Sunset Gradient Grid Tote Free Crochet Pattern

Time to dig into that yarn stash, because this is the project those warm sunset shades have been waiting for! I love how this tote mixes a classic filet-style window grid with bold colour blocking that fades from rust through coral to peach, and it is so much easier than it looks.

We will work a flat base, build the sides up in the round, and finish with sturdy sewn straps. If you have worked basic single crochet and double crochet before, you can absolutely handle this. The stitches are simple, but the open grid loves careful counting and marker placement, so take your time and trust the process.

The finished tote measures approximately 12 inches wide across the front, 10.25 inches tall, and 3 inches deep, with a strap drop of about 10.5 to 11 inches after blocking. It is perfect for the farmers market, the library, or everyday errands.

Materials

• About 150 yards worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in rust (Colour A)
• About 140 yards worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in coral (Colour B)
• About 130 yards worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in peach (Colour C)
• US H/8 (5mm) crochet hook, or size needed for gauge
• At least 4 stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Ruler or tape measure
• Blocking pins
• Optional: 8 to 12mm beads and a small clasp for a tassel charm

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sk: skip
• rep: repeat
• RS: right side
• rnd: round
• sp: space

Special Stitches

• Window repeat (over 6 base units): double crochet in next 2 stitches, chain 4, skip 4 stitches or chains. One repeat uses 6 units and keeps the round at 120 units total.
• Bar round: chain 1, single crochet in each dc and 4 sc in each chain-4 space around. Join with slip stitch to first sc. This restores the full 120 sc for the next window round.
• Invisible colour join: fasten off after the final slip stitch. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle, insert the needle under both loops of the first stitch, then back into the center of the last stitch. Snug gently to close the gap invisibly.
• Reverse single crochet edging: working left to right (the opposite direction from normal), insert hook in the previous stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops. This creates a nice corded edge.

Gauge & Size

• Finished size: about 12 inches wide, 10.25 inches tall and 3 inches deep, strap drop about 10.5 to 11 inches
• Gauge: 16 sc and 14 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in blocked single crochet; in window-grid pattern, 4 repeats and 8 rounds measure about 4.75 inches wide by 2.25 inches tall
• Construction: flat base, setup round, sides worked in the round in three colour bands, straps worked flat and sewn on
• Skill level: Easy to Intermediate (rated confident beginner to easy intermediate)

Base Pattern

With Colour A, chain 49.

Row 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across. Turn. (48 sc)

Rows 2-12: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across. Turn. (48 sc)

Your base should measure approximately 12 inches wide and 3 inches deep after light blocking.

Setup Round: Do not turn after Row 12. Chain 1. Single crochet in each of 48 stitches across Row 12, place marker. Work 12 sc evenly down the first side edge, place marker. Work 48 sc across the foundation edge (the bottom of your starting chain), place marker. Work 12 sc evenly up the second side edge, place marker. Join with slip stitch to first sc. (120 sc)

Your markers now divide the tote into front 48, side 12, back 48, side 12. Move these markers up as you work each round so your pattern stays aligned.

Lower Band & Rust Grid Pattern

Rounds 1-4: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around. Join with slip stitch to first sc. (120 sc)

Your work should begin to stand upright, with crisp corners forming at the side markers. Keep the first and last stitches of each round snug, as joining in the same place each time creates a discreet seam along one side edge.

Round 5: Chain 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next stitch, chain 4, skip 4. Dc in next 2 stitches, chain 4, skip 4. Repeat around. Join to top of chain-3. (20 dc pairs plus 20 chain-4 spaces = 120 units)

Round 6: Chain 3, dc in next dc, chain 4, skip chain-4 space. Dc in next 2 dc, chain 4, skip chain-4 space. Repeat around. Join. (120 units)

Round 7: Chain 1, sc in each dc and 4 sc in each chain-4 space around. Join. (120 sc)

Round 8: Repeat Round 5. (120 units)

Round 9: Repeat Round 6. (120 units)

Round 10: Repeat Round 7. (120 sc)

Round 11: Repeat Round 5. (120 units)

Round 12: Repeat Round 7. Fasten off Colour A with invisible colour join. (120 sc)

After Round 12, your bag should measure approximately 5.5 inches from the bottom edge, including the base depth. Each 6-unit repeat creates one open window group: the front has 8 repeats, each side has 2 repeats, and the back has 8 repeats.

Middle & Upper Grid Pattern

Join Colour B in any side-edge stitch.

Rounds 13-14: Repeat Window Round 5 and Window Round 6. (120 units each)

Round 15: Repeat Bar Round 7. (120 sc)

Rounds 16-17: Repeat Window Round 5 and Window Round 6. (120 units each)

Round 18: Repeat Bar Round 7. (120 sc)

Rounds 19-20: Repeat Window Round 5 and Window Round 6. (120 units each)

Rounds 21-22: Repeat Bar Round 7. Fasten off Colour B after Round 22. (120 sc each)

Join Colour C in any side-edge stitch.

Rounds 23-24: Repeat Window Round 5 and Window Round 6. (120 units each)

Round 25: Repeat Bar Round 7. (120 sc)

Rounds 26-27: Repeat Window Round 5 and Window Round 6. (120 units each)

Round 28: Repeat Bar Round 7. (120 sc)

Rounds 29-34: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around. Join. (120 sc each)

Round 35: Chain 1, half double crochet in each stitch around. Join. (120 hdc)

Round 36: Reverse single crochet in each stitch around. Join and fasten off. (120 reverse sc)

After Round 36, your tote body should measure approximately 10.25 inches tall from base bottom to top edge. The top edge should be firm and not wavy.

Straps Pattern

Make 2 straps in Colour C.

Row 1: Chain 89. Single crochet in the 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across. Turn. (88 sc)

Rows 2-5: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across. Turn. (88 sc)

Edging: Chain 1, work single crochet evenly around all four strap edges, placing 2 sc in each corner. Join and fasten off.

Each strap should measure approximately 22 inches before attachment.

Finishing & Assembly

Flatten your tote with the side markers at the folds. On the front panel, count 8 stitches in from the left side edge. Pin one strap end across stitches 9 through 14, and pin the other end of the same strap across stitches 35 through 40. Repeat on the back panel with the second strap. Sew each end securely through the top band using a rectangle-and-X seam pattern for maximum durability, keeping all sewing below the reverse sc edge so the top stays neat.

Weave your tails along solid stitches rather than across the open windows where they might show. For strap ends, weave in multiple directions for extra strength since these areas will bear weight.

To block, soak or lightly mist the tote until damp, insert a folded towel or blocking board inside to square the base and sides, pin the front and back so the window grid opens evenly, and let dry fully before attaching the optional charm.

For the optional tassel charm, cut ten strands of Colour B or C, each 8 inches long. Fold them through a small clasp, wrap the neck tightly with additional yarn, trim the ends evenly, add beads above the tassel if desired, and clip the finished charm near one front strap base.

Tips

If your grid leans to one side, start each new colour at a side edge and keep your joins snug.

If the top edge ripples, work the top single crochet rounds with firmer tension, or go down one hook size for those rounds.

If your windows look too small, block the tote thoroughly and use pins to open each chain-4 space while drying.

Cotton relaxes with use, so for a firmer everyday tote, work the top band and straps slightly tighter than the open grid body, and consider lining the tote if you plan to carry heavy items regularly.

To customise the width, add or subtract 6 stitches from the base width so the window repeat remains even. For height, add or remove complete 3-round grid sets of two window rounds plus one bar round.

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap, roll in a towel to remove moisture, and reshape and dry flat. Avoid hanging while wet, as cotton can stretch.