Create your own beautiful and practical handbag with this classic crochet pattern! Inspired by a detailed tutorial, this design guides you through crafting a spacious tote using a single large granny square motif. This bag is a wonderful way to add a handmade, retro touch to your style, showcasing your love for color and crochet.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner / Intermediate (familiarity with basic crochet stitches 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 square, 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 two or three different colors. The video uses contrasting colors to highlight the different rows.
- A durable yarn that creates a firm fabric, such as a worsted-weight cotton, cotton blend, or acrylic, would be ideal.
- Crochet Hook: A hook size appropriate for your chosen yarn.
- 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 motif is crucial to ensure it holds its shape. 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
- tr: treble crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- MR: Magic Ring
- FO: Fasten off
Let’s Crochet Your Granny Square Handbag!
This bag is constructed by creating one large granny square, then adding a handle, and finally closing the top.
Part 1: The Granny Square Base
Each square starts with a circular center and then builds out into a square, with multiple color changes to create the mosaic effect.
Start with Color A
- Row 1: Create a Magic Ring (MR). Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Work 9 dc into the MR. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3. (10 dc)
- Pull the MR tight to close. FO Color A.
Attach Color B to any dc stitch
- Row 2: The video shows a pattern of chain stitches and half-double crochet stitches. The pattern is a repeat of two half-double crochets in one stitch. (10 hdc)
- FO Color B.
Attach Color C
- Row 3: The video shows a pattern involving a mix of double crochet and treble crochet stitches, repeated four times. This is the row where the square begins to take shape.
- Row 4: The video shows a pattern using a combination of single, half-double, double, and triple crochet stitches, also repeated four times.
- Row 5: The final row for the square involves a complex pattern of different stitches, repeated four times.
Part 2: The Handles & Finishing the Bag
- Making the Handles: The video demonstrates how to create the bag’s handles by working rows of single crochet stitches.
- You will be working along one side of the square to create the handle.
- Decreasing Stitches: The video shows how to decrease stitches to finish the bag and create a nice top edge. This will create a curved opening for 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.
Video tutorial
Versatile Uses for Your Granny Square Handbag:
- 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 square 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 square or use a thicker yarn and larger hook.
- Smaller Bag: Work fewer rounds on your granny square or use a thinner yarn and smaller hook.
- Handle Style: Explore different handle options, such as two short handles for a handbag, or a longer strap for a crossbody bag.
Enjoy crocheting your own beautiful, practical, and unique bag! It’s a fantastic way to create a personalized accessory that’s sure to become a favorite.
