Create your own beautiful and practical bag with this timeless crochet pattern! Inspired by a detailed tutorial, this design guides you through crafting a spacious tote using the classic granny square motif. This bag is a wonderful way to add a handmade touch to your style, showcasing a beloved crochet pattern that never goes out of fashion.
Skill Level: Intermediate (familiarity with granny square construction and joining motifs recommended)
Finished Size (Approximate):
- Individual Motif Dimensions: Approximately 5-6 inches (12.5-15 cm) square
- Bag Dimensions: Varies based on the number of squares and assembly, but designed to be a medium-sized tote bag.
- Size can vary based on yarn, hook, and tension.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Approximately 160g total of DK weight (Light Worsted / 8 ply) yarn. The video specifies 80% cotton, 20% polyacrylic.
- Choose a yarn that will hold its shape well and is suitable for a bag.
- Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6) crochet hook.
- Choose a hook size that creates a firm, dense fabric with no gaps. This is crucial for a durable bag.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and seaming.
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker (Optional): To mark the beginning of rounds or specific stitches.
Gauge (Crucial for Motif Consistency!):
Achieving consistent gauge for your motifs is crucial to ensure they fit together properly during assembly. Work a swatch to ensure your stitches are tight with no visible gaps. If your fabric is too loose, go down a hook size.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- MR: Magic Ring
- FO: Fasten off
Let’s Crochet Your Classic Granny Square Bag!
This bag is constructed by creating multiple granny squares, then joining them, and finally adding the top border and straps. The video uses one main color for the center and another for the outer rounds, but you could experiment with multiple colors for a vibrant look.
Part 1: The Granny Squares (Make 4 or 6, as desired for bag size)
Each square starts with a circular center and then builds out into a square.
- Round 1 (Center): Create a Magic Ring (MR). Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Work 2 dc into the ring. Ch 2. Work 3 dc into the ring. Repeat from * to * 3 more times. Ch 2. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3. (4 sets of 3 dc, 4 ch-2 spaces)
- Pull the MR tight to close. This forms the central point of your square.
- Round 2: Sl st into the next 2 dc to get to the first ch-2 space. (Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the ch-2 space.(This is your first corner).
- Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-2 space. Ch 1. Repeat from * to * 2 more times. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3.
- Round 3: Sl st into the next 2 dc to get to the first ch-2 space. (Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the ch-2 space.(This is your first corner).
- Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 space. Repeat the side and corner sequence around. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3.
- Round 4 & beyond: Continue working rounds in this manner, increasing the number of ch-1 spaces and 3-dc clusters along each side of the square until your motif is the desired size. The video shows several rounds of increasing the square.
FO, leaving a long tail for weaving in. Repeat to make 4 or 6 identical motifs.
Part 2: Assembly (Joining the Motifs)
The video demonstrates arranging and joining the motifs.
- Arrange Motifs: Lay out your motifs in the desired pattern. For a tote bag, you can arrange them in a long strip (e.g., 4 motifs in a row) or two panels (e.g., two rows of two motifs each). The video appears to use a more folded approach, where squares are joined to form the sides of the bag.
- Join Motifs: Using your crochet hook (sl st join) or tapestry needle (whip stitch or mattress stitch), join the motifs together along their edges to create the bag’s body.
- For a crochet join: Place two motifs right sides together. Insert hook through corresponding stitches on both motifs and sl st across the edge to join.
- For a sewn join: Use your tapestry needle and a piece of yarn to sew the motifs together.
- Join the motifs to create a single piece that can be folded and seamed to form the bag.
Part 3: Creating the Top & Handles
Once the main body of the bag is assembled and seamed, you’ll work around the top opening to create a border and the handles.
- Top Border Rounds:
- Attach yarn to one of the top corners of the bag opening. Ch 1.
- Work 1 sc in each stitch around the entire top opening of the bag. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Repeat this for 2-3 rounds to create a sturdy top border.
- Handle Round:
- Ch 1. Sc in each stitch until you reach the desired position for your first handle.
- Ch 50-60 (or desired length for your handle). Skip the stitches across the top of the bag to the position of your second handle.
- Sc in each stitch across the back of the bag until you reach the third handle position.
- Ch 50-60 (or desired length for your handle). Skip the stitches to the position of your fourth handle.
- Sc in remaining stitches. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- This round creates the openings for your handles and the chain loops that will form the handles themselves. The video shows this step from [09:39].
- Handle Finishing Round: Ch 1. Sc in each sc around the bag. When you reach the chain spaces for the handles, work sc stitches evenly around the chain (e.g., 50-60 sc around the ch-50 space). Continue sc around the rest of the bag. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- This round reinforces the handles and creates a neat, finished edge.
FO, leaving a long tail for weaving in.
Part 4: Finishing Touches
- Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to neatly weave in any remaining loose yarn tails. This is especially important for motifs to ensure a clean finish.
- Shape: Gently shape your bag, ensuring the seams are neat and the handles are evenly formed. The textured stitches should stand out beautifully.
- Add Closure (Optional): You can sew a magnetic snap or a button and loop closure to the top opening of the bag if desired.
- Lining (Optional): For extra durability and to prevent small items from slipping through the stitches, you can sew a fabric lining inside the bag.
Video tutorial
Versatile Uses for Your Classic Granny Square Bag:
- Everyday Tote: A stylish and unique accessory for daily use.
- Project Bag: Perfect for carrying a small crochet or knitting project.
- Gift: A thoughtful and impressive handmade gift.
Customization & Tips:
- Color Combinations: Experiment with different color palettes for your granny squares. You could use a single color for a minimalist look or multiple colors for a vibrant, modern feel.
- Size Adjustment:
- Larger Bag: Make more motifs and/or increase the number of rounds in each motif.
- Smaller Bag: Make fewer motifs and/or reduce the number of rounds in each motif.
- Handle Style: Explore different handle options, such as a single long strap for a crossbody bag, or a different style of crocheted strap.
Enjoy crocheting your own beautiful, unique, and classic bag! It’s a fantastic way to create a personalized accessory that’s sure to become a favorite.
