Create your own beautiful and practical bag with this easy-to-follow crochet pattern! Inspired by a detailed tutorial, this design guides you through crafting a stunning handbag using a mosaic granny square motif. This bag is a wonderful way to showcase your love for color and add a handmade, modern 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: Yarn in three different colors. The video uses three complementary colors, which is a great choice.
- A durable yarn that creates a firm fabric, such as a worsted-weight cotton, cotton blend, or acrylic, would be ideal.
- Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) 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 Easy Mosaic Granny Square Bag!
This bag is constructed by creating two identical mosaic granny squares, then joining them, and finally adding a long strap. The mosaic effect is achieved by working different colors in a specific pattern.
Part 1: The Mosaic Granny Squares (Make 2)
Each square starts with a circular center and then builds out into a square, with multiple color changes.
Start with Color A
- 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 to any dc stitch
- Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Work 2 dc in the same stitch. Work 3 dc in the next stitch. Repeat from * to * 10 more times. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3.
- This round begins to form the corners. FO Color B.
Attach Color C to any ch-1 space
- Round 3: 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. Repeat the side and corner sequence around. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3. FO Color C.
- Round 4 & beyond: Continue working rounds in this manner, changing colors and 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 this process in detail.
FO, leaving a long tail for weaving in. Repeat to make a second identical motif.
Part 2: The Strap
The video shows how to crochet a long strap for the handbag using only one color of yarn (the video uses Color A).
- 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 3: Assembly
The video demonstrates how to assemble the pieces to create the finished handbag.
- 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: Using your tapestry needle and the long tails, sew the strap securely to the two side top edges of the bag.
- 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 Mosaic 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 squares to create a unique effect. You could use three different colors as shown, or even more for a more complex mosaic pattern.
- 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 classic bag! It’s a fantastic way to create a personalized accessory that’s sure to become a favorite.
