Granny squares are a bit like Marmite – you either love ’em or hate ’em – but there’s no doubting the fact that they’re so fun to make, and often the very thing that makes beginner crocheters feel like they’ve actually ‘made’ something. Calming to crochet, relatively simple to get the hang of and deliciously addictive once you get going, granny squares are super versatile. Personally I love them so much because they’re effortlessly vintage and you can make so many different things with them – cute bags (hello), blankets, jumpers, rugs, bonnets… You won’t be able to stop!
It has to be said that over the last couple of years there has definitely been an upswing in granny square accessories on the high street, and without ranting on too much about fast fashion and how it’s impossible for it to be replicated by machine – check out this very informative Reddit here if you’d like to learn more – making your own crocheted clothing and accessories is the ultimate ‘eff you’ to fast fashion. We love it!
Table of Contents
So, here she is! This Sunbloom Tote crochet pattern is a modern granny square bag design that is perfect for creating a colourful handmade tote. Made from simple granny squares and easy joining techniques, this free crochet bag pattern is ideal for anyone looking for a stylish and beginner-friendly project.
Inspired by classic granny square motifs, this tote is both practical and fun to make. It is a perfect everyday bag for summer, markets, or gifting. Whether you are confident with crochet or just starting out with granny square projects, this pattern will guide you step by step to create a beautiful structured crochet tote.
| At A Glance: The Sunbloom Tote Advanced Beginner | |
|---|---|
| Overview | Construction: The body is made using eight granny squares seamed together to make a pouch, with single crochet rounds around the top and finished off with a strap. |
| Tools & Materials |
Tools: 4.0 mm (US 6) hook, yarn needle, scissors, blocking equipment. (Optional: metal snap fasteners). Yarn: DK wool in three colours (approx 40g each). Suggested: Hobbii Friends Wool. Alternatives: Drops Karisma, Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran, Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran, or Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling. |
| Specs & Skills |
Measurements: Width 8” (20 cm), Height 9” (22 cm), Strap drop approx 22″ (adjustable). Gauge: Not important. Abbreviations: ch (chain), sc (single crochet), dc (double crochet), sl st (slip stitch), st(s) (stitch/es), RS/WS (right side/wrong side). |
Useful tips:
This is a simple construction made from granny squares, so it’s quite forgiving. Don’t worry too much about perfection, especially if this is your first time working motifs. I always recommend using natural fibres for granny squares (they respond the best to wet blocking above all) but good-quality acrylic also looks great and expands your colour choices, too.
As for blocking, it makes a noticeable difference here. It helps your squares sit neatly and gives the finished bag a more polished look. It’s definitely worth investing in a good blocking board with metal pins if you plan on making granny squares regularly, but you can also use foam board and pins to shape your squares evenly.
Feel like making a bigger bag? Simply make more squares and work to a 3×3, 4×4 or 5×5 layout. This will affect the amount of yarn you use.
If you’re looking for a less airy bag, feel free to sew in a simple lining. Why not use fabric that contrasts for a really eye-catching look?
If you’re looking for a bag you can throw in the washing machine it’s recommended to use cotton or acrylic yarn rather than pure wool.
Pattern Sunbloom Tote · Granny Square Bag
Instructions for Squares
Style One (Make Four)
- Round 1 (Colour 1): Ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), ch 1. Work (dc, ch 1) 7 times into the ring (8 dc total, each separated by ch 1). Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off.
- Round 2 (Colour 1): Join in any ch-1 space. Work 3 dc in space, ch 1, and repeat in each ch-1 space around (8 clusters total). Join with sl st to top of first dc. Fasten off.
- Round 3 (Colour 3): Work (3 dc, ch 1) in the first space; work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in the next space to form a corner. Repeat to create 4 corners and 4 side clusters. Join with sl st to top of first dc. Fasten off.
- Round 4 (Colour 2): Join in any corner ch-2 space. Work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in each corner. Work 3 dc in each side space. Join and fasten off.
Style Two (Make Four)
- Round 1 (Colour 2): Ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), ch 1. Work (dc, ch 1) 7 times into the ring (8 dc total, each separated by ch 1). Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off.
- Round 2 (Colour 3): Join in any ch-1 space. Work 3 dc in space, ch 1, and repeat in each ch-1 space around (8 clusters total). Join with sl st to top of first dc. Fasten off.
- Round 3 (Colour 1): Work (3 dc, ch 1) in the first space; work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in the next space to form a corner. Repeat to create 4 corners and 4 side clusters. Join with sl st to top of first dc. Fasten off.
- Round 4 (Colour 2): Join in any corner ch-2 space. Work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in each corner. Work 3 dc in each side space. Join and fasten off.
Assembly & Finishing
Assembly Arrange your eight squares into two panels, each 2 by 2 squares. Seam each panel using slip stitches with right sides facing. Join the front and back panels together along the sides and bottom, leaving the top edge open.
Pouch Trim Insert your hook into the top edge of the pouch, pull up a loop of Colour 2, ch 1 (counts as first st), and work 1 sc around. Sl st into the first ch 1. Work four more rounds. Change to Colour 1 and work one final round. Fasten off.
The Strap Using Colour 1, ch 85. Work 1 sc into each chain across. Fasten off and weave in ends. Sew the strap securely to the inside edges of the bag.
- Sturdy Strap Variation: Use double strands of yarn when chaining and working the sc row, or add a second row of sc back across for additional thickness.
Final Touches Your bag is complete! If desired, re-block the bag and lay it flat to dry. Once dry, you may sew in a snap fastener or leave the bag open for a relaxed, shopping tote-style look.
Pattern Check & Notes
- Stitch Counts: The construction uses 8 motifs total. If you decide to size up to a 3×3 layout (9 squares), remember that you will need to increase your yarn purchase, as the total yardage requirements will shift significantly.
- Blocking: Do not skip the blocking step! Because this is a granny square project, the squares will naturally have a slight “lean” or curl. Blocking ensures the final assembly is square and structural.
- Yarn Choice: As noted in the tips, natural fibres (wool) are best for structural integrity, but if you intend for this to be an everyday, heavy-use bag, cotton or a high-quality acrylic blend will be more durable and easier to clean.
If you loved Sunbloom Tote Crochet Pattern, please consider donating and sharing your finished project so I can see your work and spreading the word.
Happy crafting!
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