Ideal for those with basic crocheting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.
A 10-12 hour project—great for savoring the process over several sessions.
An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.
This bag is the ultimate gift for anyone who appreciates a vintage aesthetic with a modern twist. Once finished, it's a sturdy, functional piece of art that looks just as good on your arm as it does on a display shelf.
I honestly couldn't stop making these squares once I started! There's something so satisfying about seeing the roses bloom as you add the leaf and border rounds. Plus, the way the squares fold into a 3D shape is like a little bit of crochet magic that makes the assembly so rewarding.
I remember the first time I saw a bag made from raffia; I was so intimidated by the material! It felt so different from the soft wools and cottons I was used to. But once I got into the rhythm of these rose squares, I realized how much character raffia adds to a design. It gives this bag a structure that you just can't get with other fibers.
When I was making mine, I found that the assembly phase was actually the most relaxing part. Seeing the flat diamond of squares suddenly pop into a 3D bag shape when you join those side seams is pure magic. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even play with the colors—imagine a field of yellow sunflowers or deep purple pansies instead of red roses!
One little tip from my craft room to yours: don't skimp on the hardware. Those metal handle holders and tiny bag feet really elevate the whole project from 'homemade' to 'professional boutique.' It’s those finishing touches that make you feel like a total pro when someone asks where you got it!
You're going to love how this romantic floral tote comes together! It's the perfect project for when you want to create something that looks incredibly intricate but is actually made of manageable pieces. I've designed this to be your go-to summer accessory, whether you're heading to the farmer's market or a sunny brunch date with friends.
start with ch 2, then work 6 sc into the second ch from hook. close with sl st to first sc and ch 1.
work 12 sc directly into the center hole of the ring. ch 1.
(ch 4, skip 3 stitches, sl st into the 4th stitch) repeat 3 times to create 3 arcs. tighten and trim your starting tail.
into each ch-4 arc work (ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, sl st in the previous round's sl st). repeat for all 3 arcs.
working behind the petals, (ch 4, sl st into the back 2 loops of the center dc of the petal, ch 4, sl st into the previous sl st) repeat 3 times to create 6 arcs.
into each of the 6 arcs work (1 sc, 3 dc, 1 sc, sl st into the sl st of the previous round).
ch 2, sl st into the back 2 loops of the center dc of a petal, (ch 4, sl st into the back 2 loops of the next petal's center dc) repeat 5 times, ch 4, skip first 2 ch and sl st into the start. (6 arcs total).
into each arc work (1 sc, 1 dc, 3 tr, 1 dc, 1 sc, sl st into the previous sl st). do not sl st the final petal; fasten off and hide the end.
using green yarn, attach with ch 4 (using 2 threads) to a petal center. sc in next petal center, ch 3, (2 dc together, ch 4, 2 dc together) in sl st between petals. ch 4, sc in 3rd petal center, ch 4, (2 dc together, ch 4, 2 dc together) in next sl st. ch 3, sc in 4th petal, ch 3, sc in 5th petal, ch 3, (2 dc together, ch 4, 2 dc together) in next sl st. ch 4, sc in 6th petal, ch 4, (2 dc together, ch 4, 2 dc together) in next sl st. ch 3, fasten off.
using background yarn, attach under an arc with ch 3 (2 threads). work 2 dc in same arc, 4 dc in next, 3 dc in next. in corner arc work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc). work 5 dc in each of next 2 arcs, then (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in corner. repeat pattern for other side: 3 dc, 4 dc, 3 dc, then corner (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc). work 5 dc in each of next 2 arcs, final corner (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc), and sl st to start. ch 1.
work 1 sc in every stitch around (16 sc per side). in each corner ch-space, work (2 sc, ch 2, 2 sc). fasten off and hide ends. steam the square to 12cm.
Arrange your 17 squares in a diamond-shaped grid as shown in the layout diagram.
join squares using sl st through both layers on the front side. use a double strand of yarn and work 22 sl st along each side to connect them.
once all squares are joined into a flat sheet, steam all the seams with an iron to flatten them out.
fold the joined canvas in half crosswise.
following the assembly arrows, connect the side parts using 22 sl st per square side. the resulting seam should create a three-sided pyramid shape.
place a rolled towel inside the bag and steam both side seams to set the shape.
attach yarn near a side seam. work split sc into each stitch. when you reach a corner arc of a square, work 9 dc into that space to create a handle anchor.
continue with split sc along the edges. at the junctions where squares meet, work 3 sc together. repeat the 9 dc shells at each of the four handle points.
work 1 sl st into every stitch of the previous row to provide a firm, finished edge. fasten off and hide ends.
begin with ch 2, then place 6 sc into the second ch from your hook. work in a continuous spiral.
work 1 sc into each of the 6 stitches.
work 6 sc, but insert your hook specifically into only the left-hand vertical leg of the sc from the previous round.
continue working 6 sc into the left vertical leg of the stitches until the handle measures approximately 50 cm. stretch the cord well, then fasten off and hide the tails.
pass the 9-dc shells through the handle holders. insert handle ends into the holders and secure them tightly with the screwdriver and bolts. use a drop of polish to lock the screws.
screw two decorative legs into the bag near each of the four handle holders.
cut your fabric to match the bag's flat shape. sew the side seams, hem the top edge by 5mm, and pin it inside the bag.
sew the lining to the bag using hidden stitches around the top edge. steam the final seams through a damp cloth if needed.
You've done it! There is nothing quite like the feeling of carrying a bag you made with your own two hands, especially one as stunning as this. This rose garden tote is bound to be a conversation starter every time you take it out. I hope you enjoyed every stitch of those seventeen squares and that this bag accompanies you on many sunny adventures. Don't forget to show off your finished masterpiece to your fellow makers—you've earned those bragging rights! Happy crocheting! 🧶✨🌹
Absolutely! Cotton yarn will give the bag a softer, more draped look. Just be sure to check your gauge, as you might need to adjust your hook size to keep the squares at 12cm.
The 'left leg' technique used in this pattern creates a very dense cord, but for extra security, you can crochet over a length of nylon rope or cotton cord hidden inside.
When steaming, avoid pressing the iron directly onto the rose centers. Use the tip of your finger to pull the petals forward while the yarn is still warm from the steam.
Since raffia can be slightly abrasive and the granny square join has small gaps, a lining protects your belongings and helps the bag maintain its structural shape over time.
