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Granny Square Bag Pattern

Granny Square Bag Pattern
4.1★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.2K 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 constructed from two square panels joined and a rectangular side worked in single crochet. The design uses cord or chunky yarn for a durable, structured bag with a decorative diagonal granny square center. Detailed photo steps show the magic ring start, square increases, joining technique and working sc in the back loops.

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

Includes three finishing variants so you can sew leather handles or crochet straps, and instructions to make handle holes and attach handles. Finished size will vary depending on cord thickness and tension.

Why You'll Love This Granny Square Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns a classic granny-square shape into a modern, functional tote that you can use every day. The pattern balances simple repeat stitches with clever shaping so the bag looks professional without fussy techniques. I also love how versatile it is — you can change cord thickness or hook size to make it larger or smaller. The clear photo sequence and assembly instructions make joining and finishing straightforward, which is always satisfying to me. It feels great to hold a finished bag that is both beautiful and durable.

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 how easy it is to customize this pattern — change the cord thickness and hook size to make a mini clutch or an oversized market tote with the same instructions.

I often switch to a textured cotton rope for a more maritime look, or use a soft bulky yarn for a slouchier, cozy bag feel.

I sometimes add a contrasting color round or two around the square center for a pop of color, which really changes the bag's personality.

Want pockets? Crochet a small rectangle and sew it inside before joining the panels so you have a built-in phone pocket.

If you prefer long straps, increase the ch60 handle chains to ch80 and reinforce with extra sc around the handle hole for durability.

I also like to add a lining for extra structure and to prevent small items from slipping through; use a lightweight fabric and sew it into the bag before attaching the handles.

Switch to leather handles (sewn or riveted) for a refined, long-lasting finish — they instantly elevate the finished bag.

Play with stitch texture by substituting some sc rounds with hdc or a crab stitch edge to create different visual effects and edge strength.

I recommend trying a gauge swatch and making one small square first to test your tension and decide on the final cord and hook combination.

Don't be afraid to personalize with tassels, pom-poms, or an embroidered motif on the square center — those small touches make each bag unique to me.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers for handle placement leads to uneven handle spacing; place four markers evenly on the top edge before working the rounds to ensure symmetry. ✗ Not counting chains or stitches precisely during square increases can distort the granny shape; count your stitches after each round and mark corner chain spaces to keep the square even. ✗ Cutting the cord too soon causes the edge to unravel when closing the round; leave at least 15 cm of tail and pull it through as instructed before securing and hiding the end. ✗ Working back loops inconsistently will change the texture and fit of the side panels; when pattern calls for BLO, always crochet into the designated back loop (and the 3rd back loop if specified) to maintain consistent tension. ✗ Joining squares without aligning front sides may make seams appear on the wrong face; pin or align both square fronts before slip-stitch joining so the seams sit neatly on the wrong side.

Granny Square Bag Pattern

Make a stylish, sturdy Granny Square Bag using cord or chunky yarn. This pattern walks you step-by-step from a magic ring square to joining, sides and finishing touches so you can create a roomy tote. With clear photos and assembly instructions, you can customize handles and size to suit your style. Perfect for a handmade gift or everyday carry.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Granny Square Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    3-4 mm cotton, acrylic or polyester cord, approximately 300-350 meters total
  • 02
    3 mm polyester cord (example used by designer) with approximately similar yardage as above
  • 03
    Optional: thicker cord for a larger bag; adjust yardage accordingly

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 5 mm
  • 02
    Scissors
  • 03
    Stitch markers
  • 04
    Yarn needle for sewing and hiding ends
  • 05
    Handles for bag with buttons or sewn ones, 50-60 cm
  • 06
    Measuring tape for checking finished dimensions

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 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) [ dc in the next 3 stitches, in the corner: (2dc, ch2, 2dc) ]*3, (pic 12-15) 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.

Info :

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 :

Info :

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)

Info :

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)

Info :

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 :

Info :

Crochet 6 rounds sc BLO (pic.76). Finish to crochet on the side as shown on pic. 64-67. Sew the leather handles to the bag (pic.77)

Assembly Instructions

  • Join one square panel to the rectangular side by inserting the hook through the square ch edge and the side piece and slip stitch through both parts evenly (109 sl st).
  • Turn the piece to the wrong side and work 9 sc across to the end of the square edge, then take the second square and join with slip stitches (110 sl st) to form the bag shape.
  • Once joined, work single crochet all around the top edge of the front square (pic. 51-54), then work in a spiral and crochet 6 rounds in sc BLO to form the bag side.
  • Mark handle positions with 4 markers spaced as suggested (distance between handle marker groups 24 stitches). Work sc until first marker, ch60 for handle, sc in stitch after second marker, work across to third marker, ch60 and sc after fourth marker, continue round.
  • Crochet 3 rounds sc BLO at the top and finish at the fold; at the last row make 4 slip stitches, hide ends and cut cord leaving 15 cm tails to hide.
  • Insert or sew handles as desired: either crochet holes for handles (Variant 2) or sew leather handles into place (Variant 3) following the photo references.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark handle positions and corners to ensure even spacing and accurate placement during assembly.
  • 💡Do not cut the cord until instructed; leave the 15 cm tail when closing rounds so you can pull and hide ends securely.
  • 💡When working BLO rounds, also crochet into the 3rd back loop of each stitch as instructed to tighten the edge and improve structure.
  • 💡Steam the parts before assembly if using cord or yarn that benefits from blocking; follow material recommendations for best shaping.

Congratulations on finishing your Granny Square Bag — what a stylish keep! This modern tote combines classic granny square charm with sturdy cord for everyday use. Make one for yourself or as a thoughtful handmade gift that stands out. 🧶👜

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished bag measures approximately 15" (38 cm) high and 14" (36 cm) wide when using 3 mm cord with a 5 mm hook, though size will vary slightly with yarn and tension.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will change the final size and structure; thicker cord makes a larger, sturdier bag and thinner cord yields a smaller bag—adjust hook size accordingly.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate because it includes working in the round, back loop only (BLO) rounds, joining panels and shaping; basic knowledge of sc, dc, ch, and slip stitch is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this bag in 5-7 hours depending on experience and the complexity of finishes and handle options chosen.