Raised Five-Spoke Fan Crochet Tote Bag

September 18, 2026

This structured crochet tote combines a dense single-crochet body with dramatic raised five-spoke fan motifs across the front.

The fan design is the feature that makes the bag special. Each motif begins with a short solid crochet base, then five tall stitches rise from five evenly spaced points and are closed together at one narrow top point. Once the motifs are attached to the solid bag panel, the spaces between the five spokes create strong shadows and a beautiful three-dimensional geometric effect.

The motifs are arranged in four staggered rows:

4 fans
3 fans
4 fans
3 fans

when viewed from top to bottom.

A solid back panel, wide gusset, reinforced upper edge, sturdy crochet straps, optional lining, and optional base insert turn the decorative stitch into a practical everyday tote.

Skill Level

Intermediate

You should be comfortable with:

chain
single crochet
double treble crochet
working several unfinished tall stitches together
sewing crochet pieces together
counting rows and stitches
attaching appliqué-style crochet motifs
basic bag assembly

Finished Size

Approximately:

13 inches wide
12–12½ inches tall
3–3¼ inches deep
10–11 inch handle drop

The exact size depends on yarn, tension, and blocking.

Materials

Medium weight #4 cotton or cotton-blend yarn
Approximately 750–900 yards
4.5 mm crochet hook
Yarn needle
Scissors
Stitch markers
Measuring tape
Blocking mats and pins, optional

Optional:

Cotton lining fabric
Lightweight interfacing
Plastic canvas for bottom reinforcement
Cotton webbing for handle reinforcement
Magnetic snap

Yarn Recommendation

Use a smooth yarn with good stitch definition.

The raised fans show best in:

cotton
cotton-acrylic blends
firm acrylic
smooth wool blends

A dusty denim blue, slate blue, sage, cream, camel, or rust works particularly well because a solid color lets the shadows between the fan spokes create the detail.

Gauge

In single crochet:

15 sc × 16 rows = approximately 4 inches

Exact gauge is less important than producing a firm bag fabric.

If your single crochet fabric feels loose or floppy, move down to a smaller hook.

If it is excessively stiff, move up slightly.

Abbreviations — US Terms

ch – chain
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
dtr – double treble crochet
st(s) – stitch(es)
RS – right side
WS – wrong side

Special Stitch — Double Treble Crochet

Yarn over 3 times.

Insert hook into the indicated stitch.

Yarn over and pull up a loop.

You should have 5 loops on the hook.

Repeat:

yo, pull through 2 loops

four times to complete an ordinary dtr.

For the fan motif, however, each dtr is intentionally left unfinished before the final pull-through.

Special Stitch — Five-Spoke Fan Cluster

The raised fan is made from five partially completed double treble stitches worked into five positions across a 9-stitch foundation.

The five positions are:

1, 3, 5, 7, 9

This spreads the lower ends of the spokes apart while gathering all five tops together.

Partial DTR

Yarn over 3 times.

Insert into the indicated stitch.

Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Then work:

yo, pull through 2 loops

three times.

Stop.

Do not make the final yarn-over that would normally complete the dtr.

Leave the remaining loop from that tall stitch on the hook.

Complete Five-Spoke Cluster

Work one partial dtr in:

stitch 1
stitch 3
stitch 5
stitch 7
stitch 9

Skip stitches 2, 4, 6, and 8.

After the fifth partial dtr, you should have 6 loops on the hook.

Yarn over.

Pull through all 6 loops at once.

Ch 1 firmly to lock the gathered top.

You now have five long crochet spokes spreading across a 9-stitch base and meeting at one point.

What the Fan Should Look Like

Each motif should have:

a straight 9-stitch base
five visible raised spokes
four open-looking spaces between the spokes
one narrow gathered point
a broad triangular silhouette

The center spoke should rise almost vertically.

The two spokes beside it angle outward slightly.

The two outside spokes form the outer edges of the fan.

PART 1 — Make One Practice Fan

It is worth making one complete motif before beginning all 14.

Foundation

Ch 10.

Row 1

Sc in the second chain from the hook and in every remaining chain.

9 sc

Ch 1 and turn.

Row 2

Sc across.

9 sc

This creates the firm two-row bar visible underneath the five fan spokes.

Turn.

Row 3 — Five-Spoke Cluster

Do not ch 1.

Work a partial dtr into the:

1st sc

Leave it unfinished.

Skip the next sc.

Work another partial dtr in the:

3rd sc

Skip one.

Repeat in:

5th sc

then:

7th sc

then:

9th sc

You now have five unfinished tall stitches.

Yarn over.

Pull through all remaining loops.

Ch 1.

Fasten off, leaving approximately 8 inches of yarn at the top for attachment.

Leave the beginning tail long as well.

Shape the Fan

Lay the motif flat.

Spread the 9-stitch foundation bar horizontally.

Separate the five tall spokes with your fingers.

The five lower anchor points should remain visible.

Pull the gathered top gently upward.

The motif should form a clean triangle.

If it collapses inward, the tall stitches may be too tight.

If the spokes look floppy, reduce the hook size slightly.

Finished Fan Size

Using medium #4 yarn and a 4.5 mm hook, each motif should measure approximately:

2¼–2½ inches wide
1¾–2 inches tall

Minor variation is fine as long as every motif is approximately the same size.

PART 2 — Make All the Raised Fans

Make:

14 identical motifs

You need:

4 fans for the top motif row
3 fans for the second row
4 fans for the third row
3 fans for the bottom row

Do not weave in the long tails yet.

They are useful for attaching the motifs.

PART 3 — Crochet the Front Bag Panel

Using the main yarn:

Ch 50.

Row 1

Sc in the second chain from the hook.

Sc across.

49 sc

Ch 1 and turn.

Rows 2–50

Sc in every stitch across.

49 sc

Ch 1 and turn after Rows 2–49.

After Row 50, fasten off.

You now have a solid rectangular panel approximately:

13 inches wide × 12½ inches tall

depending on gauge.

Why the Background Is Solid

The raised fans are decorative surface motifs.

The bag panel itself remains completely solid.

This gives the finished tote:

more strength
less stretching
better support for handles
no large holes for objects to fall through
a cleaner background behind the five raised spokes

The openings visible between the fan spokes come from the dimensional motif itself rather than large holes in the bag body.

PART 4 — Mark the Fan Placement

Lay the front panel flat with the foundation edge at the bottom.

Count all panel rows from the bottom upward.

You will place four staggered motif rows.

Use removable stitch markers before sewing anything.

Bottom Fan Row — 3 Motifs

Attach the bases along:

Panel Row 6

Use these stitch ranges:

Fan 1

Panel stitches 9–17

Center stitch:

Fan 2

Panel stitches 21–29

Center stitch:

Fan 3

Panel stitches 33–41

Center stitch:

The fan apices will be secured approximately 5 rows above the base, on:

Panel Row 11

at center stitches:

13, 25, 37

This creates the bottom row of 3 motifs.

Second Fan Row — 4 Motifs

Attach the bases along:

Panel Row 17

Use:

Fan 1

Stitches 3–11

Center:

Fan 2

Stitches 15–23

Center:

Fan 3

Stitches 27–35

Center:

Fan 4

Stitches 39–47

Center:

Attach their gathered tops to:

Panel Row 22

at stitches:

7, 19, 31, 43

The four fans should sit between and beyond the three motifs below, producing the staggered effect.

Third Fan Row — 3 Motifs

Attach the bases along:

Panel Row 28

Use:

stitches 9–17
stitches 21–29
stitches 33–41

Centers:

13, 25, 37

Secure the tops to:

Panel Row 33

at:

13, 25, 37

Top Fan Row — 4 Motifs

Attach the bases along:

Panel Row 39

Use:

stitches 3–11
stitches 15–23
stitches 27–35
stitches 39–47

Centers:

7, 19, 31, 43

Secure their tops to:

Panel Row 44

at:

7, 19, 31, 43

This leaves several solid crochet rows above the motif decoration for strength at the bag opening.

Finished Motif Layout

Viewed from the top downward:

4 fans

3 fans

4 fans

3 fans

The center of every 3-fan row should fall between the centers of the 4-fan rows.

This staggering is what creates the geometric layout.

PART 5 — Attach the Fan Bases

Take the first motif.

Position its 9-stitch base directly over the marked 9-stitch section of the panel.

Thread the beginning tail onto a yarn needle.

Sew through the back portion of the motif base and the corresponding panel stitches.

Work from one side to the other.

Use small stitches.

The base should sit firmly against the panel without puckering it.

Do not sew through the long spokes.

Repeat across the entire 9-stitch base.

Secure the yarn on the wrong side.

PART 6 — Attach the Fan Apex

Thread the top yarn tail onto the needle.

Stretch the fan upward naturally.

Do not pull hard.

Position the gathered point at the marked stitch approximately 5 rows above the center of the base.

Pass the yarn through:

the gathered fan top
the marked panel stitch

Repeat several times.

The top should be secure but slightly dimensional.

Do not flatten the fan against the fabric.

Weave the tail into the wrong side.

Check the Fan

The motif should now show:

flat base
five separate long spokes
four clearly visible gaps/shadows
raised surface
centered apex

Repeat for all 14 motifs.

Keep Every Fan Identical

For the cleanest finished bag:

sew every 9-stitch base flat
position every apex exactly five rows higher
keep all fans centered
do not stretch one motif more than another

After attaching one complete row, lay the panel flat and compare all motifs before continuing.

PART 7 — Make the Back Panel

The back is plain single crochet.

Ch 50.

Row 1

Sc in second chain and across.

49 sc

Rows 2–50

Sc across.

49 sc

Fasten off.

The back panel should match the front exactly in width and height.

If desired, you can decorate the back with another 14 fans, but the one-sided version gives the bag a cleaner look and reduces bulk.

PART 8 — Block the Panels

Before assembly, lightly block the front and back.

Follow the yarn manufacturer’s care instructions.

Lay the panels flat.

Straighten:

side edges
bottom
top

On the front panel, gently spread each fan spoke.

Do not press or flatten them.

Allow the pieces to dry completely.

PART 9 — Crochet the Gusset

The gusset creates both side walls and the bottom.

This version is approximately:

3–3¼ inches wide

Use the same main yarn.

Foundation

Ch 146.

Row 1

Sc in the second chain from the hook.

Sc across.

145 sc

Ch 1 and turn.

Rows 2–12

Sc across.

145 sc

Ch 1 and turn through Row 11.

After Row 12, fasten off.

The gusset should measure approximately:

38–39 inches long × 3 inches wide

Check the Gusset Length

Before assembly, lay the gusset around one panel.

It needs to cover:

left side
complete bottom edge
right side

The two gusset ends should stop near the upper corners.

If your gauge differs, adjust the foundation length before completing all 12 rows.

The actual fit is more important than the exact chain count.

PART 10 — Mark the Gusset Center

Fold the gusset in half lengthwise from one short end to the other.

Place a stitch marker at the center of its long edge.

That point should line up with the center of the bottom edge of the bag panel.

This keeps both sides the same length.

PART 11 — Join Gusset to Front Panel

Place the front panel with the right side facing outward.

Position the gusset around:

left side
bottom
right side

Align the gusset midpoint with the panel’s bottom center.

Use stitch markers generously.

At the bottom corners, fold the gusset smoothly around the turn.

Do not stretch either piece.

Crochet Seam

Attach matching yarn at one upper corner.

Insert the hook through:

the front-panel edge
corresponding gusset stitch

Work:

1 sc through both layers

Continue down the side.

At the bottom corner, distribute the stitches so the corner turns without gathering.

Work across the complete bottom.

Turn the second corner.

Continue up the opposite side.

Fasten off.

PART 12 — Attach the Back Panel

Place the back panel against the free side of the gusset.

Match:

upper corners
side lengths
bottom corners
bottom center

Pin thoroughly.

Join with the same single crochet seam.

Work down one side, across the bottom, and up the opposite side.

Leave the top open.

Seam Style

For a visible framed seam, keep wrong sides together while crocheting.

The single crochet ridge remains visible on the outside.

For a smoother exterior, place right sides together while joining and turn the bag afterward.

The finished example works well with either method.

PART 13 — Reinforce the Top Opening

With the bag right side out, attach yarn at one side seam.

Top Round 1

Sc evenly around the complete opening.

Join with a sl st.

Top Round 2

Ch 1.

Sc around.

Join.

Top Round 3

Ch 1.

Sc around.

Join.

Fasten off.

The opening should now feel firm and stable.

PART 14 — Crochet the Handles

Make 2 identical handles.

Foundation

Ch 86.

Row 1

Sc in the second chain from the hook and across.

85 sc

Ch 1 and turn.

Rows 2–6

Sc across.

Ch 1 and turn through Row 5.

After Row 6, fasten off, leaving a long sewing tail.

The finished strap should measure approximately:

22–23 inches long
1¼–1½ inches wide

Make the second handle exactly the same.

Prevent Handle Stretching

Cotton crochet handles can stretch with use.

For a stronger bag, reinforce them with:

cotton webbing
grosgrain ribbon
non-stretch fabric
strong cord hidden inside

Cut the reinforcement slightly shorter than the crochet strap.

Sew it to the underside before attaching the handles to the bag.

PART 15 — Position the Front Handle

Lay the bag flat.

On the front upper edge, position the first handle so its ends are approximately:

2½–3 inches inward from each side

A useful placement on the 49-stitch front panel is approximately:

Left Handle End

over stitches 8–13

Right Handle End

over stitches 37–42

Allow approximately:

1¾–2 inches

of each handle end to overlap the solid top section.

Pin securely.

PART 16 — Attach the Handle

Using matching yarn and a yarn needle:

Sew completely around the perimeter of the first handle end.

Then sew diagonally across the center.

Create a reinforced:

box + X

shape.

Repeat several times if necessary.

Attach the other end identically.

Back Handle

Position the second strap on the back panel in exactly the same locations.

Check the bag from the side before sewing.

Both handles should:

have equal drop
sit at equal heights
remain untwisted
line up front to back

Sew securely.

PART 17 — Optional Fabric Lining

A lining is optional because the bag body itself is solid, but it makes the finished tote more durable and professional.

Measure the Interior

Measure:

width
height
gusset depth

after the bag is assembled.

Cut the Fabric

Cut:

2 main fabric rectangles

using the front/back measurements plus approximately:

½-inch seam allowance

on each edge.

Sew the Lining Pouch

Place the fabric pieces right sides together.

Sew:

first side
bottom
second side

Leave the top open.

Box the Bottom Corners

At one bottom corner, line up the side seam with the bottom seam.

Flatten into a triangle.

Measure approximately:

1½ inches from the point

for a roughly 3-inch depth.

Sew straight across.

Trim the excess.

Repeat for the other corner.

Finish the Upper Edge

Fold the raw top edge inward approximately:

½ inch

Press.

Insert the lining into the crochet bag.

Position the folded fabric edge just below the crochet top edge.

Pin.

Hand sew around using small hidden stitches.

PART 18 — Optional Magnetic Closure

Install a magnetic snap before sewing the lining into the tote.

Find the center of:

front lining
back lining

Reinforce each position with interfacing.

Install the snap according to the hardware instructions.

Then sew the lining into the bag.

PART 19 — Optional Firm Bottom

For a bag that stands upright more easily, make a removable base insert.

Measure the interior bottom.

Cut plastic canvas approximately:

¼–½ inch smaller on all sides

Round the corners.

Cover it with matching fabric if desired.

Place it inside the lining at the bottom.

This helps prevent sagging when the bag is filled.

How to Make the Fans More Dimensional

If you want stronger relief:

use a slightly smaller hook for the panel
use the regular 4.5 mm hook for the fans
leave the spokes slightly relaxed
secure only the base and apex

Do not sew along the individual spokes.

They should remain free from the background.

How to Make Flatter Fans

For a subtler texture:

use the same hook for panel and motifs
sew one tiny hidden tack beneath each outer spoke

Do not sew down all five completely.

The motif should still retain some depth.

How to Make the Bag Wider

The solid body is easy to resize.

Add stitches to both panels.

For every additional inch of width, add approximately:

4 foundation chains

based on the sample gauge.

Then recalculate motif positions so the staggered layout remains centered.

How to Make the Bag Taller

Add single crochet rows to both front and back panels.

For every additional inch:

add approximately:

4 rows

at this gauge.

Add the extra rows either:

above the top motif row
below the bottom motif row
or distribute them between motif rows

Smaller Handbag Version

Try:

Chain 42

for approximately:

41 working stitches

Work approximately:

42–44 rows

Use:

3 motifs
2 motifs
3 motifs

instead of four decorative rows.

Make the gusset approximately 2½ inches deep.

Larger Project Tote

Try:

Chain 58

for:

57 working stitches

Work approximately:

56–60 rows

Use wider motif spacing or add:

5 fans / 4 fans

across alternating rows.

Increase the gusset depth to approximately:

4 inches

for yarn or craft storage.

Color Ideas

Denim Blue

A dusty medium blue emphasizes the shadows between the five spokes.

Natural Cream

Excellent for showing every stitch.

Sage Green

Soft and modern.

Terracotta

Warm and bold.

Charcoal

Creates strong dimensional shadows.

Mustard

Gives the geometric design a vintage feel.

Dusty Rose

Softens the structured tote shape.

Two-Tone Variation

Make the entire bag body in one color and the raised fans in another.

Examples:

cream body + camel fans
sage body + dark olive fans
pale blue body + navy fans
dusty rose body + burgundy fans
charcoal body + light gray fans

Because the fan motifs are made separately, changing their color requires no complicated colorwork.

Scrap-Yarn Variation

Keep the tote itself neutral.

Make the 14 motifs from coordinating scrap colors.

For example:

rust
mustard
sage
dusty rose
terracotta
cream

Arrange the motifs before sewing to balance the colors.

Common Problems

Fan Has Fewer Than Five Spokes

Count the foundation stitches.

Partial dtr stitches must be worked into:

1, 3, 5, 7, 9

There should be five total.

Fan Does Not Gather at the Top

Do not fully complete each dtr separately.

Each tall stitch must remain unfinished until all five have been made.

Then pull through all remaining loops together.

Fan Looks Too Narrow

Check that you are skipping one foundation sc between each tall stitch.

Using consecutive stitches makes the base too narrow.

Fan Looks Too Wide and Flat

Your dtr stitches may be too short.

Keep the yarn-overs relaxed and let each post reach its natural full height.

Panel Puckers Around Motifs

The apex is probably being pulled too high or too tightly.

The fan should lie comfortably between its base row and the row five levels above it.

Motifs Look Crooked

Use the exact center stitch when attaching the top.

The center of a 9-stitch base is:

stitch 5

Decorative Rows Do Not Look Staggered

Use the placement map exactly.

Four-fan rows center at:

7, 19, 31, 43

Three-fan rows center at:

13, 25, 37

The three-fan motifs therefore sit directly between the four-fan motifs.

Bag Sags at the Bottom

Add:

fabric lining
plastic canvas
stronger cotton yarn

Handles Stretch

Reinforce them with webbing or fabric.

Gusset Twists During Assembly

Mark:

gusset center
panel bottom center
all four bottom corners

before sewing or crocheting the seam.

Finishing

Once the entire tote is assembled:

weave in every remaining yarn end
check all 14 fan apices
reinforce loose motif bases
inspect handle attachments
insert the lining if using one
insert the bottom support
gently shape the bag by hand

Light blocking can help the tote become more rectangular, but avoid pressing the raised fans flat.

Raised Five-Spoke Fan Crochet Tote

The finished bag combines a very simple solid single-crochet structure with one dramatic decorative motif.

Each small fan starts with a 9-stitch base. Five double-treble spokes rise from alternating stitches and are gathered into one point, creating the distinctive triangular shape. Four rows of motifs are then arranged in an alternating 4-3-4-3 layout across the front.

Because the fans are attached over a solid background, the bag remains practical and sturdy while still having the open, dimensional appearance of the raised geometric design.

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