How to Crochet a Granny Square Bag (Step-by-Step Tutorial) (2024)

Learn how to crochet a granny square bag with this free pattern and step-by-step tutorial. The complete free Halcyon Granny Square Bag pattern is below or you can purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here.

This free crochet granny square bag pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarns. This post contains affiliate links.

Eleven iconic granny squares join together in this modern nod to the classic motif. A perfect quick and portable project, you’ll find the Halcyon Granny Square Sling Bag just the right size for your essentials. A sturdy strap guarantees your cargo will be well-supported.

Don't miss the coordinating free Halcyon Granny Square Bucket Hat pattern!

Keep reading for more frequently asked questions and yarn details or jump down to the free pattern.

Brief Video Tutorial

Learn how to crochet a granny square bag in the brief tutorial below. You'll see some crochet geometry in action as you prepare to crochet your own sling bag.

(If you have an ad-blocker running, you'll need to disable it to view the video.)

Pattern overview

All it takes is a little creative geometry to learn how to crochet a granny square bag. If you're a visual learner, watching the video above will help get you oriented as you begin to put your bag together.

First, you'll crochet 11 granny squares.

Next, you'll begin to pin them together.

And fold your pinned piece of fabric together.

After using a join-as-you-go technique to seam your squares, you'll add a strap and button.

Granny Square Bag FAQs

Here are the answers to a few questions you've asked about how to crochet a granny square bag.

More Free Crochet Bag + Purse Patterns

From modern granny square bags to mesh market totes to circle purses, we've got lots more free crochet bag patterns for you to enjoy. With sturdy straps and stylish details, you might just become a crochet bag-a-holic.

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Customization ideas

The Halcyon Granny Square tote bag is quite easy to customize. Here are some ideas:

Yarn + substitutions

The Halcyon Granny Square Bag uses a 100% cotton yarn from Lion Brand called Pima Cotton. This yarn is a lot softer than traditional dishcloth cotton and glides really smoothly when you're crocheting. And the colors of Pima Cotton are my favorite part. The palette of muted, contemporary colors makes it really easy to combine shades until you find the perfect granny square mix!

If Pima Cotton is not available near you, you can check YarnSub.com for similar suggestions.

Matching bucket hat

This Halcyon pattern set was intentionally designed to make the most of your yarn purchase. So if you're considering making the Halcyon Granny Square Bucket Hat as well, you'll want to know that it only takes four total balls of Pima Cotton total to crochet both projects! Check out the Lion Brand kit option below to get a PDF of both patterns, plus all the yarn you'll need.

All-in-one crochet kit

If you don't live near amazing yarn stores or if you just like to get fun packages in the mail, the all-in-one Halcyon crochet kit is a perfect way to make your coordinating granny square bag and bucket hat.

This bundle from Lion Brand includes all the Pima Cotton you'll need for BOTH projects, plus a free printable PDF of each pattern (delivered digitally).

Print this pattern

We know many people like to work from a paper copy of their crochet pattern. This is why we love offering our patterns in large-type, ad-free PDFs that are formatted for easy printing and note taking.

Purchase the complete pattern with tutorial images in the Halcyon Bag PDF. If you'd like to bundle both the Halcyon Bag and Bucket Hat patterns, you can purchase that double pattern PDF here.

Upgrade to the premium PDF

Formatted for easy printing + couch crocheting

Get the printable PDF

See Also

25 Free Modern Crochet Bag PatternsFun Crochet Granny Square Bag: Free Pattern Tutorial27 Free Crochet Granny Square Bag Patterns | Ned & Mimi21 Free Granny Square Bag Crochet Patterns

Explanation: Eleven iconic granny squares join together in this modern nod to the classic motif. A perfect quick and portable project, you’ll find this crochet granny square bag just the right size for your essentials. A sturdy strap guarantees your cargo will be well-supported.

Supplies:
Order an all-in-one kit from Lion Brand.
• Lion Brand Pima Cotton (Weight: 4/medium - 186 yds, 3.5 oz/100 g)
- Color A: Mademoiselle [762-184P]* – 1 ball (approx. 80 g)
- Color B: Pewter [762-152B] – 1 ball (approx. 88 g)
- Color C: Mineral Yellow [762-159S] – 1 ball (approx. 82 g)
* If also crocheting the Halcyon Bucket Hat, two total skeins of Color A and 1 skein each of Color B and C will be enough to make both projects.
• Tapestry needle
• Size I (5.5 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size J (6.0 mm) crochet hook or one size up from smaller hook
• 20 Stitch markers
• T-Pins
• Steamer or iron with steam function (alternative: use a spray bottle)
• Blocking board
• Wooden button (optional)
• Leather strap or thrifted belt (optional)

Granny Square Bag Measurements:
12.5” at tallest point
15” at widest point
Strap length is adjustable

Gauge:
Finished granny squares should measure approx 4.75 x 4.75” before blocking

Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):
ch – chain
chsp – chain space
cluster – set of three stitches
dc – double crochet
hdc – half double crochet
rep – repeat
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
slst – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
WS – wrong side

Overall Pattern Notes:
• If substituting yarn of a different weight, follow measurement notes throughout instead of the number of rounds given. Simply work as many rounds for each square as it takes to meet the approximate pattern measurements.

Granny Squares

Notes:
• Granny squares are worked in the round with the RS facing throughout.

• Ch 3 counts as 1 dc.

• Because bag is not reversible, consider tightly tying yarn tails together and fastening off instead of weaving in ends. (That is unless you’re a purist, in which case, grab your tapestry needle and go for it!)

Make 11 squares.

With color A:

Preferred Foundation: Create a magic loop.

Alternative Foundation: Ch 4, slst to join into a loop.

Round 1 (RS): Ch 3 tightly, 2 dc in loop, ch 1, [3 dc in loop, ch 1] three times; slst to top of ch from beginning of round to join. Fasten off. (1 cluster per side)

Join Color B in any ch1sp.

Round 2 (RS): Ch 3 tightly, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp (corner made), ch 1, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1] in three remaining ch1sps, slst to top of ch from beginning of round to join. Fasten off. (2 clusters per side)

Join Color C in any ch2sp.

Round 3 (RS): Ch 3 tightly, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, ch 1, [3 dc, ch 1] in next ch1sp, *[3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1] in corner ch2sp, [3 dc, ch 1] in next ch1sp; rep from * twice more, slst to top of ch from beginning of round to join. Do not fasten off. (3 clusters per side)

• Each square should measure 3” across at this point. Although variation in the square size will not detrimentally affect the finished bag, meeting this measurement will ensure yardage used is approximately the same as what’s listed in pattern.

Continuing with Color C:

Round 4 (RS): Ch 3 tightly, dc in next dc, [dc in each dc and ch1sp to corner, (dc, ch 2, dc) in corner] 3 times, dc in each dc and ch1sp to last corner, (dc, ch 2) in corner, slst to top of ch 3 from beginning of round to join. Fasten off. (13 dc per side)

Join Color A in a dc along any side.

Round 5 (RS): Ch 3 tightly, dc in next dc, [dc in each dc to corner, (dc, ch 2, dc) in corner] 4 times, dc in each remaining dc, slst to top of ch 3 from beginning of round to join. Fasten off. (15 dc per side)

Blocking Granny Squares

Taking the time to block your squares now will result in a tidier-looking bag.

Use T-pins to pin each square down to a blocking board or other surface. Block all squares to a standard size, approximately 5” X 5”. Steam block squares using steamer or iron, taking care not to touch yarn directly.

(See photo of granny squares being blocked in FAQ section in blog post above.)

Joining Squares

Notes:
• To avoid orientation mistakes, it can be very helpful to pin all squares together using stitch markers before beginning.

• Squares are joined using reverse single crochet stitches (also known as the crab stitch.) Reverse single crochet is worked in the opposite direction of typical crochet. Therefore if you’re right handed, you’ll crochet left to right. If you’re left-handed, you’ll crochet right to left. See video tutorial above for a visual example.

The orientation of this can take a bit of getting used to. If you find yourself picking up your work and trying to work in the typical direction, just flip everything over and your hook will be in the correct position. If the orientation repeatedly causes you trouble, typical single crochet stitches (worked in the expected direction) can be used to join squares as well.

Arrange squares as pictured below With RS facing out, pin together using stitch markers.

The path to joining all squares does not need to involve a lot of fastening off. Attach yarn toward the top bag and work continuously around upper squares until you reach a dead end. Then reattach yarn in a new square and continue joining. Don’t be afraid to cross over previously joined intersections to continue joining.

Attach Color B yarn as described above.

To Join: Ch 1, rsc though both squares in each chsp and dc to join squares with as few new seams as possible. Exact placement and number of stitches is far less important than achieving a smooth, consistent join. When all squares are joined, fasten off.

Finishing Border

Notes:
• Border is worked around top of bag with RS of bag facing continuously.

• Round 1 overlaps itself on the sides of the “closure” square. (The center square then folds in half to close the bag.)

• See photos below for visual illustration of what is described below.

Round 1 (RS): With backside of bag facing you, attach yarn in right intersection of closure square. (Left-Handed: attach yarn in left intersection of closure square.)

• Ch 1, sc in each dc and chsp intersection around top of bag.

• Place (sc, ch 1, sc) in corner of closure square.

• At both side corners, sc in each dc up to corner, then ch 7 and continue with sc in each dc on next square side. (This is where strap will attach.)

• When back to where round began, sc in each sc on both sides of closure square. On second pass of closure square corner, sc in each sc up to corner, then ch 6* and continue with sc in each sc on last square side. (This ch loop will fasten with button.) Do not turn.

*If using a wooden button, modify chain length to fit around button with a little bit of stretching.

Round 2 (RS): Ch 1, rsc in each sc around Round 1. Work 7 rsc in side ch loops and 6 rsc in closure square button loop. Slst to first rsc to join. Fasten off.

Crocheted Button

Notes:
• Substitute a wooden button or toggle if preferred.

With Color B and smaller hook:

Preferred Foundation Round: Create a magic loop, leaving a 12” tail. Ch 1 and work 6 sc within. (6)

Continuing in spiral:

Round 2: 2 sc in first st (PM in first sc made), 2 sc in each st. (12)

Move marker to first st of each round from here forward.

Rounds 3-4: Sc in each sc. (12)

Fasten off leaving a 15” tail. Thread this tail on a tapestry needle and whip stitch in each stitch of Round 4. Use excess foundation loop tail to stuff button until round and firm. Pull on final tail, cinching whip stitches and closing button. Keep tapestry needle threaded and attach button to bag where desired.

Roman Cord Strap

Notes:
• Strap is made using two strands held together of Color B. Before beginning, separate remaining Color B yarn into two equal balls. (Note: If also crocheting the Halcyon Hat, reserve about 15g of Color B to complete that pattern.)

• Alternatively, try using a long leather belt as a strap. Learn more about adding leather straps to crochet bags here.

• This cord requires you to continually turn your crocheting clockwise (left-handed crocheters: counter-clockwise). It may feel awkward at first, but it becomes quite quick. See photos below or Roman Cord video tutorial here for a visual demonstration.

• Once complete, strap can be tied in a variety of ways to adjust length. (See throughout blog post.)

• One size larger hook is suggested here to make it easier to work with two strands of yarn held together. Given that you want as sturdy of a cord as possible though, feel free to continue with original hook if it’s working for you.

With larger hook and two strands of Color B held together:

Foundation Row: Ch 2.

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook; rotate stitch clockwise.

Row 2: Insert hook under loop at “back” of stitch were two “V”s point to. Work 1 sc under this loop; rotate stitch clockwise.

Row 3 and beyond: Insert hook under two loops at “back” of stitch were two “V”s point to. Work 1 sc under these loops; rotate stitch clockwise.

Rep Row 3 until cord measures as long as you’d like or you run out of Color B yarn. Cord is quite sturdy, but will stretch a bit once worn.

Fasten off and use tapestry needle to weave in ends of strap. Thread strap through both side loops and tie in a square knot. Strap is intended to be doubled over when carried.

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