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Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern
4.0★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.8K 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.

✨

Stylish Touch

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

About This Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Create a cheerful Citrus Tote Bag made from embroidered citrus granny squares. The pattern shows you how to crochet bright lemon slice centers, work a square border, and join 13 squares into a roomy tote. Techniques include color changes, extended double crochet corners, and simple strap construction for stability.

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

This pattern uses medium weight yarn and a 4.5mm hook and includes a stitch guide and embroidery instructions. Follow the step-by-step rounds and assembly directions to finish a beautiful, functional bag.

Why You'll Love This Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because the citrus motif brings instant summer vibes to any project. I enjoy the mix of simple colorwork rounds and the satisfying transformation when you embroider the lemon lines. The assembly is intuitive, and I love how joining the squares creates a unique geometric bag shape. It makes a delightful gift and a fun project to personalize with your color choices.

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 customizing this tote by switching the color palette to fit any season—try pastel pinks and greens for spring or deep oranges and reds for autumn.

You can make the bag larger or smaller by changing yarn weight and hook size; bulky yarn with a bigger hook makes a chunkier, quicker-to-make tote, while fingering weight yarn creates a delicate small bag.

I often substitute the light blue border for a neutral cream or contrasting navy to make the citrus centers pop more prominently against the background.

Try using cotton yarn for a sturdier market bag that holds shape and washes well, or a softer acrylic for a lightweight fashion tote.

I sometimes skip embroidery and instead use small safety buttons or French knots for a textured center—this gives a different handmade look.

For extra strength, consider lining the bag with fabric and sewing it in place; this also hides inner tails and creates a polished finish.

If you want adjustable straps, crochet extra length and add buttonhole closures so the strap length can be changed when needed.

To create a set, make smaller granny squares and turn them into coin purses or coasters that match the tote for a coordinated gift bundle.

I occasionally add a small interior pocket by crocheting a rectangle and stitching it to the inside before weaving in ends—very handy for keys or a phone.

Don’t be afraid to mix yarn brands and textures for an eclectic look; just make a test square to ensure the gauge and drape work well together.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the instruction to leave a 6 inch tail when cutting color changes can make weaving in ends difficult later; always leave the specified tail and weave it in with a yarn needle. ✗ Not testing a single granny square for gauge can cause wavy or bowl-shaped squares; make a test square and change hook size if edges are not laying flat. ✗ Forgetting that the ch 1 corner counts as a stitch when making straps will create gaps and mismatched stitch counts; count the ch 1 as a stitch when instructed to avoid holes. ✗ Rushing the embroidery step and pulling the yarn too tight will distort the center rounds and flatten the texture; weave the white yarn gently and adjust tension for even lines.

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Bright, summery crochet tote made from citrus-inspired granny squares. This pattern walks you through creating embroidered lemon slices, joining 13 squares, and adding sturdy straps. You'll enjoy the colorwork and simple assembly to make a cheerful everyday bag. Perfect for gifting or freshening up your own summer collection.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium weight yarn (4) - I used Impeccable by Loops & Threads
  • 02
    Color - light yellow (used for Round 1 citrus center)
  • 03
    Color - dark yellow (used for Round 4 citrus round)
  • 04
    Color - white (used for Round 3 and embroidery lines)
  • 05
    Color - light blue (used for Round 5 and granny square border)
  • 06
    Additional main bag color as used for joining and straps (light blue in pattern)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.5mm
  • 02
    Yarn needle (tapestry needle) for weaving and embroidery
  • 03
    Stitching/embroidery needle for white yarn lines (use yarn needle)
  • 04
    Scissors for cutting yarn

Progress Tracker

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— 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.

Round 5 :

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.

— 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 (P1) :

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 (P2) :

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 :

*making the first dc after the chains can be a little tricky, try holding the loop on the hook before your first yarn over to keep it from twisting

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.

Round 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

  • Make 13 completed citrus granny squares following Rounds 1-5 and the embroidery instructions for the white lines in the center.
  • Position two squares with right sides together and join along the side by inserting the hook through corresponding stitches of both squares, make a sl st, ch 1, then sc in each stitch across to join.
  • Attach 11 squares into the main configuration described in the diagram, continuing along the recommended red line then the blue line so the final shape matches the pattern diagram.
  • Fold the attached squares in half to align top and bottom, position the remaining two squares as the sides of the bag, and stitch along the red and blue lines to close seams.
  • After joining squares and sewing the sides, create the border and straps following Part One and Part Two rows; finish by weaving in all ends and turning the bag inside out for final finishing.

Important Notes

  • 💡Make a test granny square before assembling to check gauge; adjust hook size if edges are wavy or if square cups up.
  • 💡When cutting each color, leave a 6 inch tail to weave in later for secure finishing and easier assembly.
  • 💡Count stitches carefully when joining and creating straps because the ch 1 corner counts as a stitch to avoid gaps.
  • 💡Turn the bag inside out before weaving in ends with a tapestry needle to hide tails and create a neat inside finish.

This cheerful Citrus Tote pattern brings a burst of sunshine to your crochet projects and makes a perfect summer accessory. Handmade citrus granny squares combine with embroidered details for a charming finished bag. Make one in bright lemons or swap colors to create your own fruit-inspired look. 🍋🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished bag be?

The finished bag size will depend on your tension and yarn, but with the recommended medium weight yarn and 4.5mm hook the tote is a medium-sized market bag suitable for everyday use.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can change yarn weight, but this will affect the finished size and drape; use an appropriate hook size for your chosen yarn and make a test granny square to check gauge.

Do I need advanced crochet skills to make this bag?

This pattern is rated intermediate and requires familiarity with double crochet, extended stitches, joining squares, and basic embroidery; a crocheter with solid basic skills will be comfortable following the instructions.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

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