Bright sunshine yellow stripes and fluffy daisy flowers—this tote is pure happy energy. It looks like something you would spot in a high-end shop, yet it works up faster than most bags with this much personality. The dimensional daisies are the real stars, and once you make two or three they become pure muscle memory. Ready to crochet something cheerful that actually holds your stuff?
Why You Will Love This Crochet Tote Bag Pattern
This pattern hits that sweet spot between impressive results and manageable construction. The main body is just single crochet (sc) worked in the round, which means no complicated stitch patterns to memorize. Single crochet is simply inserting your hook into a stitch, yarning over, pulling up a loop, yarning over again, and pulling through both loops on your hook. That is it!
The magic happens with the color changes and those gorgeous three dimensional daisy puff flowers. You get visual interest from the stripe sequence without any confusing colorwork techniques. The flowers are made separately and sewn on afterward, so you can work at your own pace without worrying about messing up the bag structure.
The finished tote measures approximately 14 inches wide by 13 inches tall by 5 inches deep, which is roomy enough for all your daily essentials. Think water bottle, book, wallet, phone, and still room to spare. The shoulder length handles add about 11 inches of drop, making it comfortable to carry over your shoulder or in the crook of your arm.
Materials You Will Need
Gather these supplies before you start. Having everything ready makes the process so much smoother.
Yarn:
- Yarn A (Light Yellow): approximately 400 yards of worsted weight yarn
- Yarn B (Golden Mustard): approximately 350 yards of worsted weight yarn
Hooks:
- US size J-10 (6.0 mm) crochet hook for bag body and handles
- US size I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook for daisy flowers (optional, for tighter flower centers)
Notions:
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends and attaching flowers
- Stitch markers, at least 4
- Scissors
- Optional: thin plastic canvas or cardboard cut to 13.5 inches by 4.5 inches for base stiffening
- Optional: 14 inch by 13 inch fabric lining and sewing supplies
Yarn Suggestions That Work Beautifully
Any worsted weight yarn (weight category 4) that achieves gauge will work wonderfully. Here are three options I recommend:
- Lion Brand Pound of Love in Buttercup and Mustard gives you excellent stitch definition and is machine washable. The daisy puffs sit cleanly on the surface with this yarn.
- Paintbox Yarns Simply Worsted in Vanilla Cream and Mustard Yellow produces a smooth, consistent fabric with tidy color changes.
- Caron Simply Soft in Sunshine and Autumn Maize creates a softer, drapier tote if you prefer less structure.
Quick tip: avoid yarns with high stretch content because they can cause the bag walls to sag when you load it up with your stuff. Cotton or cotton blend yarns produce a stiffer result and work great for heavy duty totes.
Gauge Information
Getting gauge right matters for this project because it affects the final size and how well any optional lining will fit.
With J-10 hook and single crochet worked in the round:
14 stitches and 16 rounds equal 4 inches by 4 inches (10 cm by 10 cm)
To make a gauge swatch: Chain (ch) 20. Single crochet in second chain from hook and in each chain across. (19 sc) Turn. Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across for 20 rows. Block lightly and measure the center 4 inches by 4 inches. Adjust your hook size if needed.
A tighter gauge gives you a smaller, stiffer bag. A looser gauge gives you a larger, drapier bag. Either can be lovely depending on your preference!
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
Let me break down every abbreviation you will encounter in this crochet tutorial:
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch (insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook in one motion)
- sc: single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
- sc2tog: single crochet two stitches together, which is a decrease
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- BLO: back loop only
- FLO: front loop only
- sp: space
- rep: repeat
- rem: remaining
- beg: beginning
- approx: approximately
- yo: yarn over
- MR: magic ring (an adjustable loop that closes completely when pulled)
Special Stitch: The Daisy Puff Flower
This is the star of the show! Each flower creates a small dimensional bloom with a center ring and six rounded petals. Do not let the length of these instructions intimidate you. Once you make two or three, your hands will know exactly what to do.
- Using the I-9 hook (or J-10 if preferred) and Yarn B (or Yarn A for the center flower band), make a magic ring.
- Chain 1. Work 6 single crochet into the magic ring. Pull the tail to close the ring. (6 sc)
- Slip stitch into the first sc to join. This is your flower center.
- To make the first petal, chain 1. Insert hook into the same stitch as the join. Yarn over and pull up a loop to approximately 3/4 inch in height. (2 loops on hook.) Insert hook into the same stitch again. Yarn over and pull up another loop to the same height. (3 loops on hook.) Insert hook into the same stitch a third time. Yarn over and pull up a third loop to the same height. (4 loops on hook.) Yarn over and draw through all 4 loops on hook. Chain 1 to close the petal. This forms one puff petal.
- Slip stitch into the next sc of the center ring.
- Repeat Steps 4 and 5 five more times, working one puff petal into each of the remaining 5 sc of the center ring. (6 petals total)
- Slip stitch into the base of the first petal to close the flower. Fasten off, leaving a 10 inch tail for sewing.
Each finished flower measures approximately 1.25 inches in diameter.
Important Pattern Notes Before You Begin
Read through these tips before you start crocheting. They will save you confusion later!
- The bag body is worked in continuous rounds from the bottom up. Do not join at the end of each round unless instructed. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round and move it up as you work.
- Color changes are made at the end of the last stitch before the new color begins. Work the last single crochet of the old color until 2 loops remain on the hook, then yarn over with the new color and pull through both loops.
- All flower motifs are worked separately and sewn onto the finished bag body. They are not crocheted into the fabric.
- The bag is worked with the right side facing outward throughout. The smooth V of each single crochet stitch should face outward.
Step by Step Crochet Pattern Instructions
Section 1: Oval Base
The base is worked flat in joined rounds, expanding outward to form an oval measuring approximately 13.5 inches by 4.5 inches.
With Yarn A and J-10 hook, chain 20.
Round 1: Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each of the next 17 chains. (18 sc along the top.) Work 3 sc into the last chain (this is the first curved end). Now working along the underside of the foundation chain, single crochet in each of the next 17 chains. Work 2 sc into the same stitch as the first sc of the round (this is the second curved end). Place marker in first stitch. Join with slip stitch to first sc. (40 sc)
Round 2: Chain 1. Single crochet in the first stitch. Single crochet in each of the next 17 stitches. Work 2 sc in each of the next 3 stitches (the three stitches at the first curved end). Single crochet in each of the next 17 stitches. Work 2 sc in each of the next 2 stitches (the two stitches at the second curved end). Join with slip stitch to first sc. (46 sc)
Continue increasing through Round 6 until you reach 70 sc. Fasten off Yarn A.
Checkpoint: Your oval base should measure approximately 13.5 inches by 4.5 inches. It should lie flat without buckling or cupping.
Section 2: Bag Body
The body is worked in continuous rounds from the top of the base upward. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of Round 1 and move it up each round.
All rounds: Single crochet in each stitch around unless otherwise stated. (70 sc each round)
Stripe and color sequence for the bag body:
- Rounds 1–6: Yarn A (light yellow)
- Rounds 7–10: Yarn B (golden mustard)
- Rounds 11–14: Yarn A
- Rounds 15–18: Yarn B
- Rounds 19–24: Yarn A
- Rounds 25–28: Yarn B
- Rounds 29–34: Yarn A
- Rounds 35–38: Yarn B
- Rounds 39–44: Yarn A
- Rounds 45–48: Yarn B
- Rounds 49–52: Yarn A
Total body rounds: 52 rounds. Total body height: approximately 13 inches based on gauge.
After Round 52, slip stitch into the next stitch to close the final round neatly. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Section 3: Top Edging
With Yarn B and J-10 hook, join yarn to any stitch at the top opening.
Round 1: Single crochet in each stitch around the top opening. Join with slip stitch. (70 sc)
Round 2: Chain 1. Single crochet in each stitch around. Join with slip stitch. (70 sc)
Fasten off Yarn B. Weave in ends.
Section 4: Handles (Make 2)
Each handle is worked as a flat strip, then folded lengthwise and seamed to form a firm rounded cord.
With Yarn B and J-10 hook, chain 7.
Row 1: Single crochet in second chain from hook and in each chain across. Turn. (6 sc)
Row 2: Chain 1. Single crochet in each stitch across. Turn. (6 sc)
Repeat Row 2 until the strip measures 24 inches. Fasten off, leaving a 24 inch tail for seaming and attachment.
Fold the strip in half lengthwise and slip stitch or whip stitch the long open edge closed. Attach the handles to the inside of the top edge, spacing them evenly for comfortable carrying.
Sew the daisy puff flowers onto the finished body in a cheerful stripe pattern across the mustard bands. Use the long tails to secure each bloom firmly.
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FAQ’s
Are the daisy flowers hard to make?
Not once you do a couple. The puff petal looks fancy but is just three tall loops pulled through together. After the second flower your hands take over and they fly off the hook.
Can I skip the flowers?
You can, but why would you? They are the whole personality of this bag. If you want a cleaner look, make fewer of them or place them only on the front panel.
Will the bag stretch out?
It depends on your yarn. Cotton or a cotton-blend stays firmer. Acrylic can relax more, so a base insert helps keep the bottom flat and the walls upright.
How many daisy flowers do I need?
Plan for 12 to 16 flowers depending on how dense you want the stripe. Make a few extras so you can play with placement before sewing them down permanently.
Do I have to use two yellow shades?
Nope. The light-and-mustard combo looks sunny and classic, but any two high-contrast colors work. Try cream and coral, or soft gray and bright teal for a different vibe.
Is lining required?
Optional but smart if you carry small items or want extra structure. A simple fabric pouch sewn just below the top edge keeps everything secure and polished.
Final Thoughts
This Sunshine Yellow Daisy Stripe Tote is pure joy in bag form. The stripes keep the body simple and fast, while the fluffy daisies give it that handmade wow factor everyone notices. You end up with a roomy, cheerful tote that works for markets, projects, or just brightening up an ordinary day.
Once those first few flowers click, the rest of the project feels almost effortless. Grab your two yellows, make a couple of practice daisies, and start the base. You’ll be carrying sunshine around in no time.
