Introduction
The Sunburst Flower Bag is a lively and charming crochet accessory that brings together vintage flair and modern practicality. With a cascade of bold orange, warm yellow, and creamy white tones, this bag features overlapping flower motifs, each radiating with petals and bordered with textured ridges. The motifs are pieced together into a rounded yet roomy shape, topped with sturdy crochet handles that are both functional and decorative. The juxtaposition of vibrant colors creates eye-catching contrast, making this bag perfect for sunny outings, farmers markets, picnics, or simply adding a pop of retro style to your wardrobe.
Aside from its visual appeal, this project is an opportunity to practice and combine several motif crochet techniques, such as working in the round, shaping petals, and joining motifs seamlessly. The layered 3D texture of the petals, outlined with a subtle raised border, gives the bag a plush yet defined look. Whether you’re crafting this for personal use or as a heartfelt handmade gift, you’ll enjoy both the process and the finished product. Let your creativity shine with color combinations or use the step-by-step pattern below to recreate this striking flower bag.
Project Overview
The Sunburst Flower Bag is constructed from several individual flower motifs, each crocheted separately in three colors and then joined together. The motifs are assembled in a way that forms the rounded body of the bag, with some motifs serving as base and others building up the sides and top. The bag’s structure is enhanced by sturdy, crocheted handles, which are worked separately and attached securely. The assembly process involves strategically joining motifs at their edges to maintain the floral shapes and ensure strength. Decorative edging is worked last to give the bag a tidy, cohesive look.
Skill Level
This pattern is best suited to Intermediate crocheters. The project involves working in the round, color changes, shaping petals, joining motifs neatly, and creating sturdy handles. Some experience with motif assembly and changing colors is recommended for best results.
Materials
- Yarn: DK (Light Worsted/Size 3) weight yarn in three colors:
- Color A: Cream/Off-White – approx. 150g (about 315 yds/290m)
- Color B: Golden Yellow – approx. 120g (about 250 yds/230m)
- Color C: Tangerine Orange – approx. 120g (about 250 yds/230m)
- Crochet Hook: 4.0mm (G/6) hook (adjust size if you crochet tightly or loosely)
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing motifs together
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers: Useful for marking first stitch of rounds or key motif points
- Optional: Lining fabric and sewing needle/thread (if you wish to line the bag)
Finished Size
The finished bag is approximately 28 cm (11 inches) tall (excluding handles) and 27 cm (10.5 inches) wide. The diameter when opened fully is about 15 cm (6 inches) at the base. Handle length (from end to end) is approximately 36 cm (14 inches). If you want a larger or smaller bag, you can adjust the yarn weight, hook size, or create more/fewer flower motifs. Increasing hook size will result in a looser, larger bag; decreasing will make a denser, more compact one.
Gauge
Gauge is not absolutely critical, but for reference, one complete flower motif should measure about 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter after edging and light steam blocking. If your motifs are smaller or larger, the finished bag size will vary. Make adjustments as needed by changing hook size or yarn thickness to match the approximate motif size.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- MR: magic ring
- inc: increase (2 sts in same st)
- dec: decrease (next 2 sts worked together)
Pattern Notes
- Pattern is written using US crochet terminology.
- Chains at the beginning of rounds count as stitches only where specified.
- Flower motifs are worked in joined rounds. Always join with slip stitch to the first stitch (or top of beginning chain as indicated).
- Change colors as indicated at the end of rounds, fastening off and joining new yarn as needed.
- For neat color changes, finish the last stitch of the round before the change with the new color.
- Motif assembly is done with the right sides facing outward for a 3D floral effect.
- Use stitch markers to mark the first stitch of each round or the joining points between motifs to keep track.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Flower Motif (Make 14)
- Round 1 (with Color A – cream): Make a MR, ch 2 (does not count as a stitch here), work 12 dc into ring. Join with sl st to first dc. Fasten off. (12 sts)
- Round 2 (with Color C – orange): Join with sl st to any dc, ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same st, ch 1, (2 dc in next st, ch 1) around. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off. (12 2-dc clusters, 12 ch-1 spaces)
- Round 3 (with Color B – yellow): Join with sl st to any ch-1 space, ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same space, ch 1, (3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1) around. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Do not fasten off. (12 3-dc clusters, 12 ch-1 spaces)
- Round 4 (still with Color B – yellow, petals): *(Sc in next dc, hdc in next dc, dc and tr in next dc, ch 2, sl st in same st (tip of petal), dc and hdc in same dc, hdc in next dc, sc in next dc, sl st to next ch-1 space)* Repeat from * to * around for a total of 12 petals. Join, fasten off. (12 petals form, with each petal over 3 dc and separated by sl st)
- Round 5 (with Color A – cream, edging): Join with sl st to tip of any petal (ch-2 space), ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 space of petal tip, sc evenly down petal side (about 3 sc), sl st into dip between petals, continue around entire flower, join to first sc at beginning. Fasten off. Block lightly if desired. (Creates defined edging and pop to petals.)
Bag Assembly
Arrange the 14 motifs into the following configuration:
A “front” and “back” each consist of one central flower surrounded by 6 more, with slight overlapping of petals to create a rounded flower cluster shape. The remaining 2 motifs are used for joining at the sides/bottom to create depth.
- Lay down 7 motifs in a circle with one motif in the center and 6 around it, each motif overlapping petal edges with neighboring motifs. Use stitch markers to fix into place.
- Secure motifs by sewing or slip stitching together at touching petal edges using Color A (cream) and tapestry needle (or sl st with hook). Be careful to catch only the back loops of petal tips for a decorative, seamless join.
- Repeat for the other 7 motifs for the back side.
- Join front and back by aligning the sides and attaching with back loops of petals, leaving the top petals unjoined to form bag opening. Insert 2 additional motifs (the sides) between layers and join along the sides/bottom to add width and volume. Shape bag as you go, tacking petals in place for stability and aesthetic dimension.
Bag Handles (Make 2)
- With Color B (yellow):
- Ch 56 (approx. 36 cm / 14 in; adjust if longer/shorter handle desired), turn.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (55 sts)
- Rows 2–4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. (55 sts)
- Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Fold handle lengthwise and whip stitch long sides together for a sturdy, rounded handle or leave flat as preferred.
- Pin both handles to the inside of the assembled bag, about 6 cm (2.5 in) from the side seam on the uppermost motifs. Sew securely (using handle tails) onto the inside edge, reinforcing with several passes for durability.
Decorative Edging
- With Color A (cream):
- Work a round of sc evenly along the bag opening and handle bases. Join and fasten off. This will tidy up the edge and provide strength.
Assembly and Finishing
Once motifs are firmly joined and the handles are attached, weave in all loose yarn ends using the tapestry needle. Gently shape the bag, arranging the petals so they flare outward for a dimensional flower effect. Lightly steam block the motifs and the entire bag to help even stitches and set shape, but avoid over-blocking as you want the petals to stay puffy. If preferred, line the interior of the bag with lightweight fabric: cut a circle for the base and a rectangle for the sides, sewing them together and then to the inside of the crochet bag by hand. This increases strength and prevents stretching, especially if you’ll carry heavier items. Check all joins, handle security, and trim any yarn tails for a neat final appearance.
Customization Ideas
- Color Variations: Swap out orange and yellow for any two favorite hues for a seasonal or personalized look—try pink and lavender for spring, or navy and teal for a more understated style.
- Yarn Choices: Use cotton for a stiffer, more structured bag, or a soft acrylic for squishier petals. Change yarn weight and hook size to make the bag larger or smaller.
- Alternative Uses: Reduce the number of motifs for a coin purse, or increase and adjust motif joining for a larger tote. The flower motifs themselves also make lovely coasters or appliqués!
Troubleshooting
- Curling Motifs: If the motifs curl or cup excessively, block them gently with light steam or wet-blocking, laying flat and shaping as they dry.
- Uneven Edges: Make sure you have a consistent stitch count on all petals and along motif borders. When joining motifs, align petals so joins are not stretched or too bulky.
- Piece Too Large/Small: If your bag feels undersized or oversized compared to the sample, check your motif gauge. Adjust by using a different hook size or yarn weight. A larger hook makes a looser, bigger bag; a smaller hook gives a tighter, smaller one.
- Loose Color Changes: Always finish the last stitch before a color change with the new color for a crisp transition. Weave in loose ends securely to prevent unraveling.
- Uneven Tension: Practice making a few sample motifs to establish a consistent stitch size and tension. Block motifs to even out minor differences before assembly.
Care Instructions
Hand wash your crochet bag in cool water with a mild detergent, gently squeezing—not wringing—the fabric. Lay flat to dry, reshaping the petals and handles as needed. If lined with fabric, spot clean or wash gently to prevent distortion. Avoid machine washing or drying, as agitation can cause stretching or felting depending on yarn used.
Final Notes
Keep an eye on stitch counts throughout the project to ensure uniform motifs. Adjust your tension as needed to keep your finished bag matching the desired size. Use the photo as a visual reference for motif color placement and assembly order. Have fun experimenting with colors and let your creativity bloom as you bring this vibrant floral bag to life!
