A granny square bag is the perfect mix of simple crochet and creative fun! Made with two vibrant squares and a cozy cotton yarn, it's more than just a bag – it's a cheerful accessory. This handmade piece looks lovely with its layered puff stitches and clean double crochets, and its compact design makes it great for carrying small items like keys, a wallet, or your phone.
This crochet bag is versatile, stylish, and surprisingly easy to create. You can personalize it with colorful yarns and even add leather straps for an elegant finish. It's great for beginners who are ready to level up their skills – just two granny squares joined together turn into something so practical yet charming.
Credit Tasty Dumpling Living
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Cotton yarn (Spaghetti brand, made in Italy, 100% cotton). Adjust with any durable cotton yarn as needed.
- Hook: 4.5 mm crochet hook.
- Accessories:
- Leather straps or handles (optional, but shown in the tutorial).
- Leather tag (optional, for embellishment).
- Other Supplies: Scissors and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.
Finished Size & Customization Ideas
- Finished Size: Each granny square measures 19 cm x 19 cm (7½ inches) wide and long.
- Customization Ideas:
- Use contrasting colors for the puff stitch flower center and outer rounds for more visual interest.
- Add embellishments, such as buttons or tassels, after assembling the bag.
- For straps, opt for crocheted handles, chain loops, or adjustable leather straps.
Pattern Abbreviations & Terminology
The pattern uses US crochet terminology:
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- dc = double crochet
- puff stitch = worked in groups of unfinished double crochet to form a puff-like cluster.
- magic ring = adjustable loop used to start rounds.
Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions
Granny Square Creation
Each granny square starts with a puff stitch flower in the center and continues with seven rounds of double crochets.
Round 1: Puff Stitch Flower
- Start with a Magic Ring: Make a magic ring and secure with ch 1.
- First Puff Stitch:
- Begin with a sc directly into the magic ring.
- Yarn over, pull up a loop through the magic ring.
- Yarn over, pull through two loops (half-finished dc).
- Repeat the unfinished dc step two additional times, having 3 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over, pull through all loops. This completes one puff stitch.
- Next Puff Stitch:
- ch 4 (for the corner space).
- Begin another puff stitch directly into the ring:
- Yarn over, pull up a loop and complete three sets of unfinished dc until there are 4 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over, pull through all loops, then ch 2 (for the side space).
- Repeat: Work alternating puff stitches with ch 4 for corners and ch 2 for sides, until there are 4 corners and 4 sides completed.
- Tighten the Magic Ring: Pull the ring to close the center.
- Closing:
- Work a sl st into the top of the first puff stitch.
- Slip stitch into the nearest corner space to begin the next round.
Round 2: Building Double Crochet Clusters
- Start in the Corner: Ch 3 (counts as your first dc). Add 2 more dc into the corner space. Chain 2, then work 3 dc into the same corner space (this completes one corner).
- Side Spaces:
- In the space between two puff stitches on the side, work 3 dc clusters directly into the gap.
- Corners: Repeat the pattern of [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in each corner space around.
- Closing: Slip stitch into the first real dc of the initial cluster.
Round 3 to Round 7: Expanding the Square
Repeat the pattern from Round 2:
- Corners: Work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in every corner.
- Sides: Work 3 dc clusters in every gap between clusters on the side.
- Transitions:
- Slip stitch over to the next space at the start of each round.
- Begin each corner with ch 3 (to mimic the first dc).
Final Round: Single Crochet Border
- Single Crochet:
- In regular stitches along the edge, work 1 sc in each stitch.
- At the corners, work 1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc.
- Closing: Slip stitch into the beginning sc.
Repeat all instructions to create a second identical granny square.
Bag Assembly
- Prepare the Squares:
- Position the two granny squares with right sides facing each other.
- Join with Single Crochet:
- Start at a corner by inserting the hook through both layers of the squares.
- Pull yarn through both and work a sc stitch.
- Continue single crocheting through both edges along 3 sides, leaving one side open (for the bag's top opening).
- Pull and tighten loops slightly after each sc for a clean edge.
- Finishing:
- Fasten off at the end of the last side.
- Turn the bag right side out to reveal the seams, which now create depth.
Adding Straps
- Leather Straps: Attach leather straps to either side of the bag.
- Placement: Use metal hooks or carefully sew straps onto the squares.
- Optional Tag: Secure a leather or fabric tag onto the bag as an embellishment.
Finishing Touches
- Weave in all loose yarn ends using a yarn needle.
- Optional: Steam block the squares before assembling to ensure they are evenly shaped.
