Create your own beautiful and practical tote bag with this classic crochet pattern! Inspired by a detailed tutorial, this design guides you through crafting a spacious and functional bag using the granny square technique. This bag is a wonderful way to add a handmade, modern accessory to your collection, showcasing your love for color and crochet.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner / Intermediate (familiarity with granny square construction and color changes recommended)
Finished Size (Approximate):
- Dimensions: Varies based on yarn, hook, and tension.
- The finished bag is a medium-sized tote, perfect for everyday use.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Approximately 100-150g of a worsted-weight yarn in several different colors.
- Crochet Hook: A hook size appropriate for your chosen yarn.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
- 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 the bag 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
- dc: double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- MR: Magic Ring
- FO: Fasten off
Let’s Crochet Your Granny Square Tote Bag!
This bag is constructed by first crocheting a flat granny square, then working up the sides, and finally adding the handles.
Part 1: The Granny Square Base
The granny square is the foundation of the bag. The video demonstrates how to create a multi-colored square by changing colors at the end of each round.
Start with your first color
- Round 1 (Center): Create a Magic Ring (MR). Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Work 2 dc into the MR. Ch 2. Work 3 dc into the MR. Ch 2. Work 3 dc into the MR. Ch 2. Work 3 dc into the MR. Ch 2. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3.
- Pull the MR tight to close. FO the color.
Attach your second color to any ch-2 space (corner)
- Round 2: Sl st into 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, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 space. Repeat the corner sequence around. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3. FO the color.
- Round 3 & 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 for the base of the bag.
Part 2: The Bag Body
- Work on the sides: Once the granny square is the desired size for the base of the bag, you will begin working up the sides. The video demonstrates how to continue crocheting in continuous rounds.
- Continue crocheting rounds of double crochet, changing colors as desired, until the bag is the desired height.
Part 3: The Handles
- Create the Handles: The video demonstrates how to create the bag’s handles by working rows of double crochet stitches along the top edge of the bag.
- Attach the Handles: The video shows how to continue crocheting the handles onto the bag by working a few rounds of single crochet, decreasing stitches to create a sturdy and finished handle.
- 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 Tote Bag:
- Everyday Tote: A stylish and unique accessory for daily use.
- Shopping Bag: A reusable and stylish alternative for groceries or market trips.
- 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 and bag body to create a unique effect.
- 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 tote bag! It’s a fantastic way to create a personalized accessory that’s sure to become a favorite.
