Granny Square Bag – Easy Free Crochet Pattern

In this post, you will see a granny square bag that is an easy-free crochet pattern.

This granny square bag will not only carry your belongings but also carry stories within its stitches—a tangible connection to the past and an embodiment of the present.

It is a nod to the ingenuity of generations past, who turned simple yarn into something extraordinary, and a celebration of the endless possibilities that lie within our own hands.

Please scroll down to view the free crochet pattern online or grab the inexpensive ad-free PDF in my shop here.

How Many Granny Squares Do You Need For A Bag?

The number of granny squares required for a bag can vary depending on the size of the squares, the desired dimensions of the bag, and the overall design you have in mind.

Typically, a bag made entirely of traditional granny squares will require multiple squares to be joined together.

To determine the exact number of granny squares needed, you’ll need to consider the following factors:

1. Bag size: Decide on the desired width, height, and depth of your bag. This will help you determine the number of squares needed to achieve those dimensions.
2. Square size: Determine the size of each individual granny square. Common sizes range from 4 inches to 8 inches. The larger the square, the fewer you’ll need to complete the bag.
3. Bag design: Consider the pattern and layout you plan to use for your granny squares. Some designs may require more squares than others, depending on the arrangement and any additional motifs or elements you incorporate.

Once you have these details figured out, you can calculate the number of granny squares needed by dividing the desired width and height of the bag by the size of each square.

Adjust the numbers accordingly to account for any depth or additional squares required for the design.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to make a few extra squares to account for any variations or adjustments during the assembly process.

What Yarn To Use For Granny Square Bag?

When selecting yarn for a granny square bag, there are a few factors to consider, including the bag’s intended purpose, desired appearance, durability, and personal preference.

Here are some yarn options commonly used for crochet projects like granny square bags:

1. Worsted Weight Acrylic Yarn: This is a popular choice for crochet projects due to its affordability, wide availability, and variety of colors. Worsted weight yarn is durable, easy to work with, and machine washable, making it suitable for everyday use bags.
2. Cotton Yarn: Cotton yarn is another excellent option for granny square bags. It has a natural, matte finish and provides a sturdy, yet breathable texture. Cotton yarn is often favored for tote bags, beach bags, and market bags due to its strength and ability to hold its shape.
3. Wool Blend Yarn: If you’re looking for a more luxurious feel, a wool blend yarn might be a suitable choice. Wool blends can provide warmth and softness, making them ideal for fall and winter bags. They can add a touch of elegance to your granny square bag while still offering durability.
4. Bamboo or Bamboo Blend Yarn: Bamboo yarn offers a silky and smooth texture, making it an excellent choice for bags with a drapey or delicate aesthetic. Bamboo yarn is also known for its moisture-wicking properties, making it a great option for bags intended for warm weather or outdoor use.
5. Variegated or Self-Striping Yarn: If you desire a visually striking granny square bag without the hassle of changing yarn colors frequently, consider variegated or self-striping yarn. These yarns create beautiful color transitions or striping effects as you crochet, adding visual interest to your project.

Ultimately, the yarn choice will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the specific characteristics you want in your granny square bag.

Consider factors such as texture, weight, color options, and the bag’s intended use to guide your selection.

Are Granny Squares Back In Style?

Absolutely! Granny squares have made a remarkable comeback in recent years and are now considered a trendy and fashionable element in the world of crochet and fashion.

They have transitioned from being associated solely with traditional Afghans and blankets to becoming a versatile design element used in various modern projects, including clothing, accessories, home decor, and, of course, bags.

The resurgence of granny squares can be attributed to their unique charm, versatility, and ability to create eye-catching patterns and color combinations.

Many contemporary designers and crafters have embraced granny squares as a way to add texture, visual interest, and a touch of nostalgia to their creations.

They offer a delightful mix of vintage aesthetics and contemporary style, allowing for endless creative possibilities.

Moreover, the popularity of handmade and DIY culture has contributed to the renewed interest in granny squares.

With a desire for personalized and unique items, people are increasingly drawn to the art of crochet and the intricate beauty of granny squares.

They provide an avenue for self-expression and a chance to showcase individual creativity through the use of color, pattern, and design.

Whether used as accents, focal points, or the foundation of an entire project, granny squares have become a staple in the modern crafting world.

Their resurgence has proven that traditional techniques can be reinvented and adapted to fit current fashion trends, making granny squares a timeless and stylish choice for those who appreciate the artistry of crochet.

Granny Square Bag – Easy Free Crochet Pattern

Grab the ad-free printable PDF pattern in my shop here.

Pattern Notes

This granny square tote bag has been crocheted with raffia and uses basic granny squares to make the panels needed for both sides of the bag.

You can of course substitute the raffia yarns with a worsted weight yarn or leftover yarn that can use the same crochet hook size.

There is no fabric lining in this bag – but you can add that if you wish.

This crochet tote bag could be used as a market tote or beach bag.

You can see more crochet bags here – Crochet Bag Patterns

Copyright Info

• Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this free pattern. 
• If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
• You may sell items produced using this pattern.
• Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
• For the copyright T&C please read my Terms of Use.

Skill Level – Easy Crochet Pattern (Advanced Beginner)

Gauge

• 14 double crochet sts / 6 rows in 4×4 inches using the 5 mm (US H/8) crochet hook and the Ra Ra Raffia.

Measurements/Sizes

• Width – 16 inches
• Length – 10 inches
• Girth – 4 inches

The supplies you need…

Yarn

• 1 x Wool and The Gang – Ra Ra Raffia in the color Lilac.
• 1 x Wool and The Gang – Ra Ra Raffia in the color Ivory White.
• This raffia is 100% paper.
• 100 gram = 250 m / 273 yards Double knitting/light worsted.
• Yarn weight – Worsted weight/Aran/10 Ply.

Crochet Hook – 5 mm (US H/8) crochet hook.

Notions

• Scissors.
• Darning needle or tapestry needle.
• Tape measure.

Bag Handles

Bamboo bag handles x 2 / 6 inches / – found on Amazon, Etsy or eBay, or your local yarn store.

Abbreviations

This pattern is written in US crochet terms.

You can grab a free list of US and UK crochet terms here.

• ch – chain
• ch-sp – chain space
• dc – double crochet
• sc – single crochet
• sl-st – slip stitch
• RS – right side
• Rep – repeat
• WS – wrong side

Granny Square Bag Pattern Instructions

Yarn Color Combinations

I used two different yarn colors for my squares…

Color 1 – Ivory White

Color 2 – Lilac

Granny Square Pattern

With the US H8/5 mm Crochet hook…

Make 12 Squares

With the first color, ch 4, sl-st in the first ch to form a ring.

Round 1: Ch 3, 2 dc in the ring, (ch 3, 3 dc in ring) 3 times, ch 3, join with a sl-st in top of first ch 3, fasten off.

Round 2: Join 2nd color in any corner 3 ch-sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 3, 3 dc in same sp, ch 3, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc in next sp, ch 3) 3 times, then join with a sl-st in top of first ch 3, fasten off.

Round 3: Join 3rd color in any corner 3 ch-sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 3, 3 dc in same sp, ch 3, (3 dc in next space between 3 dc groups, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc in next 3 ch-sp) 3 times, 3 dc in next sp between 3-dc groups, ch 3, join with a sl-st in top of first ch 3, fasten off with a sl st.

Join The Squares Together

• Weave in the loose ends from the colors of the granny squares before you begin.
• With the wrong side facing you, sew the squares together through the top loops only.
• This will show a neat seam on the right side of the work.
• Weave in any loose ends.

Make two panels of 6 squares each (see square bag layout/diagram below).

The First Border

• When you have your two bag panels of 6 granny squares each, you will then single crochet a border around all of them in Color 2 (Lilac).
• sc into each stitch working 2 sc in each corner space.

The Second Border

• When you have completed the first border in Color 2 – you will then complete another border in Color 1.
• sc into each stitch working 2 sc in each corner space.

The Side Panels x 2

• With Color 1 (Ivory White) ch 37,
• Row 1: sc into the 1st ch from hook, sc to the end of the row, ch 3, turn,
• Row 2: Work 1 dc into the next ch, work in dc to the end of the row, ch 3, turn,
• Rows 3-6: Continue to rep row 2 for 4 more rows (at the end of Row 6, ch 1, turn,)
• Row 7: sc to the end of the row.
• Fasten off.

The Bottom Panel x 1

• With Color 1 (Ivory White) ch 57,
• Row 1: sc into the 1st ch from hook, sc to the end of the row, ch 3, turn,
• Row 2: Work 1 dc into the next ch, work in dc to the end of the row, ch 3, turn,
• Rows 3-6: Continue to rep row 2 for 4 more rows (at the end of Row 6, ch 1, turn,)
• Row 7: sc to the end of the row.
• Fasten off.

Finishing/Making Up

• Join the side panels and bottom panel seams using the mattress stitch.
• Seam with the right sides facing you.
• Seam the edges of one panel first to the side panels and bottom panel (as you can see in the diagram below) and then to the second panel.

Bag Handles

• With the right side of the bag panel facing you, select the center 16 stitches at the top of the bag and insert your hook, with Color 2 – Lilac, single crochet along those 16 sts.
• Work 5 more rows of sc.
• Fasten off leaving a length of around 16 inches for seaming.
• Place the handle into the flap and fold it over.
• Thread a darning needle with the tail end of Color 2 and start to seam along the edge, in and out through the corresponding holes.
• Stitch through the first hole and second hole a couple of times to strengthen the edge stitches.
• Make sure you are seaming into the bag border so that the handle will be secure. (see photos for reference on page 12)
• When you reach the end, push your needle in and out of the end stitch and the next stitch a couple of times to make it secure before fastening off and weaving in the loose ends.
• Repeat on the other side for the other bag handle.

You May Also Like…

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Share your work with us…

If you enjoyed making the easy crochet shawl pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme.

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I’d love to see your work!

You can also find my patterns on Ravelry, Pinterest, and video tutorials on YouTube.