Sunburst Meadow Market Bag Free Pattern – Crochet a Bohemian Tote

Carry a piece of summer with this vibrant, textured market bag featuring a sunburst granny square motif and a spacious, sturdy design. Perfect for farmers' markets, beach days, or everyday errands, this pattern is a joyful crochet project that combines classic granny square techniques with a modern, bohemian aesthetic. The warm terracotta, golden yellow, and sage green tones radiate from a creamy center, creating a stunning geometric mosaic that's as beautiful as it is functional. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or looking for your next satisfying project, this free pattern will guide you through creating a gorgeous, handmade tote you'll be proud to carry.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crochet experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in 4 colors:
  • Main Color (MC) – Cream (approximately 300g)
  • Color A – Terracotta (approximately 100g)
  • Color B – Golden Yellow (approximately 100g)
  • Color C – Sage Green (approximately 100g)
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing, scissors, stitch markers (optional), and fabric for lining (optional, see instructions below).

Gauge: One granny square motif measures 4 inches (10 cm) across. Gauge is not critical, but consistent tension ensures even squares.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bag is constructed from 12 granny squares (6 for the front, 6 for the back) joined together, then finished with a sturdy strap and a fabric lining (optional). Follow these detailed instructions carefully to create your Sunburst Meadow Market Bag.

Granny Square Motif (Make 12)

Each square is worked in the round, starting from the center and building outward. You will make 12 identical squares total.

Round 1: With Color A (Terracotta), make a magic ring. Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet), 2 double crochet into ring, chain 2. *3 double crochet into ring, chain 2* repeat from * to * 2 more times (you now have 4 clusters of 3 double crochet). Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-3. Fasten off Color A. (12 double crochet, 4 chain-2 spaces)

Round 2: Join Color B (Golden Yellow) in any chain-2 corner space. Chain 3 (counts as double crochet), 2 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet in same corner space. *Chain 1, in next corner space work (3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet)* repeat from * to * around, ending with chain 1. Join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain-3. Fasten off Color B. (24 double crochet, 4 chain-2 corners, 4 chain-1 spaces)

Round 3: Join Color C (Sage Green) in any chain-2 corner space. Chain 3, 2 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet in same corner. *Chain 1, 3 double crochet in next chain-1 space, chain 1, in next corner work (3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet)* repeat from * to * around, ending with chain 1, 3 double crochet in last chain-1 space, chain 1. Join with slip stitch. Fasten off Color C. (36 double crochet, 4 corners, 8 chain-1 spaces)

Round 4: Join MC (Cream) in any chain-2 corner. Chain 3, 2 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet in same corner. *Chain 1, 3 double crochet in next chain-1 space, chain 1, 3 double crochet in next chain-1 space, chain 1, in next corner work (3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet)* repeat from * to * around, ending with chain 1, 3 double crochet in each of the remaining chain-1 spaces, chain 1. Join with slip stitch. Fasten off. (48 double crochet, 4 corners, 12 chain-1 spaces)

Pro Tip: Weave in all ends as you go to keep your work tidy and make the finishing process much easier.

Joining Squares

Arrange 6 squares in a 2x3 rectangle for the front, and 6 for the back. With right sides together, use MC and a slip stitch or whip stitch to join squares along the vertical and horizontal seams. You will have two large rectangles.

1. Lay out your squares in the desired color arrangement. For a balanced look, alternate the direction of the color blocks.
2. Place two squares with right sides facing each other.
3. Using MC and a yarn needle, whip stitch through the back loops only of both squares, working from one corner to the next. This creates a flat, invisible seam.
4. Continue joining squares until you have two 2x3 rectangles (one for the front, one for the back).

Bag Assembly

1. Place the two rectangles together with right sides facing. Using MC, slip stitch or whip stitch along the bottom and side seams, leaving the top open. Turn the bag right side out.
2. Ensure the corners are neatly aligned and the seams are secure. The bag should now form a rectangular tote shape with an open top.

Top Border

1. Join MC with a slip stitch to the top edge of the bag. Chain 1, work 1 single crochet in each stitch around the entire top opening. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. (Approximately 96 single crochet)
2. Chain 1, work 1 single crochet in each single crochet around. Join. Repeat this round once more. Fasten off.

Note: The exact stitch count may vary slightly depending on your tension. The goal is to work evenly around the entire opening to create a clean, sturdy edge.

Strap

1. With MC, chain 120 (or desired length). Row 1: Single crochet in second chain from hook and in each chain across. Turn. (119 single crochet)
2. Row 2: Chain 1, single crochet in each single crochet across. Turn. Repeat Row 2 until strap is 2 inches wide. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
3. Sew the strap securely to the inside of the bag at the top edges, centering it on each side. Use a whip stitch and reinforce with a few extra stitches for durability.

Optional Lining

For a more polished finish and added durability, consider adding a fabric lining:

1. Cut a fabric rectangle slightly larger than the bag's interior (measure the width and height of the bag, add 1 inch for seam allowance).
2. Fold the fabric in half with right sides together. Sew the side and bottom seams, leaving the top open.
3. Place the lining inside the bag, folding the top edge over by about ½ inch. Hand-stitch the lining inside the bag, covering the strap attachments for a clean finish.

Your Sunburst Meadow Market Bag is now complete! Fill it with fresh produce, beach essentials, or your favorite books, and enjoy the compliments that come your way. This pattern is perfect for using up scrap yarn in your favorite color combinations, so feel free to experiment with your own palette. Happy crocheting!