Free Crochet Granny Square Bag Pattern — Simple Boho Tote in Bulky Yarn
If you love crocheting granny squares, this free crochet granny square bag pattern is calling your name. Make just three large squares, join them together, and you’ve got the prettiest handmade bag to take anywhere.
There is something so satisfying about turning a classic granny square into something you can actually wear. This free crochet granny square bag pattern is exactly that — three oversized granny squares, joined and folded into the most beautiful bohemian tote bag, complete with a long shoulder strap.
The bag is made from a single skein of bulky cotton yarn in a soft blush pink, which gives it that dreamy, textured look that photographs so well. The granny stitch pattern is one of the most beginner-friendly in crochet, so even if you’re newer to the craft, you can absolutely make this.
The finished bag measures 16″ x 16″ with a 20″ shoulder strap, making it a generous size for daily use — big enough for a book, your wallet, a water bottle, and everything else you like to carry along.
Pattern at a Glance:
- Skill level: Beginner / Low Intermediate
- Size: One size — 16″ wide x 16″ tall, strap 20″ long
- Yarn: Bulky weight, Size 5 (310 yds total)
- Hook: Size K (6.5 mm)
- Key technique: Classic granny square, worked in the round
If you love the look of handmade accessories that feel intentional and timeless rather than trendy, this one is for you.
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Supplies
Here’s everything you need to crochet this granny square bag:
Yarn:
- Bernat Maker Size 5 Bulky (317 yds / 8.8 oz / 250g per skein)
- Color: Soft Peach
- 310 yds total (just under one skein)
Hook:
- Size K (6.5 mm) crochet hook
Crochet Notions
Why You’ll Love This Granny Square Bag
It’s beginner-friendly. The granny stitch is one of the most classic crochet patterns there is! Once you learn the basic repeat, the rest is just building out round by round. If you’ve crocheted a granny square before, you already know how to make this bag.
It works up quickly. Using Size 5 bulky yarn and a K hook, each square grows fast. You’ll have all three squares finished before you know it.
It’s made from just one skein. No yarn calculations, no multiple colors to manage (unless you want to!), and very little waste. The entire bag uses just under 310 yards.
The construction is clever and satisfying. Rather than crocheting a bag from scratch, you simply block your three squares, seam them together following a simple diagram, and fold the shape into a bag. It’s a genuinely fun assembly process.
It’s timeless and wearable. The neutral blush color and open granny stitch texture make this bag one you’ll reach for again and again. Grab it for the farmer’s market, the beach, the library, or just running errands around town.
Crochet Abbreviations
US Crochet terminology is used. (US terms)
Ch – chain
Ch – refer to chain or space previously made, e.g., ch-1 sp
dc – double crochet
sc – single crochet
rep – repeat
sl st – slip stitch
sm – stitch marker
sp – space
st(s) – stitch(es)
RS – Right Side
WS – Wrong Side
[ ] or ( ) – repeat what’s inside the number of times indicated
PATTERN INFORMATION
The FREE simple bag crochet pattern is provided below, but you can also get the ad-free, printable pdf pattern for the CROCHET BAG in the pattern shop! The pdf has helpful photos & diagrams included:
(The premium Ad-Free PDF can also be purchased on ETSY)
Notes & Tips Before You Begin
How the bag is constructed:
- You will crochet 3 granny squares in the round. The Right Side will always face you.
- Block all three squares to the same size (approximately 12″ square).
- Seam and fold the squares together following the assembly diagrams below.
- Add a single crochet trim and a long shoulder strap to finish.
How to Crochet a Granny Square Bag
Gauge
12 inches (30.5 cm) square = 8 rounds
Be sure to check your gauge and block your squares before assembling the bag so that all three are the same size.
Finished Measurements:
- Measurements are for seamed bag, with strap length 20” long
- 16″ width by 16″ height
Free Granny Square Bag Crochet Pattern
Note: Ch 1 does not count as a st. Ch 3 counts as one dc st. Place a sm in the first st of each round to keep track of where to join.
Granny Square — Make 3
Foundation Ring: Using size K crochet hook, ch 6 with yarn and join with sl st to first ch to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 3, [3 dc into ring, ch 3] 3 times, join with sl st to 3rd ch of first ch-3.
Round 2: Sl st in each of next 2 dc, sl st in ch-3 corner sp, ch 3, [2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in same place (corner made), *ch 1, [3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in next ch-3 sp; rep from * twice more, ch 1, join with sl st to 3rd ch of first ch-3.
Round 3: Sl st in each of next 2 dc, sl st in ch-3 corner sp, ch 3, [2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in same place (corner made), *ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, [3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in next ch-3 sp; rep from * twice more, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, join with sl st to 3rd ch of first ch-3.
Round 4: Sl st in each of next 2 dc, sl st in ch-3 corner sp, ch 3, [2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in same place (corner made), *[ch 1, 3 dc in each ch-1 sp] along the side of square, ch 1, [3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in next ch-3 sp; rep from * twice more, [ch 1, 3 dc in each ch-1 sp] along the side of square, ch 1, join with sl st to 3rd ch of first ch-3.
Rounds 5-8: Rep Round 4.
Fasten off. Weave in ends to WS.
Blocking: After making all 3 squares, block each evenly into a 12″ square shape.
Seaming the Bag
(Note – the ad-free PDF pattern has diagrams of this seaming process)
Step 1 — First seam: With RS down, lay your three squares out in diamond shapes, one on bottom and two on sides. Seam them together along the shared edges. You can use whatever seaming method you prefer. I worked an invisible seam back and forth through the outside loops of each top stitch.
Step 2 — Fold and second seam: Flip the piece over and fold the bottom and two side corners toward the RS. Seam the other side of the bag in the same manner.
See this post for a step-by-step tutorial on seaming granny squares.
When finished, turn the bag Right Side out:
Finishing – Top Trim & Shoulder Strap
(Note – the ad-free PDF pattern has photos of this process)
Top Trim: Join yarn with the K hook to a top corner of the bag using sl st, ch 1, then work one round of sc evenly all around the top of the bag.
(When working around the top of the bag: work 3 sc into each ch-3 sp, work 1 sc into each ch-1 sp, and work 1 sc into each dc.)
Join with sl st to first sc.
Shoulder Strap: Next, work 2 sc sts centered at this top corner of the bag. Turn. (2 sts)
- Row 1: Ch 1, sc in the next 4 sts. Turn. (4 sts)
- Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st to end. Turn. (4 sts)
Rep Row 2 until strap reaches approximately 20″ (or your desired length).
Join yarn to opposite corner of bag with a sl st, then work 4 sc sts through each st of your last strap row plus a corresponding st on the opposite corner. This acts as a seam to join the strap to the opposite corner of the bag.
Avoid twisting the strap when you join.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Important Tips for Crocheting your Bag
Some things to keep in mind as you work the bag crochet pattern are:
- The Right Side (RS) will face you as you work the squares.
- Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch in each round.
- Make sure to block the squares when finished so they are all the same size, as this step makes assembly much easier.
- Feel free to adjust the strap length if you would like it shorter or longer.
How to Wear Your Crochet Granny Square Bag
One of my favorite things about this bag is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to style it:
Over the shoulder — The long 20″ strap makes it easy to carry on one shoulder. The bag will rest at your hip, which is a classic, comfortable carry for everyday errands, the farmers market, or a casual day out.
Crossbody style — Sling the strap across your body for a hands-free option that’s a little more secure. This works especially well if you’re heading somewhere with a crowd, like a weekend market or outdoor event.
For summer styling — Pair it with a linen dress, denim shorts and a white tee, or a flowy maxi for that effortless boho-handmade look. The open granny stitch texture has a light, airy feel that’s perfect for warm weather outfits.
As a beach or market bag — The generous 16″ size holds plenty, and the open stitch means sand falls right through if you’re heading to the beach. It’s also beautiful at a summer market filled with flowers or fresh produce.
Tips to Customize Your Granny Square Bag
One of the best things about this pattern is how easy it is to make it your own:
Change the color. The soft peach in the sample is beautiful, but this bag would look just as stunning in cream, sage green, terracotta, dusty blue, or classic neutral tan. Try two or three colors for a more traditional multicolor granny square look.
Make it larger. Work more rounds on each square (beyond Round 8) to make larger squares and a bigger bag overall. Just make sure to block all three to the same size before assembling.
Add a lining. If you want to use your bag for smaller items and prefer that nothing falls through the open stitches, a simple fabric lining (hand-stitched inside the bag) works beautifully. A neutral linen or cotton print is lovely.
Adjust the strap length. The pattern calls for 20″ but you can easily make it longer for a crossbody bag or shorter for a shoulder bag that sits higher. Just repeat Row 2 until you reach your ideal length before joining to the opposite corner.
Try cotton yarn. Bernat Maker is a cotton-acrylic blend that works beautifully here. You can also try a 100% cotton bulky yarn for an even more natural feel — great for warmer climates.
Love crocheting bags? Here are a few more to try:
Don’t forget that this crochet granny square bag pattern is also available as an ad-free, printable PDF. Grab the Granny Square Bag PDF Pattern in my pattern shop.
If you make this bag, I would absolutely love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @aboxoftwine. Happy crocheting!
Check out all of my FREE CROCHET PATTERNS HERE.
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