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Worsted Weight Sunflower Cluster Tote Bag

A cheerful cream market bag topped with a dimensional 3D sunflower appliqué.

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🤍
Difficulty
🟡 Intermediate
Time
⏱️ 12-16 hours
Hook
🪡 H / 5mm
Yardage
🧶 approximately 1,050 yards
Finished Size
📏 14 inches wide x 16 inches tall (excluding handles)
⚠️
Always make a gauge swatch before starting!
Gauge: 18 sc x 20 rows = 4 inches in single crochet
Adjust hook size as needed to match gauge.
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At a Glance

The Worsted Weight Sunflower Cluster Tote Bag is a free Intermediate-level wearable pattern using Worsted weight yarn with a H / 5mm hook . Estimated time: 12-16 hours. Finished size: 14 inches wide x 16 inches tall (excluding handles). You'll need approximately approximately 1,050 yards of yarn.

18 steps across 6 sections  ·  Free under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — you can sell finished items

🛒 Materials

Worsted weight cotton yarn, cream/off-white
700 yards, 100% cotton or cotton-blend. Cotton provides structure for a sturdy bag that holds its shape without lining.
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Worsted weight cotton yarn, golden yellow
75 yards, 100% cotton or cotton-blend, for sunflower petals
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Worsted weight cotton yarn, dark brown
25 yards, 100% cotton or cotton-blend, for sunflower center
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H / 5mm crochet hook
For main fabric and sunflower
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Tapestry needle
For weaving in ends and sewing appliqué
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Stitch markers
2-3 markers to track rounds
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📖 Abbreviations

View full dictionary →
ch — chain → sc — single crochet → dc — double crochet → sl st — slip stitch → cl — cluster (popcorn-style: 3 dc worked together in same stitch, drop loop, insert hook in first dc of cluster, yarn over and pull through both loops to close) → st(s) — stitch(es) → rnd(s) — round(s) → inc — increase → dec — decrease →

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📌 Before You Begin

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This bag is worked flat in rows for the body, then finished with handles. The sunflower is worked separately as a 3D cluster-stitch appliqué and sewn on after.

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Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of rounds if desired.

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Weave in ends as you go to minimize finishing work.

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Handles are worked as a double-stranded chain: one continuous chain is worked, then single crochets are worked back down the same chain to create a sturdy doubled handle with a finished appearance.

🧶 Pattern Instructions

💡 Tip: Keep tension consistent so the bag sides remain straight. Count stitches every few rows to ensure no accidental increases or decreases.
  1. Row 1
    With cream, ch 64. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (63 sts).
  2. Rows 2-32
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (63 sts). Repeat for 31 rows. Bag body should measure approximately 16 inches in height.
  3. Row 33 (Top Edge)
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (63 sts). Fasten off. This completes the rectangular body.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Use a tapestry needle threaded with cream yarn. Weave through edge stitches for a secure, invisible seam.
  1. Right Side Seam
    With cream, fold bag in half lengthwise with right sides together. Using mattress stitch or whip stitch, sew the right edge closed (63 sts along seam). This creates one vertical side.
  2. Left Side Seam
    Repeat for left edge. Bag now has a closed rectangular tube.
  3. Bottom Seam
    Fold bottom edge inside bag where foundation chain began. Sew seam closed using whip stitch. The bag now has a flat bottom and open top.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Test handle length by holding the bag and draping over your shoulder. Each ch 24 foundation plus the return row creates a comfortable handle approximately 24 inches long that can be held comfortably or worn over the shoulder. Adjust chain length before fastening if needed.
  1. Right Handle - Foundation
    With cream, measure 2 inches in from right edge at top of bag. Skip the first 2 stitches at the top edge and attach yarn in the 3rd stitch from the right edge.
  2. Right Handle - Chain Section
    Ch 24. This creates one strand of the handle approximately 24 inches long.
  3. Right Handle - Return Section
    Turn. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (23 sc). This completes the double-stranded handle by working back down the chain, creating a sturdy, finished handle. Sl st to secure at top of bag.
  4. Left Handle
    Repeat handle on left side. Measure 2 inches in from left edge at top of bag, skip first 2 stitches, and attach yarn in the 3rd stitch. Ch 24, turn, sc in each ch back. Sl st to secure. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: This disk forms the 3D center of the sunflower. Keep it tight so it maintains a slightly domed shape.
  1. Round 1
    With dark brown, ch 2. 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sts). Do not join; work in continuous spiral. Mark first st of rnd with stitch marker.
  2. Round 2
    2 sc in each st around (12 sts).
  3. Round 3
    Sc in each st around (12 sts). Fasten off, leaving 8-inch tail for sewing.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: A cluster stitch creates a textured, 3D petal. Keep clusters tight and even for a uniform look. The popcorn-style closing (dropping the loop and pulling through from the first dc) creates a bobble effect that puffs outward.
  1. Round 1 (Base Ring)
    With golden yellow, ch 4, st">sl st to join in ring.
  2. Round 2 (Petal Setup)
    Ch 1, sc in ring, *ch 1, sc in ring* 11 times (12 petals). Sl st to join. (12 cluster anchor points)
  3. Round 3 (Cluster Petals)
    Ch 1. In first sc, work cluster stitch: 3 dc in same st, drop loop from hook, insert hook in first dc of cluster, yarn over and pull through both loops to close cluster (popcorn-style). *Ch 2, work cluster in next sc*. Repeat around (12 clusters). Sl st to join. Fasten off, leaving 8-inch tail.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: The sunflower should now have pronounced depth. Set aside until bag is complete.
  1. Join Petals to Center
    Thread tapestry needle with golden yellow yarn. Sew the petal ring to the brown center disk by stitching through the inner ring of the petal base to the edge of the center disk. Make 6-8 stitches evenly spaced around to secure.
  2. Create Dimensional Shape
    With needle and dark brown yarn, make 2-3 small stitches through the center of each cluster petal, pulling slightly to cup the petals outward. This creates the 3D effect. Do not over-tighten or petals will crease.
Row counter:

✂️ Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends from bag body and handles. Place sunflower appliqué centered on one side of the bag, approximately 2 inches down from the top edge. Using tapestry needle and golden yellow yarn, whip stitch the sunflower center disk to the bag, stitching around the entire perimeter. Make 10-12 small, even stitches. For extra security on a frequently-used bag, add a small stitch or two from the petal tips to the bag surface (these can be hidden within the petal texture). Block the bag lightly by steaming or dampening and laying flat to dry, which will help even out any uneven stitching. The bag does not require lining and is ready to use.

🎁 Ways to Use This

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A functional market bag for farmers markets or grocery shopping—sturdy cotton holds produce without splitting.

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A cheerful hostess gift or handmade present for gardening enthusiasts.

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Perfect for book clubs, beach trips, or library visits as a personal tote.

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Display it as a decorative kitchen accent or hang on a coat rack when not in use.

🧺 Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Gently squeeze out water; do not wring. Lay flat on a towel to dry. If needed, lightly steam the sunflower appliqué to restore shape after washing. Do not bleach. Suitable for grocery shopping, farmers markets, and everyday carry without lining.

🤖 This pattern was generated by AI and may contain errors. Always test your gauge before starting.

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Questions About This Pattern

Absolutely — just match the weight (Worsted). You'll need about approximately 800 yards, so make sure your substitute has enough meterage. Acrylic is budget-friendly and machine-washable; wool gives better stitch definition and drape.
This intermediate pattern assumes you're comfortable with basic stitches. You'll use ch, sc, dc, sl st and a few more (see the Abbreviations section above). If increases and decreases are new to you, a quick 10-minute tutorial on YouTube before you start will make the pattern much smoother.
Usually it's the joining or finishing — where individual sections meet and need to align. Read through the entire pattern once before you start so there are no surprises. Use stitch markers generously to track your place, especially in rounds. If a section looks wrong, count your stitches before proceeding — catching an error early saves a lot of frogging later.
For this pattern, gauge is "18 sc x 20 rows = 4 inches in single crochet". For decorative or non-fitted items it's less critical, but matching gauge ensures you use the right amount of yarn and get the proportions the pattern intends. If your swatch is too small (too many stitches/inch), go up a hook size. Too large — go down.
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Gently squeeze out water; do not wring. Lay flat on a towel to dry. If needed, lightly steam the sunflower appliqué to restore shape after washing. Do not bleach. Suitable for grocery shopping, farmers markets, and everyday carry without lining. A general rule: when unsure about the yarn, hand wash in cool water with a drop of gentle detergent, squeeze (don't wring), and block flat to dry. This is safe for almost every fiber.
Each section builds on the last, so yes — follow them in order. That said, some finishing sections (like embellishments or optional edging) can be skipped if you prefer a simpler look. Read through all sections before starting so you understand how the pieces fit together and can plan your yarn usage across sections.
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