Spring is the perfect season for a fresh crochet project, and this Lavender Dreams Flower Square Tote is just the thing to welcome warmer days. With its soft purple tones and dimensional daisies, it feels like a garden in bloom you can carry with you. Whether you’re heading to a farmers’ market or a spring picnic, this structured tote adds a handmade touch that’s both practical and beautiful.
Seasonal Styling Ideas
This tote’s lavender, blush pink, and periwinkle palette is a natural fit for spring and summer wardrobes. Pair it with a simple white dress or denim jacket for a fresh, effortless look. The bamboo handles and gold D-ring hardware give it a boutique feel, making it just as suitable for a day out as it is for a special occasion. If you’re crafting for a spring market or as a gift, consider adding a fabric lining in a coordinating floral print for an extra touch of charm.
Project Overview
The Lavender Dreams tote features a grid of dimensional flower squares, each with a raised puff stitch daisy at the center. The flowers are worked in two contrasting shades of purple and pink, set against a solid lavender background. The finished bag has a firm, structured silhouette that actually stands up on its own. What makes this design special is the construction technique. Each flower motif is worked in the round, then the squares are joined flat using a slip stitch join. You’ll assemble front and back panels, add side gussets for depth, finish with a top border, and attach bamboo handles with gold D-ring hardware. A zipper closure and fabric lining complete the professional look. Finished dimensions: approximately 13 inches wide by 11 inches tall by 2.5 inches deep, not including handles. Skill level: Intermediate. You should be comfortable working in the round, creating puff stitches, and doing basic finishing work like sewing in a zipper and inserting a fabric lining. Time estimate: approximately 25 to 35 hours for an average intermediate crocheter, not including blocking or lining time.
Materials
- Yarn: Color A (main body, square backgrounds, and border): approximately 550 yards of worsted weight cotton or cotton blend yarn in medium lavender. Color B (flower petals): approximately 160 yards of worsted weight cotton or cotton blend yarn in light pink lavender or soft mauve lilac. Color C (flower center): approximately 45 yards of worsted weight cotton or cotton blend yarn in dusty blue purple or periwinkle.
- Yarn suggestions that work beautifully:
- Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Lavender (Color A), Dusty Pink (Color B), and Periwinkle (Color C). This 100% mercerized cotton holds stitch definition beautifully.
- Paintbox Yarns Simply DK Cotton in Wisteria (Color A), Blush Pink (Color B), and Cornflower Blue (Color C).
- WeCrochet Dishie in Alfalfa (Color A), Begonia (Color B), and Sky (Color C).
- Important substitution note: Choose a yarn with low stretch and good stitch definition. Cotton or cotton linen blends work best for bags because they hold their shape. Avoid acrylic only yarns because the finished bag will be too soft and lose its structured silhouette.
- Hook: US size G-6 / 4.0 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Bamboo bag handles with gold D-ring attachment hardware, 1 pair (handle opening approximately 5 to 6 inches wide); 4 gold D-rings, 0.75 inch (19 mm); 14-inch nylon coil zipper in lavender or matching color; pre-cut cotton lining fabric: 2 pieces each 14 inches wide by 12 inches tall, plus 1 strip 3 inches wide by 40 inches long for gusset lining; sewing needle and thread to match lining; stitch markers (8 minimum); tapestry needle; scissors; blocking mat and pins.
Gauge and Finished Size
One completed flower square equals 3.25 inches by 3.25 inches after blocking, measured from outer edge to outer edge. Alternatively: 16 single crochet stitches by 20 rows equals 4 inches by 4 inches in single crochet with Color A and G-6 hook. Gauge is critical for this project. The bag dimensions depend directly on square size. If your square is larger than 3.25 inches, go down a half hook size. If smaller, go up a half hook size. Please make a test square before committing to all 35.
Abbreviations
- beg = beginning
- ch = chain
- ch-sp = chain space
- dc = double crochet
- MC = magic ring or magic circle
- ps = puff stitch
- rnd = round
- RS = right side
- sc = single crochet
- sk = skip
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- WS = wrong side
- yo = yarn over
Pattern Notes
- Each flower square is worked in the round with the right side always facing you. Do not turn between rounds.
- Total squares needed: 35 squares (12 front, 12 back, 4 left gusset, 4 right gusset, 3 bottom gusset).
- Color changes: fasten off and weave in ends after each color round unless otherwise instructed.
- All rounds begin with a standing stitch or a starting chain that counts as the first stitch, as specified.
Pattern Instructions
Flower Square Instructions (Make 35 Total)
Use Color C for Rounds 1 and 2. Use Color B for Rounds 3 and 4. Use Color A for Rounds 5 and 6.
Round 1 (Color C)
Make a magic ring. Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch now or ever in this pattern unless specified). Work 6 sc into the magic ring. Pull ring closed. Sl st to first sc to join. (6 sc)
Round 2 (Color C)
Chain 1. Work 2 sc into each sc around. Sl st to first sc to join. Fasten off Color C. (12 sc)
Round 3 (Color B)
Join Color B with a standing dc into any sc. Work 1 more dc into the same sc (2 dc in first st). [Work 2 dc into next sc] 11 times. Sl st to first standing dc to join. (24 dc)
Round 4 (Color B)
Chain 1. Working in front loops only for the entire round, [ps in next st, sl st in next st] 12 times. You will have 12 puff stitches and 12 slip stitches alternating around. Sl st to base of first ps to join. Fasten off Color B. (12 ps, 12 sl sts; 24 sts total in front loops)
Important note: Working in front loops only for Round 4 leaves the back loops of Round 3 free. Round 5 will be worked into those back loops. This is what creates the raised dimensional flower sitting forward from the background.
Round 5 (Color A)
Join Color A with a standing sc into any back loop of Round 3 stitches (behind the puff stitches). Work 1 sc into each remaining back loop of Round 3 around. Sl st to first sc to join. (24 sc)
Round 6 (Color A)
This round creates the square shape. Follow these steps exactly: Sl st into the 2nd sc of Round 5 to position at a grouping center. Chain 3.
Assembly
Hold two squares with wrong sides together, matching edges. Join Color A with a sl st through both corner ch-2 spaces simultaneously. Ch 1. [Insert hook through both corresponding dc stitches on each square, yo and draw through, yo and draw through 2 loops] across the side. Work 1 sc through both corner ch-2 spaces at the far end. Fasten off.
Assembly Order:
- Join front panel squares into 3 columns of 4. Join columns together to form the full front panel.
- Repeat for back panel.
- Join left side gusset squares into one column of 4.
- Repeat for right side gusset.
- Join bottom gusset squares into one row of 3.
- Join left gusset column to left edge of front panel.
- Join bottom gusset row to bottom edge of front panel.
- Join right gusset column to right edge of front panel.
- Join back panel to remaining open edges of gussets and bottom gusset, creating the 3-dimensional bag body.
After assembling, the bag should stand on its own on a flat surface.
D-Ring Handle Tabs (Make 4)
Each tab is a short rectangle that will fold through a D-ring. With Color A and G-6 hook: Foundation: Chain 7. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (6 sc) Rows 2 through 6: Chain 1. Sc in each sc across. Turn. (6 sc per row) After Row 6 do not fasten off. Fold tab in half so that Row 1 and Row 6 are aligned. Thread a D-ring onto the folded tab so it sits at the fold. Sl st through both Row 1 and Row 6 simultaneously across all 6 stitches to close the tab into a loop, securing the D-ring inside. Fasten off leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing.
Attaching Tabs and Handles
On the front panel top border, measure 3.5 inches in from each side seam. Place 2 tabs on the front, spaced 3 inches apart at center, so the D-rings face upward at the top edge. Repeat for the back panel. Using the tapestry needle and the long tail, sew each tab securely to the inside of the top border. Thread the bamboo handle’s attachment hardware through the corresponding 2 D-rings on each side.
Finishing and Blocking
Weave in all remaining ends securely. Wet block by submerging the completed bag in cool water, gently pressing out excess water in a towel, then shaping the bag on a blocking mat to the correct dimensions. Pin corners square and leave to dry completely away from direct sunlight.
Care Instructions
Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle inside a mesh laundry bag. Lay flat to dry. Do not place in dryer. Hand washing in cool water is preferred for longest life of the bamboo handles. Wipe bamboo handles with a slightly damp cloth only.
Tips
- To make a larger tote, add one more column of squares to the front and back panels (4 columns by 4 rows equals 16 squares per panel), and add 1 more square to each gusset column. Each additional square adds approximately 3.25 inches to the width or height.
- To make a smaller clutch version, use 2 columns by 3 rows for front and back panels (6 squares each), eliminate the gusset entirely, and seam the sides flat.
FAQs
Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?
This pattern is designed for worsted weight cotton or cotton blend yarn. Using a different weight will change the gauge and finished size, so you may need to adjust your hook size and square count accordingly.
How do I keep my puff stitches consistent?
The key is keeping the loops consistently tall and loose. If you pull them too tight, your puff won’t puff. Practice on a test square to get comfortable with the tension.
Can I skip the fabric lining?
While the lining is optional, it adds structure and a professional finish. It also helps protect the crochet stitches from wear and tear, especially if you plan to carry heavier items.
What if my gauge square is not exactly 3.25 inches?
Gauge is critical for this project. If your square is larger than 3.25 inches, go down a half hook size. If smaller, go up a half hook size. Always make a test square before committing to all 35.
How do I attach the bamboo handles securely?
Sew each tab to the inside of the top border using the long tail, making sure the D-rings face upward. Then thread the handle’s attachment hardware through the corresponding D-rings on each side.
Can I make this tote without the zipper?
Yes, you can omit the zipper for a simpler open tote. However, the zipper adds security and a polished look, especially if you plan to use the bag for everyday essentials.
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