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Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern
4.2★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
4.1K 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.

⏱️

All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive crocheting.

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Stylish Touch

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

About This Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

This pattern teaches you how to crochet a citrus-inspired granny square and assemble thirteen squares into a roomy tote bag. The motif features layered rounds in contrasting colors and a simple embroidered center to mimic citrus slices. Clear step-by-step rounds and a stitch guide help you work each element with confidence.

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

You will learn how to join squares, add a top border, and create sturdy straps for daily use. The design is customizable by color, making it perfect for seasonal or gift projects.

Why You'll Love This Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines a fun decorative motif with practical functionality, making a bag you can both admire and use. The citrus motif brightens any yarn palette and is quick to work up, which keeps me inspired during the whole project. I enjoy the way the embroidered center adds a handmade, artisanal touch that truly finishes the squares. As the designer, I appreciate that the pattern includes clear assembly instructions so the finished bag is sturdy and wearable.

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 pattern by swapping the citrus colors for other fruit palettes; try lime greens, orange hues, or grapefruit pinks to change the look instantly.

I often change yarn weight and hook size to make a mini keychain version or a larger beach tote; using bulky yarn and a larger hook will create a chunkier, faster version.

I like to experiment with different border colors for the granny squares to make the motifs pop; a contrasting border will frame each citrus slice beautifully.

For sturdier straps, I sometimes work the strap rows with a tighter tension or add a lining fabric inside the bag to support heavier loads.

I sometimes add a zipper or button closure to the top for extra security—just sew it in before finishing the strap joins.

Try adding crocheted pockets inside or outside by working small rectangles and sewing them into place for extra functionality.

I also enjoy embroidering different center designs, like small flowers or starbursts, instead of the citrus ribs to create seasonal variations.

If you want a slouchier bag, use a softer yarn or skip the top border to let the body hang more naturally.

I recommend mixing textures by using a fuzzy or marl yarn for the background while keeping the citrus rounds in smooth cotton for contrast.

Finally, I sometimes make matching accessories, like a small coin pouch or coasters with the same citrus motif to create a coordinated set.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Joining squares without matching right sides can leave seams on the outside; always position squares right sides together before slip stitching to create a clean join. ✗ Skipping the chain counts in corners often results in uneven corners and gaps; follow the corner instructions exactly and count stitches carefully to maintain shape. ✗ Not weaving in tails securely will lead to unraveling over time; leave tails long, weave them into the fabric with a tapestry needle, and knot if needed for extra security. ✗ Crocheting straps too loosely creates sagging straps under weight; maintain consistent tension and consider blocking or using a smaller hook for the strap rows to make them firmer. ✗ Cutting yarn too short when changing colors makes finishing difficult; leave at least a 6 inch tail for each color change so you can weave in ends cleanly.

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Bright, summery crochet tote made from cheerful citrus granny squares. You will enjoy creating lemon-inspired motifs and assembling them into a stylish bag you can use every day. The pattern is carefully written with stitch explanations and finishing steps to help you complete a polished project.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Yarn: Medium (4) worsted weight
  • 02
    I used Impeccable yarn by Loops & Threads (colors: light yellow, dark yellow, white, light blue)
  • 03
    Additional small amounts of white yarn for embroidery (approximately 14 inches per square)
  • 04
    Approximate total yarn depends on size and number of squares; pattern uses thirteen granny squares

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.5mm
  • 02
    Yarn needle (tapestry needle) for weaving in ends and embroidery
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Stitch markers (optional)
  • 05
    Pins for assembly (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 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)

Info :

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)

Info :

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)

Info :

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.

Info :

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 :

Make :

Make 13 Granny Squares

Item Name (P1) :

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.

Item Name (P1) :

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.

Item Name (P1) :

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 continued :

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 continued :

Ch 60

Round 1 continued :

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 continued :

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 continued :

Ch 60

Round 1 continued :

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 rounds and embroidery instructions.
  • Position two squares together with right sides facing and join through the corner, then work single crochets through both square edges to join sides securely.
  • Arrange and attach 11 squares in the main configuration (continuing along the red then blue lines shown), then fold the joined panel and stitch along the red and blue lines to form sides and bottom.
  • Create the top border per Part One instructions, repeating rows on both sides, then construct straps per Part Two in one continuous round and finish with Round 2 instructions.
  • Turn the bag inside out and weave in all ends using a tapestry needle to finish.

Important Notes

  • 💡Leave at least a 6 inch tail when cutting yarn after color changes to make weaving in ends and sewing easier.
  • 💡Count stitches and chain spaces carefully when making corners to ensure the square lays flat and forms correct corners.
  • 💡When making straps, maintain even tension and use the ch counts exactly to avoid uneven strap length or gaps.
  • 💡Weave in embroidery tails on the wrong side and secure ends to prevent unraveling when the bag is used.

This citrus tote is the perfect summer accessory that adds a pop of handmade charm to any outfit. The bright lemon-inspired granny squares and crisp embroidery make each square feel like a tiny work of art. Whether you make one for yourself or gift it, this bag is cheerful, practical, and fun to crochet. 🍋🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished tote size depends on your gauge and yarn, but with thirteen granny squares made at recommended tension you will have a medium-sized market tote suitable for everyday use.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can substitute yarn weights, but the final size and drape will change; use an appropriate hook for your chosen yarn and consider making a test square to check gauge.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so familiarity with basic stitches like sc, dc, hdc, and working in rounds plus joining squares is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 8-10 hours, though time may vary depending on experience, color changes, and assembly speed.

How do I make the embroidered citrus lines?

Cut a 14 inch piece of white yarn, secure it on the wrong side near the center, then weave the yarn through between rounds and bring it up at the center and quarter points to create the citrus segments; tie off on the wrong side when finished.