Introduction
Brighten your day with a stunning crochet sunflower bag—a delightful accessory perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you want to add a pop of cheerful color to your outfit. The bag features a warm, earthy brown base, creamy white body, and is adorned with large, vibrant 3D sunflower appliqués complete with petals and textured leaves. Smaller daisies and delicate crochet embellishments add further dimension and whimsy to the design, while a scalloped edging and sturdy crocheted handles finish off the look. This project stands out for its visual warmth, durability, and attention to textural detail, making it both beautiful and practical for everyday use or as a statement piece. Whether filled with market finds or personal essentials, this bag guarantees compliments wherever you go—and is a joy to create for gift-giving or personal use.
Project Overview
The sunflower bag is constructed in several parts: the base and body are worked in the round, building upward from the bottom; two handles are crocheted separately and attached at the end. The sunflower and daisy appliqués, plus the textured leaves and additional flower accents, are made individually and sewn onto the body. The scalloped edge is created as a decorative border once the main bag shape is complete. The bag features a simple drawstring closure created with a crocheted cord, threaded through eyelets near the top.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This project combines several techniques: working in the round, joining new colors, shaping for the bag and handles, and making detailed appliqués. The pattern is suitable for advanced beginners eager to learn new skills, as well as more experienced crocheters.
Materials
- Yarn: Bulky weight (category 5) cotton or cotton-blend yarn for structure. Approximate amounts:
- Brown: 100g (main sunflower centers, base)
- Yellow: 100g (petals, border, handles)
- Cream/Off-white: 150g (body, drawstring, small daisies)
- Green: 80g (leaves and stems)
- Small amounts of white and yellow for daisy appliqués
- Crochet hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) for main bag, 4.0 mm (G-6) for appliqués and border
- Tapestry needle (for sewing pieces and weaving ends)
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
- Optional: Keychain clasp and pearl bead charm for bag accent
Finished Size
Finished bag measures approximately 25 cm (10 inches) wide, 18 cm (7 inches) high, and 8 cm (3 inches) deep, excluding handles. Handles add about 15 cm (6 inches) to the height when upright. Adjust width or depth by increasing/decreasing base rounds. Make handles longer or shorter as desired by adding or subtracting rows.
Gauge
Gauge for main bag: 13 sc x 14 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) using 5 mm hook and bulky cotton yarn. Gauge is not critical but affects finished dimensions and stitch count. For appliqués, work at a firm tension so they keep their shape.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch—chain
- sc—single crochet
- hdc—half double crochet
- dc—double crochet
- tr—treble crochet
- sl st—slip stitch
- MR—magic ring
- inc—increase (2 sc in one st)
- dec—decrease (sc2tog)
- RS—right side
- WS—wrong side
Pattern Notes
- Chains at the beginning of rounds do not count as stitches unless specified.
- Most pieces are worked in the round unless otherwise noted.
- Mark the first stitch of each round with a marker to keep track of your start point.
- Change colors at the last yarn over of the previous stitch for a neater look.
- Keep right side of bag and appliqués facing outward for best visual effect.
- Handles are made as tubes for strength and comfort.
- Sew flowers and leaves firmly to bag using matching yarn and tapestry needle.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Base
- With brown yarn and 5 mm hook, make a MR. Ch 1, work 6 sc into ring. Join with sl st to first sc (6 sts).
- Ch 1. 2 sc in each st around. Join. (12 sts)
- Ch 1. [1 sc, inc] around. Join. (18 sts)
- Ch 1. [2 sc, inc] around. Join. (24 sts)
- Continue increasing 6 sts in each round ([number sc, inc] around) until base measures approx. 8 cm (3 in) across or desired width, finishing with a stitch count close to a multiple of 6 for symmetry.
- Ch 1. Sc in each st around without increasing for 3-4 rounds to build up the sides of the bag base.
Bag Body
- Change to cream yarn. Work sc in each st around in back loops only for one round (creates a visible edge). (Stitch count remains the same as base.)
- Continue working sc in each st around, joining each round with a sl st and ch 1 to start new rounds. Work 12-15 more rounds in cream to desired height, checking fabric height against finished bag measurement.
Scalloped Edging
- Switch to yellow yarn; do not fasten off cream.
- [Skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, sl st in next st]—repeat around. Adjust repeat as necessary to fit stitch count evenly. Join and fasten off. Weave in end.
Handles (Make 2)
- With yellow yarn and 5 mm hook, ch 48 (or desired handle length for your bag).
- Join into a ring without twisting.
- Work 1 sc in each ch around. Join. (48 sts)
- Continue working sc in each st around for 4 more rounds to form a thick tubular handle. Sl st in next st, fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.
Sunflower Appliqué (Make 1 Large, 1-2 Medium, 2 Small)
Sunflower Center
- With brown yarn and 4 mm hook, MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, join. (6 sts)
- Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join. (12 sts)
- Ch 1, [1 sc, inc] around. Join. (18 sts)
- Ch 1, [2 sc, inc] around. Join. (24 sts) For the largest sunflower, add another round: [3 sc, inc] around. Fasten off, leaving tail to sew to bag.
Sunflower Petals
- Attach yellow to any stitch on center. *Ch 7, turn, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, hdc in next 2, dc in next 2, sl st into next st on center* to start petal.
- Repeat from * to * around center to create 12-16 petals, adjusting petal size or number for medium and small flowers.
- Fasten off, shape and slightly curve petals outward by hand.
Leaf Appliqué (Make 5-8)
- With green yarn and 4 mm hook, ch 10.
- Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in each of next 5 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch. (9 sts)
- Ch 2, rotate to work along the bottom of the foundation chain: sc, hdc, dc in next 5, hdc, sc to return to start. (9 sts)
- Sl st to first sc to join. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Gently pinch and fold leaves for realism.
Daisy Appliqué (Make 5-8)
- With yellow, MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring. Join. Fasten off, switch to white. (6 sts)
- Join white, [ch 4, sl st in same st] to form one petal. Repeat in each stitch for 6 petals. Fasten off.
Drawstring Closure
- With cream yarn, ch 70 (or to fit the bag top circumference).
- Sl st in each ch across for a sturdy cord. Fasten off.
- Thread string through a round of eyelet spaces near the bag top (skip every 4th or 5th sc to create eyelets if desired).
- Optional: Decorate ends with crocheted balls (6 sc in MR, next round 2 sc in each st, next 1 sc in each st for 2-3 rounds, dec around to close) or with daisy appliqués and tie securely.
Assembly and Finishing
- Position the handles evenly at the top edges of the bag, spaced equally from the sides. Sew securely to inside of bag with tight whip stitches using yellow yarn.
- Arrange the largest sunflower on the front center of the bag. Pin in place and sew around the center and at the base of a few petals for security.
- Add medium and small sunflowers at pleasing, slightly overlapping angles, securing centers and petal tips as desired.
- Sew leaves individually under or around each sunflower and at edges for a natural effect.
- Attach daisies and extra embellishments along the bag body, handles, or drawstring ends.
- If using a keychain clasp and bead charm, fasten to bag handle at one side.
- Weave in all loose ends inside the bag. Shape and flatten flowers and leaves gently with fingers.
- To enhance shape, stuff bag lightly and steam block (optional) keeping appliqués dry if using glue or delicate yarns.
Customization Ideas
- Change sunflower colors for fantasy flowers or a softer palette (blush, coral, lavender petals; blue-green leaves; white center).
- Swap yarn for a lighter weight cotton/acrylic if you want a more delicate, summery bag; use fewer increases for base and fewer petals for smaller appliqués.
- Add a zipper closure or fabric lining for structural support and extra security.
- Embellish with beads, buttons, or embroidery for even more texture and personality.
- Use this pattern to make wall décor, pillow covers, or a crossbody style by altering handle length and bag shape.
Troubleshooting
- If the base curls up tightly, your tension may be too tight. Switch to a larger hook or loosen up stitches.
- Bag edges wavy or uneven? Count stitches at the end of each round and avoid adding or losing stitches, especially at joins. Mark round beginnings consistently.
- If the finished bag is too small, try using a thicker yarn or a larger hook; too big, try thinner yarn or tighter tension.
- Loose color changes can cause visible gaps—change colors at the very last yarn over of the previous stitch, pull new color snug, and weave in ends carefully.
- Uneven petals or leaves? Block them gently or reshape by hand; if curling persists, add a row of sc around edges for stability.
- If appliqués sag, sew them in several spots—not just at the center—to keep them flat and secure.
Care Instructions
Hand wash bag gently in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry on a towel, reshaping bag and appliqués as needed. Avoid wringing or twisting to keep appliqués looking crisp. For stubborn wrinkles, steam lightly while reshaping (avoid direct contact with iron or steam if using acrylic yarn). Store bag flat or stuffed to preserve shape.
Final Notes
Take time with each section to ensure all stitch counts match for a neat, symmetric bag. Adjust your tension if the bag starts to pucker or stretch. Use the image as a style and color guide, but let your creativity shine with your own color combos and flower arrangements. Have fun creating this joyful sunflower bag—each one will be a unique, handmade work of art!
