The Magnolia Granny Square Bag is a stylish, oversized tote made from classic granny squares arranged in a diamond layout. It’s beginner-friendly, portable to work on, and perfect for everyday use—whether you’re heading to the market, beach, or traveling.
Pattern Specifications
Materials Needed: To achieve the best results, it is recommended to use Lion Brand Yarn 24/7 Cotton, which is a worsted weight #4 yarn. This yarn is mercerized, providing the strength needed for a large tote. You will need the following colors and quantities:
- 2 skeins of White (Color A)
- 1 skein of Camel (Color C)
- 1 skein of Dragonfly (Color B)
- 1 skein of Silver (Color D)
- US size G (4.25 mm) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
- Scissors
Size and Gauge:
- Finished Dimensions: Approximately 20 inches wide and 16 inches long.
- Gauge: A single four-round granny square should measure approximately 4.5” x 4.5”.
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- ch: chain
- ch sp: chain space
- st: stitch
- dc: double crochet
- rep: repeat
- rnd: round
- sl st: slip stitch
The Basic Granny Square Pattern
Each of the 24 squares is worked in joined rounds. Do not turn your work at the end of each round. When changing colors, tie off the previous color and join the new color in any corner.
Starting Round: Ch 3, join with a sl st to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 3 (this counts as your first dc), 2 dc into the ring, *ch 2, 3 dc into the ring; repeat from * three more times, ch 2; join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch-3. You should have 12 dc and 4 ch-2 spaces. Tie off.
Round 2: Join your next color in any ch-2 space from Round 1. Ch 3 (counts as dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same ch-2 space to create your first corner. *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 space for the next corner; repeat from * two more times, ch 1; join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch-3. Tie off.
Round 3: Join the next color in any corner ch-2 space from Round 2. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same ch-2 space, ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner ch-2 space, ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 space; repeat from * two more times, ch 1; join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch-3. Tie off.
Round 4: Join the next color in any corner ch-2 space from Round 3. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same ch-2 space, [ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 space] twice. *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner ch-2 space, [ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 space] twice; repeat from * two more times, ch 1; join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch-3. Tie off.
Square Color Variations
You will need a total of 24 squares to complete the bag. Follow this color key to create the various squares needed for the Magnolia Tote:
- Square #1 (Make 4): Rnd 1: Dragonfly (B), Rnd 2: Silver (D), Rnd 3: Camel (C), Rnd 4: White (A).
- Square #2 (Make 4): Rnd 1: Silver (D), Rnd 2: Dragonfly (B), Rnd 3: Camel (C), Rnd 4: White (A).
- Square #3 (Make 4): Rnd 1: Camel (C), Rnd 2: Dragonfly (B), Rnd 3: Silver (D), Rnd 4: White (A).
- Square #4 (Make 6): Rnd 1: Silver (D), Rnd 2: Camel (C), Rnd 3: Dragonfly (B), Rnd 4: White (A).
- Square #5 (Make 6): Rnd 1: Silver (D), Rnd 2: Dragonfly (B), Rnd 3: Silver (D), Rnd 4: White (A).
The designer chose these specific colors because they feel appropriate for both summer and fall, but you are encouraged to be creative with your own stash. A bright pink or other vibrant spring tones would also be stunning.
Assembly
- Weave in all ends first.
- Arrange squares on point (diamond shape).
- Use white yarn (A) and a tapestry needle.
- Join squares using whip stitch:
- Stitch through outer loops for a neat seam.
- Follow a diamond layout to form:
- Front panel
- Back panel
- Side shaping
Handles
Step 1: Attach Yarn
- Join yarn at top edge corner of bag opening
Step 2: First Round
- Single crochet evenly along top edge
- At handle position:
- Ch ~61 stitches (adjust length if desired)
- Skip stitches below and attach chain to next square
Continue sc around.
Step 3: Second Handle
- Repeat on opposite side
Step 4: Strengthen Handles
- Work 2–3 more rounds of single crochet:
- Around entire opening
- Into chain handles
This makes straps thicker and sturdier.
Optional Finishing
- Add tassels to corners using leftover yarn
- Block bag lightly for shape
- Adjust strap length if needed
Tips for Success
- Mercerized cotton = stronger, less stretchy bag
- Make squares on the go, assemble later
- Keep tension consistent for even sizing
- Use stitch markers if needed for corners
Final Result
You’ll have a durable, washable, boho-style tote that’s:
- Stylish
- Spacious
- Perfect for daily use
