Crochet Autumn Leaf Tote Bag – Free Fall Crochet Pattern

Bring the beauty of autumn into your everyday style with this gorgeous crochet autumn leaf tote bag! Featuring a creamy ivory background decorated with raised crochet leaves in burnt orange, mustard yellow, and olive green, this handmade tote captures the warm, cozy feeling of fall.

With its structured rectangular shape, sturdy crocheted shoulder straps, and beautifully textured leaf motifs, this bag is both practical and elegant. The colorful leaves are arranged in a repeating pattern across the front, creating a timeless seasonal accessory that pairs beautifully with cozy sweaters, boots, and autumn outfits.

This free crochet pattern will guide you through making the bag base, textured body panels, dimensional autumn leaves, reinforced handles, and final assembly.

Pattern Information

• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
• Finished Size: Approximately 38 cm wide × 34 cm tall × 10 cm deep
• Handle Drop: Approximately 25 cm
• Yarn Weight: Worsted weight (#4)
• Recommended Yarn: Cotton or cotton-blend yarn
• Hook Size: 3.5 mm and 4 mm
• Terminology: US crochet terms
• Construction: Crocheted rectangular base, body panels, appliqué leaves, and reinforced handles
• Estimated Time: 12–18 hours

Design Note: This is an original crochet pattern inspired by the reference image. The exact stitches and construction of the photographed bag cannot be determined from the image alone. The instructions below offer a practical way to recreate its overall appearance.

Materials Needed

• Approximately 500–600 g ivory cotton yarn
• Approximately 100 g burnt-orange yarn
• Approximately 100 g mustard-yellow yarn
• Approximately 100 g olive-green yarn
• 3.5 mm crochet hook
• 4 mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Optional cotton fabric for lining
• Optional magnetic snap closure
• Optional plastic canvas for a structured base

Crochet Abbreviations

• MR: Magic ring
• ch: Chain
• sc: Single crochet
• hdc: Half double crochet
• dc: Double crochet
• tr: Treble crochet
• sl st: Slip stitch
• st: Stitch
• inc: Increase
• dec: Decrease
• BLO: Back loop only
• FLO: Front loop only
• FO: Fasten off

Part 1: Crochet the Rectangular Bag Base

Using ivory yarn and a 4 mm hook:

Row 1

Ch 61. Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc across. (60)

Rows 2–18

Ch 1, turn, sc across. (60)

The finished base should measure approximately 38 × 10 cm, depending on your gauge.

If necessary, adjust the number of rows to achieve the desired depth.

Base Border

Work sc evenly around all four sides of the rectangle.

Place 3 sc in each corner to prevent curling.

Join with a sl st.

Do not fasten off.

Part 2: Crochet the Tote Bag Body

Continue working around the base in joined rounds.

Round 1

Work 1 sc in BLO around the entire base.

This creates a defined fold between the base and the bag walls.

Rounds 2–5

Sc around.

Round 6

*Sc in next 4 stitches, ch 1, skip 1 stitch.* Repeat around, adjusting the final repeat as necessary.

Round 7

Sc in every stitch and chain space around.

Rounds 8–12

Sc around.

Round 13

Repeat the decorative eyelet pattern from Round 6.

Round 14

Sc in every stitch and chain space around.

Rounds 15–19

Sc around.

Continue alternating five rounds of solid single crochet with one decorative eyelet round until the bag reaches approximately 32 cm in height.

Keep the stitch count consistent and check that the side walls remain straight.

Part 3: Crochet the Upper Bag Border

The upper border strengthens the tote and gives it a neat, structured finish.

Using ivory yarn:

Round 1

Sc around.

Round 2

Work sc in BLO around.

Rounds 3–6

Sc around.

Round 7

Work reverse single crochet (crab stitch) around the upper edge.

FO and weave in the ends.

Part 4: Crochet the Autumn Leaf Motifs

The raised leaf appliqués are the defining feature of this tote bag.

Make approximately 15–18 leaves in burnt orange, mustard yellow, and olive green.

Use a 3.5 mm hook for firm, well-defined stitches.

Leaf Foundation

Ch 17.

First Side

Starting in the second chain from the hook, work:

1 sl st, 2 sc, 3 hdc, 5 dc, 3 hdc, 2 sc.

Work 3 sc in the final chain to turn around the tip.

Opposite Side

Work along the opposite side of the foundation chain:

2 sc, 3 hdc, 5 dc, 3 hdc, 2 sc, 1 sl st.

Join with a sl st.

Leaf Border

Work one round of sc around the leaf.

At the pointed end, work 3 sc in the same stitch.

FO, leaving a long sewing tail.

Raised Central Vein

Using the same yarn color, embroider a straight central vein from the base to the tip.

Add diagonal side veins to create the textured appearance of an autumn leaf.

For extra dimension, work surface slip stitches along the veins.

Part 5: Create Three Autumn Leaf Colors

Burnt-Orange Leaves

Make 5–6 leaves in a rich terracotta or rust shade.

These leaves bring warmth and contrast to the ivory background.

Mustard-Yellow Leaves

Make 5–6 leaves in golden mustard.

These create bright accents throughout the design.

Olive-Green Leaves

Make 5–6 leaves in muted olive green.

These provide balance and a natural woodland feel.

Block the finished leaves lightly if needed, keeping their raised texture intact.

Part 6: Arrange the Autumn Leaf Pattern

Lay the tote bag flat on a clean surface.

Arrange the leaves in staggered rows across the front panel.

For a balanced design:

• Place burnt-orange leaves near the upper left and center.
• Position mustard-yellow leaves between the orange and green motifs.
• Use olive-green leaves to balance the lower and outer sections.
• Alternate leaf colors to avoid placing identical shades directly beside each other.
• Keep approximately 2–3 cm of space between motifs.

Pin the leaves in place before sewing.

Use matching yarn and a yarn needle to attach each leaf securely.

Sew around the outer edges while allowing the central vein to remain slightly raised.

Repeat the arrangement on the back panel if desired.

Part 7: Crochet the Shoulder Straps

Make two sturdy straps using ivory yarn and a 3.5 mm hook.

Row 1

Ch 9. Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc across. (8)

Rows 2–110

Ch 1, turn, sc across. (8)

Continue until the strap measures approximately 65–70 cm.

FO, leaving a long sewing tail.

Repeat for the second strap.

Reinforcing the Straps

Work one round of sc around each strap.

For additional strength, sew a narrow cotton webbing strip to the underside of each strap.

This helps prevent stretching when carrying heavier items.

Part 8: Attach the Handles

Lay the tote flat and mark the strap positions.

Position each strap approximately 8–10 cm from the side edges.

Make sure both straps are evenly aligned.

Overlap the strap ends with the upper bag border by approximately 5 cm.

Sew each attachment point securely using a reinforced square-and-cross stitch pattern.

Repeat for all four attachment points.

Check that both handles are equal in length.

Part 9: Add a Fabric Lining (Optional)

A fabric lining helps the tote maintain its shape and prevents small items from slipping through decorative stitches.

Step 1

Measure the inside of the finished bag.

Step 2

Cut two fabric rectangles for the front and back, plus a bottom gusset if needed.

Step 3

Add approximately 1.5 cm seam allowance to each edge.

Step 4

Sew the fabric pieces together to form the lining.

Step 5

Fold the upper edge inward and press.

Step 6

Insert the lining into the crochet bag.

Step 7

Hand-stitch the lining to the inside of the upper border.

For additional convenience, add a small interior pocket.

Part 10: Add a Magnetic Closure (Optional)

Install a magnetic snap at the center of the upper opening.

Attach the snap to the fabric lining before sewing the lining into the tote.

Use a small piece of interfacing behind the snap for reinforcement.

Make sure both snap pieces align correctly.

Part 11: Final Assembly and Finishing

Step 1

Check that all autumn leaf appliqués are securely attached.

Step 2

Weave in all loose yarn ends.

Step 3

Inspect the shoulder strap attachment points.

Step 4

Gently shape the rectangular base.

Step 5

If desired, insert a removable plastic canvas base covered with fabric.

Step 6

Lightly steam-block the bag without flattening the raised leaf motifs.

Step 7

Allow the bag to dry completely before use.

Your beautiful crochet autumn leaf tote bag is ready!

Creative Color Variations

Classic Autumn

Ivory, burnt orange, mustard yellow, and olive green.

Rustic Farmhouse

Oatmeal, terracotta, chocolate brown, and sage green.

Soft Neutral Fall

Cream, beige, taupe, caramel, and eucalyptus green.

Woodland Autumn

Warm beige, forest green, copper, and golden yellow.

Elegant Burgundy

Ivory, burgundy, antique gold, and dark olive.

Modern Minimalist

Natural cotton, camel, warm gray, and muted brown.

Helpful Crochet Tips

• Choose cotton yarn for a sturdy and durable tote.
• Use a smaller hook if your stitches feel too loose.
• Check your gauge before beginning the bag base.
• Keep the base rectangular and evenly shaped.
• Use stitch markers to identify the bag corners.
• Arrange all leaf motifs before sewing them in place.
• Alternate leaf colors for a balanced appearance.
• Keep the leaf veins slightly raised for texture.
• Reinforce the shoulder straps to reduce stretching.
• Add a fabric lining for everyday use.
• Use a removable base insert for additional structure.
• Avoid overloading the bag with heavy objects.
• Weave in yarn ends carefully to prevent unraveling.
• Block the finished bag gently to preserve the texture.
• Allow the bag to dry flat after washing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this autumn crochet tote bag beginner-friendly?

This pattern is best suited for intermediate crocheters who are comfortable with working in rounds, creating appliqués, and assembling crochet pieces.

How much yarn do I need?

Approximately 800–900 g of worsted-weight yarn in total, depending on your gauge, bag size, and number of leaf motifs.

Can I make the bag larger?

Yes. Increase the number of foundation chains and base rows, then continue the body to your desired height.

Can I use acrylic yarn?

Yes, but cotton yarn generally provides better structure and durability for tote bags.

Can I make the bag without the leaf appliqués?

Absolutely. The plain ivory tote makes a beautiful minimalist everyday bag.

Can I use different leaf shapes?

Yes. Maple leaves, oak leaves, and smaller pointed leaves can all be used to customize the design.

Should I add a lining?

A lining is recommended if you plan to carry keys, wallets, cosmetics, or other small items.

Can I machine wash the bag?

Hand washing is recommended to protect the leaf appliqués and preserve the bag’s shape.

Can I use this bag throughout the year?

Yes. Although inspired by autumn, its neutral background and botanical design make it suitable for everyday use.

Can I sell finished bags made from this pattern?

Yes. You may sell your handmade finished bags. Credit to the pattern designer is appreciated.

Care Instructions

• Hand wash gently in cool water.
• Use mild detergent.
• Do not bleach.
• Avoid twisting or wringing the bag.
• Press excess water out with a clean towel.
• Reshape while damp.
• Dry flat away from direct sunlight.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Avoid hanging the bag with heavy items inside.

Final Thoughts

This crochet autumn leaf tote bag combines cozy seasonal charm with practical everyday style. Its creamy textured body, beautifully raised fall leaves, and sturdy crocheted handles make it a wonderful project for anyone who loves handmade accessories and autumn-inspired designs.

Whether you’re making it for yourself, gifting it to a loved one, or adding it to your handmade collection, this tote is a beautiful way to celebrate the colors of fall.

Love this autumn crochet bag? Save this free crochet tote bag pattern to Pinterest and share it with your crochet friends for more cozy handmade inspiration!