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Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern
4.7★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.0K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

✨

Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

This pattern teaches you how to crochet a strawberry tote bag and a matching drawstring pouch using granny squares and small strawberry appliques. You will make multiple granny squares, sew on adorable strawberries with seeds, and assemble both the pouch and the tote with clear stitch counts. Techniques include working in rounds and rows, simple applique construction, and weaving drawstrings for a finished, polished look.

Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Detailed step-by-step instructions and photographs guide you through each stage, from granny square formation to final assembly. The pattern lists yarn colors, tools, and helpful finishing notes to ensure a beautiful final piece.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines classic granny square stitches with sweet, playful applique details that make each project feel special. I enjoy how the strawberry appliques personalize the bag and pouch, giving them a handcrafted charm that everyone notices. The pattern is flexible so I can change colors and make variations for friends and family. Sewing the squares together and weaving the drawstrings is very satisfying and produces professional-looking results I feel proud to gift.

Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love that this pattern is easy to customize — I often change the color palette to create seasonal or personalized versions.

I sometimes substitute a softer pastel for the pinks to make a spring-themed bag, or use bold brights for a summer look.

If you want a larger tote, try using a bulky yarn and a larger hook and make more granny squares to increase the bag dimensions.

For a smaller mini pouch, use fingering weight yarn and a smaller hook to create tiny appliques that are perfect for keychains.

I often swap the yellow seed thread for small beads for an extra textured seed effect — just sew beads carefully and secure ends.

Embellish your strawberries by embroidering different seed patterns or adding tiny French knots for a whimsical touch.

To make the tote sturdier, add a fabric lining and a small inner pocket for keys or phone; I sew in cotton lining for durability.

Try adding short strap handles for a wristlet or longer straps for a shoulder bag; chain length and stitch count can be adjusted to suit your preferred fit.

I sometimes make a whole set in varying colors and give them as gifts — different color combinations make each piece feel unique and handmade.

Don’t hesitate to experiment — switching yarn types, hook sizes, or applique placement will create a look that’s entirely your own and keeps the pattern fun to revisit.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch counts during granny square rounds can make your squares uneven; count stitches at the end of each round and correct any missed or extra stitches immediately. ✗ Not leaving a long enough tail after fastening off makes sewing appliques and joining squares difficult; leave a 5-10 inch tail for granny squares and 15-20 inches for stem attachment so you can securely sew pieces together. ✗ Pulling yarn too tight on the seeds and small details will pucker the applique fabric; use a looser tension and test placement before securing each seed stitch. ✗ Failing to pin appliques before sewing can cause misalignment or off-center placement; always pin the strawberry applique on the right side of the granny square, check centering, then sew. ✗ Weaving the drawstring unevenly or skipping spaces can prevent the pouch from closing correctly; count the CH 2 spaces and follow the recommended in/out pattern so the strings pull evenly.

Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

Make a charming strawberry-themed tote bag and matching drawstring pouch using granny squares and cute appliques. This pattern guides you through crocheting squares, stitching sweet strawberry appliques, and assembling the pouch and tote step-by-step. You will enjoy clear photos, stitch counts, and finishing tips to help achieve a polished handmade gift. Perfect for gifting or brightening your day with a handmade accessory.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Red Heart Super Saver (4 Medium Weight) 7oz/198g - #0319 Cherry Red (Strawberry)
  • 02
    Red Heart Super Saver (4 Medium Weight) 7oz/198g - #0624 Tea Leaf (Strawberry leaf)
  • 03
    Red Heart Super Saver (4 Medium Weight) 7oz/198g - #4602 Baby Pink (Light Pink Yarn Color)
  • 04
    Red Heart Super Saver (4 Medium Weight) 7oz/198g - #0706 Perfect Pink (Dark Pink Yarn Color)
  • 05
    Artiste Cotton Crochet Thread Size 10 (Lace Weight) 400 yards - #145 Lemon (Strawberry Seeds)
  • 06
    Crafter's Secret Big Idea (4 Medium Weight) 16oz/454g - #01 White (White Yarn Color)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.00 mm (G-6)
  • 02
    Yarn needle (a needle with a curved tip is preferred)
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Stitch markers
  • 05
    Sewing pins (Optional)
  • 06
    Beads (Optional)

Progress Tracker

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— Drawstring Pouch :

Info :

Crocheting In Rows/Rounds – We will use the yarn colors of your choice (Exact colors are listed on page 2)

Round 1 :

Using the background color of your choice, here I will be using pink, make a MR but do not crochet any stitches just yet. We will start by CH 3, then DC 3, then CH 2, DC 4, CH 2, DC 4, CH 2, DC 4, CH 2, and SC in the original CH 3 space – 16 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Round 2 :

Start by CH 2, then DC in the CH 3 space, then DC in the SC stitch, then DC 3, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 4, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 4, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 4, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, SC in the original CH 2 space – 32 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Round 3 :

CH 2, then DC in the CH 2 space, then DC in the SC stitch, then DC 7, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 8, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 8, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 8, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, SC in the original CH 2 space – 48 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Round 4 :

CH 2, then DC in the CH 2 space, then DC in the SC stitch, then DC 11, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 12, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 12, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 12, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, SLST in the original CH 2 space – 64 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Info :

After this round we will fasten off, leaving a tail that measures around 5 – 10 inches long. We will then hide any remaining tails and we’re done with the granny square! We will now repeat the process, from round 1, to create the second granny square for the back of the pouch.

— Strawberry Applique Base (Make 5) :

Row 1 :

With the red colored yarn, CH 9

Row 2 :

Starting from the second CH from the hook, SC in each of the 8 CHs – 8 SC

Row 3 :

CH 1 and turn, then SC in each of the 8 stitches – 8 SC

Row 4 :

CH 1 and turn, then DEC using the first 2 stitches, SC in the next 4 stitches, and DEC using the last 2 stitches – 6 SC

Row 5 :

CH 1 and turn, then SC in each of the 6 stitches – 6 SC

Row 6 :

CH 1 and turn, then DEC using the first 2 stitches, SC in the next 2 stitches, and DEC using the last 2 stitches – 4 SC

Row 7 :

CH 1 and turn, then SC in each of the 4 stitches – 4 SC

Row 8 :

CH 1 and turn, then DEC using the first 2 stitches and DEC using the last 2 stitches – 2 SC

Row 9 :

CH 1 and turn, then DEC using the next 2 stitches – 1 SC

Info :

At this point we will SC a border around the entire strawberry, making sure to SC twice in each of the edge stitches. There should be 3 edges, one on each of the top 2 corners, and the bottom of the strawberry.

Info :

After this step we will fasten off, leaving a long tail that measures about 5 – 10 inches long. Then we just have to hide the tails and done! We have completed making the strawberry base!

Info :

You can leave your strawberry as is, or you have the option to add seeds. To add seeds- cut a 20" piece of the yellow colored yarn (I am using thinner yarn here- so I like to double the strands to make the seeds a bit thicker). Then, use this to sew on lines all around the strawberry. I did mine in a pattern, but you could also arrange them at random. I like to start my seeds on row 4 of the strawberry as the stem will cover up most of the top portion later on.

— Stem of the Strawberry (Make 5) :

Row 1 :

Using the green colored yarn, CH 9

Row 2 :

Starting from the third CH from the hook, *DC, TR, and DC all into the same CH, then SC in the next – we will repeat the pattern starting from *, until we reach the end of our row (we should end on a leaf instead of a SC) – 4 Leaves and 3 SC

Info :

We will then turn the piece so we should now be working on the underside of the foundation CH. We will then SC in the next 4 CHs, then CH 4 and starting from the second CH we will SLST 3, we will then SC in the remaining 4 CHs. We will end the row with a SLST – 8 SC.

Info :

After this round we will fasten off, leaving a tail that measures around 15 – 20 inches long. We will then use this tail to sew the strawberry and stem pieces together. To do this insert your needle into the tail we had left from the stem and secure the stem to the strawberry, making sure it is centered.

Info :

Now after we are finished sewing the two pieces together- we can hide any remaining tails. We will now repeat this process, from row 1, to create the remaining 4 stems.

— How to Sew the Strawberry Applique to the Granny Square :

Step 1 :

We will start by placing the strawberry applique on the right side of the granny square. Make sure to place your strawberry so that the right side is facing upwards as well and is centered. We will then pin the strawberry applique in place.

Step 2 :

Now cut a 15 – 20-inch piece of our red colored yarn and insert our needle. Use this piece to sew the red strawberry part to the square, making sure to get under both the strawberry and square stitches to secure them together.

Step 3 :

Now cut a 15 – 20-inch piece of our green colored yarn and insert our needle. Use this piece to sew the green strawberry stem to the square, making sure to get under both the stem and square stitches to secure them together.

Step 4 :

Now hide the remaining tails and done!

— Joining Two Granny Squares (Pouch Assembly) :

Step 1 :

For this part of the pattern- you will need a granny square with the applique sewn onto it, and a plain granny square- both ready to go. We will start by placing the two granny squares on top of one another, so that the wrong sides are facing each other. We will then make a slip knot out of the same-colored yarn as the granny squares. Then pull the slip knot through the upper left corner CH 2 space of both squares (working with them as if they were one) and make a SC. We will now SC around both our squares, making sure to go into both stitches of the squares to SC them together. I like to SC twice in the two bottom CH 2 spaces only. We will stop SCing the two squares together when we reach the upper right corner CH 2 space. There, we will end by placing a SC into.

Step 2 :

We will start by placing the two granny squares on top of one another so that the wrong sides are facing. (This is the joining method used to create the pouch body before shaping the top.)

— How to Make the Top of the Pouch and Finish (continued) :

Step 1 :

We will now be making the top of our pouch - where the strings will be placed into later on. To begin we will CH 2, and DC into the upper right corner CH 2 space of the front granny square. (Here we will be working with each granny square separately again to ensure the pouch can remain open... we do not want to sew the tops together here- so, instead of stitching them together like we had done in step 1 – we will be working in the front square- and then will move onto the back square- working in a round.)

Step 2 :

Next, we will DC one stitch into each of the stitches of the top edges of both granny squares separately, working in a round. Make sure to DC once into each of the remaining 3 CH 2 spaces as well. When we reach the CH 2 we had started with, we will then SLST to end the round - 34 Stitches.

Step 3 :

We will start with a CH 2, then HDC into the same stitch as the SLST. We will then CH 2, skip 1 stitch, and HDC into the next. We will repeat this pattern starting with a CH 2 until we reach the original CH 2 space we started with. When we reach this point- we will then SLST to end the round - 18 Stitches and 17 CH 2 Spaces.

Step 4 :

CH 2, then DC into the same stitch as the SLST. We will then DC one stitch into each of the HDC stitches, and DC one stitch into each of the CH 2 spaces as well. Continue on again with this repeating pattern- until you reach the original CH 2 space. When we reach that CH 2 space - we will SLST to finish it off – 35 Stitches.

Step 5 :

We will then fasten off, leaving a 5 – 10-inch tail. Then hide the remaining tails and done! All that is left is to crochet the strings and insert them into the pouch!

— How to Make our Drawstrings for the Pouch :

Step 1 :

We will start by taking our drawstring color of choice, here I will be using dark pink, and make a slip knot. We will then CH 80 and fasten off leaving a 5 – 10 inch tail. We will then repeat this step to make a second string, for a total of two strings.

Step 2 :

Now we will weave our strings through the spaces we had left on the top of the bag. You have the option here to go ahead -and weave your string however you would like to finish off the bags. We should have 17 CH 2 spaces in total, but I like to count the space where the HDC and CH 2 meet from step 3 as a space as well.

Step 3 :

So, we will begin by taking one of our strings and pulling it through, with our hook or hand, into the first space on the left side of the pouch. Make sure to leave about half the string dangling- as we will use this half of the string later on.

Step 4 :

We will then continue weaving the string through the front of the pouch, in and out of the spaces, for the next 9 spaces.

Step 5 :

At this point, we will go back to the left side of the bag- and repeat the weaving process for the back of the pouch- using the tail we had left in step 2 of this process. Continue weaving in the next 8 spaces- until we reach the right side again.

Step 6 :

We will then tie a knot using the ends of the string to ensure they won’t come undone – here you can add a bead to the ends of the drawstrings if you wish instead of tying a knot. The last step is to hide any remaining tails and done!

— How to Make the Tote Bag :

Info :

Crocheting In Rows/Rounds – We will use the yarn colors of your choice (Exact colors are listed on page 2)

— How to Make the Granny Square (Make 18) :

Round 1 :

Using the background color of your choice, here I will be using pink, make a MR but do not crochet any stitches just yet. We will start by CH 3, then DC 3, then CH 2, DC 4, CH 2, DC 4, CH 2, DC 4, CH 2, and SC in the original CH 3 space – 16 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Round 2 :

Start by CH 2, then DC in the CH 3 space, then DC in the SC stitch, then DC 3, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 4, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 4, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 4, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, SC in the original CH 2 space – 32 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Round 3 :

CH 2, then DC in the CH 2 space, then DC in the SC stitch, then DC 7, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 8, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 8, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 8, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, SC in the original CH 2 space – 48 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Round 4 :

CH 2, then DC in the CH 2 space, then DC in the SC stitch, then DC 11, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 12, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 12, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, DC 12, DC 2 in the CH 2 space, CH 2, SLST in the original CH 2 space – 64 Stitches and 4 CH 2 Spaces

Info :

After this round we will fasten off, leaving a tail that measures about 5 – 10 inches long. We will then hide any remaining tails and we’re done with the granny square! We will now repeat the process, from round 1, to create the remaining 17 granny squares needed. If you are following along with the same bag design as I offer here, you will need granny squares in 3 different colors. I chose to do 9 in dark pink, 4 in light pink, and 5 in white.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew the red strawberry applique to the center of the chosen granny square using a 15–20 inch tail of red yarn; secure under both the strawberry and square stitches for stability.
  • Attach the green stem to the top of the strawberry using the long tail left from the stem (15–20 inches), centering the stem and securing it by sewing through both pieces, then hide tails.
  • Join granny squares for the pouch or panels by placing wrong sides together and working single crochet around both squares through both layers, sc twice in the bottom CH2 corner spaces to avoid gaps.
  • Create the top edge for the pouch by DC into the top edge stitches of each square separately, then form the drawstring channel by working rounds of CH2/HDC pattern and leaving CH2 spaces for the strings.
  • Weave two CH80 drawstrings through the CH2 spaces at the top of the pouch in the in-and-out pattern described, tie secure knots at the ends (or add beads), and hide any remaining tails.

Important Notes

  • 💡Leave long tails when fastening off so you have enough yarn for sewing pieces together and hiding ends later on.
  • 💡Count your stitches at the end of every round to ensure your granny squares remain square and consistent in size.
  • 💡Pin appliques and pieces in place before sewing to ensure centered placement and symmetrical results.
  • 💡Work with consistent tension and avoid pulling details too tightly to prevent distortion of small appliques and edges.

This Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch pattern brings a burst of handmade charm to your accessories collection. Create sweet strawberry appliques, stitch bright granny squares, and assemble a polished bag perfect for gifts or everyday use. Whether you make one set or many, these pieces are sure to make people smile. 🧶🍓

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FAQs

What size will the finished pieces be?

The finished tote measures approximately 14" long by 14" wide using the recommended yarn and hook; the drawstring pouch measures about 6" long and 5" wide.

Can I use different yarn weights or hook sizes?

Yes, you can, but changing yarn weight and hook will affect the final size and drape; adjust your hook accordingly and make a gauge square if size is important.

Do I need to know advanced techniques to follow this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so basic knowledge of crochet stitches (SC, DC, HDC, TR) and experience working in rounds and rows is recommended.

How long does it typically take to complete this project?

Most crocheters finish both the tote and pouch in about 5-7 hours total, though time will vary depending on experience and how many appliques you sew by hand.