Last summer, I found myself wandering through a farmers market with a flimsy plastic bag threatening to give out under the weight of fresh tomatoes and a jar of local honey. That embarrassing moment of juggling produce while apologizing to the person behind me sparked something. I needed a bag that could handle real life. One that looked beautiful enough for brunch but sturdy enough for groceries.
This Coral Sunset Granny Square Tote became my answer. The structured walls stand on their own. The flat bottom actually sits flat. And that radiating sunburst motif on the front catches compliments everywhere I carry it.
If you have been wanting to create something both practical and pretty, something that shows off your crochet skills without being fussy, this is your project. The bag body uses simple single crochet worked in the round, while the statement granny square gives you a chance to play with color changes and a gorgeous medallion design. Let me walk you through every stitch.
Why You Will Love This Crochet Tote Bag Pattern
This tote bag hits a sweet spot that is surprisingly hard to find. It is substantial enough to carry books, lunch containers, or a small laptop. The cotton yarn creates a dense fabric that will not stretch out of shape after a few uses. And the terracotta and cream color combination feels fresh and modern without being trendy.
The construction is clever too. You work the bag from the bottom up in one continuous piece, so there is minimal seaming. The granny square motif is made separately, blocked, and sewn on at the end. This means you can perfect your centerpiece before committing it to the bag.
For intermediate crocheters ready to level up, this project teaches you useful skills. You will practice picking up stitches around a flat piece to create three dimensional structure. You will work color changes in a decorative motif. And you will learn how to add a fabric lining for professional results.
Finished Size
The completed tote measures approximately 14 inches wide by 14 inches tall, not including the handles, and 3.5 inches deep. In metric, that is roughly 35.5 centimeters wide by 35.5 centimeters tall by 9 centimeters deep.
The handles add about 10 inches (25.5 centimeters) of rise from the top edge of the bag. This gives you comfortable clearance to carry the tote over your shoulder or in hand.
The granny square motif measures approximately 10.5 inches by 10.5 inches (26.5 centimeters by 26.5 centimeters) before you attach it to the bag front.
Materials You Will Need
Yarn
Main Color (MC) in Cream or Off-White: Approximately 900 yards (823 meters) of worsted weight cotton yarn.
Contrast Color (CC) in Terracotta Orange: Approximately 350 yards (320 meters) of worsted weight cotton yarn.
Good yarn choices include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran, or WeCrochet Comfy Cotton Blend. Look for smooth, plied cotton or cotton blend yarns with good stitch definition. Avoid anything fuzzy or overly stretchy, because you want those sunburst details to pop.
Hooks
US size G-6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook for the granny square motif. The smaller hook creates tighter, more defined stitches in the decorative section.
US size H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook for the bag body and handles. This slightly larger hook makes the single crochet fabric dense but not stiff.
Notions
You will also need a yarn needle (sometimes called a tapestry needle) with a blunt tip, scissors, 4 to 6 locking stitch markers, and straight pins for blocking and seaming.
For the lining, gather half a yard (0.5 meters) of medium weight cotton or canvas fabric in a coordinating color, plus a sewing needle and matching thread, fabric scissors, and an iron with a pressing cloth.
Gauge
Getting gauge right matters for this project because you want your finished bag to hold its rectangular shape.
Bag Body Gauge (using H-8 hook and single crochet): 16 single crochet stitches by 18 rows equals 4 inches by 4 inches (10 centimeters by 10 centimeters).
Granny Square Motif Gauge (using G-6 hook): The completed motif should measure 10.5 inches by 10.5 inches (26.5 centimeters by 26.5 centimeters).
Work a swatch of 20 stitches by 20 rows in single crochet using your main color and the H-8 hook. Block it before measuring. If your swatch is too big, try a smaller hook. Too small? Go up a hook size.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
Let me break down every abbreviation before we dive in. If you are new to crochet patterns, this list will be your best friend.
ch = chain. This is the foundation stitch that creates a row of loops.
sc = single crochet. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on hook.
dc = double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, (yarn over and pull through 2 loops) twice.
tr = treble crochet. Yarn over twice, insert hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, (yarn over and pull through 2 loops) three times.
sl st = slip stitch. Insert hook, yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion.
st(s) = stitch(es)
sp = space
ch-sp = chain space. The gap created by a chain in a previous row.
MC = main color (cream)
CC = contrast color (terracotta)
MR = magic ring. An adjustable starting loop that can be pulled tight.
RS = right side
BLO = back loop only
rep = repeat
beg = beginning
Special Stitches
3-Double Crochet Cluster (3dc-cl): Work three incomplete double crochets into the same stitch or space. For each one, yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops. You will have 4 loops on your hook after all three. Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops at once.
5-Double Crochet Cluster (5dc-cl): Same idea but with five incomplete double crochets. You will have 6 loops on hook before the final pull through.
Shell: Work 5 double crochets into the same stitch or space.
Join with sc: Make a slip knot, insert hook into the designated stitch, yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook at the same time. This creates a seamless standing single crochet.
Important Pattern Notes
Read through these before you start. They will save you confusion later.
The bag body is worked in joined rounds without turning. Your right side always faces outward.
The granny square motif is worked separately with the smaller hook. You will block it flat and sew it onto the finished bag.
For color changes in the motif, switch colors on the last yarn over of the final stitch before the new color begins.
The chain 1 at the beginning of single crochet rounds does NOT count as a stitch.
Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round and move it up as you work.
Coral Sunset Granny Square Tote Crochet Pattern Instructions
Section 1: Bag Base
The base is worked flat in rows. Grab your main color yarn and H-8 hook.
Chain 57.
Row 1 (RS): Single crochet in second chain from hook and in each chain across. Turn. (56 sc)
Row 2: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across. Turn. (56 sc)
Rows 3 through 16: Repeat Row 2. Turn at the end of each row. (56 sc each row)
Your base panel should measure approximately 14 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall. Do not fasten off. Do not turn after the final row.
Section 2: Bag Body Sides
Now you will pick up stitches around the entire perimeter of your base to build the walls.
Setup Round: With right side facing and main color still attached, chain 1. Work 56 single crochet across the top long edge of the base. At the corner, work 3 single crochet into the corner stitch. Work 15 single crochet evenly along the short right edge (about 1 single crochet per row end). At the corner, work 3 single crochet. Work 56 single crochet along the bottom long edge, picking up through the unused loops of your foundation chain. Work 3 single crochet at the corner. Work 15 single crochet along the short left edge. Work 3 single crochet at the final corner. Join with slip stitch to the first single crochet. Place marker. (152 sc)
Tip: Place a locking marker in the center stitch of each corner group. From now on, you work straight up with no increases.
Round 1: Chain 1, single crochet in each single crochet around. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. (152 sc)
Rounds 2 through 63: Repeat Round 1. (152 sc each round)
At around Round 4, check that your walls are straight with sharp corners. The short sides should each measure about 3.5 inches across.
After Round 63, your bag sides measure approximately 14 inches tall from the base edge.
Section 3: Top Edge Reinforcement
This firm border prevents the top from stretching out.
Round 64: Working in back loops only, chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around. Join with slip stitch. (152 sc)
Round 65: Chain 1, slip stitch in each stitch around. Join with slip stitch. Fasten off main color. (152 sl st)
Weave in ends along the top edge.
Section 4: Handles
Make two identical handles.
Using main color and H-8 hook, chain 65.
Join with slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring, being careful not to twist.
Handle Round 1: Chain 1, single crochet in each chain around. Join with slip stitch. (65 sc)
Handle Rounds 2 through 8: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around. Join with slip stitch. (65 sc each round)
Fasten off, leaving a 24 inch tail for sewing.
Make a second handle the same way.
Attaching Handles: Position the first handle on the front panel. The ends should sit about 3.5 inches in from each side edge, flush with the top of the bag. Sew the handle ends securely to the inside of the top edge using a whip stitch. Work around each handle end at least twice, attaching about 1.5 inches below the top edge on the inside.
Repeat for the second handle on the back panel.
Section 5: Granny Square Motif
This is the showstopper. Grab your G-6 hook and contrast color.
Round 1 (CC): Make a magic ring. Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet), work 11 double crochet into the ring, join with slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3. Pull the magic ring closed. (12 dc)
Round 2 (CC): Chain 3, double crochet in the same stitch, 2 double crochet in each double crochet around, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. (24 dc)
Round 3 (CC): Chain 1, single crochet in the same stitch, chain 3, skip 1 double crochet, (single crochet in next double crochet, chain 3, skip 1 double crochet) 11 times, join with slip stitch to first single crochet. (12 sc, 12 ch-3 spaces)
Round 4 (MC): Join main color with slip stitch into any chain 3 space. Chain 4 (counts as first treble crochet), 2 treble crochet into same chain 3 space, chain 1, (3 treble crochet into next chain 3 space, chain 1) 11 times, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 4. (36 tr, 12 ch-1 spaces)
Round 5 (CC): Join contrast color with slip stitch into any chain 1 space. Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet), 2 double crochet into same space, chain 1, (3 double crochet into next chain 1 space, chain 1) 11 times, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. (36 dc, 12 ch-1 spaces)
Round 6 (MC): Join main color with slip stitch into any chain 1 space. Chain 1, single crochet into same space, chain 4, (single crochet into next chain 1 space, chain 4) 11 times, join with slip stitch to first single crochet. (12 sc, 12 ch-4 spaces)
Round 7 (CC): Join contrast color with slip stitch into any chain 4 space. Chain 3, 4 double crochet into same space (first shell made), chain 1, (5 double crochet into next chain 4 space, chain 1) 11 times, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. (60 dc in 12 shells, 12 ch-1 spaces)
Round 8 (MC): Join main color with slip stitch into the center double crochet of any shell (the 3rd stitch of the 5 stitch group). Chain 1, single crochet into same stitch, chain 5, skip remaining stitches of shell, the chain 1 space, and first 2 stitches of next shell, (single crochet into center double crochet of next shell, chain 5) 11 times, join with slip stitch to first single crochet. (12 sc, 12 ch-5 spaces)
Round 9 (CC): Join contrast color with slip stitch into any chain 5 space. Chain 3, 6 double crochet into same space (7 double crochet total counting the chain 3), chain 2, (7 double crochet into next chain 5 space, chain 2) 11 times, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. (84 dc, 12 ch-2 spaces)
Round 10 (MC): Join main color with slip stitch into any chain 2 space. Chain 1, single crochet into same space, chain 3, skip 3 double crochet, single crochet into next double crochet (center of 7 stitch group), chain 3, (single crochet into next chain 2 space, chain 3, skip 3 double crochet, single crochet into center double crochet of next 7 stitch group, chain 3) 11 times, join with slip stitch to first single crochet. (24 sc, 24 ch-3 spaces)
Round 11 (CC): Join contrast color with slip stitch into any chain 3 space between the chain 2 space single crochet and the center double crochet single crochet. Chain 3, 2 double crochet into same space, chain 1, 3 double crochet into next chain 3 space, chain 2, (3 double crochet into next chain 3 space, chain 1, 3 double crochet into following chain 3 space, chain 2) 11 times, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. (72 dc, 12 ch-1 spaces, 12 ch-2 spaces)
Important: Before Round 12, mark every third chain 2 space. These become your four corners.
Round 12 (MC): Join main color with slip stitch into any marked corner chain 2 space. Chain 3, 2 double crochet into same space (corner cluster begun), chain 2, 3 double crochet into same space (first corner complete), chain 1, (3 double crochet into next chain 1 space, chain 1) 2 times, 3 double crochet into next chain 2 space, chain 2, 3 double crochet into same space (corner), chain 1, (3 double crochet into next chain 1 space, chain 1) 2 times, repeat from to two more times, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. (4 corners with ch-2 spaces, 8 side ch-1 spaces)
Round 13 (CC): Join contrast color with slip stitch into any corner chain 2 space. Chain 3, 2 double crochet into same space, chain 2, 3 double crochet into same space (corner), (chain 1, 3 double crochet into next chain 1 space) 3 times, chain 1, 3 double crochet into next corner chain 2 space, chain 2, 3 double crochet into same space (corner), (chain 1, 3 double crochet into next chain 1 space) 3 times, chain 1, repeat from to two more times, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. (4 corners, 12 side groups of 3 dc)
Round 14 (MC): Join main color with slip stitch into any corner chain 2 space. Chain 3, 2 double crochet into same space, chain 2, 3 double crochet into same space (corner), (chain 1, 3 double crochet into next chain 1 space) 4 times, chain 1, repeat corner and side sequence 3 more times, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. (4 corners, 16 side groups)
Round 15 (CC): Join contrast color with slip stitch into any corner chain 2 space. Chain 3, 2 double crochet into same space, chain 2, 3 double crochet into same space (corner), (chain 1, 3 double crochet into next chain 1 space) 5 times, chain 1, repeat corner and side sequence 3 more times, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. (4 corners, 20 side groups)
Round 16 (MC): Join main color with slip stitch into any corner chain 2 space. Chain 3, 2 double crochet into same space, chain 2, 3 double crochet into same space (corner), (chain 1, 3 double crochet into next chain 1 space) 6 times, chain 1, repeat corner and side sequence 3 more times, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. (4 corners, 24 side groups)
Round 17 (CC): Join contrast color with slip stitch into any corner chain 2 space. Chain 3, 2 double crochet into same space, chain 2, 3 double crochet into same space (corner), (chain 1, 3 double crochet into next chain 1 space) 7 times, chain 1, repeat corner and side sequence 3 more times, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. (4 corners, 28 side groups)
Round 18 (Outer Border, MC): Join main color with slip stitch into any corner chain 2 space. Chain 1, 3 single crochet into corner chain 2 space (corner made), single crochet into the top of each double crochet and into each chain 1 space along the side, 3 single crochet into next corner chain 2 space, repeat around all 4 sides. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. Fasten off. (136 sc)
Blocking the Motif
Pin your completed motif to a blocking mat. Shape it into a perfect square. Mist with water and let dry completely. This step is essential for clean attachment.
Section 6: Attaching the Motif
Center the blocked granny square on the front panel of the bag. The outer edge should sit about 1.75 inches from each side edge and 1.75 inches from the top and bottom edges.
Pin securely. Thread a tapestry needle with main color yarn and whip stitch the motif to the bag, working one stitch per single crochet of Round 18. Keep tension even so the motif lies flat.
Section 7: Adding the Lining
Cut your lining fabric as follows:
Two rectangles measuring 15 inches wide by 15 inches tall for front and back panels.
Two rectangles measuring 4.5 inches wide by 15 inches tall for side gussets.
One rectangle measuring 15 inches wide by 4.5 inches tall for the base.
With right sides together, sew the gussets to the long edges of the base using a half inch seam allowance. Sew the front and back panels to the assembled strip. Sew the four corner vertical seams to close the box shape. Press seams open.
Fold the top raw edge inward by half an inch and press. Fold again by another half inch and press. Insert the lining into the bag with wrong sides facing each other. The folded top edge should sit about half an inch below the top of the crochet. Pin in place.
Whip stitch the lining to the inside of the bag’s top edge, catching only the back loops of the crochet to keep stitches invisible from the outside.
Customizing Your Tote Size
Want a different size? Here are your options.
For a wider bag: Add stitches in multiples of 4 to the foundation chain. Each additional 4 stitches adds roughly 1 inch of width.
For a taller bag: Add rounds to the side section. Each round adds about a quarter inch of height.
For a deeper gusset: Work additional rows to the base before starting the sides. Each 2 extra rows adds roughly half an inch of depth.
For a different size motif: Each additional granny square border round adds about three quarters of an inch to each side.
Care Instructions for Your Finished Tote
Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag, or hand wash in cool water. Use gentle detergent and skip the bleach. Reshape while damp and lay flat or hang to dry. Never tumble dry, as heat can shrink cotton and warp your beautiful motif.
Store your bag stuffed with tissue paper to maintain its shape between uses.
You Did It!
This Coral Sunset Granny Square Tote is the kind of project that makes you proud to say "I made this." The structured walls, the eye catching sunburst design, the practical size. It all comes together into something you will actually use every day.
The pattern asks more of you than a simple scarf, but every technique here builds real crochet confidence. And that gorgeous motif on the front? Pure satisfaction every time you grab your bag and head out the door.
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern. I genuinely hope you love making it as much as I loved designing it. If you give it a try, I would be thrilled to see your finished tote. Tag me on Instagram or share a photo in my Facebook group. Nothing makes my day like seeing your versions come to life.
Before you go, save this pattern to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you are ready to start. And drop a comment below if you make one. I read every single comment and love hearing which color combinations you choose. Happy hooking!
