Craft this beautiful skull granny square crochet tote bag! Combining gothic charm and practical use, this versatile accessory stands out as a stylish, functional addition to your collection. Its unique diagonal granny square panels make it eye-catching and customizable.
The tote bag is perfect for carrying daily essentials or adding personality to your outfit. Its durable granny square design and bold skull motif ensure both appeal and longevity. Customize with different color combinations for added flair and truly make it yours.
Crochet Granny Square Tote Bag
Creating this tote is fun and beginner-friendly. The step-by-step process makes it accessible to all skill levels, with room to experiment with colors and sizes. Whether you're crafting for yourself or gifting it, this project is perfect for unleashing creativity.
Materials and Preparation
To create the Skull Granny Square Crochet Tote Bag, you will need the following materials:
- Yarn:
- Main color (e.g., black or hot pink)
- Contrasting color for borders (e.g., orange)
- Optional: Experiment with other color combinations for a unique look.
- Crochet Hook: 4.5 mm crochet hook
- Additional Tools:
- Tapestry needle (for joining and weaving in ends)
- Stitch markers (4 recommended to mark specific points on squares)
- Scissors
- Yarn Weight: Use medium (worsted) weight yarn.
Abbreviations and Notes
Abbreviations:
- SC: Single Crochet
- HDC: Half Double Crochet
- DC: Double Crochet
- TR: Triple Crochet
- CH: Chain
- SL ST: Slip Stitch
- MR: Magic Ring
Notes:
- The skull motif is worked into the center of each granny square.
- Squares are joined diagonally to create the desired tote bag shape.
- Each granny square is worked with 10 double crochets in the magic ring for the base.
- Leave long tails when cutting yarn to use for sewing squares together.
- The straps are strengthened by crocheting additional rows on both sides of the chain base.
Gauge, Approximate Size, and Pattern Notes
Gauge:
- Approximately 5.2 inches × 5.2 inches per granny square.
- Gauge is not crucial for this project, but finished sizes may vary depending on individual tension.
Dimensions:
- Tote bag dimensions will depend on the layout of granny squares. The bag uses 13 granny squares total (each measuring ~5 inches).
Pattern Notes:
- Gauge swatching is optional to check square size.
- Ensure all squares are sewn securely to avoid gaps.
- The project involves repetitive rounds and joining, suitable for intermediate crocheters.
Step-by-Step Pattern
Part 1: Skull Granny Square
-
Foundation:
- Create a magic ring.
- CH 1 (does not count as a stitch), CH 1 more (also does not count).
- Work 10 DC into the magic ring.
- Pull on the tail of the ring to close and SL ST into the top of the first DC to close the round.
-
Round 2 - Shaping the Skull:
- CH 1, HDC into the same stitch as the SL ST.
- HDC in the next 4 stitches (total of 5 HDC).
- Place 1 DC into the same stitch as the fifth HDC.
- Work 5 more HDCs into the next stitches (total of 11 HDC in the round).
- In the next chain space, place 5 SC.
- Create the jaw by working SL ST, CH 2, 3 DCs into the next chain space, CH 2, SL ST.
- Place 5 SC into the chain space opposite the jaw.
- SL ST into the first HDC of the round and fasten off the yarn.
-
Mark Corners:
- Use 4 stitch markers to define key skull points:
- Middle stitch of the jawline.
- Top stitches of the eye sockets.
- Topmost HDC of the skull.
- Use 4 stitch markers to define key skull points:
Part 2: Turning the Skull into a Granny Square
-
Attach Border Color (e.g., orange):
- Make a slip knot and attach yarn to the stitch where the previous yarn was fastened off.
- CH 2 (does not count as a stitch).
-
Round 1 - Creating Corners:
- Work 5 DC along the first side of the square.
- Remove the stitch marker from the corner. In the marked stitch, work:
- 2 DC, 1 TR, and 2 DC (creates the corner).
- Repeat this process for the remaining corners and sides.
- SL ST into the first stitch of the round to close.
-
Optional - Expanding the Square:
- Add 1 or more rounds using the same corner formula:
- Work DCs along each side and for corners, place 2 DC, 1 TR, and 2 DC into the TR of the previous round.
- Add 1 or more rounds using the same corner formula:
Part 3: Joining Granny Squares
-
Layout:
- Arrange the squares diagonally as per the layout described.
- Fold the edge squares to create an enclosed bag shape.
-
Joining:
- Use black yarn and tapestry needle to sew squares together.
- Join each square one side at a time, starting from the triple crochet corners for alignment.
- Ensure spaces between squares are fully closed to avoid gaps.
-
Count:
- Join a total of 13 squares to complete the tote bag.
Part 4: Creating Straps
-
Attach Yarn to Corner:
- Attach yarn to the TR at the upper corner of one side of the bag.
-
Chain:
- CH 60 (for strap length) and attach to the opposite corner with a SC in the TR.
-
Strengthen Straps:
- Work SC into each previous chain to thicken the strap.
- Repeat for both straps.
Part 5: Final Touches
-
Weave in Ends:
- Use a tapestry needle to weave in all loose ends along seams and corners.
-
Optional Blocking:
- Block squares to ensure they are neat and evenly shaped.
-
Functional Finishing:
- Double-check spaces and stitches to confirm bag functionality.
That's it! You’ve successfully created a Skull Granny Square Crochet Tote Bag. Feel free to experiment with colors, granny square sizes, and strap lengths for a personalized look.
Pattern Question:
Question: How many granny squares are needed for the tote bag?
Answer: The tote bag requires 13 skull granny squares, each measuring approximately 5.2 inches. You can customize the colors and alignment to suit your taste.
Conclusion:
This tote bag is more than just a crochet project—it's a combination of style, creativity, and functionality. With its bold design and practical use, making it is as enjoyable as owning it! Whether you're new to crochet or a seasoned crafter, this bag is worth your time.
