This pattern creates a tote bag made from 13 granny square motifs. The motifs are joined together, and then straps are attached. The pattern is designed to be used with a specific self-striping yarn (Red Heart Granny Square All in One) that automatically creates the color changes within each granny square.
Skill Level: The pattern is labeled as “Intermediate”. The required skills are:
- Chain (ch)
- Slip stitch (sl st)
- Single crochet (sc) – The pattern uses US terminology.
- Double crochet (dc) – US terminology.
- Working in the round
- Joining rounds with a slip stitch
- Joining motifs (seaming)
- Following a diagram (for motif arrangement)
- Creating a ring.
- Working in back loops only (for joining motifs)
While the individual stitches are basic, the joining of motifs and the specific yarn requirements make it slightly more complex than a beginner project.
Sizing: Approximately 16 inches wide x 16 inches deep (excluding strap).
Materials:
- Yarn: Red Heart® Granny Square All in One Yarn (8.8 oz/417 yds), color Black Moody Cherry – 1 ball. This yarn is specifically designed to create self-striping granny squares.
- Hook: Susan Bates® Silvalume® Crochet Hook: Size U.S. I/9 (5.5 mm) (or size needed to obtain gauge)
- Other:
- Susan Bates® Yarn Needle
- Black Worsted Yarn: 10 yds (for joining motifs – this is in addition to the main yarn)
Gauge: Motif = 6 inches square.
Construction:
- Motifs (Make 13):
- Each motif starts with a chain-4 ring.
- The motifs are worked in five rounds, using the standard granny square construction:
- Round 1: (3 dc, ch 3) clusters in the ring.
- Rounds 2-5: (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in each corner chain-3 space, and 3 dc in each chain-1 space along the sides.
- The Red Heart Granny Square All in One yarn automatically changes colors with each round. The pattern provides specific instructions on how to manage the color changes and adjust your tension if needed to ensure the colors align with the rounds.
- Joining Motifs:
- The motifs are joined together using the black sections of the yarn (or additional black worsted weight yarn).
- The motifs are held with wrong sides (WS) together.
- They are joined using single crochet worked through the back loops only of both motifs.
- Diagrams (not included in the provided text, but referenced in the pattern) show the arrangement and joining order of the motifs. There will be 3 rows, two of 4 squares, and one of 5.
- Straps (Make 2):
- Each strap starts with a chain-68.
- Three rows of single crochet are worked.
- The pattern notes to use the yarn as “self-striping,” allowing the colors to change naturally.
- Finishing:
- The straps are sewn to the bag, as shown in a photo (not included in the provided text).
Key Features:
- Self-Striping Yarn: The Red Heart Granny Square All in One yarn is designed to create the color changes within each motif automatically.
- Granny Square Construction: The bag is made from 13 individual granny square motifs.
- Diagram-Based Assembly: Diagrams (not included) are used to show the arrangement and joining of the motifs.
- Black Joining: The motifs are joined using black yarn, creating a defined outline around each square.
- Simple Straps: The straps are made from simple rows of single crochet.
- US Terminology: Uses US crochet terms.