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A sunset-gradient grid tote worked in single crochet

A single crochet (UK double crochet) grid tote pattern in sunset gradient cotton, with US and UK stitch terms given throughout.

A sunset-gradient grid tote worked in single crochet
Skill
Intermediate
Time
6-10 hours
Yarn weight
Worsted
Hook
5 mm

Intermediate

What the original write-up called it. Nothing here is graded again.

Worsted

What the sample was worked in. Any weight works; the size moves with it.

6-10 hours

What the original page reckoned. Your own pace is the one that matters.

About this pattern

This gradient tote combines a solid cotton base and band with an airy window-grid section worked in single crochet (UK double crochet), moving from deep rust through coral to soft peach. It finishes at roughly 12 inches wide, 10.25 inches tall and 3 inches deep, with two 22-inch straps giving a 10.5 to 11 inch shoulder drop. The project uses about 420 yards of worsted cotton and a 5mm hook.

The Sunset Gradient Grid Tote is a structured market bag built from single crochet (UK double crochet), the stitch family responsible for its firm, closely worked fabric. An open window-grid section breaks up the solid cotton base and band, giving the bag a light, airy look without sacrificing the practicality of a dense stitch. The gradient shift from deep rust through coral to soft peach plays out across these grid rounds, so the stitch itself carries the colour story from base to straps.

Construction starts with a flat single crochet rectangle worked back and forth for the base, which is then joined and worked in continuous rounds to build the body upward. Four stitch markers divide the front, back and two sides so the colour transitions and grid repeats line up at the same points on every round. Two straps are worked separately as flat rectangles, edged, then pinned and sewn through the top band at marked stitch positions, with a small fringed charm added once blocking is complete.

Materials

  • Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton works beautifully here. It gives you firm stitch definition and clean filet openings.
  • Paintbox Cotton Aran offers a wide color range, perfect for achieving a smooth sunset palette.
  • WeCrochet Dishie provides durable cotton with practical everyday structure.
  • When substituting yarn, choose a smooth worsted cotton or cotton-acrylic blend. Very soft yarn may stretch over time. Very bulky yarn may close up the windows and create a larger bag than intended.

Yarn

  • Worsted weight or aran weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn, approximately 420 yards total
  • Color A (Rust): 150 yards
  • Color B (Coral): 140 yards
  • Color C (Peach): 130 yards

Hook

  • US H/8 (5 mm), or size needed to achieve gauge

Notions

  • Stitch markers (you will need at least 4)
  • Tapestry needle
  • Scissors
  • Ruler or tape measure
  • Blocking pins

Optional

  • 8 to 12 mm beads and small clasp for tassel charm

The list is the pattern's own wording.

Instructions

Every round is printed as the pattern wrote it, brackets and all. Open the key beside a round to see only the short forms that round uses.

Base Rectangle (Color A)

  1. Round 1

    Chain 49. Single crochet in the 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across. Turn. (48 sc)

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  2. Round 2

    through 12: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across. Turn. (48 sc) Checkpoint: Your base should measure approximately 12 inches wide and 3 inches deep after light blocking.

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)

Lower Solid Band (Color A)

  1. Round 1

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

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)

Checkpoint: Your work should begin to stand upright, with crisp corners forming at the side markers.

Tip: Keep the first and last stitches of each round snug. Joining in the same place each time creates a discreet seam along one side edge.

Straps (Make 2 in Color C)

  1. Round 1

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

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  2. Round 2

    through 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.

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)

Each strap should measure approximately 22 inches before attachment.

Lower Rust Grid (Color A)

  1. 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 from * around. Join to top of chain-3. (20 dc pairs plus 20 chain-4 spaces equals 120 units)

    Key1
    dc
    double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops)
  2. 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 from * around. Join. (120 units)

    Key1
    dc
    double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops)
  3. 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)

    Key2
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
    dc
    double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops)
  4. Round 10

    Repeat Round 7. (120 sc)Round 11: Repeat Round 5. (120 units)

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  5. Round 12

    Repeat Round 7. Fasten off Color A with invisible color join. (120 sc) Checkpoint: After Round 12, your bag should measure approximately 5.5 inches from the bottom edge, including the base depth. You should see a lower band of open squares with horizontal bars between them.Counting Guide: 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.

    Key2
    Invisible Color 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.
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)

Middle Grid (Color B)

Join Color B in any side-edge stitch.

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

  1. Round 15

    Repeat Bar Round 7. (120 sc)Rounds 16 and 17: Repeat Window Round 5 and Window Round 6. (120 units each)

    Key2
    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.
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  2. Round 18

    Repeat Bar Round 7. (120 sc)Rounds 19 and 20: Repeat Window Round 5 and Window Round 6. (120 units each)

    Key2
    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.
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  3. (120)
    Round 21

    and 22: Repeat Bar Round 7. Fasten off Color B after Round 22. (120 sc each)

    Key2
    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.
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)

Upper Grid and Top Band (Color C)

Join Color C in any side-edge stitch.

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

  1. Round 25

    Repeat Bar Round 7. (120 sc)Rounds 26 and 27: Repeat Window Round 5 and Window Round 6. (120 units each)

    Key2
    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.
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  2. Round 28

    Repeat Bar Round 7. (120 sc)

    Key2
    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.
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  3. (120)
    Round 29

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

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  4. Round 35

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

    Key1
    hdc
    half double crochet
  5. Round 36

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

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)

Setup Round Around Base

  1. Round 1

    Do not turn after Row 12. Chain 1.

  2. Round 2

    Setup Round: 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)

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)

Your markers now divide the tote into front 48, side 12, back 48, side 12.

Making up

  1. Step 1Weaving In Ends: 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.
  2. Step 2Blocking Your Tote: 1. Soak or lightly mist the tote until damp 2. Insert a folded towel or blocking board inside to square the base and sides 3. Pin the front and back so the window grid opens evenly 4. Let dry fully before attaching the optional charm
  3. Step 3Care Instructions: Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Roll in a towel to remove moisture. Reshape and dry flat. Avoid hanging while wet, as cotton can stretch. Results Tip: Cotton relaxes with use. For a firmer everyday tote, work the top band and straps slightly tighter than the open grid body.

Notes from the pattern

  • Use a US H/8 (5mm) hook, or whatever size gives 16 single crochet (UK double crochet) and 14 rows to 4 inches in blocked fabric; a firm swatch keeps the tote from stretching out of shape over time.
  • Place four stitch markers after the setup round to mark the front, back and two side points; these keep colour changes and grid repeats aligned on every round.
  • Keep tension firm and consistent through the Lower Solid Band rounds so the sides stand upright with crisp corners at the markers rather than curving inward.
  • Begin each colour change, from Color A to B to C, at a side edge rather than mid-round, and pull the first stitch of the new colour snug to prevent the grid from leaning.

The essentials

Rounds
20
Parts
7
Level
Intermediate
Time
6-10 hours
Hook
5 mm
Yarn
Worsted

Stitches you will use

  • Colour-blocked gradient striping Appears at the transitions between the Lower Rust Grid, Middle Grid, and Upper Grid and Top Band; start each new colour at a side edge and keep joins snug to avoid a slanted grid.
  • Window-grid single crochet texture Worked through the grid rounds that give the panel its open, airy look; keep stitch counts even across repeats so the windows stay square and line up between colour bands.
  • Strap placement and rectangle-and-X seam Used when pinning strap ends across stitches 9-14 and 35-40 on the front and back panels; sew below the reverse sc edge so the top band stays neat.

Troubleshooting

The window grid leans to one side instead of sitting square.

This happens when a colour change starts partway through a round; begin each new colour at a side edge and keep the join stitch snug.

The tote cups or curls instead of standing upright with crisp corners.

Loose tension in the Lower Solid Band rounds is the usual cause; work the first and last stitch of each round snug, then block with a folded towel or board inside to square the base and sides.

The straps sit unevenly or twist once the bag is worn.

This points to strap ends pinned off from the marked stitches 9-14 and 35-40; re-check pin placement on both panels before sewing through the top band with the rectangle-and-X seam.

Substituting yarn

Worsted-weight cotton-acrylic blend
Gives a slightly softer drape and more stretch than pure cotton, so the window grid may relax over time; the same US H/8 (5mm) hook should still meet gauge.
Aran-weight mercerised cotton
Sits close to the pattern's gauge with crisp stitch definition and clean grid openings; a slight hook adjustment, up or down half a size, may be needed to keep 16 sc and 14 rows to 4 inches.
Bulky-weight cotton
Closes up the grid windows and produces a noticeably larger bag than the stated 12 by 10.25 by 3 inch finished size; drop down a hook size or two and re-swatch before committing to this yarn.

Washing and care

  • Hand wash the finished tote in cool water, since the cotton fibre used throughout holds its stitch definition best without machine agitation.
  • Reshape the window grid and straps while still damp, laying the piece flat on a towel to dry fully before storing it flat or hanging it by the straps.

FAQs

Questions

What is the finished size of this tote?

The bag measures about 12 inches wide across the front, 10.25 inches tall and 3 inches deep, with a strap drop of roughly 10.5 to 11 inches after blocking. These are blocked measurements, so finished size may shift slightly with a different hook or yarn.

How much yarn is needed for the gradient effect?

The pattern uses about 420 yards total: 150 yards of Color A (Rust), 140 yards of Color B (Coral) and 130 yards of Color C (Peach). Any smooth worsted or aran cotton or cotton-blend in three shades will work as long as gauge is met.

Why is the grid leaning instead of sitting straight?

This is almost always a colour-change issue: starting a new shade partway through a round pulls the grid off-square. Begin each colour at a side edge and keep the join stitch snug to keep the panel flat.

Can the straps be made a different length?

Each strap starts from an 89-chain row and finishes at about 22 inches before attachment, giving the stated 10.5 to 11 inch shoulder drop. Lengthening or shortening the starting chain will change the drop, so it is worth checking against the body before sewing the strap ends through the top band.

Is the tassel charm necessary to finish the bag?

No, the fringed charm made from ten 8 inch strands of Color B or C is an optional detail clipped near one front strap base. The tote is fully finished and usable without it.

These answers came from whoever first published the pattern, kept word for word.