Bohemian Granny Square Tote Bag

This pattern creates a stylish and versatile tote bag made from beginner-friendly granny squares.

Materials

• Worsted weight (category 4) cotton or acrylic yarn, approximately 500 meters (550 yards)
• 4.0 mm (G/6) crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers (optional)

Abbreviations

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

Special Stitches

• Granny Cluster (GC): 3 double crochet stitches in the same stitch or space.

Pattern Instructions

Foundation

Begin by creating a magic ring. Alternatively, chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring.

Body

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc into the ring, (ch 2, 3 dc into the ring) 3 times, ch 2, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (12 sts) Rnd 2: Sl st into the next 2 dc, sl st into the ch-2 space, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same ch-2 space (first corner made), ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 space (corner made), ch 1; repeat from * 2 more times, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (24 sts) Rnd 3: Sl st into the next 2 dc, sl st into the ch-2 space, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), (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 ch-2 space, ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 space, ch 1; repeat from * 2 more times, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (36 sts) Rnd 4: Sl st into the next 2 dc, sl st into the ch-2 space, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same ch-2 space, (ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space) 2 times, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 space, (ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space) 2 times, ch 1; repeat from * 2 more times, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (48 sts) Rnd 5: Sl st into the next 2 dc, sl st into the ch-2 space, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same ch-2 space, (ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space) 3 times, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 space, (ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space) 3 times, ch 1; repeat from * 2 more times, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (60 sts)

Assembly / Finishing

Make the desired number of granny squares. For a tote bag, you will typically need at least 13 squares: 9 for the main body (3x3 arrangement for front and back) and 4 for the sides and bottom. You may need more depending on your desired bag size. Join the squares together using your preferred method (e.g., slip stitch, single crochet, or whip stitch). Create two straps by chaining to your desired length (approximately 60-80 chains for a shoulder strap) and then working a row of hdc or sc back across the chain, repeating for desired strap width. Attach the straps securely to the top corners of the bag. Weave in all loose ends with a yarn needle.

Tips

• To make a larger or smaller square, continue increasing rounds following the pattern logic.
• Change colors at the beginning of each round for a vibrant, classic granny square look.
• When joining squares, ensure your stitches are tight enough to prevent gaps.
• Crochet a gauge swatch to ensure your squares are the desired size and to estimate yarn usage more accurately.

Pattern by YarnCro · yarncro.com