Sunkissed Strawberry Tote Free Pattern

Sunkissed Strawberry Tote Free Crochet Pattern

Carry a piece of summer wherever you go with this charming Sunkissed Strawberry Tote! This free crochet pattern features a luscious strawberry motif adorning a soft, textured body, making it the perfect accessory for farmers' markets, beach days, or everyday errands. Designed for intermediate crocheters, this project uses durable worsted-weight cotton yarn to create a sturdy, stylish bag that's as functional as it is adorable. Let's dive into this fruity creation!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crocheting experience:

• Yarn: Lion Brand Yarn 24/7 Cotton (or similar worsted weight cotton yarn) in three colors:
  • MC (Main Color): Strawberry (red) – approximately 2 skeins
  • CC1 (Contrast Color 1): Pistachio (green) – small amount for leaves
  • CC2 (Contrast Color 2): Cream (white) – small amount for seeds
• Crochet Hook: 5.5 mm (US I-9) hook
• Stitch Markers (to keep track of rounds)
• Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together)
• Scissors

Gauge: 14 single crochet (sc) x 16 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm). Always check your gauge to ensure your bag turns out the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bag Body (Make 2 Panels)

Note: The bag body is worked in rows, not rounds. Each panel is identical.

1. With MC (Strawberry), chain (ch) 31.
2. Row 1: Single crochet (sc) in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. You should have 30 sc total.
3. Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each stitch (st) across. (30 sc)
4. Rows 3–30: Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures approximately 10 inches (25 cm) from the start. This will give you a nice, roomy tote.
5. Fasten off and weave in the ends. Repeat to make a second identical panel.

Strawberry Motif (Make 2)

Note: The strawberry motif is worked in continuous rounds (spiral). Do not join at the end of each round—just keep going. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.

1. With MC, make a magic ring.
2. Round 1: Ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the ring tight to close. (6 sc)
3. Round 2: Work 2 sc in each st around. (12 sc)
4. Round 3: *Sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (18 sc)
5. Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (24 sc)
6. Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (30 sc)
7. Round 6: *Sc in the next 4 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (36 sc)
8. Round 7: Sc in each st around. (36 sc)
9. Round 8: *Sc in the next 5 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (42 sc)
10. Round 9: Sc in each st around. (42 sc)
11. Round 10: *Sc in the next 6 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (48 sc)
12. Round 11: Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
13. Round 12: *Sc in the next 7 sts, 2 sc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (54 sc)
14. Round 13: Sc in each st around. (54 sc)
15. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing the motif onto the bag.

Leaves (Make 2)

1. With CC1 (Pistachio), ch 6.
2. Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, half double crochet (hdc) in the next ch, double crochet (dc) in the next 2 chs, hdc in the last ch. This creates a leaf shape.
3. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Sew the leaf to the top center of the strawberry motif, with the pointed end of the leaf pointing upward.

Seeds

1. With CC2 (Cream) and a tapestry needle, embroider small straight stitches randomly across the strawberry motif to resemble seeds. Make about 10–12 seeds per strawberry, spacing them evenly.

Assembly

1. Place the two bag panels together with right sides facing out (the side you want visible on the outside of the bag).
2. Using MC and your 5.5 mm hook, single crochet through both layers along the bottom and side edges to join them. Start at one top corner, work down the side, across the bottom, and up the other side. Leave the top edge open—this will be the opening of your tote.
3. When you reach the starting point, fasten off and weave in the ends. Turn the bag right side out (it should already be right side out if you worked with right sides facing out).
4. Sew one strawberry motif to the center of each panel, positioning it just below the top edge (about 2 inches down). Use the long tail left from the motif to sew it securely in place.

Straps (Make 2)

1. With MC, ch 100.
2. Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (99 sc)
3. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing.
4. Repeat to make a second strap.

Attaching the Straps

1. Lay your bag flat with the front panel facing you. Measure about 4 inches (10 cm) from the center of the top edge on each side—this is where you'll attach the straps.
2. Using the long tail, sew one end of a strap to the inside of the top edge of the bag. Make sure the strap is securely attached by sewing through both the strap and the bag fabric several times.
3. Repeat for the other end of the same strap on the opposite side of the bag (the back panel).
4. Repeat the process for the second strap, attaching it to the remaining two spots on the front and back panels. You should now have two parallel straps.

Finishing Touches

1. Weave in all remaining ends using your tapestry needle.
2. Optional: For extra durability and to prevent items from slipping through the stitches, add a fabric lining. Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than the bag, sew it into a pouch shape, and hand-stitch it to the inside of the bag.
3. Give your bag a gentle steam block (optional) to even out the stitches.

And there you have it—your very own Sunkissed Strawberry Tote! This bag is perfect for carrying books, groceries, or beach essentials, and the strawberry motif adds a playful, summery touch. Whether you're making it for yourself or as a gift, this pattern is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. Happy crocheting!