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Granny square tote bag Pattern

Granny square tote bag Pattern
4.4★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
1.2K Made This
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Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

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Bite-Sized Project

Finishes in 2-4 hours—perfect for an afternoon of creative relaxation.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Granny square tote bag Pattern

This pattern shows you how to make a granny square tote bag using chunky acrylic yarn and a 6mm hook. The pattern demonstrates how to make four joined granny squares for the front, a matching back square, and simple straps. It includes join-as-you-go instructions and a final round to neaten the bag edges. Clear step-by-step rounds and photos make it easy to follow along.

Granny square tote bag Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Youll learn to join squares as you crochet to create a neat grid and save sewing time. The finished bag measures approximately 28cm x 29cm and uses small amounts of accent colours for bright detail.

Why You'll Love This Granny square tote bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it celebrates bright colour combinations and simple granny-square construction that feels nostalgic and modern at the same time. I enjoy the join-as-you-go method since it speeds up assembly and creates seamless joins without a lot of sewing. The finished tote is sturdy, practical, and a perfect canvas for playing with contrast colours. Every time I make this bag I find a new pairing of accent colours that gives it a completely different personality. It feels rewarding to start with small squares and end up with a useful, handmade accessory.

Granny square tote bag Pattern step 1 - construction progress Granny square tote bag Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Granny square tote bag Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Granny square tote bag Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy this pattern is to adapt — change the accent colours to suit your wardrobe and mood.

I often swap the background colour for a neutral cream to make the colours pop, or use a bright background for a bolder look.

To make a mini version for a keychain, use DK yarn and a smaller hook; the same rounds work scaled down.

If you want a larger tote, use aran or bulky yarn with a larger hook and make more squares or larger squares before joining.

I sometimes add a lining for extra strength and to prevent small items from slipping through the granny holes.

Try adding decorative buttons or a small crocheted flower appliqu to a corner for a personalised touch.

I like to experiment with strap styles — a braided strap, a thicker padded strap, or even leather handles work well.

You can change the finishing round to a single crochet border for a tighter edge if you prefer a more structured look.

For a vintage vibe, use muted pastel colours and a soft cream background to create a 70s-inspired piece.

I recommend blocking each square lightly before joining if you want precise corners and a professional finish.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the slip stitch to join your initial ring; always ss into the first ch to secure the ring and maintain an even centre. ✗ Leaving long gaps when joining squares; stop after the first 3tr in the corner, ch1 and ss into the adjoining corner to secure the join neatly. ✗ Not fastening off colours cleanly leads to messy edges; fasten off after each round and weave in ends or carry neatly to the next round to avoid bulk. ✗ Forgetting to count clusters makes corner placement uneven; count each ch-1 and ch-2 space carefully and check clusters at the end of each round. ✗ Working with inconsistent tension makes squares different sizes; use the recommended 6mm hook and check tension so each small square measures approx. 13.5cm across after round 4.

Granny square tote bag Pattern

Make a colorful granny square tote bag using chunky acrylic yarn and a 6mm hook. This easy pattern guides you through making joined granny squares, working a finishing round, and adding sturdy straps. Youll love the retro vibe and the opportunity to mix bright accent colors for a playful handmade accessory. Perfect for gifting or everyday use, with clear step-by-step instructions and photos for reference.

Beginner Friendly 2-3 Hours

Materials Needed for Granny square tote bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Paintbox chunky acrylic yarn 100g main ball (as used in examples)
  • 02
    Yarn A - Pure black approx. 139g (main background colour used for black bag)
  • 03
    Yarn B - Washed teal approx. 3g (accent)
  • 04
    Yarn C - Blood orange approx. 6g (accent)
  • 05
    Yarn D - Buttercup yellow approx. 6g (accent)
  • 06
    Yarn E - Tea rose approx. 3g (accent)
  • 07
    Yarn F - Blush pink approx. 3g (accent)
  • 08
    Yarn G - Midnight blue approx. 6g (accent)
  • 09
    Yarn H - Lime green approx. 3g (accent)
  • 10
    Yarn I - Lipstick pink approx. 6g (accent)
  • 11
    Total yarn used approx. 175g (all colours combined)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 6.0mm (J)
  • 02
    Tapestry/yarn needle for sewing and weaving ends
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Stitch markers (optional)
  • 05
    Measuring tape to check tension and finished size
  • 06
    Pins for blocking and assembly (optional)

Progress Tracker

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— Front- Granny Squares :

Info :

Ch4, ss into first ch to join and make a ring.

Round 1 :

Ch 3 (counts as first tr), 2tr into ring, (ch 2, 3tr) into ring 3 times. ch2, ss into top of beg ch3 to join. Fasten off

Round 2 :

Join new colour in ch-2 sp, ch3 (counts as first tr), (2tr, ch2, 3 tr) in same ch-2 sp, ch1, * (3tr, ch2, 3tr) into next ch-2 sp, ch1; repeat from * twice more, ss into top of beg ch3 to join. Fasten off.

Round 3 :

Join new colour into any corner ch-2 sp, ch3 (counts as first tr), (2tr, ch2, 3tr) into same ch-2 sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1 *(3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1; repeat from* twice more ss into top of beg ch3 to join. Fasten off.

Round 4 :

(Join as you go) Join yarn A into any ch-2 sp, ch3 (counts as first tr), 2 tr, ch2, 3tr into same ch-2 sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1 *(3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1; repeat from* twice more, ss into top of beg ch3 to join. Fasten off.

Info :

Make 4 squares joining as you go to form a square.

— Join as you go :

Step 1 :

Crochet your first square up to round 4. (square 1)

Step 2 :

With your next square (square 2) start round 4, leaving the corner unfinished. (Your corner should be 3 tr, chain 2, 3 tr). Stop after the first 3 tr.

Step 3 :

Ch1, Ss into the adjoining corner of square 1, to join the two squares. Finish corner as usual with 3tr.

Step 4 :

Ss into next ch-1 space of Square 1. *3tr as usual into square 2, ss into next ch-1 sp of square 1. Repeat from * once.

Step 5 :

Repeat steps 2-3 to join the other corner. Then finish square 2 as you normal would. (see round 4)

Joining square 3 :

Repeat the same steps as before, creating an 'L' shape with the squares. Finish square as you normally would.

Joining the last square :

Repeat the same steps for one side. When you get to the second corner of this square, 3tr as usual, then ss into the corner of the square above, then ss into the corner of the square to the left. Finish the other side of the square, joining as you go like before. Finish the square like you normally would.

Info :

Note— your 4 joined granny squares now become 1 large granny square. You will work 1 row around like you would with a standard square. Where two squares join make one cluster of 3.

— Front :

Round (row around) :

Join yarn in any ch-2 corner space, Ch3 (counts as first tr), 2 tr, ch2, 3tr into same ch-2 sp, ch1, *3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch-1 space, ch1, 1tr into next ch-2 sp, 1 tr into space where two squares join, 1tr into next ch-2 sp, ch1, 3tr into next ch-1 space, ch1, 3tr into next ch-1 sp, ch1, 3tr into next ch-1 sp, ch1, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1; repeat from * twice more, then, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch-1 space, ch1, 1tr into next ch-2 sp, 1tr into space where two squares join, 1tr into next ch-2 sp, ch1, 3tr into next ch-1 space, ch1, 3tr into next ch-1 sp, ch1, ss into top of beg ch3 to join. Fasten off.

— Back- Granny Square :

Info :

Ch4, ss to first ch to join and made a ring

Round 1 :

Ch 3 (counts as first tr), 2tr into ring, (ch 2, 3tr into ring) 3 times, ch2, ss into top of beg ch3 to join.

Round 2 :

ch3 and turn (counts as first tr), (2tr, ch2, 3tr) in same ch-2 sp, ch1, * (3tr, ch2, 3tr) into next ch-2 sp, ch1; repeat from * twice more, ss into top of beg ch3 to join.

Round 3 :

ch3 and turn (counts as first tr), 2tr into same ch-1 sp, ch1, *(3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1; repeat from* twice more, then, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1, ss into top of beg ch3 to join.

Round 4 :

ch3 and turn (counts as first tr), 2tr into same ch-1 sp, ch1, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1, *3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1; repeat from* twice more, then, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1, ss into top of beg ch3 to join.

Round 5 :

ch3 and turn (counts as first tr), 2tr into same ch-1 sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1, *(3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1) 3 times, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1; repeat from * Twice more, then, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1, ss into top of beg ch3 to join.

Round 6 :

ch3 and turn (counts as first tr), 2tr into same ch-1 sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1, * (3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1) 4 times, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1; repeat from * Twice more, then, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1, ss into top of beg ch3 to join.

Round 7 :

ch3 and turn (counts as first tr), 2tr into same ch-1 sp, ch1, (3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1) 2 times, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1, * (3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1) 5 times, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1, repeat from * Twice more, then, (3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1) 2 times, ss into top of beg ch3 to join.

Round 8 :

ch3 and turn (counts as first tr), 2tr into same ch-1 sp, ch1, (3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1) 2 times, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1, * (3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1) 6 times, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1; repeat from * Twice more, then, (3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1) 3 times, ss into top of beg ch3 to join.

Round 9 :

ch3 and turn (counts as first tr), 2tr into same ch-1 sp, ch1, (3tr in next ch-1 sp, ch1) 3 times, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1, * (3tr in next ch-1 sp,ch1) 7 times, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, ch1; repeat from * Twice more, then, (3tr in next ch-1 sp,ch1) 3 times, ss into top of beg ch3 to join. Fasten off.

— Assembly & Finishing :

Info :

Sew together the front and back pieces, along 3 sides. Wrong sides together, matching up the stitches, using a whip stitch.

Top edge of bag :

Join yarn in any st along the top edge, ch3 (counts as first tr), Tr into each st around. Fasten off. (74tr)

Front- Straps :

Working on the top edge of the front, Join yarn 12 stitches from the left side. Ch3 (counts as first tr throughout), tr into the next 4 sts, *ch3 and turn, tr into next 4 st; repeat from * for 28 more rows. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail to sew the strap on the other side. (Total of 30 rows)

Info :

Sew the other end of the strap to the right side top edge of the front, join the strap on the 12th st from the right and sew together, matching the stitches.

Back– straps :

Repeat the same as the front for the back strap.

Info :

Sew or weave in the ends.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew the front and back pieces together along three sides with wrong sides together, matching stitches and using a whip stitch.
  • Work a finishing round along the top edge: join yarn, ch3 (counts as first tr) and treble into each stitch around (74 tr), then fasten off.
  • Make the straps on the top edge by joining yarn 12 sts from the left, ch3 then tr into next 4 sts, work rows of ch3 and turn, tr into next 4 sts for a total of 30 rows, fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.
  • Sew the ends of the strap to the top edge on the opposite side by aligning the strap with the 12th stitch from the right and sew together to match the stitches.
  • Repeat strap construction for the back strap in the same position and then sew or weave in all ends securely.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use a 6mm hook and maintain consistent tension so each small square measures approx. 13.5cm across after round 4.
  • 💡Make 4 joined small squares to form the front unit, then work one row around the combined square to neaten edges.
  • 💡Join yo as you go exactly as shown: stop after the first 3tr, ch1, and ss into the adjoining corner before finishing the corner to create neat joins.
  • 💡Fasten off and weave in ends after rounds as instructed to keep the back neat and avoid bulky seams.

This cheerful Granny Square Tote was designed to be playful, colourful, and easy to personalise with your favourite accent shades. Whether you make it in bright contrasts or soft pastels, it makes a lovely everyday bag or a thoughtful handmade gift. Enjoy the join-as-you-go method and the retro granny charm as you stitch! 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The final bag measures approximately 28cm x 29cm using the recommended yarn and a 6mm hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can change yarn weight, but the finished size and gauge will change; adjust hook size and check tension to match desired measurements.

Do I need experience with join-as-you-go techniques?

This pattern is labelled easy and includes step-by-step join-as-you-go instructions, but basic knowledge of treble crochet and joining is helpful for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish this tote in about 2-3 hours, depending on experience and whether you make color choices and assembly at the end.