There is something undeniably satisfying about crocheting a bag you will actually use every day. This Sage Green Botanical Lace Bucket Bag combines a sturdy single crochet base with delicate lace overlay panels that look far more complicated than they really are. If you can work basic stitches and follow a simple lace motif, you can absolutely make this stunning accessory.
I designed this bucket bag to feel like a vintage treasure you might find at a European market. The two-tone color palette keeps things modern while the botanical lace panels add romantic detail. The twisted rope handle and matching tassels finish everything beautifully.
Let me walk you through the entire crochet pattern from start to finish.
What Makes This Bucket Bag Pattern Special
This is not your average tote bag project. The construction method creates a professional finish that looks store-bought. You will crochet a solid bucket base first, then create separate lace overlay panels that attach around the top third of the bag. This layered approach means even if lace feels intimidating, you can take your time with those motifs separately.
The bag stands approximately 9 inches tall and 7 inches wide at the opening. It holds a wallet, phone, sunglasses, keys, and a small book comfortably. Perfect for summer outings or as an everyday crossbody alternative when you add a longer strap.
Skill level: Intermediate. If you have completed granny squares and worked in the round before, you are ready for this crochet tutorial.
Materials You Will Need
Having the right supplies makes any crochet pattern easier to follow. Here is everything required to recreate this botanical lace bucket bag from scratch.
Yarn
I recommend 100% mercerized cotton for this project. The sheen makes the lace panels pop, and cotton holds structure better than acrylic for bags. Brands like Lily Sugar’n Cream, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, or Scheepjes Catona work beautifully.
Hook Sizes
Using a smaller hook for the base creates a denser fabric that prevents small items from poking through.
Notions
Gauge Information
Gauge matters for bags more than you might think. Too loose and items fall through gaps. Too tight and you will run out of yarn.
Main body gauge: 16 single crochet stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches with 4.0mm hook
Lace panel gauge: Each flower motif measures approximately 3 inches across with 3.5mm hook
Take time to check your gauge before starting. Your hands are unique and tension varies between crocheters.
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
Every stitch abbreviation appears here with a plain-English explanation. Reference this section whenever you need a refresher.
ch = chain: Wrap yarn over hook, pull through loop on hook. This creates foundation stitches.
sl st = slip stitch: Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch AND loop on hook in one motion. Used for joining rounds.
sc = single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. The shortest basic stitch.
hdc = half double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull up loop (3 loops), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. Slightly taller than sc.
dc = double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull up loop (3 loops), yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain), yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops. Creates open, drapey fabric.
tr = treble crochet: Yarn over twice, insert hook, yarn over and pull up loop (4 loops), [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] three times. Tall stitch used in lace work.
ch-sp = chain space: The gap or hole created by chain stitches in previous row. Work into the space itself, not individual chains.
sk = skip: Pass over the indicated number of stitches without working into them.
inc = increase: Work 2 stitches into the same stitch to add width.
BLO = back loop only: Insert hook under just the back loop (the loop farthest from you) instead of both loops.
Step by Step Crochet Pattern Instructions
Now for the good part. Follow these sections in order to create your botanical lace bucket bag from the bottom up.
Part 1: Crocheting the Bucket Base
The base uses a magic ring and increases in a spiral. Place a stitch marker at the start of each round and move it up as you go.
With MC and 4.0mm hook:
Round 1: Make a magic ring. Ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring. Pull ring closed. (6 sts)
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (30 sts)
Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (36 sts)
Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (42 sts)
Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48 sts)
Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (54 sts)
Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (60 sts)
Your base should measure approximately 5 inches across. Lay it flat to check. If it ruffles, your tension is too loose. If it cups, go up a hook size.
Part 2: Building the Bucket Sides
This is where the magic happens. One simple change creates vertical walls instead of a flat circle.
Round 11: Working in BLO only, sc in each st around. Do not increase. (60 sts)
This BLO round creates a crisp edge where the base meets the sides. From here, work in both loops normally.
Rounds 12 through 40: Sc in each st around. (60 sts per round)
Continue for 29 rounds total of straight sides. This creates approximately 6.5 inches of bucket height. The fabric should be dense with no visible holes.
Tip: Count every few rounds to ensure you maintain 60 stitches. It is easy to accidentally skip stitches along the way.
Round 41: Sl st to first st. Fasten off MC. Weave in ends.
Part 3: Creating the Lace Overlay Panels
Here is where this crochet pattern becomes truly beautiful. You will make 6 identical flower motifs that join together to form the decorative overlay.
With CC and 3.5mm hook:
Motif Center:
Round 1: Magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 11 dc into ring. Sl st to top of ch-3 to join. (12 dc)
Round 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), *dc in next st, ch 1* repeat around. Sl st to 3rd ch of starting ch-4. (12 dc, 12 ch-1 spaces)
Round 3: Sl st into first ch-sp. Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, *3 dc in next ch-sp, ch 2* repeat around. Sl st to top of ch-3. (12 clusters of 3 dc)
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 2 dc, *3 sc in ch-2 sp, sc in next 3 dc* repeat around, ending with 3 sc in final ch-sp. Sl st to first sc. (48 sc)
Creating the Petal Points:
Round 5: Ch 1, sc in same st, *sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (shell made), sk 2 sts, sc in next st* repeat around. Sl st to first sc. (8 shells)
Round 6: Sl st to center dc of first shell. Ch 4, *tr in center dc of next shell, ch 3* repeat around. Sl st to top of ch-4.
Round 7: *Work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-3 sp* repeat around. Sl st to first dc. This creates the scalloped edge visible in the finished bag.
Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for joining.
Make 6 motifs total.
Part 4: Joining Motifs and Attaching Overlay
Lay motifs in a row. Using CC, whipstitch or slip stitch adjacent motifs together at touching petal points. Connect all 6 into a continuous band.
Position the lace band around the top of the bucket body with scalloped edges pointing down. The band should sit approximately 2 inches below the bucket opening.
Attachment method: Using yarn needle and CC, tack the top edge of each motif to the bucket body with invisible stitches. Work from the inside when possible.
The lace overlay drapes naturally over the solid green base, creating that beautiful dimensional effect.
Part 5: The Twisted Rope Handle
This handle uses a simple chain twisted technique.
With CC and 4.0mm hook:
Ch 150. Fasten off, leaving long tails at both ends.
Cut two more lengths of CC yarn, each 60 inches long. Hold all three strands together (the chain plus two plain strands) and twist tightly in one direction. Fold in half, allowing the twist to coil back on itself naturally. Secure both ends with tight wrapping.
Attach handle ends securely inside the bag at opposite sides using yarn needle and MC.
Part 6: Creating the Drawstring and Tassels
Drawstring: Chain 100 with CC. Twist as with handle or leave as simple chain cord. Weave through the lace openings around the bag top.
Tassels (make 2): Wrap CC around a 3-inch cardboard 25 times. Tie at top, cut bottom loops. Wrap yarn around tassel 1 inch below top to create head. Trim ends evenly. Attach to drawstring ends.
Finishing Your Botanical Lace Bucket Bag
Weave in all remaining ends. Steam block the lace sections gently to open up the stitch definition. Do not press flat.
Optional: Cut a fabric circle to fit the base interior. This prevents stretching and adds polish.
Optional: Insert a thin cardboard circle wrapped in fabric at the very bottom for extra structure.
Tips for Success
Working with two yarn weights in the same project can feel strange at first. The thinner CC yarn makes delicate lace while the thicker MC creates durability. Trust the process.
If your lace motifs look different sizes, check your tension on each one. Consistency matters when joining multiples.
Cotton yarn does not have the stretch of acrylic. Take breaks to avoid hand fatigue.
How to Customize This Pattern
Try burgundy and cream for autumn. Navy and white feels nautical. Use variegated yarn for either section to add interest without changing the pattern.
For a larger bag, continue increasing the base to 72 or 84 stitches before working BLO round. Add motifs proportionally.
Wrapping Up
Creating this Sage Green Botanical Lace Bucket Bag crochet pattern from start to finish takes patience, but the result is absolutely worth every stitch. You now have a detailed step by step guide covering every technique, measurement, and finishing detail needed to recreate this gorgeous accessory.
Thank you so much for choosing to make this project. Seeing your finished bags brings me genuine joy, so please share your creations on Instagram and tag me. I love seeing how different yarn choices transform the same design.
Happy crocheting, friend. You have got this.