Sure! Here’s a detailed, beginner-friendly guide on how to make an Easy Crochet Granny Square Bag — step-by-step.
How to Make an Easy Crochet Granny Square Bag
✨ Overview
A granny square bag is a stylish, functional, and beginner-friendly crochet project. It’s made by creating multiple classic granny squares, joining them together, and adding handles or a strap.
Materials Needed
Item | Description |
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Yarn | Medium weight (worsted) cotton or acrylic yarn in 2–3 colors (or more!) |
Crochet Hook | Size 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm (check yarn label for best match) |
Scissors | For cutting yarn |
Yarn Needle | For weaving in ends and sewing squares together |
Stitch Markers | (Optional) to keep track of rounds or joins |
Fabric Lining | (Optional) if you want to line the bag |
Bag Handle or Strap | (Optional) or crochet your own |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make Classic Granny Squares
Classic Granny Square Pattern:
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Start with a Magic Circle
OR chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring. -
Round 1:
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Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet).
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Work 2 DC (double crochet) into the ring.
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Ch 2, 3 DC into ring – repeat * * 3 more times.
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You should have 4 sets of 3 DC clusters with chain-2 corners.
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Slip stitch into top of beginning ch-3 to close the round.
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Round 2:
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Slip stitch to the next corner space.
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Chain 3, 2 DC into corner space.
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Ch 2, 3 DC into same space (first corner made).
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In next corner: 3 DC, ch 2, 3 DC – repeat for all corners.
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Slip stitch to top of ch-3 to join.
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Round 3 (and beyond):
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Continue the pattern, adding:
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3 DC clusters into spaces between clusters along the sides.
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3 DC, ch 2, 3 DC into each corner space.
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You can make the square as large or small as you like (usually 3–5 rounds is good for bags).
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Make 13 Granny Squares for a basic cube-shaped bag (can vary depending on your design).
Step 2: Join the Squares
There are several ways to join your granny squares:
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Whip Stitch (sew with a yarn needle)
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Slip Stitch Join (crochet them together with a hook)
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Join-As-You-Go (JAYG method)
Suggested layout for a 3D bag:
Or for a flat tote bag:
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Make 6 squares per side (3×2 layout)
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Join them in a rectangle, then attach the front and back together at the sides and bottom.
Step 3: Add the Handles
You can:
Crochet Your Own Strap:
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Chain to your desired length (e.g., 60–100 chains).
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Turn, SC or HDC across.
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Repeat 3–5 rows for thickness.
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Sew onto bag with a yarn needle.
Use Ready-Made Handles:
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You can buy leather, wooden, or bamboo handles and sew them onto the top edge.
Step 4: Optional Touches
✅ Add a Lining:
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Cut a piece of fabric to the size of your bag.
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Sew the edges (inside out), then attach to inside of the crochet bag with hand stitches or fabric glue.
✅ Add a Button or Zipper:
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For extra security, sew a magnetic button, regular button, or zipper.
Design Variations
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Use colorful yarns for a retro 70s look.
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Make flower granny squares instead of classic ones.
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Add fringe or pom-poms for flair.
Care Instructions
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If using cotton yarn: hand wash or machine wash gently, lay flat to dry.
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Acrylic yarn: usually machine-washable, but check the label.
Tips for Beginners
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Don’t worry about perfect tension – it improves with practice.
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Stick to 2–3 colors if you’re new to changing yarn colors.
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Use stitch markers to mark corners if you lose track easily.
Final Thoughts
Crocheting a granny square bag is a great way to practice your skills and create something useful and stylish. It’s customizable, colorful, and fun to make. Whether you’re gifting it or keeping it for yourself, it’s a rewarding project!
Watch tutorial: