squares; this will help your bag hold its shape nicely.
- Pin your squares together before sewing to visualize and ensure an even layout.
- Blocking your granny squares will provide a cleaner finish, making it easier to join them seamlessly.
Conclusion
This delightful summer tote bag not only serves as a stylish accessory but also showcases your crochet skills beautifully. Whether you’re heading to the market or enjoying a sun-soaked day at the beach, this handmade crochet bag is a fantastic project to brighten your summer. Don’t hesitate to try different color combinations to match your personal style! If you’re also interested in amigurumi projects, check out this adorable Cinnamon Drift Otter crochet pattern for some extra fun in your crochet journey. Happy crocheting!
