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Granny square tote bag Pattern

Granny square tote bag Pattern
4.6★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
1.8K 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 creates a compact, colourful granny-square tote bag using a 6mm hook and chunky acrylic yarn. You will make four join-as-you-go granny squares for the front, a full granny square back, and finish with a treble-edged top and simple straps. The pattern focuses on accessible stitches and clear join-as-you-go steps so you can personalise colours with ease.

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

The pattern includes full round-by-round instructions for both front squares and the back square, plus assembly and strap instructions. Ideal for learning join-as-you-go techniques while making a practical everyday bag.

Why You'll Love This Granny square tote bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple granny squares into a chic, wearable accessory that you can finish in an afternoon. I enjoy how the join-as-you-go method keeps everything tidy and avoids sewing multiple seams at the end. The colour combinations let me use small amounts of leftover yarn, making each bag a colourful, sustainable project. I also love how easy it is to adapt the size, strap length, or colours to make the bag uniquely yours.

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 swapping up colours to give each bag its own personality; try muted tones for a more grown-up look or brights for a playful finish.

You can scale the size by changing yarn weight and hook size: use a larger hook and bulkier yarn for a chunkier shopper bag or a smaller hook and DK yarn for a mini version.

I sometimes add a fabric lining for extra durability and a cleaner interior finish; pick a light cotton and sew it in after joining the bag sides.

For a crossbody option, make longer straps or a single long strap worked in rows until you reach your desired length and then attach securely.

Try adding pocket(s) to the inside by crocheting a small rectangle and sewing it to the lining or inner side before finishing.

I like to edge the top with a contrasting colour or a decorative stitch such as crab stitch or picot to make the opening pop.

If you want a more structured bag, add a thin interfacing panel or a piece of recycled plastic canvas between the lining and the crochet fabric at the base.

I also enjoy embellishing with appliques, tassels, or pom-poms attached to the strap for a signature look that reflects my style.

To make the bag more child-friendly, shorten the straps and use soft pastel palettes or themed colourways to match outfits and accessories.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with square counts — make a larger grid for a roomy tote or fewer squares for a compact shoulder bag; each change creates a new vibe.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Leaving corners unfinished incorrectly while joining can create gaps; stop after the first 3 tr as instructed, slip stitch into the adjoining corner and then finish the corner with 3 tr to secure the join. ✗ Not counting clusters where squares meet will make your outer round uneven; count clusters carefully and treat joined clusters as single clusters when working the round around the large square. ✗ Tension that is too tight will make the bag small and stiff; maintain a relaxed, consistent tension and check your gauge so each small square measures approx. 13.5cm across after round 4. ✗ Sewing straps without matching stitch placement causes uneven handles; mark the 12th stitch from each side and match stitches when sewing to the top edge to keep straps symmetrical. ✗ Cutting yarn too short at joins will make weaving in ends difficult; leave long tails when fastening off so you can neatly sew and weave ends into the work. ✗ Rushing the join-as-you-go steps can cause skipped slip stitches; follow each ch1/ss step precisely and check photos or the sequence when attaching squares to avoid loose joins.

Granny square tote bag Pattern

Make a playful granny square tote bag using chunky acrylic yarn and a 6mm hook. This easy pattern walks you through making four join-as-you-go granny squares, assembling them into a compact tote, and adding sturdy straps. Perfect for colourful scrap-busting and quick handmade gifts, the bag is stylish and practical for everyday use.

Beginner Friendly 2-3 Hours

Materials Needed for Granny square tote bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Paintbox chunky acrylic yarn 100g skeins (chunky/aran weight)
  • 02
    Yarn A - Pure black approx. 139g
  • 03
    Yarn B - Washed teal approx. 3g
  • 04
    Yarn C - Blood orange approx. 6g
  • 05
    Yarn D - Buttercup yellow approx. 6g
  • 06
    Yarn E - Tea rose approx. 3g
  • 07
    Yarn F - Blush pink approx. 3g
  • 08
    Yarn G - Midnight blue approx. 6g
  • 09
    Yarn H - Lime green approx. 3g
  • 10
    Yarn I - Lipstick pink approx. 6g
  • 11
    Total yarn used - approx. 175g

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 6mm
  • 02
    Paintbox chunky acrylic yarn (see yarn A-I quantities above)
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Yarn/tapestry needle for sewing and weaving ends
  • 05
    Stitch markers (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 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, 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. 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), 2tr, 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.

Section :

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 normally would. (see round 4)

Section :

Joining square 3

Step 1 :

Repeat the same steps as before, creating an 'L' shape with the squares.

Step 2 :

Finish square as you normally would.

Section :

Joining the last square

Step 1 :

Repeat the same steps for one side.

Step 2 :

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.

Step 3 :

Finish the other side of the square, joining as you go like before.

Step 4 :

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. (explained in more detail below)

— Front :

Round 1 :

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 sp, 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 *(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, 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.

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, 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, 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 :

Sewing :

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)

Strap attachment :

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.

Finish :

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 to create the bag shape.
  • Join yarn to any stitch along the top edge and work treble crochet (ch3 counts as first tr) into each stitch around the top edge; fasten off (74 tr) to form the top border.
  • Make each strap by joining yarn 12 stitches from the left edge on the front, work tr rows as instructed for 30 rows total, fasten off leaving a long tail and sew the strap ends to the top edge (12th stitch from right) matching the stitches.
  • Repeat the strap process for the back, position straps symmetrically, and then sew or weave in all ends securely for a neat finish.
  • When joining squares as you go, stop after the first 3 tr of the corner on the second square, ss into the adjoining corner on square 1, then finish the corner with 3 tr to make a secure join.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers or a scrap yarn marker if needed to mark the start of rounds and help align strap placement precisely.
  • 💡Work with consistent tension so each small square measures approx. 13.5cm across after round 4; block squares if necessary before joining for a neat finish.
  • 💡Leave long tails when fastening off rounds used for joining or attaching straps so you have enough yarn to sew and weave in ends neatly.
  • 💡Match stitches carefully when sewing straps and seams; pin or baste pieces in place before final sewing to ensure symmetry.
  • 💡Treat clusters where two original squares join as a single cluster when working the outer round so the edge sits smoothly.

This cheerful Granny Square Tote was designed to brighten your day with bold colours and simple stitches. Make it in contrasting hues or all one colour for a versatile everyday bag. Perfect for gifting or treating yourself — grab your yarn and hook and make one today! 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The final bag measurements are approximately 28cm x 29cm when using the recommended chunky yarn and a 6mm hook.

Can I change the yarn weight or hook size?

Yes, you can change yarn weight and hook size but this will affect the final size; adjust and check your gauge so each small square measures approx. 13.5cm after round 4.

Do I need to know join-as-you-go techniques?

Basic understanding of join-as-you-go is helpful, but the pattern provides step-by-step instructions for joining squares while working round 4 so beginners can follow along.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 2-3 hours, though time may vary depending on experience level and the number of colour changes you make.