Create your own beautiful and practical bag with this colorful crochet pattern! Inspired by a detailed tutorial, this design guides you through crafting a spacious tote using a classic granny square motif with four different colors. 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 color changes 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: Four different colors of a durable yarn that creates a firm fabric, such as:
- DK weight (Light Worsted / 8 ply): The video specifies 80% cotton, 20% polyacrylic yarn, which is a great choice.
- Colors: Choose four colors that complement each other.
- A smooth, firm yarn is best for a bag to prevent stretching.
- Crochet Hook: A hook size appropriate for your chosen yarn, typically 4.0 mm (G/6).
- 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.
- Button: One button for the bag closure.
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 Four-Colored Granny Square Bag!
This bag is constructed by creating multiple granny squares, then joining them, and finally adding the top border and a button closure.
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. The video shows changing colors for each round, so this pattern will follow that method.
Start with Color A
- 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. FO Color A.
Attach Color B to any ch-2 space
- Round 2:(Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the ch-2 space.(This is your first corner).
- Ch 1. Work (3 dc, ch 2, 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. FO Color B.
Attach Color C to any ch-2 space
- Round 3:(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. FO Color C.
Attach Color D to any ch-2 space
- 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. Change colors with each round for the four-color effect.
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. A common method is to arrange them in a long strip (e.g., 4 motifs in a row) and then fold and seam.
- Arrange Motifs: Lay out your motifs in the desired pattern. For a tote bag, you can arrange them in a long strip.
- 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: The Strap
The video shows creating the strap by chaining a long sequence of stitches and then double crocheting along it.
- Chain: Ch 100-120 (or desired length for your strap).
- Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across.
- This creates the strap. You can add another row of sc or dc for a wider, sturdier strap if you wish.
FO, leaving a long tail for seaming.
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 color changes to ensure a clean finish.
- Attach Strap: Using your tapestry needle and the long tails, sew the strap securely to the top edges of the bag.
- Add a Button: The video mentions adding a button as a finishing touch [12:40]. Sew a button to the front of the bag, then create a small chain loop (ch 5-10) on the underside of the flap to go around the button for closure.
- Shape: Gently shape your bag, ensuring the seams are neat and the strap is evenly attached.
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: The four-color design is great, but you can also experiment with a two-color pattern or use a different color for each square.
- 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 two short handles for a handbag.
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.
