Sunflower Granny Square Tote: Free Crochet Pattern

Sunflower Granny Square Tote: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This folk-art inspired tote is made from nine sunflower granny squares, each one a flat circle with a sunny yellow center, a brown seed ring, a cream petal ring, and a green outer ring. The squares are joined in a 3x3 grid and finished with a sturdy rectangular gusset base, two crocheted strap handles, and a neat green edging around the top opening. It is a wonderful project for anyone who has mastered single crochet and simple increases and wants to try their hand at joining motifs into a real, usable bag. The finished tote is 12" wide and 12" tall (excluding straps), roomy enough for a market haul or a summer day out, and the dense worsted weight fabric holds its shape beautifully. Warm, cheerful, and practical, it looks just as good hanging by the door as it does on your shoulder.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) yarn, 100% acrylic or cotton, in four colors:
  • Color A (yellow): 200 yds
  • Color B (brown): 100 yds
  • Color C (cream): 150 yds
  • Color D (green): 200 yds
• Hook: 5.5 mm (I/9) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, measuring tape
• Finished size: 12" wide x 12" tall (excluding straps); straps 20" long

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a series of loops to start a row or add height.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• inc – increase: work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch.
• MR – magic ring: an adjustable loop used to start working in the round.
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• R / Rnd – row / round
• [ ] x6 – repeat the instructions inside the brackets six times.

Gauge

One granny square measures 4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) after blocking. To check, work one square and block it lightly, then measure across the center; adjust your hook size if needed to match.

Tips Before You Start

• Work all nine squares before joining so your color changes and stitch tension stay consistent across the bag.
• Keep your increases evenly spaced around each round; the circle should lie flat with no ruffling or cupping.
• Block each square to 4" x 4" before joining — this makes the 3x3 panel square up neatly and the seams easier.
• Use a sturdy join (whipstitch or sc) with green yarn so the seams blend into the outer ring of each square.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sunflower Square (make 9)

Work in the round with Color A unless noted.

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts). Change to Color B.

Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts). Change to Color C.

Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts). Change to Color D.

Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48 sts). Fasten off.

Join the Squares

Arrange the 9 squares in a 3x3 grid, all facing the same way. With Color D, whipstitch or sc join the squares together along the vertical and horizontal seams to form a panel approximately 12" wide x 12" tall.

Base

Worked flat with Color D.

Row 1: Ch 31, sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (30 sts).

Rows 2-10: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (30 sts). Fasten off.

Assembly

Join the base to the bottom of the joined square panel with Color D, using sc or whipstitch, working along all four edges of the base to create the rectangular gusset.

Straps (make 2)

Worked flat with Color D.

Row 1: Ch 6, sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (5 sts).

Rows 2-60: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (5 sts). Fasten off.

Attach the straps to the top of the bag with Color D, positioning each strap 2" in from the side edges.

Edging

With Color D, sc evenly around the top opening of the bag. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends on the wrong side of the bag, working each tail through several stitches to secure it. Lightly block the finished tote — mist it with water, shape the base and top opening into a neat rectangle, and lay it flat to dry. Check that the straps are attached securely and evenly spaced, and reinforce the strap joins with a few extra stitches if needed.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the cream ring for a second shade of yellow or a soft orange for a different sunflower look.
• Add a fabric lining to the inside for extra structure and to keep small items from slipping through the stitches.
• Make the straps longer or shorter by adding or removing rows — each row adds about 1/3" of length.