A granny square tote is one of the most useful things you can crochet. It uses up scrap yarn, and it works for the market in summer and for errands in winter. Here are 5 free patterns, each with a video tutorial.
Before you start: Most of these bags are worked in US terms. Check the hook size on the pattern before you start, and make one test square first. The size of your squares decides the size of your bag.
5 Free Crochet Granny Square Tote Bag Patterns
1. Granny Square Bag – 3 Squares Folded in Half
Designer: Wilma Westenberg (Wilmade) · Beginner · US terms · 8 mm (US L/11) hook · Written pattern free, kit with yarn available
Why it works: You make 3 large squares, fold them in half and join them. The bag gets bigger as you add rows. The strap is worked straight from the top corner, and the written pattern gives the length (about 14 in / 35.5 cm).
2. Sunburst Granny Square Bag
Designer: Jo to the World Creations · Free pattern on the blog · 5.50 mm (I/9) hook for the border and strap
Why it works: The sunburst square is the star of this bag. The designer uses two videos: one for the squares, and one for assembly, joining, and the border and strap. The strap is 80 chains long, about 24 in (61 cm), and you can change the length.
Assembly video on YouTube ↗ (start at 25:41)
→ The assembly video is the one to watch for joining and the strap. It starts at 25:41.
3. Crochet Tote Bag Made from 15 Granny Squares
Designer: Leelee Knits · Beginner-friendly · Free written pattern on the blog
Why it works: You make 15 granny squares, then seam them with a mattress stitch. The designer uses single crochet worked in the back loop for a wicker-like texture. The video shows the mattress stitch at 13:40, so you can jump straight to it.
4. Granny Square Tote – Four-Strand Side Strips
Designer: Delia Creates · Beginner-friendly · 9.00 mm hook for the side strips, 5.00 mm for assembly
Why it works: A large granny square is the base, and a strip of double crochet is seamed around it. The side strips use four strands of yarn, so the bag is sturdy. The assembly uses two strands.
5. Modern Granny Square Tote with Tie Strap
Designer: Life and Yarn · Beginner · Basic stitches (chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double, double crochet) · Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Why it works: The square has flower-like double crochet clusters in the centre, so colour changes show well. The bag has a tie strap, so you can wear it long or short. The video shows how to make the square. The written pattern covers the assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which yarn is best for a granny square bag?
Cotton is a common choice for bags because it holds its shape. The Life and Yarn pattern uses Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton. The other patterns name their own yarns, so check the yarn list in the pattern before you buy.
Can I make the bag bigger or smaller?
Yes. Change the hook size, add rows to the squares, or add squares to the layout. Make one test square first and measure it before you make the rest.
Are these patterns free?
The 5 patterns in this article are free on their designers’ blogs or on YouTube. Some designers also sell a printable PDF or a kit with yarn. You do not need to buy them to make the bag.
More Free Crochet Patterns on Ichraq Crea
- 5 Free Crochet Cat Sweater Patterns for Real Cats (Video Tutorials) – the cat version of this article.
- 5 Free Crochet Dog Dress Patterns for Real Dogs (Video Tutorials) – the dog version of this article.
Want the printable version? My PDF patterns are ad-free, printable, and laid out so you can tick off rows as you go.
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