Gauge & Sizing
To ensure your finished tote comes out the correct size, start by making one granny square in a single color.
- Gauge: 1 square (6 rounds) = 12 cm x 12 cm (4.7” x 4.7”)
- If your square is too large, switch to a smaller hook.
- If your square is too small, use a larger hook.
Finished Bag Size:
Approximately 39 cm x 40 cm (15” x 15.7”)
About the Pattern
This tote bag is constructed entirely from basic granny squares, making it beginner-friendly but still visually appealing. You can either:
- Change colors every round (as shown), or
- Use a single color for a simpler look
Before assembling, complete all squares first. Accurate gauge is important to match the final dimensions.
You can customize strap length, but ensure symmetry—whatever rows you add on one side, match on the other.
If using acrylic yarn, blocking is recommended before lining. Adding a fabric lining helps the bag maintain structure when filled.
Abbreviations
- Ch = Chain
- Dc = Double Crochet
- Sc = Single Crochet
- Sl st = Slip Stitch
- Sk = Skip
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
- Ch-sp = Chain Space
- Rep = Repeat
- FO = Finish Off
- Sc3tog = Single crochet 3 stitches together
How to Sc3tog:
Insert hook into each of the next 3 stitches, yarn over and pull up a loop each time (4 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all loops.
Materials & Tools
- DK weight cotton yarn (#3), approx:
- 50g in 4 colors (for squares)
- 100g main color (joining + straps)
- 3.5 mm crochet hook (US E/4)
- Stitch markers
- Measuring tape
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Basic Granny Square (Make 13 Squares)
You may begin with a magic ring or chain 4 and join to form a ring.
Round 1:
Ch3 (counts as dc), 2dc into ring.
Ch2, 3dc repeat 3 times (4 clusters total).
Ch2, sl st to top of ch3.
Sl st into next 2 dc and into ch-space. FO. Change color.
(12 dc total)
Round 2:
Join new color in corner space.
Ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc (corner made).
Skip next 3 dc, (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in next corner repeat around.
Join with sl st, move to next corner space. FO.
(24 dc)
Round 3:
Ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc in corner.
Skip 3 dc, 3dc in next space, skip 3 dc, (3dc, ch2, 3dc) repeat.
Join, move to next corner. FO.
(36 dc)
Round 4:
Work corner: (3dc, ch2, 3dc).
Between corners: alternate 3dc in each space with skipped stitches between.
Join and FO.
(48 dc)
Round 5:
Continue increasing with one more side cluster:
(Skip 3 dc, 3dc in next space) x3, corner (3dc, ch2, 3dc)
Join and FO.
(60 dc)
Round 6:
Repeat pattern with one additional cluster:
(Skip 3 dc, 3dc in next space) x4, corner (3dc, ch2, 3dc)
Join and FO.
(72 dc)
Tip: Change color in different corners each round to avoid stretching.
Weave in all ends before assembly.
Joining the Squares
Lay out your 13 squares according to your desired layout.
Step 1: Prepare First Square
Using the main color, crochet a 7th round around Square 1. FO.
Step 2: Join Square 1 & 2
- Attach yarn to a corner of Square 2
- Ch3, 2dc, ch1
- Place squares wrong sides together
- Slip stitch into matching corner of Square 1
Continue:
- 3dc in next space of Square 2, ch1
- Slip stitch into corresponding space of Square 1
Repeat across the edge until next corner.
At corners:
- (3dc, ch1, sl st into matching corner, 3dc, ch1)
Finish the round and FO.
Continue Assembly
- Join squares row by row starting with the back panel
- Fold structure as you go to form the bag shape
When joining four corners together:
- Do NOT chain after first 3dc
- Slip stitch into each adjacent square corner
- Continue as normal
Attach remaining squares following layout:
- Join middle squares first
- Then sides
- Finally front panel
Weave in all ends securely.
Edging Around the Bag
With the front side facing you:
Attach yarn at a top corner space.
Round:
- Ch1
- 3sc in same corner (mark middle stitch)
- Sc in each stitch across
- At valleys (between squares), work sc3tog
Repeat around entire bag.
Join with sl st.
Side Panels
Right Side:
- Sc in first stitch
- Ch1, turn
- Work sc across
- At center, sc3tog
- Continue to stitch marker
- Sc in marked stitch
- Ch1, turn
Repeat until you have 3 total rows (including edging).
FO.
Left Side:
Repeat same steps as right side.
Do NOT fasten off at the end.
Straps
You will now crochet continuously around the bag and straps.
First Strap:
- Chain 120
- Attach with sl st to opposite top edge
- Sc across bag edge
- At center: sc3tog
Second Strap:
- Chain 120
- Attach on opposite side
- Sc across, including center decrease
Strengthening the Straps:
- Sc along chain (work into one loop only for neat finish)
- Continue around bag edge
- Repeat for second strap
Join with sl st and FO.
Finishing
- Weave in all ends securely
- Block the bag if needed
- Optional: add a fabric lining for durability
Final Notes
This tote bag is highly customizable:
- Use different color palettes
- Adjust strap length
- Add more rounds for larger squares
The combination of granny squares and join-as-you-go construction makes it both fun and efficient to crochet.
