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Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern
4.8★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
2.5K 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.

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All-Day Adventure

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

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Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

This pattern teaches you how to crochet a strawberry appliqued tote bag and a matching drawstring pouch using granny squares and small appliques. You will make granny squares in multiple colors, crochet small strawberry shapes and stems, then sew and assemble everything into finished pieces. The clear step-by-step instructions include stitch counts, finishing tips, and string weaving for the pouch.

Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Perfect for gifting or everyday use, the pattern uses medium weight yarn and a 4.00 mm hook and is easy to customize. Follow the detailed assembly steps to attach appliques and weave drawstrings for a neat, polished finish.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines classic granny-square construction with playful appliques for a cheerful finished piece. I enjoy how quickly the granny squares come together, and adding the strawberry appliques gives each square a charming focal point. Sewing and finishing the pieces is satisfying and allows me to personalize color choices or seed placement. I also appreciate that the drawstring pouch is practical and cute — a small project that makes a lovely gift.

Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to change colors to make this pattern your own; try pastel shades for a softer look or bright tones for a playful bag.

I often make a mini version by switching to fingering weight yarn and a smaller hook to create keychain pouches.

I sometimes embroider different seed patterns using contrasting thread to change the character of the strawberry.

Try making the appliques in other fruit shapes (apple, pear) using the same base shaping and different color choices.

For a more polished interior, I add a fabric lining to the tote and sew it in place before attaching the handles.

I like to add beads or tassels to the drawstring ends for a custom finishing touch and extra weight so the strings sit neatly.

You can make the tote larger by increasing the number of granny squares (for example 4x4 grid for a bigger bag).

I sometimes add a zipper pocket inside the tote for secure storage — stitch the pocket to the lining before sewing it into the bag.

To make handles sturdier, crochet two straps and insert a cardboard or plastic strap support inside then whipstitch closed.

For gifting, I change the seed color to gold or metallic thread for a festive sparkle and stitch a little tag with the recipient's initial.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers when joining squares leads to misaligned seams; use a marker to mark your starting corner and check alignment before sewing. ✗ Not leaving long enough tails after fastening off makes sewing appliques difficult; always leave a 5-20 inch tail as directed so you can weave and secure pieces easily. ✗ Overstuffing or uneven stuffing (if stuffing is used for any parts) will distort shapes; stuff gradually and evenly to maintain a smooth profile. ✗ Forgetting to count chains and spaces when working the pouch top will change the number of drawstring holes; count CH 2 spaces after each round to match the pattern counts exactly. ✗ Pulling yarn too tight while weaving the drawstrings can pucker the pouch top; weave loosely and adjust tension so the pouch edge remains flat.

Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

Make a charming strawberry-themed tote bag and matching drawstring pouch with this step-by-step crochet pattern. You will create granny squares, tiny strawberry appliques and sew everything together for a sweet finished set that makes a lovely gift. The pattern includes clear stitch counts, assembly tips, and finishing instructions so you can follow along with confidence.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Red Heart Super Saver, Size 4 (Medium Weight), 7oz/198g
  • 02
    Color #0319 Cherry Red - Strawberry (amount: small skeins for 5 appliques)
  • 03
    Color #0624 Tea Leaf - Strawberry leaf (small amount for stems)
  • 04
    Color #4602 Baby Pink - Light Pink Yarn Color (granny squares)
  • 05
    Color #0706 Perfect Pink - Dark Pink Yarn Color (granny squares)
  • 06
    Artiste Cotton Crochet Thread, Size 10 (Lace Weight), 400 yards, Skein #145 Lemon - Strawberry Seeds (small amount for seed embroidery)
  • 07
    Crafter's Secret Big Idea, Size 4 (Medium Weight), 16oz/454g, Skein #01 White - White Yarn Color (for granny squares)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.00 mm (G-6)
  • 02
    Yarn needle (a needle with a curved tip is preferred)
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Stitch markers
  • 05
    Sewing pins (Optional)
  • 06
    Beads (Optional)

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— How to Make the Drawstring Pouch :

Info :

Crocheting In Rows/Rounds – We will use the yarn colors of your choice (Exact colors are listed on page 2)

Round 1 :

Using the background color of your choice, here I will be using pink, make a MR but do not crochet any stitches just yet. We will start by CH 3, then DC 3, then CH 2, DC 4, CH 2, DC 4, CH 2, DC 4, CH 2, and SC in the original CH 3 space – 16 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Round 2 :

Start by CH 2, then DC in the CH 3 space, then DC in the SC stitch, then DC 3, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 4, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 4, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 4, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, SC in the original CH 2 space – 32 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Round 3 :

CH 2, then DC in the CH 2 space, then DC in the SC stitch, then DC 7, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 8, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 8, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 8, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, SC in the original CH 2 space – 48 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Round 4 :

CH 2, then DC in the CH 2 space, then DC in the SC stitch, then DC 11, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 12, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 12, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 12, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, SLST in the original CH 2 space – 64 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Info :

After this round we will fasten off, leaving a tail that measures around 5 – 10 inches long. We will then hide any remaining tails and we’re done with the granny square! We will now repeat the process, from round 1, to create the second granny square for the back of the pouch.

— How to Make the Base of the Strawberry Applique (Make 5) :

Row 1 :

With the red colored yarn, CH 9

Row 2 :

Starting from the second CH from the hook, SC in each of the 8 CHs – 8 SC

Row 3 :

CH 1 and turn, then SC in each of the 8 stitches – 8 SC

Row 4 :

CH 1 and turn, then DEC using the first 2 stitches, SC in the next 4 stitches, and DEC using the last 2 stitches – 6 SC

Row 5 :

CH 1 and turn, then SC in each of the 6 stitches – 6 SC

Row 6 :

CH 1 and turn, then DEC using the first 2 stitches, SC in the next 2 stitches, and DEC using the last 2 stitches – 4 SC

Row 7 :

CH 1 and turn, then SC in each of the 4 stitches – 4 SC

Row 8 :

CH 1 and turn, then DEC using the first 2 stitches and DEC using the last 2 stitches – 2 SC

Row 9 :

CH 1 and turn, then DEC using the next 2 stitches – 1 SC

Info :

At this point we will SC a border around the entire strawberry, making sure to SC twice in each of the edge stitches. There should be 3 edges, one on each of the top 2 corners, and the bottom of the strawberry.

— Stem of the Strawberry (Make 5) :

Row 1 :

Using the green colored yarn, CH 9

Row 2 :

Starting from the third CH from the hook, *DC, TR, and DC all into the same CH, then SC in the next – we will repeat the pattern starting from *, until we reach the end of our row (we should end on a leaf instead of a SC) – 4 Leaves and 3 SC

Info :

We will then turn the piece so we should now be working on the underside of the foundation CH – We will then SC in the next 4 CHs, then CH 4 and starting from the second CH we will SLST 3, we will then SC in the remaining 4 CHs. We will end the row with a SLST – 8 SC

Info :

After this round we will fasten off, leaving a tail that measures around 15 – 20 inches long. We will then use this tail to sew the strawberry and stem pieces together. To do this insert your needle into the tail we had left from the stem and secure the stem to the strawberry, making sure it is centered.

— Seeds and Finishing :

Info :

You can leave your strawberry as is, or you have the option to add seeds. To add seeds- cut a 20” piece of the yellow colored yarn (I am using thinner yarn here- so I like to double the strands to make the seeds a bit thicker). Then, use this to sew on lines all around the strawberry. I like to start my seeds on row 4 of the strawberry, as the stem will cover up most of the top portion later on.

— How to Sew the Strawberry Applique to the Granny Square :

Step 1 :

We will start by placing the strawberry applique on the right side of the granny square. Make sure to place your strawberry so that the right side is facing upwards as well and is centered. We will then pin the strawberry applique in place.

Step 2 :

Now cut a 15 – 20-inch piece of our red colored yarn and insert our needle. Use this piece to sew the red strawberry part to the square, making sure to get under both the strawberry and square stitches to secure them together.

Step 3 :

Now cut a 15 – 20-inch piece of our green colored yarn and insert our needle. Use this piece to sew the green strawberry stem to the square, making sure to get under both the stem and square stitches to secure them together.

Step 4 :

Now hide the remaining tails and done! Keep in mind we will sew the 5 appliques to the 5 granny squares we had made of the same color (we will be using the white Granny Squares in that example).

— How to Make the Tote Bag :

How to Make the Granny Square (Make 18) :

Round 1. Using the background color of your choice, here I will be using pink, make a MR but do not crochet any stitches just yet. We will start by CH 3, then DC 3, then CH 2, DC 4, CH 2, DC 4, CH 2, DC 4, CH 2, and SC in the original CH 3 space – 16 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Round 2 :

Start by CH 2, then DC in the CH 3 space, then DC in the SC stitch, then DC 3, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 4, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 4, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 4, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, SC in the original CH 2 space – 32 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Round 3 :

CH 2, then DC in the CH 2 space, then DC in the SC stitch, then DC 7, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 8, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 8, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 8, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, SC in the original CH 2 space – 48 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Round 4 :

CH 2, then DC in the CH 2 space, then DC in the SC stitch, then DC 11, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 12, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 12, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 12, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, SLST in the original CH 2 space – 64 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Info :

After this round we will fasten off, leaving a tail that measures about 5 – 10 inches long. We will then hide any remaining tails and we’re done with the granny square! We will now repeat the process, from round 1, to create the remaining 17 granny squares needed. If you are following along with the same bag design as offered here, you will need granny squares in 3 different colors: I chose to do 9 in dark pink, 4 in light pink, and 5 in white.

— Joining Granny Squares and Bag Assembly :

Step 1 :

We will start by placing the two granny squares on top of one another, so that the wrong sides are facing each other. We will then make a slip knot out of the same-colored yarn as the granny squares. Then pull the slip knot through the upper left corner CH 2 space of both squares (working with them as if they were one) and make a SC.

Step 2 :

We will now SC around both our squares, making sure to go into both stitches of the squares to SC them together. I like to SC twice in the two bottom CH 2 spaces only. (This makes it so that we do not have a big gap where that CH 2 space is) We will stop SCing the two squares together when we reach the upper right corner CH 2 space. There, we will end by placing a SC into.

Info :

Repeat the joining method to attach squares and form the bag panels as shown in photos. Pin pieces before sewing to ensure correct placement and symmetry.

— How to Make the Top Edge / Pouch Top (Create Drawstring Spaces) :

Step 1 :

To begin we will CH 2, and DC into the upper right corner CH 2 space of the front granny square. Here we will be working with each granny square separately again to ensure the pouch can remain open; we do not want to sew the tops together here.

Step 2 :

Next, we will DC one stitch into each of the stitches of the top edges of both granny squares separately, working in a round. Make sure to DC once into each of the remaining 3 CH 2 spaces as well. When we reach the CH 2 we had started with, we will then SLST to end the round - 34 Stitches

Step 3 :

We will start with a CH 2, then HDC into the same stitch as the SLST. We will then CH 2, skip 1 stitch, and HDC into the next. We will repeat this pattern starting with a CH 2 until we reach the original CH 2 space we started with. When we reach this point- we will then SLST to end the round - 18 Stitches and 17 CH 2 Spaces

Step 4 :

CH 2, then DC into the same stitch as the SLST. We will then DC one stitch into each of the HDC stitches, and DC one stitch into each of the CH 2 spaces as well. Continue on again with this repeating pattern- until you reach the original CH 2 space. When we reach that CH 2 space - we will SLST to finish it off – 35 Stitches

Step 5 :

We will then fasten off, leaving a 5 – 10-inch tail. Then hide the remaining tails and done! All that is left is to crochet the strings and insert them into the pouch!

— How to Make our Drawstrings for the Pouch :

Step 1 :

We will start by taking our drawstring color of choice, here I will be using dark pink, and make a slip knot. We will then CH 80 and fasten off leaving a 5 – 10 inch tail. We will then repeat this step to make a second string, for a total of two strings.

Step 2 :

Now we will weave our strings through the spaces we had left on the top of the bag. You have the option here to go ahead and weave your string however you would like to finish off the bags. We should have 17 CH 2 spaces in total, but I like to count the space where the HDC and CH 2 meet from step 3 as a space as well.

Step 3 :

So, we will begin by taking one of our strings and pulling it through, with our hook or hand, into the first space on the left side of the pouch. Make sure to leave about half the string dangling- as we will use this half of the string later on. We will then continue weaving the string through the front of the pouch, in and out of the spaces, for the next 9 spaces.

Step 4 :

At this point, we will go back to the left side of the bag- and repeat the weaving process for the back of the pouch- using the tail we had left in step 2 of this process. Continue weaving in the next 8 spaces- until we reach the right side again.

Step 5 :

We will then repeat the process, from step 2, but starting from the right side rather than the left for the opposite string side. Weaving half of our string through the same 10 of the spaces in the front (this count is including the one you inserted the string into first here), then taking the second half of this same string- continue to weave through the 8 spaces in the back.

Step 6 :

We will then tie a knot using the ends of the string to ensure they won’t come undone – you can add a bead to the ends of the drawstrings if you wish instead of tying a knot. Hide any remaining tails and done!

Assembly Instructions

  • Place the strawberry applique on the right side of a granny square, pin it in place, then sew the red strawberry base to the square with a 15–20 inch tail securing under both the applique and granny stitches.
  • Sew the green stem onto the top of the strawberry using a 15–20 inch tail, centering the stem and securing it by stitching under both stem and square stitches.
  • Place two granny squares wrong sides together and SC around both squares through both layers to join them; SC twice in the two bottom CH2 spaces to avoid large gaps and finish when you reach the upper right corner CH2 space.
  • Work the top edge for drawstrings by DCing across the top stitches, create a round that forms 17 CH2 spaces (see Step 3) and then weave two CH80 drawstrings through the 17 spaces, leaving tails and securing ends with knots or beads.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of rounds and to mark corner CH2 spaces so corners line up when joining squares.
  • 💡Leave long tails (5-20 inches) after fastening off each piece to make sewing and attaching parts easier.
  • 💡Pin all parts in place before sewing to ensure correct placement and symmetry for appliques and bag panels.
  • 💡Count your CH2 spaces carefully when creating the pouch top — there should be 17 CH2 spaces for the drawstrings.

This strawberry tote bag and pouch set is a delightful mix of classic granny squares and sweet appliques that brighten any day. Whether you make a full set or just one pouch, the finished pieces are perfect for gifts, markets, or everyday charm. Happy crocheting and enjoy adding your personal color and seed placement touches! 🧶🍓

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FAQs

What size will the finished pieces be?

The approximate sizes are: Tote Bag 14" long and 14" wide; Drawstring Pouch 6" long and 5" wide; Strawberry Applique about 2 3/4" long and 2 1/4" wide at the widest part.

What hook and yarn are recommended?

Use a 4.00 mm (G-6) crochet hook with medium weight (#4) yarn for the granny squares and appliques; lace weight thread is used for seed embroidery.

Do I need to know how to sew to complete this pattern?

Basic sewing skills are required for attaching the appliques and joining granny squares; the pattern provides step-by-step guidance to make assembly straightforward.

How long will this project take?

Estimated time is 8-10 hours for the whole tote and pouch set, though time varies by experience and customization.