Boho Granny Square Bag

A versatile and stylish bag made from crocheted granny squares, perfect for using up yarn scraps.

Materials

• Any weight yarn, any fiber (e.g., DK weight cotton for a lightweight summer bag, worsted weight acrylic for a sturdy everyday bag, or chunky wool for a cozy market tote). This pattern is designed to be stash-friendly, so feel free to mix and match.
• Corresponding hook size for your chosen yarn (e.g., 3.5 mm for DK, 5 mm for worsted, 8 mm for chunky).
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming.
• Scissors.
• Optional: Fabric lining, magnetic snap closure, or wooden beads for embellishment.
• Gauge: 16 sts × 18 rounds / 10 cm (This gauge is a guideline. Your finished size will vary based on your chosen yarn, hook, and individual gauge. Swatch to determine your square size.)
• Finished Size: Size varies with yarn weight, hook size, and the number of squares used. A single square measures approximately 10 cm x 10 cm if crocheted to the given gauge.

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• sp: space
• st(s): stitch(es)

Pattern Instructions

Foundation

Begin with a magic ring or ch 4 and sl st to form a ring.

Body

Granny Square (Make 13 or desired number for your bag)

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 11 dc into ring, sl st to top of beg ch 3. (12 sts) Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to top of beg ch 3. (24 sts) Rnd 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in same st, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) 11 times, dc in next st, sl st to top of beg ch 3. (36 sts) Rnd 4: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in same st, (dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st) 11 times, dc in next 2 sts, sl st to top of beg ch 3. (48 sts) Rnd 5: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in same st, (dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st) 11 times, dc in next 3 sts, sl st to top of beg ch 3. (60 sts)

Creating the Square Shape At this point, your circle should be approximately 10 cm in diameter if working to gauge. Now, we will form the square:

Rnd 6: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in next 2 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st (corner made), dc in next 11 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st (corner made) 3 times, dc in last 8 sts, sl st to top of beg ch 3. (60 dc sts, 4 ch-2 sps) Rnd 7: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in each dc to first ch-2 sp, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in each dc to next ch-2 sp 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in last ch-2 sp, dc in remaining dc sts, sl st to top of beg ch 3. (76 dc sts, 4 ch-2 sps)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Assembly / Finishing

1. Arrange Squares: Decide on your bag's layout. A common configuration for a small tote is 9 squares for the main body (3x3 grid) and 4 squares for the strap. For a larger bag, you can make more squares.
2. Seaming: Using your tapestry needle and a length of yarn, join the squares together. You can use a whip stitch, slip stitch, or single crochet seam. For a classic granny square look, some crocheters prefer to join with a flat slip stitch or single crochet on the wrong side.
3. Bag Body: Once your desired number of squares are joined for the body, fold them to form the bag shape. Seam the side edges and bottom edge, leaving the top open.
4. Strap: Create a strap by joining additional squares in a line, or crochet a strap directly onto the bag. To crochet a strap, single crochet or half double crochet along the top edge of the bag for several rows until the desired length is reached, then attach to the other side.
5. Edging (Optional): Single crochet evenly around the top opening of the bag for a neat finish. You can also add a decorative border.
6. Weave in Ends: Ensure all loose ends are securely woven in.
7. Lining & Closures (Optional): If desired, sew a fabric lining into the bag and add a magnetic snap or button closure.
8. Embellish (Optional): Add tassels, fringe, or beads for a bohemian touch.

Tips

• Yarn Choice: Experiment with different yarn weights and colors! A single color creates a sophisticated look, while multiple colors embrace the boho aesthetic.
• Swatch: Always crochet a gauge swatch to determine the size of your squares, as this will impact the final dimensions of your bag.
• Joining Method: Try different joining methods (slip stitch, single crochet, whip stitch) to see which finish you prefer.
• Strap Reinforcement: For heavy items, consider lining the strap or crocheting it with a double strand of yarn for extra durability.

Pattern by YarnCro · yarncro.com