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Granny Square Bag Pattern

Granny Square Bag Pattern
4.1★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.3K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Stylish Touch

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

About This Granny Square Bag Pattern

This pattern creates a roomy granny-square tote bag made from cord or bulky yarn with a clean, modern finish. The design uses two square panels worked from the center, a rectangular side strip, then joins and finishes with BLO rounds for a neat top. It includes step-by-step rounds, photos, three finishing variants and handle placement guidance.

Granny Square Bag Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Perfect for intermediate crocheters comfortable with double crochet and joining techniques. The pattern is easy to scale by changing cord thickness or hook size to make larger or smaller bags.

Why You'll Love This Granny Square Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple granny-square techniques into a chic, everyday tote. I enjoy how quickly the square panels grow and how satisfying the even BLO rounds look at the top edge. I also love that the pattern offers three finishing variants so you can create different looks and handle placements. Making this bag gives me a chance to play with cord textures while keeping a clean, modern silhouette.

Granny Square Bag Pattern step 1 - construction progress Granny Square Bag Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Granny Square Bag Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Granny Square Bag Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love customizing this bag by changing the cord or yarn color—try a two-tone square and a contrasting side panel to make a bold statement.

I often switch the cord thickness: using bulky cord with a larger hook makes a chunky market bag, while thinner cord makes a delicate everyday tote.

I like to swap the ch60 handle holes for shorter ch loops or sew leather handles for a more polished look, depending on the finish I want.

I sometimes add a lining sewn in with matching thread for extra structure and to protect smaller items inside the bag.

Try adding pockets to the interior by crocheting small rectangles and sewing them to the lining before attaching it to the bag.

I also experiment with embroidered initials on one square panel to personalize the bag as a gift.

For a textured version, substitute some rounds of dc with hdc or create a bobble round for a playful look.

You can make the bag larger by adding extra rounds to the square panels before joining—just keep increases consistent on each side.

I sometimes create a strap from recycled leather or chain for a crossover style instead of top handles; it gives the bag a different silhouette.

Don't be afraid to mix fibers—combining cotton cord for structure with a soft yarn contrast on the edge creates a unique tactile finish.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the stitch count at the end of each round can lead to an increasingly misshapen square; always count your stitches after every round to ensure you have the correct total. ✗ Not tightening the magic ring firmly causes a loose gap in the center of the square; pull the ring tightly and secure with a slip stitch before continuing. ✗ Crocheting the last stitch of each side row too loosely will make the side panel flare; crochet the last 10th stitch a little on the side for a smooth rounded base. ✗ Forgetting to leave long tails when closing the round makes it hard to hide ends; leave about 15 cm and weave it in through the wrong side as shown in the instructions. ✗ Working BLO rounds with inconsistent tension will create uneven edges; maintain steady tension and work the 3rd back loop as directed to make the top firmer.

Granny Square Bag Pattern

Make a stylish crochet granny square bag that doubles as a roomy tote and a fashion statement. This pattern walks you through constructing two textured square panels, joining them, adding the side panel and finishing options for handles. You will learn simple shaping, working in rounds and back-loop-only (BLO) finishing techniques to create a neat, sturdy bag you can customize.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Granny Square Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    3-4 mm cotton, acrylic or polyester cord - 300-350 meters
  • 02
    Sample used: 3 mm polyester cord (amount above)
  • 03
    Optional: thicker yarn for a larger bag (adjust hook accordingly)
  • 04
    Handles for bag: leather or sewn handles 50-60 cm (2 handles)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 5 mm
  • 02
    3 mm polyester cord (sample) or yarn of choice
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Stitch markers
  • 05
    Yarn needle for weaving ends and assembly
  • 06
    Handles for bag with buttons or sewn ones 50-60 cm

Progress Tracker

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— Description :

Info :

Make a Magic Ring. Step by step guide for making a Magic Ring (MR) can be found on page 14.

Round 1 :

in MR: ch3, 2dc, [ ch2, 3dc ]*3, ch1, tighten the ring firmly, sl st in 3rd ch (12)

Info :

you should count ch3 as 1dc

Info :

ch2 space will be referred to as the corner chain space = corner (pic 5)

Round 2 :

into the corner just behind: (1sc, ch1, 1dc) 1sc and a ch1 counts as 1dc here and throughout pattern (pic 8-12)

Round 2 :

[ dc in the next 3 stitches, in the corner: (2dc, ch2, 2dc) ]*3, 3dc, in the corner: (2dc, ch1, sl st in ch1) (28) (pic 16)

Round 3 :

into the corner just behind: (1sc, ch1, 1dc), [ 7dc, in the corner: (2dc, ch2, 2dc) ]*3, 7dc, in the corner: (2dc, ch1, sl st) (44) (pic.18)

Round 4 :

into the corner just behind: (1sc, ch1, 1dc), [ 11dc, in the corner: (2 dc, ch2, 2 dc) ]*3, 11dc, in the corner: (2 dc, ch1, sl st) (60)

Round 5 :

into the corner just behind: (1sc, ch1, 1dc), [ 15dc, the corner: (2dc, ch2, 2dc) ]*3, 15dc, in the corner: (2dc, ch1, sl st) (76)

Round 6 :

into the corner just behind: (1sc, ch1, 1dc), [19dc, in the corner: (2dc, ch2, 2dc) ]*3, 19dc, in the corner: (2dc, ch1, sl st) (92)

Round 7 :

into the corner just behind: (1sc, ch1, 1dc), [ 23dc, in the corner: (2dc, ch2, 2dc) ]*3, 23dc, in the corner: (2dc, ch1, sl st) (108)

Round 8 :

into the corner just behind: (1sc, ch1, 1dc), [ 27dc, in the corner: (2dc, ch2, 2dc) ]*3, 27dc, in the corner: (2dc, ch1, sl st) (124)

Round 9 :

into the corner just behind: (1sc, ch1 , 1dc), [ 31dc, in the corner: (2dc, ch2, 2dc) ]*3, 31dc, in the corner: (2dc, ch1, sl st) (140) (pic. 19)

Info :

Using a needle, weave in the loose thread that began the magic ring between stitches on the wrong side (pic. 17)

Info :

Cut off the cord, leaving the end about 15 cm. Pull the cord out as shown on pic. 20. Using a needle close the round as it is shown on pic. 21-23. Hide the end on wrong side and cut it off (pic. 24)

Info :

Crochet the second square using rounds 1-9

— Side of the Bag :

Info :

ch11 (pic 26)

Row 1 :

start from the second ch from the hook: 10 sc, ch1, turn (10) (pic 27-28)

Row 2 :

skip 1 stitch, 8 sc, inc, ch1, turn (10) (pic 29-31)

Rows 3 - 109 :

skip 1 stitch, 10 sc, ch1, turn (10) (pic 32-35) Take note, the last 10th sc in each rounds must be crocheted a little on the side (pic. 32)

Info :

Do not cut the end of the cord

— Assembly :

Info :

Steam the parts. Follow the recommendations for your cord or yarn

Info :

Put a square piece with the front side. Insert your hook in ch as it is shown on pictures 36-37 then insert hook in the stitch of a rectangular part. Work through both parts with sl st joining them (109 sl st)

Info :

Make 1 sl st as shown on pictures 42-43. Turn the part on the wrong side and work 9sc, to the end of a square part (pic. 44-45)

Info :

Pull out a hook. Take second square part and join with sl st (110 sl st). The place where to start look on the picture 47.

Info :

When finish to join, go to the top side of the square part and work with sc all around (pic. 51-54)

Info :

Then work in a spiral. Crochet 6 rounds sc BLO. When working BLO, also crochet in the 3rd back loop of each stitch to make your work tighter (pic. 57)

Info :

Put the base of the bag evenly. Hang markers on the places of the handles on both sides of the bag (4 markers). The distance between markers is 1-2 or 3-4 - 24 stitches (pic. 59).

Info :

Work sc till the first marker, ch60, sc in the stitch after the second marker. Then work sc till the third marker, ch60, sc in the stitch after the forth marker, work sc to the end of the round

Info :

Crochet 3 rounds sc BLO. Finish at the fold. At the end of the last row do 4 slip stitches (pic. 64)

Info :

Cut off the cord, leaving the end of 15 cm. Pull the end out. Take a needle and make 1 stitch as it is shown on the picture pic. 65-66. Hide the end between stitches on the wrong side (pic.67), cut off the cord.

Info :

Crochet 2 rounds with sc (BLO) and finish on the side of the bag, as shown on pic. 64-67

Info :

Insert the handles (pic.75)

Variant 2 :

When finish to join, go to the top side of the square part and work with sc all around the perimeter of the bag (pic. 51-54)

Variant 2 :

Work in a spiral. Crochet 3 rounds sc BLO. When working BLO, also crochet in the 3rd back loop of each stitch to make your work tighter (pic. 57)

Variant 2 :

Put markers in the places for handles (pic. 69). In this pattern, the holes for the handles are equal to the width of three stitches. Work with sc (BLO) to the first marker. Make ch3, skip 3 stitches on the base of the bag and work sc. Then work with sc to the next marker. Make 3 holes for handles in the same way.

Variant 3 :

Crochet 6 rounds sc BLO (pic.76)

Variant 3 :

Finish to crochet on the side as shown on pic. 64-67.

Variant 3 :

Sew the leather handles to the bag (pic.77)

Info :

Congratulations — You made a wonderful bag! Finish by weaving in any remaining ends and blocking/steaming as desired for a neat finish.

Assembly Instructions

  • Steam and block each crocheted part following the recommendations for your cord or yarn before assembly to ensure even edges and easier joining.
  • Align one square panel with the rectangular side piece (front sides together). Insert your hook through the chain edge of the square and through the corresponding stitch of the side panel and join with slip stitches across (109 sl st) to attach.
  • After joining the first side, fold and work 9 sc on the wrong side along the top edge as shown, then join the second square with slip stitch (110 sl st) at the marked start point to complete the bag body.
  • Work sc all around the top perimeter, then continue in a spiral and crochet 6 rounds sc BLO (or 3 rounds BLO for variant 2) working also into the 3rd back loop to tighten the edge before creating handle holes.
  • Place four handle markers evenly (distance between markers is 24 stitches where markers 1-2 and 3-4 correspond). Work sc to first marker, ch60, skip the appropriate stitches and continue, then crochet 3 rounds sc BLO and finish at the fold. Insert handles or sew leather straps as preferred.
  • Hide and weave in ends: leave about 15 cm tails when closing rounds, pull the cord out and use a needle to close and hide the ends on the wrong side as illustrated in the pictures (pics 20-24, 65-67).

Important Notes

  • 💡Count stitches at the end of each round to keep the square even; the pattern lists expected stitch counts for rounds 1-9.
  • 💡When working the side rows, crochet the 10th stitch slightly on the side to shape the bottom curve correctly.
  • 💡Work the final top rounds in BLO and also into the 3rd back loop of each stitch to create a tighter, neater top edge for handle placement.
  • 💡Do not cut the working cord while making the side panel; leave ends as instructed for closing and hiding later.
  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark handle positions and the point where you start joining the second square to maintain symmetry.

You made a truly lovely handmade bag that shows off your crochet skills and creativity. The clean granny-square center and neat BLO finishing make this tote both practical and elegant. Use it daily or gift it to someone special — it will bring smiles and admiration. 👜🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The sample crochet bag measures approximately 15" (38 cm) high and 14" (36 cm) wide when using the recommended cord and a 5 mm hook; size will vary with different yarn weights and tension.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights; thicker cord or bulky yarn will make a larger, chunkier bag while thinner cord creates a smaller, more delicate bag—adjust hook size accordingly.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and assumes familiarity with double crochet, single crochet, working in rounds, and basic joining techniques; following the step-by-step photos will help if you are developing these skills.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours depending on experience and chosen cord thickness; blocking and assembly can add additional time.

How are the handles attached?

Handles can be created from crocheted straps or leather handles; place markers for handle holes and either crochet ch60 loops through the top or sew leather handles to the finished bag as described in the assembly steps.