Free Crochet Bag Pattern: Easy Granny Square Tote

Looking for a crochet bag pattern free and simple enough for your first bag? This granny square tote is made from just 8 classic granny squares, joined into two panels, with a neat single crochet border and two wooden ring handles. If you can crochet a granny square, you can make this bag.

Everything is below: yarn amounts, the square layout, assembly photos, a printable pattern card — and a free PDF guide with the whole pattern.

In this free crochet bag pattern

1. Materials & yarn amounts
2. Abbreviations
3. Bag layout diagram
4. Step 1: Make 8 squares
5. Step 2: Join the panels
6. Step 3: Edge the panels
7. Step 4: Assemble the bag
8. Step 5: Top border
9. Step 6: Handles
10. Printable pattern
11. Tips & variations
12. FAQ

Materials and yarn amounts

Skill level

Easy (confident beginner)

Finished size

≈ 13 × 14 in (33 × 36 cm) without handles

Time

6–8 hours

Yarn

Worsted (#4) 100% cotton, ≈ 400 yd / 365 m

Hook

5 mm (US H-8)

Handles

2 round wooden rings, ≈ 6 in / 15 cm

Colour	Used for	Approx. amount
A — Cream	Rounds 5–6, seams, border, tabs	250 yd / 230 m
B — Mustard	Round 1	20 yd / 18 m
C — Sage	Round 2	30 yd / 27 m
D — Blush	Round 3	45 yd / 41 m
E — Terracotta	Round 4	55 yd / 50 m

You'll also need a tapestry needle, scissors, 4 stitch markers and, if you like, a piece of cotton fabric (about 14 × 28 in) for a lining. Colours B–E are perfect for leftover yarn.

Abbreviations (US terms)

Abbreviation	Meaning
ch	chain
sl st	slip stitch
sc	single crochet (UK: double crochet)
dc	double crochet (UK: treble)
sp	space
RS / WS	right side / wrong side

Gauge: one 6-round granny square measures about 6.5 in (16.5 cm) after blocking. Gauge isn't critical for a bag, but all 8 squares should be the same size.

Bag layout diagram

Step 1: Make 8 granny squares

Make 8 classic granny squares of 6 rounds, following our free granny square crochet pattern. Change colour every round for rounds 1–4, then use cream for rounds 5 and 6:

• Round 1: mustard (4 clusters)
• Round 2: sage (8 clusters)
• Round 3: blush (12 clusters)
• Round 4: terracotta (16 clusters)
• Rounds 5–6: cream (20, then 24 clusters)

Weave in all ends, then block the squares: pin them damp to the same size (6.5 in / 16.5 cm) and let them dry. Same-size squares make the seams much easier.

Step 2: Join the squares into two panels

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1. Lay out 4 squares in a 2 × 2 grid with the right sides up.
2. Hold two neighbouring squares right sides together. With cream, sl st through the back loops of both squares along one edge, from corner ch-sp to corner ch-sp.
3. Join the other pair the same way, then join the two strips along the long edge.
4. Repeat with the remaining 4 squares to make the second panel.

Step 3: Edge each panel

With cream, join with a sl st in any corner ch-2 sp of a panel. Ch 1 (doesn't count as a stitch), then work 1 sc in each dc, ch-1 sp and seam along the sides, with (sc, ch 2, sc) in each outer corner. Sl st to the first sc to join. Edge the second panel the same way.

This round straightens the edges and gives you matching stitches for the assembly seam.

Step 4: Assemble the bag

1. Place the two panels wrong sides together, edges and corners aligned. Use stitch markers to hold the corners.
2. With cream, start at a top corner. Working through both layers, sc in each stitch down the first side, 3 sc in the bottom corner sp, across the bottom, 3 sc in the next corner, and up the second side.
3. Fasten off. The top edge stays open.

Because the seam is worked on the outside, it makes a neat raised ridge that frames the squares.

Step 5: Top border

Join cream with a sl st at one side seam of the opening.

• Round 1: ch 1, sc in each st around the opening, sl st to the first sc.
• Rounds 2–3: ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st to the first sc.

Fasten off and weave in the end. The 3-round border adds about 1 in (2.5 cm) of height and keeps the opening from stretching.

Step 6: Attach the wooden handles

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Tabs (make 4): with cream, ch 7. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (6 sc). Rows 2–10: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across (6 sc). Fasten off, leaving a 12 in (30 cm) tail.

1. Wrap one tab around a wooden ring and fold it in half.
2. Place it on the inside of the front panel, 2 in (5 cm) in from the side seam, so the fold sits just above the border.
3. With the tail and a tapestry needle, whip stitch both layers of the tab firmly to the border. Go over it twice — this carries the weight of the bag.
4. Attach the second tab of the same ring 2 in from the other side seam, then repeat on the back panel.

Granny Square Tote — Free Bag Pattern

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Yarn: worsted cotton ≈ 400 yd · Hook: 5 mm (H-8) · Square: 6 rounds ≈ 6.5 in · US terms

SquaresMake 8 classic granny squares of 6 rounds (R1 mustard, R2 sage, R3 blush, R4 terracotta, R5–6 cream). Block to 6.5 in.See the free granny square pattern

PanelsJoin squares 2 × 2 with cream: RS together, sl st through back loops. Make 2 panels.

EdgingEach panel: join in a corner, ch 1, sc in each st and sp around, (sc, ch 2, sc) in corners, sl st to first sc.

AssemblyPanels WS together. Sc through both layers along side, 3 sc in corner, along bottom, 3 sc in corner, up other side.

BorderJoin at side seam. Rounds 1–3: ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc.

Tabs (4)Ch 7. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (6 sc). Rows 2–10: ch 1, turn, 6 sc.Wrap around ring, sew inside border 2 in from each side

Tips and variations

Make it bigger

Use 7- or 8-round squares, or a 3 × 3 layout per panel (18 squares in total) for a roomy beach bag.

Make it sturdier

Sew a cotton lining inside, or work the border with a hook one size smaller. Both keep the bag from stretching when it's full.

Shoulder bag version

Skip the wooden handles and crochet one long strap (about 40 in / 100 cm), sewn to the side seams.

Care

Hand wash in cool water and dry flat. Remove wooden handles before washing.

Free crochet bag pattern FAQ