I’ve been searching for the perfect statement bag pattern for months now. Something that combines those gorgeous dimensional flowers I keep seeing everywhere with a practical, everyday crossbody design. This Sunset Ombre Flower Crossbody Bag is exactly what I was looking for, and I’m so excited to share it with you today.
The warm color palette feels like a summer sunset captured in yarn. Mustard yellow centers blend into peachy salmon, then terracotta rust at the outer petals. Each flower sits in its own granny square frame with sweet sage green corner accents.
This is definitely a project that will turn heads. Whether you’re heading to the farmers market or meeting friends for brunch, this bag makes a statement while actually being useful.
About This Crochet Bag Pattern
This structured crossbody bag features six oversized dimensional sunflower granny squares arranged in a 3×2 layout on the front panel. The flowers use a layered puff stitch petal technique that creates those beautiful raised petals you see in the photos. The body is worked in tight single crochet (sc) for firmness, giving the bag its boxy, structured shape.
The back panel stays plain cream, which means you essentially get two looks in one bag. Flip it around when you want something more understated.
Finished measurements: Approximately 11 inches wide by 12 inches tall by 3.5 inches deep. The strap adjusts from about 22 to 48 inches, so you can wear it crossbody or shorten it for a shoulder bag.
Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced. You should be comfortable with single crochet in the round, working granny squares, and executing puff stitches. If you’ve completed a few independent projects and feel confident trying new techniques, you can absolutely handle this.
Time estimate: Plan for 20 to 30 hours total. The six flower squares take the longest, averaging 2 to 3 hours each. The body and finishing add another 8 to 10 hours.
Materials You’ll Need
Yarn
Main Color (MC): Cream or off-white, approximately 550 yards, 100% cotton or cotton-blend DK weight
Color A (CA): Mustard yellow, approximately 60 yards, same weight and fiber
Color B (CB): Peachy salmon, approximately 90 yards, same weight and fiber
Color C (CC): Terracotta rust, approximately 90 yards, same weight and fiber
Color D (CD): Sage green, approximately 30 yards, same weight and fiber
Recommended Yarn Brands
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK (100% acrylic, 137 yd per 50 g skein) offers excellent stitch definition and holds the bag’s boxy shape beautifully.
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK (100% mercerized cotton, 186 yd per 100 g ball) gives a gorgeous sheen and creates structured fabric perfect for bags.
We Are Knitters The Petite Wool (100% Peruvian wool, 153 yd per 50 g skein) adds a rustic texture if you prefer natural fibers. Just note that wool bags need gentle hand washing.
Cotton or cotton blend yarns work best for bags because they hold their shape under the weight of daily contents and resist stretching at the strap attachment points.
Hooks
US size E-4 (3.5 mm) for the body panels
US size F-5 (3.75 mm) for the flower squares
The larger hook for the flowers lets those dimensional petals bloom without pulling tight.
Notions
Gauge
Body gauge (E-4 hook, MC, single crochet flat): 20 stitches x 24 rows = 4 inches x 4 inches
Flower square gauge (F-5 hook): Each completed flower granny square measures approximately 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches before seaming
Always check gauge before beginning. If your swatch is too large, go down one hook size. Too small? Go up one hook size.
Abbreviations
ch: chain, the foundation stitch created by pulling yarn through a loop
sl st: slip stitch, a flat joining stitch with no height
sc: single crochet, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
hdc: half double crochet, yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops
dc: double crochet, yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through two loops twice
tr: treble crochet, yarn over twice, insert hook, pull up loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops three times
ps: puff stitch, a raised cluster stitch (see Special Stitches below)
sp: space
st(s): stitch(es)
rep: repeat
beg: beginning
RS: right side
WS: wrong side
sk: skip
pm: place marker
yo: yarn over
rnd: round
sc2tog: single crochet two together, a decrease stitch
Special Stitches
Puff Stitch (ps)
This creates the beautiful raised petals. Here’s how to work it step by step:
1. Yarn over, insert hook into the indicated stitch or space.
2. Yarn over, pull up a loop to approximately 0.5 inch in height. You now have 3 loops on your hook.
3. Yarn over, insert hook into the SAME stitch or space again.
4. Yarn over, pull up a loop to the same height. You now have 5 loops on your hook.
5. Yarn over, insert hook into the SAME stitch or space a third time.
6. Yarn over, pull up a loop to the same height. You now have 7 loops on your hook.
7. Yarn over, draw through all 7 loops on the hook. One loop remains.
8. Ch 1 to close and secure the puff. This closing chain does NOT count as a stitch.
Keep your tension relaxed and loops tall so petals stand away from the fabric. Practice on a swatch first. It’s worth it.
Standing Single Crochet
Used when joining new colors mid-motif without a slip stitch join:
1. Make a slip knot with the new color and place it on the hook.
2. Insert hook into the indicated stitch.
3. Yarn over, pull up a loop. Yarn over, draw through both loops.
Flat Slip Stitch Seam
Used to join granny squares together:
1. Hold two pieces with right sides together.
2. Working through both layers simultaneously, insert hook through the back loops of both pieces at the same time.
3. Slip stitch across. Fasten off.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
The bag body is worked in joined rounds using single crochet for a dense, structured fabric. Join each round with a slip stitch, then chain 1 before beginning the next round. The chain 1 does NOT count as a stitch throughout this pattern.
All six flower granny squares are worked separately, joined into a 3×2 grid panel, then the completed panel is seamed onto the bag front.
The front and back panels of the bag are worked as a single piece in the round from the base. There is no seaming of side seams.
Stitch markers are important in this pattern. Mark the four corner stitches of the base and the beginning of each round in the walls.
Section 1: Bag Base
The base is a flat rectangle worked in rows of single crochet.
Using MC and E-4 hook, ch 57.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (56 sc)
Rows 2-17: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (56 sc)
Do not turn after Row 17. Do not fasten off.
Checkpoint: The base should measure approximately 11 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall.
Section 2: Bag Walls (Worked in the Round)
You will now work around all four edges of the base rectangle.
Setup Round: Working along the right edge of the base rectangle, sc evenly down the row ends: sc in each of the 17 row-end edges. Place marker A. Then sc in each of the 56 foundation chain stitches along the bottom edge. Place marker B. Then sc evenly up the left edge: sc in each of the 17 row-end edges. Place marker C. Then sc in each of the 56 sts across the top of the last row. Place marker D. At each of the four corners, work 2 sc into the corner junction. Join with sl st to first sc. (150 sc)
Rounds 1-3: Ch 1. Sc in each st around, working 2 sc in each of the 4 marked corner stitches. Join with sl st to first sc. (Round 1: 154 sc, Round 2: 158 sc, Round 3: 162 sc)
Rounds 4-58: Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (162 sc each round)
Checkpoint: After Round 58, the walls should measure approximately 10 inches tall from the base.
Section 3: Top Edge and Handle Attachment
Top Edge Round 1: Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (162 sc)
Top Edge Round 2: Sl st in each st around. Join with sl st. Fasten off. Weave in end.
Handle Loop
Using MC and E-4 hook, ch 21. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (20 sl sts) Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail.
Fold the cord in half to form a loop. Position the folded midpoint at the center top of the bag front panel. Using the tail ends, sew through the base of the loop and through the top edge of the bag approximately 5 times in each direction to secure.
Button Closure
Sew the wood button through both layers of the handle loop base and through the top edge of the bag. On the inside, sew a small reinforcing square of waxed thread so the button shank does not pull through.
Section 4: Flower Granny Squares (Make 6)
Each square is worked from the center outward using the F-5 hook.
Layer 1: Flower Center (CA, Mustard Yellow)
Make a magic ring.
Round 1: With CA, ch 1. Work 8 sc into the ring. Pull ring closed. Join with sl st to first sc. (8 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1. Work 2 sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc. (16 sc)
Round 3: Ch 1. [Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] 8 times. Join with sl st to first sc. (24 sc)
Do not fasten off.
Layer 2: Inner Petals (CA and CB)
Round 4 (inner petals, CA): Ch 1. Working in the FRONT LOOPS ONLY of Round 3: [ps in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st] 12 times. Join with sl st to first ps. (12 puff stitches, 12 ch-1 spaces)
Join CB with a standing sc in any back loop of Round 3 that was skipped.
Round 5 (behind inner petals, CB): Working in the BACK LOOPS of Round 3 stitches that were skipped: [2 sc in back loop of skipped st] 12 times. Join with sl st to first sc. (24 sc)
Layer 3: Mid Petals (CB, Peachy Salmon)
Round 6 (mid petals, CB): Ch 1. Working in the FRONT LOOPS of Round 5: [ps in next st, ch 2, sk 1 st] 12 times. Join with sl st to first ps. (12 puff stitches, 12 ch-2 spaces)
Join CC with a standing sc in any back loop of Round 5 that was skipped.
Round 7 (behind mid petals, CC): Working in the BACK LOOPS of the skipped sts of Round 5: [2 sc in back loop of skipped st] 12 times. Join with sl st to first sc. (24 sc)
Layer 4: Outer Petals (CC, Terracotta Rust)
Round 8 (outer petals, CC): Ch 1. Working in FRONT LOOPS of Round 7: [ps in next st, ch 3, sk 1 st] 12 times. Join with sl st to first ps. (12 puff stitches, 12 ch-3 spaces) Fasten off CC.
Layer 5: Granny Square Surround (MC with CD Corners)
Round 9 (MC): Join MC with standing sc in any skipped back loop of Round 7. Working in BACK LOOPS of skipped sts: 2 sc in each of the 12 skipped sts. Join with sl st. (24 sc)
Round 10 (MC): Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Dc in same st. [Dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st] 7 times. Dc in last 2 sts. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (32 dc)
Round 11 (CD and MC, granny square shaping): Switch to CD. Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1). Sk 1 st. [Dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st] 3 times. At corner position: [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] into next st. Ch 1. Sk 1 st. [Dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st] 3 times. Rep [corner, side dc/ch1 pattern] 3 more times to complete all four sides and corners. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-4. Fasten off CD.
Round 12 (MC, final granny round): Join MC with sl st in any corner ch-2 sp. Ch 3 (counts as first dc). [Dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in same corner sp. [Ch 1, work 2 dc in next ch-1 sp] 4 times across side. Ch 1. [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in corner ch-2 sp. Rep for remaining 3 sides. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off MC leaving a 12-inch tail for seaming.
Completed square measures approximately 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches.
Make 6 squares total. Block all squares before joining.
Section 5: Joining the Flower Panel
Arrange the 6 squares in a 3-column by 2-row grid, all oriented the same direction.
Row 1: Join Square 1 to Square 2 using the flat slip stitch seam method. Then join Square 2 to Square 3.
Row 2: Join Square 4 to Square 5, then Square 5 to Square 6.
Join Row 1 to Row 2 along the shared horizontal edge. The completed panel measures approximately 10.5 inches wide by 7 inches tall.
Section 6: Attaching the Flower Panel to the Bag
Center the joined flower panel on the front face, placing it approximately 1.5 inches up from the base of the bag. The panel should be horizontally centered with approximately 0.75 inches of cream body visible on each side.
Using MC and a tapestry needle, whipstitch around all four edges of the flower panel, sewing through the outermost chain spaces of the granny border and catching the single crochet stitches of the bag front with each stitch.
Section 7: Strap Hardware Attachment
Position one leather tab on each side of the bag at the top corner of the side panels, centered on the side width and approximately 0.5 inches below the top edge. The tab loops around the D-ring.
Using a sharp-tip sewing needle and waxed upholstery thread, hand-sew through the pre-punched rivet holes of each leather tab and through the crochet fabric, catching at least 3 to 4 layers of the dense single crochet wall.
Thread the lobster claw clasps through the D-rings on each tab. Attach the adjustable crossbody strap to both clasps.
Finishing and Blocking
Wet blocking is strongly recommended. Soak the completed bag in cool water with a drop of wool wash for 20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing. Roll in a towel to remove moisture.
Use a bag insert or crumpled tissue paper to stuff the bag to its finished dimensions. Pin the base corners square. Allow to dry completely for 24 to 48 hours before attaching hardware.
Weave in all yarn ends securely, working the tail in two opposite directions for at least 1 inch each way.
Care Instructions
For cotton: Hand wash in cool water with gentle detergent. Reshape and stuff while damp. Air dry flat.
For wool: Hand wash in cool water with wool-safe detergent. Do not agitate. Air dry flat.
For acrylic: Machine wash on gentle cycle in a mesh bag, cold water. Lay flat to dry.
The leather hardware should be wiped with a damp cloth only. Condition periodically. Store the bag stuffed with tissue paper to maintain its shape.
Final Thoughts on This Crossbody Bag Crochet Tutorial
This Sunset Ombre Flower Crossbody Bag is the kind of project that feels like a real accomplishment when you’re done. Yes, it takes time. Yes, those puff stitch petals require patience. But every single person who sees you carrying this bag is going to ask where you got it. And you get to say, "I made it."
The step by step instructions walk you through each technique, so even if you’ve never worked layered petals before, you can follow along. Take your time with those flower squares. Practice the puff stitch on a swatch first. And don’t skip the blocking. It really does make a difference.
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern for your next project. I would absolutely love to see your finished bags. Tag me on Instagram or share in our Facebook group when you’re done. Seeing your creations is honestly the best part of designing.
If this pattern caught your eye, go ahead and save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you’re ready to start. And please drop a comment below if you make one. I’d love to hear which colorway you chose and how the project went for you. Happy crocheting!
