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Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern
4.3★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
2.8K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting 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 knitting.

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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 vibrant citrus tote bag pattern brings summer sunshine to your crochet projects! Each granny square is carefully crafted to resemble fresh citrus slices with beautiful color combinations and detailed embroidery work. The pattern includes clear instructions for creating 13 identical squares that are then assembled into a functional and stylish tote bag. Perfect for carrying your essentials while showcasing your handmade skills.

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

The design features cheerful yellows, crisp whites, and soft blues that capture the essence of fresh citrus fruits. With comfortable straps and a roomy interior, this bag is as practical as it is beautiful.

Why You'll Love This Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

I absolutely love how this pattern transforms simple granny squares into something so vibrant and unique! The citrus design always brings a smile to my face, and I find the repetitive nature of making the squares incredibly relaxing. What I love most is how versatile this pattern is - you can easily customize the colors to create different citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or oranges. The finished bag is surprisingly spacious and sturdy, making it perfect for everyday use while showcasing your crochet skills.

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 this versatile citrus pattern! Sometimes I create an entire bag using just one citrus color for a more monochromatic look - an all-lemon bag in various shades of yellow is absolutely stunning. Other times, I mix different citrus fruits within the same bag for a fun fruit salad effect.

For a more sophisticated version, I've tried using muted, vintage-inspired colors that still capture the citrus essence but with a more subdued palette. The pattern also works beautifully scaled up with bulky yarn for a quick weekend project, or scaled down with cotton thread for a delicate summer purse.

I've even adapted individual squares to make coasters, potholders, or decorative elements for kitchen accessories. The embroidery technique can be modified too - sometimes I use contrasting colors instead of white for the segment lines, or add small French knots in the center for texture. The possibilities are truly endless with this charming design!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not maintaining consistent tension across squares - practice with test squares first to ensure uniform sizing ✗ Forgetting to cut yarn tails long enough for weaving in - always leave at least 6 inches for proper finishing ✗ Rushing the embroidery lines - take time to make them even and symmetrical for the best citrus slice appearance ✗ Skipping the joining slip stitch - this small detail ensures squares align properly and the bag maintains its shape

Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

Create a vibrant and cheerful citrus-themed tote bag perfect for summer adventures! This stunning pattern features beautiful granny squares designed to look like fresh citrus slices, combining bright yellows, whites, and soft blues. Each square showcases intricate embroidered lines that mimic the natural segments of citrus fruits. The finished bag is both practical and eye-catching, making it an ideal accessory for market trips, beach days, or everyday use.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Citrus Tote Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium weight (4) yarn in light yellow, white, dark yellow, and light blue colors
  • 02
    Impeccable yarn by Loops and Threads recommended for best results

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.5mm
  • 02
    Yarn needle
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Progress Tracker

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— Citrus Granny Square (Make 13) :

Round 1 (Light Yellow):

Begin with a magic circle, ch 2 (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). Cut yellow yarn leaving a 6 inch tail.

Round 3 (White):

Create a slip knot and place on hook. Join on last stitch in round 2 with sl st, then ch 1. Make 2 sc in next stitch. In next stitch, make 1 sc. Continue alternating between 2 sc and 1 sc per stitch all the way around. Join with sl st to first ch 1. (36 stitches total). Cut white yarn leaving 6 inch tail.

Round 4 (Dark Yellow):

Create slip knot and place on hook. Join on last stitch in round 3 with sl st, then ch 1. Make 1 sc in each st all the way around. Finish with sl st to first ch 1. (36 stitches total). Cut dark yellow yarn leaving 6 inch tail.

Round 5 (Light Blue):

Create slip knot and place on hook. Join on last stitch in round 4 with sl st, then ch 2. Make 1 dc in next stitch. Make hdc in next four stitches, then dc in next two stitches. To make corner, in next stitch make 2 edc, ch 1, then 2 edc. *Make dc in next 2 stitches, hdc in next 4 stitches, then dc in next 2 stitches. Make another corner in next stitch with 2 edc, ch 2, then 2 edc* Repeat steps in * 2 more times creating 4 corners. Finish with sl st to first ch 2. Cut light blue yarn leaving 6 inch tail.

Embroidery:

Cut white yarn about 14 inches long. Tie off one end on wrong side of square near center. Using yarn needle, pull white yarn through center of square and push back through between white and dark yellow rounds. Continue weaving white yarn through square between white and dark yellow rounds and coming up through middle at four corners, top, bottom, and sides. Tie off on wrong side when done.

— Bag Assembly :

Joining Squares:

Position two squares together with right side facing each other. Create slip knot and place on hook. Insert crochet hook through corners of both squares, make sl st, and ch 1. Make sc in each stitch along side of square, inserting hook through stitches in both squares each time. Attach 11 squares in configuration shown in pattern.

Creating Bag Shape:

Once all squares are attached, fold in half to align top and bottom. The remaining two squares will be sides of bag. Stitch along designated lines to complete bag structure.

— Straps :

Part One - Row 1:

Create slip knot and place on hook. Join using slip stitch onto corner on right side. Make one dc in next 10 st. Next, dc6tog including ch 1 that creates corner of each square. Continue up next granny square making dc in each of next 11 st. Ch 2 and turn work.

Part One - Row 2:

Skip first st (ch 2 counts as first dc). Make dc in next 8 st. Next, dc5tog. Make one dc in next 9 st. To finish row, ch 1, cut yarn leaving 6 in to weave in.

Part Two - Round 1:

Create slip knot and place on hook. Join using slip stitch onto ch 1 space of top corner of granny square 1. Make one dc in next 10 st. Next, dc6tog. On granny square 4 make one dc in next 11 st. Make 2 dc in each row from part one (4 total). Ch 60. Make 2 dc in each row from part one on granny square 3. Make one dc in next 11 st. Next, dc6tog. On granny square 2 make one dc in next 11 st. 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 sl st to join round. Ch 2.

Part Two - Round 2:

Skip first st (ch 2 counts as first dc). Make dc in next 8 st. Next, dc5tog. Make one dc in next 13 st. Continue with one dc in each ch creating the strap (60). Make one dc in next 13 st. Repeat across second strap. Finish row with one dc in next 4 stitches, then use sl st to join round. Cut yarn leaving 6 in to weave in.

Assembly Instructions

  • Make 13 citrus granny squares following the pattern instructions completely
  • Join squares together using single crochet seams with right sides facing each other
  • Arrange squares according to the diagram provided, ensuring proper alignment
  • Fold the assembled piece in half and stitch along designated lines to create bag shape
  • Create straps by working directly onto the bag structure following part one and part two instructions
  • Weave in all loose ends using a tapestry needle for a professional finish

Important Notes

  • 💡Test your gauge by making one granny square first - adjust hook size if edges are wavy or curling
  • 💡Cut yarn tails at least 6 inches long to ensure proper weaving and finishing
  • 💡Take your time with the embroidery lines to ensure they are even and create realistic citrus segments
  • 💡Count your stitches carefully during strap construction to maintain proper structure and alignment

This delightful Citrus Tote Bag pattern captures the joy of summer in every stitch! The combination of cheerful colors and intricate granny square construction makes this project both rewarding and practical. Each citrus slice square tells its own story while contributing to a beautiful, functional accessory. Whether you're heading to the farmer's market or just want to add some sunshine to your day, this bag will brighten any outing. 🍊 Happy crocheting! 🧶✨

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FAQs

Can I modify the colors to make different citrus fruits?

Absolutely! The pattern specifically mentions you can create lemons, limes, oranges, or grapefruits by switching the colors. For lemons, use brighter yellows; for limes, use greens; for oranges, use orange and deeper yellows.

What should I do if my granny squares are curling or wavy?

If your squares are wavy, decrease your hook size. If they're curling up to form a bowl shape, increase your hook size. It's normal for squares to bowl up slightly, but they should lay flat when stretched.

How do I ensure my embroidery lines look realistic?

Take your time with the white yarn embroidery, weaving it between the white and dark yellow rounds. Make sure to come up through the center and go to the four corners, top, bottom, and sides to create authentic citrus segment lines.

Is this pattern suitable for beginners?

This is an intermediate pattern that requires knowledge of basic crochet stitches plus some advanced techniques like extended double crochet and decrease stitches. Beginners should master basic granny squares first.