Granny Square Tote Bag

Crochet once again showed me how you can make just about anything when I made this Granny Square Tote Bag! It’s super easy to make and by adding just the right amount of pizzas (insert Jazz hands), you end up with a beautiful bag that is not only on trend, but definitely useful!

This free crochet pattern is part of my latest crochet tutorial which I released not that long ago. By making these granny squares you get to practice your crocheting and you get the satisfaction of making something you can use afterwards! Use it as a WIP (work in progress) bag, a shopping bag or just a general bag to store your left over yarn in.

Before we get into the post – I want to give a great big shout out to my friend Annerie for being my Model for this bag!

Thanks a million Annerie!! 🙂

Let’s dive into the deeds:

Before you start with this beautiful Granny Square Tote Bag Crochet Pattern, here are some important things to know and some background around this pattern.

The Detail of the Granny Square Tote Bag Crochet Pattern

So last year while I was still working full time, I made granny squares with my left over yarn and packed them away as I finished them. Not knowing what I would do with them in the future. This is something I found was a good way to work through all the left over skeins/balls of yarn I had.

Fast forward a year later and now I am releasing a crochet pattern using these same granny squares. I can’t believe my blog is one year old! Time certainly has flown by – and I wouldn’t change a thing! 🙂

Using the basic Granny Square, this pattern is so easy and versatile! You can make this bag in any color combo or you can even make it in solid colors! Isn’t that neat? You can even use any yarn and any hook! This easy crochet pattern can be used as a guide to help you be more creative in your crocheting!

*Disclaimer – the bag layout was not my idea, but a general layout I saw on social media. I don’t know who designed the original layout, but I would love to credit that person! 🙂

While your here :), be sure to have a look at some of my other easy crochet patterns like:

• The Stylish Messy Bun Hat
• Oh-so-easy Beanie
• The Braided Headband
• Easy Shell Stitch Twisted Headband

All patterns on my blog are absolutely FREE of course!! 🙂

The pattern level:

This granny square tote bag crochet pattern is an easy crochet pattern. Totally beginner-friendly! You need to know the following:

• How to read a pattern
• Single Crochet (sc)
• Double Crochet (dc)
• The Basic Granny Square

If you are new to crochet and not familiar with any of the above mentioned, please click on the links and follow the easy tutorials! You will be able to make your crochet bag in no time!!!

Some FAQ and answers:

Can I adjust the size of the tote bag?

Yes you can! The size of the bag depends on the yarn you use. So this means that if you want a bigger (beach bag type) size, you can opt in for a worsted weight or bulky weight yarn and use it’s corresponding hook. To size down, you can use a #2 lace weight with it’s corresponding hook.

That is what’s wonderful about the this Granny Square Bag – completely customizable!!! 🙂

What Yarn Should I use?

I found that the optimal size yarn for this Tote bag is a #3 Dk light weight yarn. I used Kismet Yarn Raeesah 100% Cotton yarn, but I also made some bags, like the one below out of Acrylic Yarn!

But if you use anything other than cotton, I do recommend blocking the bag and then lining it with fabric as well.

If you don’t have scraps of yarn laying around, you can use something like Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn which is a cotton blend yarn or Patons Grace Yarn which is a 100% cotton. Red heart super saver 100% Acrylic will also work if you want to use Acrylic yarn!

Want to line your Granny Square Tote Bag?

If you want to line your crochet bag, I found a very helpful tutorial on YouTube which uses a sewing machine. I am still new to sewing, so that’s why I rather reached out to YouTube for some guidance. Sometimes we need to know our limitations! Haha..

Here is a link if you want to use a sewing machine.

And here is a link if you don’t have a sewing machine and want to hand stitch your lining.

Let me know if you have any other questions by leaving a comment down below!! 🙂

The materials needed for the Granny Square Tote Bag?

You will need the following materials:

• 100 % Cotton – #3 light/ DK Weight yarn, 50g/1.7oz (100m/109yd) each in 3 colors (I used red, rose pink and white), 100g/3.5oz (200m/218yd) in mustard yellow which is the contrast color.
• 100g/3.5oz (200m/218yd) in dark blue which is the main color of the same yarn.
• Or any scrap yarn and it’s corresponding hook size.
• Size 3.5mm Hook (US E/4)
• Measuring tape
• Stitch Markers
• Tapestry Needle
• Scissors

Let’s get started!

Now that you know all that is need to be known, I will not keep you any longer from crocheting this Granny Square Tote Bag.

Remember to follow me on Facebook and Instagram and share your creations with me on all my social platforms. Also pin this on your Pinterest boards if you want to make it again. And also remember to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for easy Crochet Tutorials and also easy to follow videos on my free crochet patterns!

Happy Crocheting!!! 🙂

~Nadine

Granny Square Tote Bag

Free Crochet Pattern

This pattern is written in US Terms

Patten Level:

Easy & Beginner Friendly

Materials:

• #3 light/ DK Weight yarn 100 % Cotton -, 50g/1.7oz (100m/109yd) each in 3 colors (I used red, rose pink and white), 100g/3.5oz (200m/218yd) in mustard yellow which is the contrast color.
• And 100g/3.5oz (200m/218yd) in dark blue which is the main color of the same yarn.
• Size 3.5mm Hook (US E/4)
• Measuring tape
• Stitch Markers
• Tapestry Needle
• Scissors

Gauge:

Crochet a square in only one color to find out if you will obtain the gauge.

If your square is too big, go down a hook size until you reach the gauge. If your square is too small, go up a hook size until your reach the gauge.

1 x Granny Square with 6 rounds = 12cm x 12cm or 4.7” x 4.7”

Finished Size:

Width x Length: 39cm x 40cm / 15” x 15.7”

To achieve the same measurements as above – the exact gauge needs to be obtained.

Notes:

• Finish making all the squares before attaching them together. You need to decide where the squares would go beforehand.
• To achieve the same measurements as above finished size – the exact gauge needs to be obtained.
• Gauge – If your square is too big, go down a hook size until you reach the gauge. If your square is too small, go up a hook size until you reach the gauge.
• If you want to connect the square in a different way than shown in the pattern – you need to crochet 7 rows of the granny square and then sew them together using your preferred method.
• You can make the straps as long as you’d like. Remember to leave enough space in the middle. You will add the same amount of rows in the middle as you did on the side.
• Notice that when you crochet the top of your bag that the pattern will call for the peaks and valleys – this is to indicate where you are on the bag. The top of the square is the peak, and where the squares meet in the middle is the valley.
• If you want to make this bag in Acrylic Yarn you are more than welcome to. You will, however, need to block the bag before you line it. You can also Block the bag if you use cotton yarn – but that’s not completely necessary.
• Lining the bag will help your bag to keep it’s shape when you put your belongings in it. As I am new to sewing – I used this very informative YouTube tutorial that showed me how to line my crochet bag. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC-34T2Albs
• Please note that I did not come up with the layout of this bag – I am not sure who did – but would love to give credit to that person!

Abbreviations:

• Ch = Chain
• Ch-Spce = Chain Space
• Dc = Double Crochet
• SQ = Square
• Nxt = Next
• Sl st = Slip Stitch
• St(s) = Stitch(s)
• Rep = Repeat

The Pattern:

This pattern is made up out of Basic Granny Squares. You can make them in the specific colorway as Shown below or if you are not particularly ready for color changing, you can make the squares in solid colors as wel:

Make 13 Basic Granny Squares using the method linked below:

Square 1: Make 6   Round 1 – Red Round 2 – Mustard Yellow Round 3 – Rose Pink Round 4 – White Round 5 – Red Round 6 – Mustard Yellow

Square 2: Make 7   Round 1 – Rose Pink Round 2 – Mustard Yellow Round 3 – Red Round 4 – White Round 5 – Rose Pink Round 6 – Mustard Yellow

If you are new to crochet and want to learn how to crochet a granny square – Click here for the Beginners Tutorial on How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square.

Connecting the Granny Squares:

You will connect the squares using the join as you go method. Before you join them, Lay your squares out in the way you would like you bag to be as in the pictures below. You can also refer to the Bag layout located in the Blog post.

After you’ve arranged your squares, you can start joining.

Start on the bottom right corner.

Sq1 = Connect your main color to the square and crochet a 7th round around the square. Finish off.

Sq 2 and onwards = connect the main yarn to the corner of the square and ch3 (counts as a dc), insert 2dc in the same space, ch1. Now place sq1 (with the 7th round – the border) wrong sides facing each other and slip stitch into the corner of sq1. Now, 3dc into the ch-space of sq2(without a border)and chain 1. Next, Slip stitch into the next ch-spce of sq1, 3dc into the ch-spce of sq2 and ch1. Repeat from * to * until you reach the next corner.

When you reach the corner – 3dc in the corner space of sq2 and ch1. Slip stitch into the corner of sq1. Now crochet 3dc into the same space and then continue around the square as normal. Finish off.

Continue to connect the rest of the squares as shown below.

Tip: when you need to connect 4 square together – when you reach the corner, don’t chain after making the 1st 3dc in the 1st corner. Sl st into each of the opposite corners you need to connect to. Then continue to crochet as normal with the next 3dc in the same space.

After connecting all the squares – weave in all the ends securely and move along to the sides of the bag.

Sides of the bag:

The top of the bag is made out of “Peaks” and “Valleys” as shown in the picture below. Whenever the pattern states peak or valley – please refer to this picture.

Round 1:

1. With your front side facing you, connect you main color to the right peak in the ch2-spce.

2. Ch1 and 3sc into the same space. Mark the second sc with a stitch marker.

3. Sc in each of the next 3 stitches and Sc in each ch-space until you reach the last ch-space of this square.

4. Sc3tog in the next 3 sts.

5. Continue to Sc in each st until you reach the next Peak/ch2-space.

Place 3 sc in the corner space and mark the second sc with a stitch marker.

Repeat step 2 to 5 until you reach the beginning of the round. Sl stitch into the 1^st sc of the round.

You will now crochet in rows on the 1^st side of the bag.

Row 2 – 3:

1. Working from the previous round – Sc into the next stitch, ch1 and turn to work in rows.

2. Sc into each stitch until you reach the valley, sc3tog in the middle of the squares and continue to sc down the row until you reach the stitch marker.

3. Sc into the marked stitch, ch1 and turn your work.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have 3 rows including the first round of sc you made around the bag.

Finish off.

The 2^nd side of the bag:

With your bag lying front side facing you, connect the main color yarn to the left corner where you place your stitch marker. You will now work in rows as you did on the 1^st side.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 of the previous side, until you have 3 rows including the first round of sc you made around the bag.

DO NOT FINISH OFF

Straps:

You are now working on the back of your bag.

Ch120

1. Connect the chain with a slip stitch to the top of the square next to the one connected the chain.

2. sc in each st across, sc3tog in the valley and sc across until you reach the next peak of the next square.

You are now on the front square of your bag.

3. Ch120 and connect with a slip stitch to the top of the next square just as you did in step 1.

4. sc in each st across, sc3tog in the valley and sc across until you reach the chain you made the first time.

5. Now sc in each ch (in 1 loop only) of the strap, when you reach the end of the chain, continue to sc across the side, sc3tog in the valley, sc in each st until you reach the 2^nd chain you made. Repeat the same process for this chain and side as you did the 1^st one.

At the end, slip stitch into the 1 sc of the round and finish off.

You will now work in the middle part of the bag and the back of the chain you made in the previous round.

Connect your yarn to the middle/inside part of the strap around 3 stitches before the chain.

Round 2 – 5: (incl. the 1^st round you made in the beginning)

1. sc in each st until you reach the chain, now you will work on the bottom loop of the chain.

2. sc across the chain and square until you reach the valley, sc3tog in the valley and continue to sc in each st until you reach the beginning of this round.

3. slip stitch in the 1^st st of the round to close, ch1 and turn.

Continue to sc in the middle repeating the steps above, making sure to sc3tog in the valley until you have 5 rows in total including the very 1^st row you made in the beginning. (remember to turn after each round)

At the end, finish off and weave in your ends.

Repeat this process on the other side as well.

Finishing Touches:

Connect the contrast yarn of your choosing and slip stitch in each stitch around the bag and in the middle / inside part of the bag.

Weave in all loose end of the bag.