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Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern
4.2★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.4K 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.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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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-themed tote bag made from bright granny squares. You will create lemon-inspired rounds with embroidered segments and join them to form a stylish tote. The pattern highlights colorwork, simple shaping, and a strap construction method to make a durable bag. It is written with clear steps so you can recreate the look at home.

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

Perfect for summertime accessories, this tote is colorful and functional. The design is easily customizable by changing yarn colors or sizes for a unique result.

Why You'll Love This Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because the citrus motif brings instant cheer to an everyday accessory. I enjoy the combination of simple rounds and a playful embroidery step that really elevates the granny square. The assembly technique creates a structured, wearable bag without complex seaming. I find this pattern satisfying to make because each square finishes quickly and joining them is rewarding as the bag begins to take shape.

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 experimenting with colorways — try mint and lime greens for a zesty twist or blush pinks for a softer look.

You can change the yarn weight and hook size to make a mini keychain version or an oversized market tote; just swatch first.

I sometimes add a fabric lining to my bags for extra durability and to prevent small items from slipping through the holes.

Swap the embroidered white lines for surface crochet or contrasting yarn to give a different texture and visual effect.

Try different strap lengths and widths: use more chains for a crossbody strap or two-strand crochet for a sturdier handle.

I often make sets of squares and mix and match patterns to create a scrappy, boho-style bag that feels more handmade and unique.

Experiment with metallic or variegated yarns for one or two rounds to add subtle shine and dimension to the citrus motif.

Embellish with wooden beads or tassels on the straps to personalize the finished tote and add movement.

If you want a firmer bag, consider adding interfacing or a removable cardboard base inside the bottom for structure.

I recommend trying different join methods — single crochet join, whipstitch, or flat slip-stitch join — to see which edge finish you prefer.

For gift-ready projects, stitch a small pocket into one square before assembly so the recipient has a hidden compartment for keys or cards.

When making multiples, batch your steps: crochet all rounds of one color across squares at once to save time and keep a consistent tension.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Using the wrong hook size can make your squares curl or ripple; test a gauge square and adjust your hook size until the square lies flat. ✗ Not weaving in tails as you go will leave many ends to hide at the end of the project; weave in ends after each round to keep finishing manageable. ✗ Skipping stitch counts during joining results in an odd-shaped bag; count stitches carefully and place markers if needed when joining squares. ✗ Pulling embroidery yarn too tight will pucker the square surface; keep your embroidery stitches snug but not tight to maintain shape and appearance.

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Make a bright, summery tote using citrus-inspired granny squares — perfect for market trips or casual outings. This pattern walks you through creating lemon-style granny squares, embroidery details, and assembling a sturdy tote with easy-to-follow instructions. You will love how the bold colors and textured stitches make a statement while remaining functional and durable. Ideal for gifting or keeping as a cheerful everyday bag.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium (4) yarn - Light blue (main bag color) approximately 200g (worsted weight)
  • 02
    Medium (4) yarn - Light yellow for interior rounds approximately 100g (worsted weight)
  • 03
    Medium (4) yarn - Dark yellow for contrast round approximately 50g (worsted weight)
  • 04
    Medium (4) yarn - White for embroidery and round approximately 25g (worsted weight)
  • 05
    Impeccable yarn by Loops & Threads (as used in sample)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.5mm
  • 02
    Yarn needle / tapestry needle for sewing and embroidery
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Measuring tape (optional)
  • 05
    Stitch markers (optional)

Progress Tracker

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— Citrus Granny Square :

Info :

Materials: Crochet Hook: 4.5mm. Yarn: Medium (4). I used impeccable yarn by loops and threads. Yarn Needle.

Infos :

Introduction: This pattern can be modified to create any citrus fruit such as lemons, limes, oranges, or grapefruits by switching the colors! For this pattern instead of a swatch, I recommend doing a test granny square. If the finished squares edges are wavy, decrease the hook size. If the finished square is curling up around the edges to form a bowl shape, increase the hook size. It is normal for the square to bowl up slightly, but should lay flat once stretched.

Info :

Stitches: sc = Single crochet. dc = double crochet. edc = extended double crochet. dc#tog = double crochet number noted together. hdc = half double crochet. sl st = slip stitch. ch = chain. Please see the last page for instructions on how to complete each stitch!

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* Repeat steps in * 2 more times creating 4 corners. 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. To finish the square, weave in the tails using the yarn needle.

— Assemble the bag :

Assemble the bag (P1) :

Make 13 Granny Squares. 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. 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 the diagram). Stitch along the red and blue lines. 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. 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). Ch 60 *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* 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. 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). Ch 60 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.** Repeat steps within ** one more time across the second strap. 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 :

Info :

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 rounds 1-5 and finish embroidery lines before joining.
  • Position squares with right sides facing and join by inserting hook through both layers; make a slip stitch, ch 1, then single crochet through both squares along the edge to join evenly.
  • Attach 11 squares in the central configuration (refer to diagram), then fold the assembled panel in half to align top and bottom and sew the remaining two side squares along the red and blue lines.
  • Create the top boarder (Part One) across the center section by working double crochets and dc#tog as instructed, then repeat on the opposite side for symmetry.
  • Create straps (Part Two) by joining along side A, work dc rows and ch 60 chains for strap length, then work across side B and finish with Round 2 instructions to form two straps, finishing with slip stitch and weaving in tails.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use a 4.5mm hook as recommended and make a test square to check gauge before making all squares.
  • 💡Weave in tails and cut yarn leaving about 6 inches for sewing so you can finish squares neatly and invisibly.
  • 💡When embroidering the white lines, avoid pulling yarn too tight to prevent puckering the round; maintain even tension throughout.

This cheerful Citrus Tote Bag brings sunny vibes to your crochet collection and is perfect for summer markets and picnics. The citrus granny squares and embroidered details create a playful, textured look that stands out. Whether you gift it or keep it, this tote adds handmade charm to any outfit. 🧶🍋✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished bag size will vary with yarn and tension, but using worsted weight yarn and a 4.5mm hook the assembled bag measures approximately a medium tote size suitable for everyday use.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will change the finished size and drape; adjust the hook size and make a test square to ensure your gauge is consistent before making all squares.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and assumes familiarity with basic crochet stitches like double crochet, half double crochet, and techniques like joining and working dc#tog stitches.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in about 5-7 hours, depending on speed, experience level, and whether you embroider each square by hand.