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Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern
4.5★ Rating
12-15 Hours Time Needed
3.4K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Multi-Day Project

A rewarding 12+ hour journey—perfect for dedicated crafters who love detailed work.

✨

Stylish Touch

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

About This Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

This pattern includes step-by-step instructions to crochet a Strawberry Tote Bag and a coordinating Drawstring Pouch using granny squares and small appliques. Youll make granny squares in multiple colors, crochet tiny strawberry appliques with seeds and stems, and sew everything together for a polished finish. The design is decorative yet practical, perfect as a unique handmade gift or daily accessory.

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

Techniques covered include working in rounds and rows, shaping small appliques, sewing appliques to squares, and weaving drawstrings. Clear photos and measured stitch counts help you follow along easily.

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

I absolutely love this pattern because it brings together classic granny square crochet with charming strawberry appliques for a fresh, playful look. I enjoy how each small detail—the seeds, the tiny stem, the color choices—adds personality without adding complexity. This pattern lets me practice neat finishing and sewing skills while creating something both usable and beautiful. It makes a delightful gift and always draws compliments when I take the bag out.

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 many ways you can customize this pattern; try different color palettes to create seasonal looks like pastels for spring or rich tones for autumn.

Want a smaller pouch? Use a finer yarn and a smaller hook, or for a chunkier version, pick bulky yarn and a larger hook to make a more substantial tote.

I often swap yarn brands or mix textures for the appliques to create a slightly raised look using a boucle or cotton blend for the leaves.

Experiment with seed placement and thread thickness for the seeds; double the lace thread for more pronounced seeds or use embroidery floss for a delicate effect.

For the tote straps try crocheting longer panels and tucking ends inside for a reinforced handle, or add a fabric lining for extra durability and a professional finish.

I sometimes add a zipper to the pouch top instead of drawstrings for a different closure and more security for contents.

Consider adding beads or tassels to the drawstring ends for extra flair — you could also add a keyring loop to transform the pouch into a mini crossbody or key pouch.

If youd like a structured bag, fuse a lightweight interfacing to a fabric lining before sewing it into the bag to keep shape and stability.

Try making a set of matching accessories: small coin purse, phone sleeve, or a headband with a mini appliqué to coordinate with the main tote for a charming gift set.

I often embroider small initials onto one granny square for personalization — it makes the bag feel really special and bespoke.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not leaving a long tail after finishing a piece makes sewing pieces together awkward; always leave the recommended 5-20 inch tail as noted and use it to stitch parts securely. ✗ Skipping stitch counts in each round leads to uneven squares and mismatched joins; count stitches after every round to ensure correct stitch totals before continuing. ✗ Sewing appliques without pinning first can make placement off-center or crooked; pin the applique in place on the right side of the granny square before sewing to ensure centering. ✗ Pulling yarn too tight when joining squares creates puckered seams and an uneven bag edge; maintain consistent tension and SC evenly into both layers when joining.

Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

Make a charming strawberry-themed tote bag and matching drawstring pouch using granny squares and small appliques. This pattern guides you through crocheting granny squares, creating strawberry appliques with seeds and stems, and assembling them into a functional, stylish bag and pouch. Youll learn simple shaping, sewing techniques, and how to weave drawstrings for a neat finish. Perfect for makers who like pretty, practical projects.

Intermediate 12-15 Hours

Materials Needed for Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

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

— 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) for drawstring ends or decoration

Progress Tracker

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— Drawstring Pouch :

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.

— Strawberry Applique Base :

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.

— Add Seeds :

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 did mine in a pattern, but you could also arrange them at random- or however you like. I also like to start my seeds on row 4 of the strawberry, as the stem will cover up most of the top portion later on.

— Stem of the Strawberry :

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.

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

Step 1 (P1) :

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 (P1) :

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 (P1) :

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 (P1) :

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 the example shown).

— 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 I offer 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.

— How to Sew Two Granny Squares Together (Start of Joining) :

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.

— How to Make the Top of the Pouch (Make Opening and Edging) :

Step 1 (Top) :

Now we will be making the top of our pouch - where the strings will be placed into later on. 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- so, instead of stitching them together like we had done in step 1 – we will be working in the front square- and then will move onto the back square- working in a round.)

Step 2 (Top) :

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 (Top) :

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 (Top) :

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 (Top) :

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 (Strings) :

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 (Strings) :

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 (Strings) :

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.

Step 4 (Strings) :

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 5 (Strings) :

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 6 (Strings) :

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 (in and out in this pattern) through the 8 spaces in the back. We will then tie a knot using the ends of the string to ensure they won’t come undone - here 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!

— How to Make the Tote Bag :

Info :

Crocheting In Rows/Rounds – We will use the yarn colors of your choice (Exact colors are listed on page 2). How to Make the Granny Square (Make 18) is the same as the granny square instructions provided earlier in this pattern. Follow the four rounds listed in the Granny Square section to create the 18 squares needed for the tote bag.

Info :

After creating the granny squares and appliques, sew 5 strawberry appliques to 5 of the granny squares (in the example shown the white granny squares were used for appliques). Place appliques centered on the right side of each chosen granny square and sew using a 15–20 inch tail for secure stitching.

Joining Step 1 :

To assemble the bag, place granny squares wrong sides together where appropriate and SC around to join pairs of squares as needed, working into both layers to secure them together. When joining make SC twice in the two bottom CH 2 spaces only to avoid a gap, and stop SCing where instructed by the bag layout so corners and edges align correctly.

Joining Step 2 :

Work the top edges of the front and back squares separately to form the opening and create the top edging as described in the pouch top section (DC round, HDC/CH pattern round, and final DC round). This keeps the opening of the bag functional and creates spaces for straps or finishing rows.

Info :

Fasten off and hide remaining tails after top finishing. Create straps separately (not fully detailed in these pages) or use extended rows of DC/SC to form handles attached securely to the bag top edges. Weave in ends and block if desired for a neat finish.

Assembly Instructions

  • Place the strawberry applique on the right side of a granny square, center it so the right side faces upward, then pin it in place before sewing.
  • Cut a 15–20 inch piece of red yarn to sew the strawberry applique to the square, inserting the needle under both the applique and square stitches to secure them together.
  • Cut a 15–20 inch piece of green yarn to sew the stem to the strawberry, centering the stem and securing it with the tail left from the stem piece (15–20 inches), then hide remaining tails.
  • Join granny squares wrong sides together by placing them on top of one another, making a slip knot and SCing through both layers into corner CH 2 spaces and continuing to SC around, SC twice in the two bottom CH 2 spaces only to avoid gaps.

Important Notes

  • 💡Always leave a long tail (5–20 inches as recommended) after finishing a crocheted part to make sewing pieces together and hiding tails easier later on.
  • 💡Count your stitches after every round, especially during increases and corner CH 2 spaces, to ensure squares remain the correct size and assembly aligns properly.
  • 💡Pin appliques and parts in place before sewing to guarantee correct placement and symmetry, then secure using the recommended tail lengths.

This Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch pattern combines sweet appliques with classic granny squares to create a charming, handmade accessory you can be proud of. The step-by-step instructions guide you through crocheting, shaping, sewing, and finishing for a polished result you can gift or use daily. Happy crocheting and enjoy making something bright and delightful! 🍓🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished pieces be?

The approximate finished sizes are listed in the pattern: Tote Bag about 14" long and 14" wide, Drawstring Pouch about 6" long and 5" wide, and Strawberry Applique about 2 3/4" long and 2 1/4" wide.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can substitute yarn weights, but this will change the finished size; adjust your hook accordingly and make a gauge swatch to plan for size differences.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated Intermediate (Advanced Beginner skills) so basic knowledge of single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, slip stitch, and working in rounds is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

This is a multi-day project; expect roughly 12-15 hours to crochet, sew appliques, assemble, and finish both the tote bag and the drawstring pouch, depending on skill level and pace.