Create your own beautiful and practical bag with this charming crochet pattern! Inspired by a detailed tutorial, this design guides you through crafting a stunning handbag using a multi-colored granny square motif that resembles a sunflower. This bag is a wonderful way to add a handmade, cheerful accessory to your collection.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner / Intermediate (familiarity with granny square construction and color changes recommended)
Finished Size (Approximate):
- Individual Motif Dimensions: Varies based on yarn, hook, and tension.
- Bag Dimensions: Varies based on the size of the squares, but designed to be a compact handbag.
- Size can vary based on yarn, hook, and tension.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Small amounts of yarn in three or four different colors. The video uses yellow for the sunflower center, brown for the seeds, and white for the final square formation.
- A durable yarn that creates a firm fabric, such as a worsted-weight cotton, cotton blend, or acrylic, would be ideal.
- Crochet Hook: 3.5 mm (E/4) 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.
- 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
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- MR: Magic Ring
- FO: Fasten off
Let’s Crochet Your Cheery Sunflower Granny Square Bag!
This bag is constructed by creating two identical sunflower granny squares, then joining them, and finally adding a strap and a button closure.
Part 1: The Sunflower Granny Squares (Make 2)
Each square starts with a circular center and then builds out into a square, with multiple color changes to create the sunflower effect.
Start with Color A (Yellow – for the petals)
- Round 1 (Center): Create a Magic Ring (MR). Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Work 11 dc into the MR. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3. (12 dc)
- Pull the MR tight to close. FO Color A.
Attach Color B (Brown – for the seeds) to any dc stitch
- Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in each dc around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (12 sc)
- FO Color B.
Attach Color C (Yellow – for the petals) to any sc stitch
- Round 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Work 2 dc in the same stitch. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next stitch. Ch 1. Repeat from * to * 10 more times. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3. (12 sets of 3 dc, 12 ch-1 spaces)
- FO Color C.
Attach Color D (White – for the square) to any ch-1 space
- Round 4 (Creating the Square): Sl st into the first ch-1 space.
- (Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the ch-1 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-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1.
- Repeat the corner and side sequence around. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3.
- This round converts the circular motif into a square. The video shows this step at [05:44].
FO, leaving a long tail for weaving in. Repeat to make a second identical motif.
Part 2: Assembly
The video demonstrates how to join the two granny squares to form the bag.
- Join the Squares: Take your two finished granny squares. Place them with wrong sides facing each other. Using your crochet hook (sl st join) or tapestry needle, join them together along three of the four sides, leaving the top open for the bag opening.
- For a crochet join: 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.
- Attach the Strap:
- Create a strap by chaining a long sequence of stitches and then working a row of single or double crochet along it. The video shows how to make the strap at [09:05].
- Using your tapestry needle and the long tails, sew the strap securely to the two side top edges of the bag.
- Add a Button: 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. The video shows this at [10:11].
- Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to neatly weave in any remaining loose yarn tails. This is especially important since you will have many color changes.
- Shape: Gently shape your bag, ensuring the seams are neat and the strap is evenly attached.
Video tutorial
Versatile Uses for Your Sunflower Granny Square Bag:
- Everyday Handbag: 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 sunflower. You could use orange and green for a fall-themed look, or pink and purple for a whimsical one.
- Size Adjustment:
- Larger Bag: Work more rounds on your granny squares or use a thicker yarn and larger hook.
- Smaller Bag: Work fewer rounds on your granny squares or use a thinner yarn and smaller hook.
- Handle Style: Explore different handle options, such as two short handles for a handbag, or a leather strap.
Enjoy crocheting your own beautiful, unique, and cheerful bag! It’s a fantastic way to create a personalized accessory that’s sure to become a favorite.
