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!
As for this cute bag, I wanted to design a small bag which is foldable and compact but still roomy enough to carry your little bits and pieces in, as well as having fun with some cool 70s colours that are little out of my comfort zone but work so well together. Whether you’re heading to the market, the beach, or just out for a sunny wander, this crochet tote brings a little retro charm along with you. It’s a relaxed project that still looks beautifully put together and if you’ve been wanting to try granny squares but weren’t sure where to start, this is a lovely, practical place to begin. I think it’d look amazing in plain beige or black (probably because they’re the only colours I wear) but feel free to play with all the colours and make your own, and use up scrap yarn, too!
You can download the deluxe, ad-free version here: SUNBLOOM TOTE on Ravelry.
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner
Craft: Crochet (US Terms)
What you’ll need:
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- DK weight yarn in three colours
- I used Hobbii Friends Wool
- 4.0 mm (US 6) crochet hook – see options here
- Yarn needle – shop here
- Scissors
Optional:
- Blocking board – recommended here
- Metal snap fasteners – available here
Measurements:
- Width: 8 inches (20 cm)
- Height: 9 inches (22 cm)
- Strap: Approx. 22 inch drop (adjustable)
Before you start:
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 fior abag you can throw in the washing machine it’s recommended to use cotton or acrylic yarn rather than pure wool.
Skills and abbreviations:
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS / WS = right side / wrong side
Yarn notes:
You’ll need approximately 40g/90m of each colour.
Suggested alternatives:
- Drops Karisma
- Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran
Non-wool options:
Pattern notes:
You can add a snap fastener or button at the end if you’d like a bit more security, or leave it open for a relaxed tote style.
The strap is intentionally quite simple. If you prefer something sturdier, you can double your yarn or add an extra row of stitches.
Granny squares:
You’ll make eight squares total, in two alternating colour styles.
Style One (make 4)
Style one (make four)
Round 1 – Center (colour one):
Ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring (or use a magic ring).
Ch 3 (counts as dc), ch 1.
(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 – Clusters (colour one):
Join in any ch-1 space.
3 dc in space, ch 1, repeat in each ch-1 space around (8 clusters total).
Join with sl st to top of first dc.
Fasten off.
Round 3 – Square Formation (colour three):
Work (3 dc, ch 1) in the first space, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in the next space (this forms a corner).
Repeat from * to create 4 corners and 4 side clusters.
Join with sl st to top of first dc.
Fasten off.
Round 4 – Border (colour two):
Join in any corner ch-2 space.
Work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in each corner.
3 dc in each side space.
Continue around, join, and fasten off.
Style Two (make 4)
Round 1 – Center (colour two):
Ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring (or use a magic ring).
Ch 3 (counts as dc), ch 1.
(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 – Clusters (colour three):
Join in any ch-1 space.
3 dc in space, ch 1, repeat in each ch-1 space around (8 clusters total).
Join with sl st to top of first dc.
Fasten off.
Round 3 – Square Formation (colour one):
Work (3 dc, ch 1) in the first space, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in the next space (this forms a corner).
Repeat from * to create 4 corners and 4 side clusters.
Join with sl st to top of first dc.
Fasten off.
Round 4 – Border (colour two):
Join in any corner ch-2 space.
Work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in each corner.
3 dc in each side space.
Continue around, join, and fasten off.
Assembly:
Lay out your eight squares into two panels (2 by 2 for front and back).
- Seam each panel together using slip stitch, right sides facing
- Join front and back panels along sides and bottom
- Leave the top open to form the bag
Top edging:
Join colour two at the top edge.
- Ch 1, work 1 sc around
- Join with slip stitch
- Work 4 more rounds
- Switch to colour one for final round
- Fasten off
The strap
Using colour one:
- Ch 85
- Work 1 sc into each chain across
- Fasten off and weave in ends
Sew securely to the inside edges of the bag.
Optional sturdier strap
- Use double strands of yarn
- Or add a second row of single crochet
Finishing touches
You can block the finished bag again to help it hold its shape. Let it dry flat.
If you like, add a snap fastener for closure, or leave it open for a more relaxed feel.
Copyright: This pattern is © Emmaknitty, 2025.
You may sell finished items, but please credit “Emmaknitty” as the designer.
Do not reproduce or redistribute this pattern.
If you loved this free 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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