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Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern
4.1★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.5K 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 make a coordinated Strawberry Tote Bag and a Drawstring Pouch using granny squares, strawberry appliques, and simple assembly techniques. You will make granny squares for the bag, small strawberry appliques with seeds and stems, and construct both a tote and a small pouch. The instructions include row-by-row and round-by-round directions, plus clear photos to guide you through sewing and finishing.

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

Perfect for crafting a sweet, handmade accessory set with a playful garden theme. The pattern includes detailed steps for making the squares, appliques, drawstrings, and final assembly.

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

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines classic granny-square construction with charming strawberry appliques to create a cohesive set that feels handmade and special. I enjoy the mix of textured stitches and small finishing details like embroidered seeds which really bring the strawberries to life. The project is flexible so I can change colors to suit any season or recipient, and the step-by-step photos make assembly approachable. It is satisfying to see small pieces come together into a useful, pretty bag and pouch that I am proud to give as a 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 how easy it is to customize this design by changing yarn colors — try soft pastels for a spring look or bold contrasts for a statement piece.

You can change the size of the tote by making larger or smaller granny squares; use thicker yarn and a larger hook to create a bigger, sturdier bag.

I often switch the applique shape to other fruits or motifs; swap the strawberry for a heart, flower, or star to personalize the bag for different occasions.

Try adding lining fabric inside the tote for extra structure and to hide the inside seams — I sometimes use a simple cotton lining with a matching color.

For a different finish, replace the drawn-in seeds with small beads or French knots for a textured seed effect that adds sparkle.

I like to braid multiple yarn colors together to make twisty drawstrings that stand out; you can also add beads or tassels to the ends for a fun touch.

Consider attaching a small zipper pocket inside the tote for keys or loose change — I sew a fabric pocket to the lining and it's been really useful.

Mix and match colors across the 18 granny squares to create stripes, gradients, or checkerboard patterns to give your bag a unique personality.

If you want a more structured handle, make handles with extra rows and stuff them or make two-layer handles sewn together; you could also use webbing for durability.

I sometimes make mini versions of the pouch as keychains by using thinner yarn and a smaller hook — they make adorable little gifts and use up small amounts of yarn.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers during rounds can make it difficult to find the start of each round; use a removable stitch marker at the beginning of every round to keep your place. ✗ Not leaving long enough tails when fastening off can make sewing pieces together harder; always leave the recommended 5–20 inch tails to make sewing and hiding ends easier. ✗ Overstuffing the pouch or pulling the squares too tight when joining can distort the shape; sew with even tension and smooth pieces before finishing to maintain a flat edge. ✗ Forgetting to count chain spaces and stitches when weaving drawstrings can result in uneven placement; count the CH2 spaces carefully and mark the first insertion point before weaving. ✗ Using a very loose tension for the appliques will cause them to gap when sewn on; work with slightly firmer tension for appliques so they hold shape when attached.

Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

Create a charming Strawberry Tote Bag and matching Drawstring Pouch using granny squares and sweet strawberry appliques. This pattern walks you through each stitch and assembly step so you can make a coordinated set that's perfect for gifts or everyday use. With clear photos and detailed instructions, you'll enjoy bringing this playful project to life.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Red Heart Super Saver, Size 4 (Medium Weight), 7oz/198g: #0319 Cherry Red (Strawberry) - quantity as needed for 5 appliques
  • 02
    Red Heart Super Saver, Size 4 (Medium Weight), 7oz/198g: #0624 Tea Leaf (Strawberry leaf) - quantity as needed for stems/leaves
  • 03
    Red Heart Super Saver, Size 4 (Medium Weight), 7oz/198g: #4602 Baby Pink (Light Pink) - yarn for granny squares
  • 04
    Red Heart Super Saver, Size 4 (Medium Weight), 7oz/198g: #0706 Perfect Pink (Dark Pink) - yarn for granny squares and borders
  • 05
    Artiste Cotton Crochet Thread, Size 10 (Lace Weight), 400 yards: #145 Lemon (Yellow) - for strawberry seeds
  • 06
    Crafter's Secret Big Idea, Size 4 (Medium Weight), 16oz/454g: #01 White - for granny squares (white squares used for appliques)

— 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) for drawstring ends

Progress Tracker

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— How to Make the Drawstring Pouch :

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, 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.

— How to Make the Base of the Strawberry Applique :

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. After this step we will fasten off, leaving a long tail that measures around 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- or however you like. I also like to start my seeds on row 4 of the strawberry, as the stem will cover up most of the top portion later on. We will now repeat this process, from row 1, for the remaining 4 appliques.

— Stem of the Strawberry :

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. Now after we are finished sewing the two pieces together- we can hide any remaining tails.

— 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 Granny Squares for the Pouch :

Step 1 :

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. (This makes it so that we do not have a big gap where that CH 2 space is) 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 :

Now we will 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.) 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. If you need a more detailed explanation, I have included it here for you as well! 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 repeat the process, from step 2, but starting from the right side rather than the left for the opposite string side. Weaving half of our string through the same 10 of the spaces in the front (this count is including the one you inserted the string into first here), Then- taking the second half of this same string- continue to weave (in and out in this pattern) through the 8 spaces in the back.

Step 7 :

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- very customizable here! The last step is to hide any remaining tails and done!

— How to Make the Tote Bag :

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, 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.

— How to Make the Base of the Strawberry Applique (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. After this step we will fasten off, leaving a 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! We will now repeat this process, from row 1, for the remaining 4 appliques.

— 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 about 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. 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 Appliques to the Granny Squares :

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 the right side is facing upwards as well and is centered. We will then pin the strawberry applique in place. Keep in mind we will sew the 5 appliques to the 5 granny squares we had made of the same color (we will be using the white Granny Squares)

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 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! We have sewn the appliques to the squares and are ready to use them in the bag assembly.

Assembly Instructions

  • Place the strawberry applique centered on the right side of a granny square, pin in place, then sew the red applique to the square using a 15–20 inch length of red yarn, catching both applique and square stitches.
  • Use a 15–20 inch piece of green yarn to sew the green stem to the square, making sure to get under both stem and square stitches and secure it centered on the applique.
  • Join two granny squares for the pouch by placing wrong sides together, pull a slip knot through the upper left corner CH2 space and SC around both squares, going into both stitches; SC twice in the two bottom CH2 spaces to avoid gaps.
  • When creating the pouch top, work each granny square separately so the pouch remains open; DC around the top edges, then work a CH2/HDC row and a DC row to create spaces for drawstrings before finishing and inserting the strings.

Important Notes

  • 💡Leave a long tail after finishing pieces to make sewing easier; recommended lengths vary by piece (5–10 inches for granny squares and appliques, 15–20 inches for stems).
  • 💡Pin appliques to the granny squares before sewing to ensure correct placement and centered results.
  • 💡Count CH2 spaces and stitches carefully when weaving drawstrings; the pattern counts 17 CH2 spaces in total along the top edge.

This Strawberry Tote Bag and Drawstring Pouch pattern is a delightful project that brings granny squares and sweet appliques together for a charming result. Perfect for gift-making or a colorful accessory to brighten your day. Enjoy the step-by-step photos, clear instructions, and playful strawberry details. 🍓🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished pieces be?

The tote bag measures approximately 14" long and 14" wide; the drawstring pouch is approximately 6" long and 5" wide; the strawberry applique measures about 2 3/4" long and 2 1/4" wide.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will change the finished size; adjust your hook accordingly and remember to make a gauge swatch if you want precise sizing.

Do I need experience with specific stitches?

This pattern uses basic to intermediate stitches (SC, HDC, DC, TR, SL ST) and simple shaping; basic knowledge of these stitches and joining techniques is recommended.

How long does the project take?

Most crafters complete the set in about 5-7 hours, depending on experience and whether you make all appliques and 18 granny squares for the tote.