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Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern
4.2★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.9K Made This
✂️

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

This pattern shows you how to crochet a citrus-inspired granny square and join 13 squares into a roomy, decorative tote bag. The design features layered rounds of color, embroidered lines to mimic citrus segments, and a simple border and strap construction. You will learn color changes, edc and dc#tog techniques, and how to assemble the bag for a clean finished look.

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

Perfect for summer outings and gift-making, the bag uses medium (4) weight yarn and a 4.5mm hook for a sturdy but soft fabric. Detailed stitch descriptions and an illustrated joining method are included to guide you through each step.

Why You'll Love This Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines playful colorwork with practical design, resulting in a tote that is both beautiful and useful. I enjoy the little embroidered citrus lines—they turn a simple granny square into a charming motif. The construction encourages creativity, allowing you to mix and match colors for different fruits. I also appreciate how the pattern teaches techniques like edc and dc#tog in a project that feels rewarding from start to finish.

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 offering ideas to customize this pattern to match your style or to create different fruit-themed bags.

I often swap the yellow colors for shades of orange to make an orange tote, or use green and lime tones to create a lime-themed bag.

You can change yarn weight and hook size to make a larger market-style tote or a smaller clutch-sized bag; remember to adjust strap chain lengths accordingly.

I sometimes add a lining to the bag for extra stability—choose a lightweight fabric and sew it in before finishing the straps for a professional-looking inside.

I also like adding beads or tassels to the straps for a boho vibe; secure them firmly and stitch through the strap for durability.

If you prefer a more subtle look, create the citrus rounds in tonal colors and use neutral for the border so the texture becomes the focal point.

Try alternating color placement inside the rounds (white inner ring vs. white outer ring) to create different segment contrasts and visual interest.

For a polished finish, block the granny squares lightly before assembly to help them sit square and seam together with cleaner edges.

I sometimes embroider smaller, thinner segment lines using one ply of yarn for a delicate effect, or use thicker yarn for bolder lines—both look great depending on your desired style.

Finally, experiment with strap width by adding more rows in PART TWO to make a sturdier strap for heavier use, or keep them slim for a daintier bag.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not testing a gauge swatch for the granny square can result in uneven edges or incorrect sizing; make a test square and adjust your hook size before making all 13 squares. ✗ Forgetting to leave long tails when cutting color changes makes sewing and embroidery messy; always leave a 6 inch tail for weaving in and for sewing squares together. ✗ Skipping the slip stitch join or misplacing the starting chain can twist the round and change stitch counts; always join with a sl st to the original chain and count stitches after joining. ✗ Pulling your yarn too tight when sewing squares together causes puckering along seams; insert the hook through both squares and use gentle even tension while joining.

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Bright, cheerful, and perfect for summer, this Citrus Tote Bag pattern teaches you how to make citrus-inspired granny squares and assemble them into a stylish tote. You will enjoy color changes, simple embroidery lines, and joining techniques to create a unique handmade accessory. Suitable for crocheters who want a fun project that mixes texture and color.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium weight yarn (Worsted / #4) - Light yellow (for center rounds)
  • 02
    Medium weight yarn (Worsted / #4) - Dark yellow (for inner ring)
  • 03
    Medium weight yarn (Worsted / #4) - White (for segment rounds and embroidery)
  • 04
    Medium weight yarn (Worsted / #4) - Light blue (for outer rounds and joining border)
  • 05
    Recommended: Impeccable yarn by Loops & Threads (used by designer)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.5mm
  • 02
    Yarn needle / tapestry needle for weaving and embroidery
  • 03
    Tape measure for checking gauge

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 :

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 :

*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. 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 Granny Squares following the Citrus Granny Square instructions, finishing each square by weaving in tails.
  • Position two squares together with the right sides facing each other, insert the crochet hook through the corners of both squares, make a sl st and ch 1, then sc through both layers to join the sides.
  • Attach 11 squares in the main configuration (as illustrated), continuing along one line then the next to form the main bag body before folding to form top and bottom.
  • Fold the attached squares in half to align top and bottom and stitch along the red and blue lines to close the bag, leaving the remaining two squares to form the side panels.
  • Create the top border and straps following PART ONE and PART TWO instructions, then turn the bag inside out and weave in all ends with a tapestry needle.

Important Notes

  • 💡Make a test granny square before creating all pieces; if the edges are wavy, decrease the hook size and if it bowls up, increase the hook size.
  • 💡Leave approximately 6 inch tails when cutting color changes for sewing and weaving in ends to make finishing easier.
  • 💡Join squares with right sides facing each other and insert the hook through both square stitches to create a neat seam when joining.
  • 💡Weave in and finish all tails and embroidery ends after assembly to ensure a clean inside and outside finish.

This Citrus Tote Bag Pattern transforms classic granny squares into sunny citrus motifs for a lively summer accessory. The embroidered segments add playful detail while the joined squares create a roomy, functional tote. Whether you make it in lemons, limes, or oranges, this bag is a delightful handmade statement. 🍋🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished tote size will vary with your gauge and yarn, but using medium weight yarn and a 4.5mm hook the assembled bag matches the diagram of 13 granny squares and makes a medium-sized tote suitable for everyday use.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

You can change yarn weight, but this will affect the final size and strap length; if you use a thicker yarn, consider increasing hook size and adjust strap chain lengths accordingly.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and assumes familiarity with basic stitches (sc, dc, hdc) plus confidence with joining rounds and working dc#tog techniques.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, depending on familiarity with granny squares and the time spent on embroidery and assembly.

How do I make the embroidered lines on the citrus?

Cut a 14 inch piece of white yarn, tie off on the wrong side near the center, and use a yarn needle to pull the yarn through the center and back through between rounds to create segment lines; tie off on the wrong side when finished.