Made and counted by Wren —

Sunflower granny square tote with join-as-you-go panels

6.0mm hook, worsted weight yarn: 32 granny squares join into a 14-inch sunflower tote with handles.

IntermediateLevel

12-18 hoursTime

6.0 mmHook

WorstedYarn

Jump to the pattern

About this pattern

This tote joins 32 granny squares (3.5 inches each after blocking) into two 14 by 14 inch panels using a single crochet join-as-you-go method on Round 4. Two whipstitched handles (10 by 0.75 inches) bring total height to 24 inches. A 6-round sunflower charm and tassel finish it. Time: 12 to 18 hours for an intermediate crocheter, up to 24 for a newer one.

Thirty-two granny squares, each 3.5 inches square after light blocking with the J hook, join into two 14 by 14 inch panels for this tote. Round 4 of each square is worked as join-as-you-go: chain-2 corners and chain-1 sides get replaced with single crochet joins into the previous square's spaces, producing a flat seam on the right side. Two folded, whipstitched handles bring total height to 24 inches. A six-round sunflower charm in Color D and E finishes the front panel.

Skill Level: Intermediate. Finished Size: bag body measures approximately 14 inches wide by 14 inches tall, not including handles; handle drop is approximately 10 inches from the top edge; total height with handles is approximately 24 inches. Time Estimate: 12 to 18 hours for an experienced intermediate crocheter, up to 24 hours if newer to this skill level.

The pattern

Written out round by round

Materials

Lion Brand Pound of Love in Cream, Goldenrod, and Burnt Orange works beautifully here. It is machine washable, widely available, and gives excellent stitch definition for granny squares.
Paintbox Yarns Simply Worsted in Vanilla Cream, Mustard Yellow, and Terracotta offers a clean color palette that closely matches the autumn tonal graduation shown.
Cascade 220 Superwash in natural, golden yellow, and pumpkin provides a premium feel with great stitch definition.
Avoid overly soft or slippery yarns like bamboo blends for the bag body. They will cause your squares to sag over time.

Yarn (Worsted Weight)

Color A (Cream): 300 yards
Color B (Golden Mustard): 300 yards
Color C (Burnt Orange): 200 yards
Color D (Bright Yellow): 50 yards for sunflower petals
Color E (Dark Brown): 20 yards for sunflower center
Color F (Green): 15 yards for leaf
Color G (Orange): 15 yards for tassel

Hooks

US size J (6.0 mm) for bag body and handles
US size I (5.5 mm) for sunflower and leaf

Notions

Tapestry needle
Scissors
4 stitch markers
One locking stitch marker or small carabiner clip for attaching charm

Optional

1 yard fabric for lining and sewing supplies

Abbreviations

ch = chain (wrap yarn over hook and pull through the loop on your hook)
ch-sp = chain space (the gap created by a chain in the previous row)
dc = double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops twice)
sc = single crochet (insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over and pull through both loops)
sl st = slip stitch (insert hook, pull yarn through stitch and loop on hook in one motion)
hdc = half double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops)
st(s) = stitch(es)
sp(s) = space(s)
RS = right side
WS = wrong side
yo = yarn over
FO = fasten off
FSC = foundation single crochet
JAYG = join as you go
rep = repeat
beg = beginning

The Granny Square

This is your core motif. Each square is worked in 4 rounds with the right side always facing you.

Round 1Make a magic ring or chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring. Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet). Work 2 double crochet into the ring, chain 2. Repeat [3 double crochet into ring, chain 2] three more times. Join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. Fasten off. You now have 4 clusters of 3 double crochet and 4 chain 2 corner spaces.

Round 2Join new color in any chain 2 corner space. Chain 3, work 2 double crochet in same space, chain 1. Repeat [work 3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet in next corner chain 2 space, chain 1] three times. Work 3 double crochet in beginning corner space, chain 2, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. Fasten off. (8 clusters total, 4 corner spaces, 4 side spaces)

Round 3Join new color in any chain 2 corner space. Chain 3, work 2 double crochet in same space, chain 1. Repeat [3 double crochet in next chain 1 space, chain 1, work 3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet in next corner chain 2 space, chain 1] three times. Work 3 double crochet in next chain 1 space, chain 1, work 3 double crochet in beginning corner space, chain 2, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. Fasten off. (12 clusters total, 4 corner spaces, 8 side spaces)

Round 4Same principle as Round 3, adding one more cluster on each side. Chain 3, work 2 double crochet in same corner space, chain 1. Repeat [3 double crochet in next chain 1 space, chain 1, 3 double crochet in next chain 1 space, chain 1, work 3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet in next corner chain 2 space, chain 1] three times. Work 3 double crochet in next chain 1 space, chain 1, 3 double crochet in next chain 1 space, chain 1, work 3 double crochet in beginning corner space, chain 2, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. Fasten off if working squares separately. (16 clusters total, 4 corner spaces, 12 side spaces)

JAYG Method Join As You Go (JAYG) Method: When working Round 4 of a new square next to a completed square, you will replace chains with single crochet joins. For a chain 2 corner replacement: Chain 1, single crochet into the corresponding corner chain 2 space of the adjacent finished square, chain 1. For a chain 1 side replacement: Single crochet into the corresponding chain 1 space of the adjacent finished square with no additional chains. This creates a flat, nearly invisible join on the right side.

Section 6: Handles (Make 2)

With Color A and hook J, work foundation single crochet for 82 stitches. (82 FSC)

FSC Technique Foundation Single Crochet (FSC) creates a stretchable, sturdy starting edge for your handles. Step by step: make a slip knot and chain 2; insert hook into second chain from hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through first loop only (this creates the chain stitch), yarn over, pull through both remaining loops (this creates the single crochet) - you have made 1 foundation single crochet; for each additional stitch, insert hook under the 2 loops of the chain just created at the base of the previous stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through first loop only, yarn over, pull through both remaining loops.

Row 1(RS): Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each foundation single crochet across. (82 sc)

Rows 2–6Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each single crochet across. (82 sc)Fasten off, leaving a 24 inch tail for seaming.Fold the handle strip in half lengthwise with wrong sides facing inward. Using the long tail and tapestry needle, whipstitch along the long open edge to close the tube. The handle is now approximately 10 inches long by 0.75 inches wide.Repeat for the second handle.Handle Attachment: Position one handle on the front of the bag. Place one end approximately 3.5 inches from the right top edge and the other end approximately 3.5 inches from the left top edge. Ends should overlap the inside top edge by approximately 1.5 inches. Sew each handle end securely with a box stitch (sew a rectangle then an X across it) for maximum durability.Repeat for the back handle.

Section 7: Sunflower Charm

Sunflower Center: With hook I and Color E (Dark Brown).

Round 1Make a magic ring. Chain 1, work 6 single crochet into ring. Pull ring closed tight. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. (6 sc)

Round 2Chain 1, work 2 single crochet in each single crochet around. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. (12 sc)

Round 3Chain 1, [single crochet in next single crochet, 2 single crochet in next single crochet] 6 times. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. (18 sc)

Round 4Chain 1, [single crochet in next 2 single crochet, 2 single crochet in next single crochet] 6 times. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. (24 sc)

Round 5Chain 1, [single crochet in next 3 single crochet, 2 single crochet in next single crochet] 6 times. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. (30 sc) Fasten off Color E, leaving a 12 inch tail.Sunflower Petals: Join Color D (Bright Yellow) in any single crochet of Round 5.Petal Round: [Chain 4, work 4 double crochet in the 4th chain from hook creating a petal bobble, slip stitch back into the same single crochet on the center disk, slip stitch into the next single crochet] 15 times, ending with a final slip stitch into the single crochet at the base of the first petal. (15 petals) Fasten off Color D.Sunflower Leaf: With Color F (Green) and hook I, chain 12.

Leaf Row 1Starting in 2nd chain from hook, single crochet in next 3 chains, half double crochet in next 3 chains, double crochet in next 3 chains, 5 double crochet in last chain (this is the tip of the leaf). Working back along the other side of the foundation chain: double crochet in next 3 chains, half double crochet in next 3 chains, single crochet in next 3 chains, slip stitch in last chain. Fasten off, leaving an 8 inch tail.Charm Assembly Loop: With Color D and hook I, chain 20. Join with slip stitch to form a ring. Work 20 single crochet around the ring. (20 sc) Fasten off leaving a 6 inch tail.Assembly: Fold the loop in half and sew the folded end to the back of the sunflower center near the top. Sew the leaf to the back lower area of the sunflower so it extends below and slightly to one side.

Section 1: Making Your Granny Squares (Make 32 Total)

You will make four groups of squares with different color combinations: Group 1 (Top Band): Make 8 squares using Color A for all 4 rounds.

Group 2 (Second Band): Make 8 squares using Color A for Round 1, then Color B for Rounds 2, 3, and 4.

Group 3 (Third Band): Make 8 squares using Color B for all 4 rounds.

Group 4 (Bottom Band): Make 8 squares using Color B for Round 1, then Color C for Rounds 2, 3, and 4.

Complete each square through Round 3 only. Leave Round 4 unworked until the assembly step.

Checkpoint: You should have 32 squares, each measuring approximately 2.75 inches after Round 3. They will grow to 3.5 inches after the final joining round.

Section 2: Assembling Panel 1 (Front Panel)

Lay out 16 squares in a 4 column by 4 row arrangement: Row 1 (top): 4 squares from Group 1 (Cream)

Row 2: 4 squares from Group 2 (Cream center with Mustard body)

Row 3: 4 squares from Group 3 (Mustard)

Row 4 (bottom): 4 squares from Group 4 (Mustard center with Orange body) Work Round 4 on each square using the JAYG method. Start with the upper left square, working Round 4 with no joins since it has no neighbors yet. Then work the square to its right, joining along their shared left edge. Continue across Row 1, then work Rows 2 through 4, joining to squares above and beside as you go.

Checkpoint: Panel 1 should measure approximately 14 inches wide by 14 inches tall.

Section 3: Assembling Panel 2 (Back Panel)

Repeat Section 2 exactly for the back panel using the same color arrangement.

Checkpoint: Both panels should match within 0.25 inches.

Section 8: Tassel

Cut 20 strands of Color G (Orange), each 12 inches long. Hold all strands together and fold in half. Cut a separate 18 inch strand of Color G. Using this separate strand, tie the bundle tightly approximately 1 inch below the fold point. Wrap the tying strand around the bundle 4 to 5 times and knot securely. Trim tassel ends evenly. Finished tassel measures approximately 4 inches long.

Attach the tassel to the bottom of the sunflower by threading the tie thread through several stitches at the back of the center disk and knotting securely.

Loop the charm over one handle strap.

Assembly

Step 1Weave in all remaining yarn ends. Submerge the completed bag in cool water for 10 minutes, then gently squeeze out water without wringing. Roll in a clean towel to remove excess moisture. Shape the bag to finished dimensions on a blocking board, pinning the top opening straight. Allow to dry completely for at least 24 hours.

Step 2The sunflower charm does not require blocking. If petals curl, lightly mist with water and reshape by hand while damp.

Tester's notes

32 squares total split evenly across two 14 by 14 inch panels; keep a running tally so Panel 1 and Panel 2 match in count before assembly starts.

4 stitch markers mark the corner chain-2 spaces on the working square during Round 4 joins, preventing a missed corner when working single crochet into the adjacent square's space.

Colors change at the start of each round on the granny square, Rounds 1 through 4 each fasten off and rejoin, so weave in per round rather than carrying yarn up the side.

82 foundation single crochet stitches set the handle length; count them before Row 1, since a short foundation row shortens the finished 10-inch handle.

At a glance

Rounds	12
Parts	7
Level	Intermediate
Time	12-18 hours
Hook	6.0 mm
Yarn	Worsted

Gauge check

One completed granny square should measure 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches after light blocking using the J hook. After Round 4, block one square flat and measure to confirm.

Stitch-count checkpoints

Section 6: Handles (Make 2) · Row 1: 82 sts
Section 6: Handles (Make 2) · Rows 2–6: 82 sts
Section 7: Sunflower Charm · Round 1: 6 sts
Section 7: Sunflower Charm · Round 2: 12 sts
Section 7: Sunflower Charm · Round 3: 18 sts
Section 7: Sunflower Charm · Round 4: 24 sts

If something looks wrong

The square cups instead of lying flat after Round 4.: Round 4 clusters (16 total: 4 corners, 12 sides) were pulled too tight, usually at the chain-1 side spaces. Loosen tension on the chain-1 and chain-2 spaces and re-block to 3.5 by 3.5 inches.
The join-as-you-go seam puckers on the: The single crochet join was worked tighter than a regular stitch into the corresponding chain-2 or chain-1 space of the finished square. Match tension to a normal stitch and confirm the chain-1s framing each chain-2 corner replacement are still present.
The handle twists when folded for whipstitching.: The 82-stitch foundation row was worked with uneven tension across its length. Lay the strip flat, pin every few inches along the fold, then whipstitch the long edge closed.
Panel 1 and Panel 2 come out different sizes at 14 inches.: One panel used squares blocked slightly off from 3.5 by 3.5 inches. Re-block any outlier squares to the same 3.5-inch measurement before joining the panel's final row.

Yarn substitutions

Cotton, worsted weight	Firmer stitch definition on the granny squares and less give in the chain-1 and chain-2 spaces, so join-as-you-go seams sit flatter; keep the J (6.0mm) hook.
Acrylic, worsted weight	Lighter overall bag weight and more stretch in the fabric, so block panels to 14 by 14 inches carefully to avoid overstretching; hook size stays the same.
Wool-blend, worsted weight	More structure in hand than acrylic, softer drape than cotton; drop to the I (5.5mm) hook if squares run larger than 3.5 inches.

Original pattern: https://crochetwithmia.com/autumn-harvest-tote-with-sunflower-free-crochet-pattern/

FAQs

Questions

Why does Round 4 replace chains with single crochet joins?

Round 4 is worked as join-as-you-go: chain-2 corners and chain-1 sides swap out for single crochet into the matching space on the already-finished square. This produces a flat, nearly invisible seam on the right side and skips separate seaming for all 32 squares.

How much yarn is needed for the bag body versus the sunflower?

Color A, B, and C for the bag body call for 300, 300, and 200 yards respectively. The sunflower and leaf use far less: 50 yards of Color D, 20 yards of Color E, and 15 yards each of Color F and Color G.

Are all four rounds of each granny square worked before joining?

Rounds 1 through 3 are worked and fastened off separately on every square first. Round 4 is the only round worked as the join, connecting each new square to its completed neighbor with single crochet in the corner and side spaces.