Free Crochet Pattern for a Granny Square Bag

Free Crochet Pattern for a Granny Square Bag.

Skill Level: Intermediate to Experienced

A roomy crochet granny square tote bag that has been rethought in a modern color scheme. The lining makes the bag sturdy, and the straps are reinforced to keep the crochet work from stretching.

This pattern creates a bag made from 19 granny squares (8 in color scheme 1, 8 in color scheme 2, and 3 in color scheme 3) joined together. The bag is lined with fabric, and crocheted handles with ribbon threaded through them are attached. Decorative ribbons are added to the corners. The pattern primarily uses treble crochet (UK terminology) for the granny squares and double crochet (UK terminology) for joining and the top border.

Skill Level: While not explicitly stated, the pattern is likely best suited for an intermediate crocheter due to the number of squares, the joining process, and the lining/handle construction. The required skills are:

• Chain (ch)
• Slip stitch (sl st)
• Double crochet (dc) – The pattern uses UK terminology. This is a US single crochet.
• Treble crochet (tr) – UK terminology. This is a US double crochet.
• Working in the round
• Joining rounds with a slip stitch
• Changing colors
• Joining granny squares (crocheting together)
• Working in the back loop only
• Decreasing (evenly decreasing double crochet stitches)
• Sewing (lining and attaching handles)
• Reading a chart/diagram (for square arrangement and joining)
• Forming a ring.

Sizing:

• Width: approximately 39 cm (15 ¼ inches)
• Height: 32 cm (12 ½ inches)
• Depth: 13 cm (5 inches)

Materials:

• Yarn: Novita 7 Veljestä (worsted weight)
  • Graphite (044): 200g (Main Color)
  • Turquoise (355): 50g
  • Nettle (366): 50g
  • Peony (550): 50g
  • Orange (278): 50g
  • Sunflower (268): 50g
• Hook: Novita 4-4.5 mm (UK 7-8 / US G-6 or 7) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Other:
  • 50 cm (20 inches) of black cotton fabric (for lining)
  • Approximately 1.5 m (5 ft) of 2 cm (¾ inch) wide black ribbon (for handles)
  • Needle

Gauge: One granny square = approximately 13 cm x 13 cm (5 in x 5 in).

Construction:

1. Granny Squares (Make 19):
   • The pattern provides three color schemes for the granny squares. You’ll make:
     • 8 squares in Color Scheme 1
     • 8 squares in Color Scheme 2
     • 3 squares in Color Scheme 3 (all Graphite)
   • Each square starts with a chain-6 ring.
   • Rounds 1-5: Work standard granny square rounds, using treble crochet (UK tr / US dc) and chain spaces, changing colors in each round according to the specified color scheme.
   • Finishing Round: Work one round of double crochet (UK dc / US sc) using Graphite (the main color).
2. Joining Squares:
   • The squares are joined together following a schematic (diagram – not included in the provided text, but referenced in the pattern).
   • The squares are crocheted together on the right side (RS) using Graphite. With the wrong sides (WS) facing each other, you work 1 double crochet (UK dc / US sc) into both squares, chain 1, skip 1 stitch on both squares, and repeat. This creates a textured seam.
3. Top Border:
   • A border is worked around the top edge of the joined squares, using Graphite.
   • Round 1: 17 double crochet (UK dc / US sc) into each top square (136 dc total).
   • Rounds 2-10: These rounds are worked into the back loop only of the stitches from the previous round. Decreases are worked in rounds 2, 4, and 6 to slightly narrow the opening. Rounds 7,8,9 and 10 are worked evenly.
   • A final round of slip stitches is worked.
4. Lining:
   • A piece of cotton fabric is cut to size, sewn into shape, and then sewn to the top edge of the bag (either by hand or machine). The top edge of the lining is folded a few times to accommodate the smaller circumference of the bag’s opening.
5. Handles:
   • Two handles are made.
   • Each handle starts with a chain-8.
   • Rows of treble crochet (UK tr / US dc) are worked, with a chain-2 space in the middle of each row, creating a channel for the ribbon.
   • The ribbon is threaded through the crocheted handle, and the ends are stitched together.
   • The handles are sewn onto the top edge of the bag.
6. Decorative Ribbons:
   • Two chains (approximately 40 cm long) are crocheted.
   • These chains are woven through the corners of the top squares and tied into bows.

Free Pattern

Key Features:

• Granny Square Construction: The bag is made from 19 individual granny squares.
• Multiple Colors: Uses six different colors, plus a main color (Graphite), in specific color schemes.
• Textured Joining: The squares are joined with a textured seam created by crocheting through both squares with a chain-1 space between double crochets.
• Lined: The bag is lined with cotton fabric for durability and a neat finish.
• Ribbon-Reinforced Handles: The crocheted handles have ribbon threaded through them for added strength.
• Decorative Ribbons: Add a finishing touch.
• UK Terminology: The pattern uses UK crochet terms. This is crucial to note.
• Diagram-Based Assembly: A schematic (not included) is essential for arranging and joining the squares.