As crochet has been making a huge comeback in the fashion world Granny Square Gags are having a moment and it’s easy to see why. Make your own with one of these patterns!
Unlike knitting, crochet can not be imitated by a machine. That means all those granny square items you’ve seen in stores are made by someone’s hands.
It’s not hard to come to the conclusion that it’s more than a bit icky, after all, if you’re paying $20 for a granny square bag how much do you think the person that made it is being paid?
The easiest solution to this moral issue is to buy from an artisan or make your own crocheted granny square bag. The latter is why we’re here today, so I can share the granny square bag patterns I’ve been mentally hoarding.
All about Granny Square Bags
Granny squares are a great way to get into crocheting. You could turn them into a blanket but a bag is smaller (and faster) so why not give it a shot?
The really fun thing about this style of bag is how adaptable they are. Most are made with simple construction based on squares or hexagons.
That means you can swap out any granny square for the one in the pattern (as long as you swap a square for a square and a hexagon for a hexagon). Love the daisy block but prefer a different setting? Do it up buttercup.
That’s the point of making your own things, you get to make what you want!
As for picking out your yarn, each pattern will give you a recommended yarn as well as yardage. I’m a rule breaker and I like to mix it up (which is also helpful when yarns are discontinued).
If switching up the yarn is your plan pay attention to the weight of the yarn, matching that will get you on the right road to a comparable yarn. I can’t say that all yarns are created equal but if you find a pattern for a medium weight (4) yarn and you try to make it with a different medium weight yarn you’ll probably be ok.
If you try to make a pattern meant for super bulky (6) yarn with lace weight (0) you’ll end up with a bag for a hamster.
The biggest benefit to making your own granny square bags is in sizing and your gauge. I’ve never in my life made a gauge swatch and I probably never will.
That makes my sweaters a bit of a guessing game, but since bags are one size fits all it’s not that big of a deal!
If you’re making a bag you intend to use I recommend finding a washable yarn. You never know when your kids will spill apple juice all over it.
I think basic medium-weight acrylic yarns like Just Yarn Worsted from the Dollar Tree, Craft Smart Value & Impeccable from Michael’s, Big Twist Value from Joann or Red Heart Super Saver work really well for bags.
If you’re looking for natural fibers, Lily Sugar n’ Cream or Capri Eco Cotton from Michael’s are great options that come in tons of colors.
All of these yarns are pretty sturdy and should make a bag you can actually put things in, which is nice because that’s why we carry them.
Crochet Granny Bag Patterns
These aren't your Granny's squares unless she's a pretty cool lady in which case you're very lucky! I've compiled a list of 21 granny square bag patterns featuring different shapes, styles, and colorways.
All for free and with direct links to the pattern (because I know just how frustrating it is to find the perfect photo only to have it turn into a 2-hour rabbit hole to get to the pattern)
Starting off strong, this is my favorite of the bags and I'm actually in the process of making it right now! This bag is made up of small flower blocks that look awesome in bright colors
This pattern features a different square, turned on its side with some fun around the post stitches for extra interest.
When you think 'granny square bag' this is probably what you're seeing in your head, and you should because it's fantastic. Make sure you click the link to see this bag made with black yarn instead of white (spoiler alert, you'll want to make one)
Taking a quick turn into complex territory, this bag features fancier granny squares. The pattern includes a diagram which always makes directions easier for my brain to follow
Getting back to the more traditional simple granny square, this bag is an awesome example of how a simple color palette can really make a pattern shine.
As much as I love a rainbow granny square, this kind of colorway is more likely to get used in my day to day life
I know it's flowers, but in my mind, I see sunny side-up eggs and that makes me love it even more. On point daisy granny squares in a sky blue background make for an amazing spring or summer bag
This bag looks quite a bit different from the rest on the list, it starts with a granny square on the bottom and you do some shaping on the way up to the top,
I can't say this is the most practical bag on the list but it might be one of the most fun! I know my daughters would love these bags in their favorite colors
If you're looking for something really fun and very different why not try your hand at a sea turtle tote bag? The shell is made from granny square hexagons and I can't get over how cute the little flippers are
Another cute but more refined granny square project, this clutch features 3-dimensional flowers in a soft pastel color palette.
This is one of the first granny square bags that really caught my eye, unlike the others on this list it features applique. The mushrooms and granny squares are made separately and combined before sewing the squares together
If you're looking for a different bag style, why not give this drawstring tote a chance?
One of the best ways to make the vintage look of a granny square more modern is to change up the color palette. This solid navy bag is a perfect example!
Another single-color bag, this one is done in a thick and chunky yarn (meaning you'll be done quickly!)
Mixing up the material for the bag is another way to change the vibe of your bag. This simple granny square bag is made from raffia yarn and just screams beach trip to me
More beachy vibes, this bag has a slightly fancier granny square and the added bonus of wooden beads and fringe!
This bag would be perfect for a trip to the farmers market, or the overgrown cucumber plants in your garden. It's cute, light weight, and can easily hold a whole bunch of produce
Another drawstring bag, I think this one would make an adorable mini-backpack with the addition of a few more straps
Going back to the roots of the granny square, you gotta love the chaotic mix of colors here! The real reason I picked this pattern was the mix of sizes used for the body of the bag, the straps and the top border.
Another awesome market bag, this single color tote would be perfect for apple picking
One more quick project, this granny square clutch looks so cute in multiple colors but I think a switch to a single color, perhaps with metallic threads involved, would make any awesome evening bag
The last bag on the list is a dainty, single-color, fringed messenger style bag made with stunning and delicate floral granny squares
Check out my Crochet page for more projects or start here:
