Golden Hour Tote Free Pattern – Crochet a Sunlit Meadow Carryall

Imagine carrying a piece of golden sunshine with you wherever you go. The Golden Hour Tote is a stunning crochet project that captures the warm, radiant glow of a summer sunset in every stitch. Featuring a beautiful textured stitch pattern and a sun-kissed palette of sunflower yellow, warm sand, and soft terracotta, this bag is as practical as it is gorgeous. Whether you're heading to the farmers' market, planning a beach day, or just running everyday errands, this roomy, boho-inspired tote will become your new favorite accessory.

This free pattern is perfect for intermediate crocheters who want to expand their skills with front post and back post stitches, but it's also accessible to confident beginners who are ready for a rewarding challenge. The result is a sturdy, stylish bag that looks like it came straight from a boutique—but you made it yourself!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. Having everything ready will make your crochet session smooth and enjoyable.

Yarn

• Worsted weight cotton yarn in 3 colors:
  • Sunflower Yellow (MC) – approximately 400g (about 800 yards)
  • Warm Sand (CC1) – approximately 200g (about 400 yards)
  • Soft Terracotta (CC2) – approximately 150g (about 300 yards)

Cotton yarn is ideal for this project because it's durable, holds its shape well, and has a beautiful natural sheen that catches the light—perfect for a "golden hour" aesthetic.

Hook and Notions

• 5.5mm crochet hook (US I-9)
• Stitch markers (to mark the beginning of each round)
• Yarn needle (for weaving in ends and sewing straps)
• Scissors

Gauge

14 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches in half double crochet (hdc).

Always check your gauge before starting to ensure your bag turns out the right size. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds for the body, with a flat, circular base. The straps are worked separately and sewn on at the end. Important: Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round—this will save you from confusion later!

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• hdc = half double crochet
• fpdc = front post double crochet
• bpdc = back post double crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• MC = Main Color (Sunflower Yellow)
• CC1 = Contrast Color 1 (Warm Sand)
• CC2 = Contrast Color 2 (Soft Terracotta)

Part 1: The Base

We'll start with a flat, circular base that will form the bottom of your tote. This creates a sturdy foundation that will hold its shape beautifully.

Round 1: With MC, make a magic ring. Ch 2 (counts as your first hdc), work 10 hdc into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring tightly. Sl st to join. (10 stitches)

Round 2: Ch 2, 2 hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join. (20 stitches)

Round 3: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (30 stitches)

Round 4: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (40 stitches)

Round 5: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 sts*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (50 stitches)

Round 6: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 4 sts*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (60 stitches)

Round 7: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 5 sts*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (70 stitches)

Round 8: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Your base should now be a flat circle measuring approximately 8-9 inches in diameter. If it's curling up, your tension might be too tight—try loosening up slightly. If it's ruffling, your tension might be too loose.

Part 2: The Body

Now we'll build the body of the bag upward. This is where the beautiful textured stitch pattern comes in! The alternating front post and back post double crochet stitches create a ribbed, woven effect that gives the bag its stunning visual appeal.

Round 9: With MC, ch 2, hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 10: Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 11: Ch 2, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Rounds 12-13: Repeat Rounds 10-11. This creates a lovely ribbed texture.

Round 14: With MC, ch 2, hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 15: Switch to CC1 (Warm Sand). Ch 2, hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 16: With CC1, ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 17: With CC1, ch 2, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Rounds 18-19: Repeat Rounds 16-17.

Round 20: With CC1, ch 2, hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 21: Switch back to MC. Ch 2, hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 22: With MC, ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 23: With MC, ch 2, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Rounds 24-25: Repeat Rounds 22-23.

Round 26: With MC, ch 2, hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 27: Switch to CC2 (Soft Terracotta). Ch 2, hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 28: With CC2, ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 29: With CC2, ch 2, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Rounds 30-31: Repeat Rounds 28-29.

Round 32: With CC2, ch 2, hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 33: Switch back to MC. Ch 2, hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 34: With MC, ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 35: With MC, ch 2, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st*. Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Rounds 36-37: Repeat Rounds 34-35.

Round 38: With MC, ch 2, hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Round 39: With MC, ch 2, hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join. (80 stitches)

Fasten off and weave in all ends securely. Your bag body should now measure approximately 12-13 inches tall from the base.

Part 3: The Straps (Make 2)

The straps are worked flat in rows. They're sturdy and comfortable, perfect for carrying your essentials.

Row 1: With MC, ch 10. Hdc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (9 stitches)

Row 2: Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across. (9 stitches)

Repeat Row 2 until the strap measures 18 inches (or your desired length—some prefer shorter straps for hand-carrying, longer for shoulder wear).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches) for sewing the strap to the bag.

Pro tip: Make both straps at the same time to ensure they're exactly the same length. Simply work a few rows on one, then switch to the other, alternating until both are done.

Part 4: Assembly

Now it's time to bring your Golden Hour Tote together!

Step 1: Fold the top edge of the bag down about 1 inch to create a neat cuff. This gives the bag a polished, finished look and adds structure to the opening.

Step 2: Position the straps on the inside of the bag. Place them about 3 inches apart on each side, centered. Make sure they're evenly spaced and straight before sewing.

Step 3: Using the long tail left on each strap, sew the straps securely to the inside of the bag. Use a whip stitch or mattress stitch, going through both the strap and the bag fabric. Sew back and forth a few times for extra durability—you don't want your straps to pull loose!

Step 4: Weave in all remaining ends with your yarn needle. Trim any excess yarn.

Finishing Touches

Give your bag a gentle steam block if desired—this will help the stitches relax and the bag to hold its shape beautifully. Simply hold a steam iron about an inch above the surface (don't press directly on the stitches) and let the steam work its magic.

Your Golden Hour Tote is now complete! Admire the beautiful color transitions, the rich texture of the post stitches, and the sturdy, practical design. This bag is made to be loved and used—so fill it with your favorite things and enjoy the sunshine!

Tips for Success

• Keep your tension consistent. The post stitches (fpdc and bpdc) can be tighter than regular stitches, so be mindful to keep them relaxed and even.
• Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round. It's easy to lose your place with so many rounds!
• When changing colors, do the last yarn-over of the previous stitch with the new color. This creates a seamless transition.
• Don't rush the assembly. Taking your time to sew the straps on neatly will make your bag look professional and last for years.

This pattern is perfect for gifting, selling at craft fairs, or simply treating yourself to a beautiful handmade accessory. The warm, sun-kissed colors will brighten any outfit and bring a little golden hour magic to your everyday life.

Happy crocheting, and enjoy your beautiful new tote! 🌻