How to Crochet Granny Square Shoulder Bag | Tutorial Pattern🧵👜🧶

Let’s create a beautiful and unique Granny Square Shoulder Bag! This project is a fantastic way to learn how to make and join classic granny squares, which are incredibly versatile and allow for endless color creativity. By assembling these charming squares, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind bag that’s both stylish and functional.

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How to Crochet a Granny Square Shoulder Bag | Tutorial Pattern

This detailed tutorial will guide you through crocheting individual granny squares, strategically joining them to form a sturdy bag, adding a neat top border, and finishing with a comfortable shoulder strap. It’s a rewarding project that will truly show off your crochet skills!

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner / Intermediate

This project assumes you’re comfortable with basic crochet stitches and are ready to tackle working in rounds and joining multiple pieces. It’s perfect if you know:

• Chain (ch): The foundation of crochet.
• Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining rounds and creating seamless joins.
• Double Crochet (dc): The primary stitch for granny squares.
• Magic Ring (MR) / Chain-2 Start: For a neat center to your squares.
• Working in rounds: Crocheting in a circular motion.
• Color changes: Neatly switching between yarn colors.
• Fastening off & Weaving in ends: Essential for a clean and durable finish.
• Basic seaming: Connecting crocheted pieces together.

Finished Shoulder Bag Dimensions (Approximate):

Using worsted weight yarn and the suggested hook, your finished shoulder bag will typically measure around 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) wide and 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) tall (excluding the strap), depending on the size and number of squares you choose to make.

Materials You’ll Need:

Gathering all your materials before you start will make the process much smoother.

• Yarn: Approximately 400-600 yards (365-550 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton or Cotton Blend Yarn.
  • Why Cotton? Cotton yarn is highly recommended for bags because it’s durable, has minimal stretch (which helps the bag hold its shape), and provides excellent stitch definition. It’s also easy to wash, which is practical for a frequently used item like a bag.
  • Color Choices: You can use as many colors as you like for your granny squares. A classic look often involves 2-4 colors per square, with a solid color for joining and the strap. For example:
    • Color A (Center/Primary Color): A bold, dominant color.
    • Color B (Accent Color 1): A complementary or contrasting color.
    • Color C (Accent Color 2): Another accent color.
    • Color D (Joining/Border/Strap Color): Often a neutral like black, white, cream, or grey, which can tie all the squares together.
• Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm. This hook size works well with worsted weight yarn to create a dense, sturdy fabric, which is important for a bag.
• Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Essential for weaving in all your loose yarn tails (and you’ll have quite a few with granny squares!) and for seamlessly joining your squares. It has a blunt tip and a large eye.
• Scissors: Any pair of sharp scissors for cutting yarn.
• Stitch Markers (Optional but Recommended): Very useful for marking corners of the granny squares, especially when you’re first learning, and for holding panels together during seaming.

Understanding the Granny Square Shoulder Bag Construction:

This bag is built from individual granny square motifs that are then assembled into the bag’s structure:

1. Individual Granny Squares: You’ll crochet multiple 3 or 4-round granny squares. Each round can be a different color, or you can repeat colors.
2. Assembly: The squares will be strategically joined to form the front, back, and optionally, the bottom and sides of the bag.
3. Top Border: A final border around the bag’s opening adds structure and a polished finish.
4. Shoulder Strap: A comfortable crocheted strap will be attached for carrying.

Let’s Crochet Your Granny Square Shoulder Bag!

Follow these steps carefully. Consistency in your tension and neat color changes are key for a professional-looking finished bag.

Part 1: Crocheting Your Granny Squares (Make 12-18 squares, or as needed)

The number of squares you make will determine the size of your bag. For a common shoulder bag size, you might make 12 squares (e.g., 3 wide by 2 high for the front, and 3 wide by 2 high for the back). If you want to create side panels for more depth, you’ll need additional squares.

Pattern for one 3-Colored Granny Square (adjust colors as desired):

1. Start with Color A (Center):
   • Begin with a Magic Ring (MR).
     • Alternative start (if MR is tricky): Chain 4, then slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring.
   • Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet (dc)). Work 2 dc into the ring. Chain 2, 3 dc into the ring. Repeat from * to * 2 more times. Chain 2. Slip stitch into the top of the beginning Chain 3 to join.
   • Gently pull the Magic Ring tail tightly to close the center hole.
   • Fasten off Color A, leaving a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) tail for weaving in.
2. Join Color B (Round 2):
   • Join Color B with a slip stitch into any chain-2 corner space from Round 1.
   • Round 2: Chain 3 (counts as first dc). Work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the same chain-2 corner space. This forms your first corner.
   • *Chain 1. Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the next chain-2 corner space.* Repeat from * to * 2 more times.
   • Chain 1. Slip stitch into the top of the beginning Chain 3 to join.
   • Fasten off Color B, leaving a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) tail.
3. Join Color C (Round 3):
   • Join Color C with a slip stitch into any chain-2 corner space from Round 2.
   • Round 3: Chain 3. Work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the same chain-2 corner space.
   • *Chain 1. Work 3 dc into the next chain-1 space (this is the space between the 3-dc clusters from the previous round, not a corner). Chain 1. Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the next chain-2 corner space.* Repeat from * to * 2 more times.
   • Chain 1. Work 3 dc into the last chain-1 space. Chain 1. Slip stitch into the top of the beginning Chain 3 to join.
   • Fasten off Color C, leaving a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) tail.

Important Note: For a 4-colored granny square, simply add a Round 4 using Color D, following the same pattern structure:

• Join Color D into a corner space.
• Work (3dc, ch2, 3dc) into corners.
• Work 3dc into each chain-1 space along the sides, with ch1 between each 3dc cluster.
• Increase the number of 3dc clusters on the sides with each round.

Repeat these steps until you have made enough granny squares for your bag design.

• For a flat shoulder bag: Make 12 squares (6 for the front panel, 6 for the back panel) arranged 3 wide x 2 high.
• For a bag with depth: You’ll need additional squares for the bottom and side panels. A common setup could be 6 squares for the front, 6 for the back, and 2 squares for the bottom (1×2 arrangement). The sides would then be formed by the vertical edges of the front/back/bottom squares.

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Part 2: Weaving in Ends (The Essential Step!)

• Before joining, weave in every single yarn tail from all your color changes on each individual granny square. This is crucial for a neat and durable finished bag.
• Use your yarn needle. Thread the tail onto the needle. Weave the tail into the stitches of the same color, going in one direction for at least 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm). Then, subtly change direction (e.g., weave back through some of the same stitches diagonally or perpendicularly) to “lock” the tail in place and prevent it from unraveling. Trim any excess yarn close to the fabric, being careful not to cut your actual stitches.

Part 3: Assembling the Bag (Joining Granny Squares)

There are several methods to join granny squares. For a sturdy bag, a single crochet join or a whip stitch join (using a yarn needle) are good choices.

1. Plan Your Layout:
   • Lay out all your finished squares on a flat surface. Arrange them exactly how you want them to appear on the front and back of your bag. This helps visualize the final product and prevents mistakes.
2. Joining Method (Single Crochet Join – recommended for visible, sturdy seams):
   • Take two squares with their right sides facing up. Place them side-by-side, aligning the edges you want to join.
   • Using Color D (your chosen joining color) and your H/5.0mm hook, insert your hook through both loops of the corresponding stitches on both squares (usually into the chain-1 spaces and the tops of the dc stitches).
   • Join yarn with a slip stitch.
   • Chain 1.
   • Work 1 single crochet (sc) into the first stitch, going through both layers.
   • Continue working 1 sc into each corresponding stitch along the edge, going through both layers, until you reach the end of the squares.
   • At the corners: When you encounter a corner space, work 1 sc into the corner space of both squares. When joining multiple squares at a central point, work an extra sc into the shared “intersection” to secure it.
   • Fasten off, leaving a tail to weave in.
   • Repeat this process to join all the squares together horizontally to form your rows, then join the rows vertically to form your two large panels (front and back of the bag).
3. Joining the Front and Back Panels:
   • Once you have your two large joined panels (e.g., 3×2 square panels), place them right sides together.
   • Using Color D and your preferred joining method (single crochet join with hook, or whip stitch with needle), join the two panels together along three sides (the bottom edge and both side edges).
   • Leave the top edge (where the bag opening will be) unjoined.
   • Ensure your corners are neat and square. You might make an extra stitch or two in the corners to reinforce them.
   • When the three sides are securely joined, fasten off and weave in all remaining tails.
   • Turn the bag right side out. Your bag body is now formed!

Part 4: Adding a Top Border (Optional but Highly Recommended)

A sturdy border around the top opening gives your bag a polished finish and helps reinforce the opening.

1. Round 1 (Single Crochet):
   • Join Color D with a slip stitch into any stitch along the top opening of your bag (ideally near a side seam).
   • Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet (sc) into each stitch evenly around the entire top opening of the bag.
     • Tip for even spacing: Work 1 sc into each dc stitch, and 1 sc into each chain-1 space along the sides of the granny squares. When you come to a seam where two squares meet, work 1 sc into the “valley” created by the join to keep it smooth.
   • Slip stitch into the first sc to join the round.
2. Round 2 (Single Crochet – for thickness):
   • Chain 1. Work 1 sc into each sc around the entire top opening.
   • Slip stitch into the first sc to join.
   • Repeat Round 2 for 1-2 more rounds for a thicker, more reinforced top edge.
   • Fasten off Color D, leaving a tail to weave in. Weave in the tail securely.

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Part 5: Crocheting and Attaching the Shoulder Strap

A comfortable and sturdy strap is crucial for your shoulder bag. We’ll make a simple, strong strap using single crochet in Color D.

1. Crocheting the Strap:
   • Make a slip knot with Color D.
   • Chain (ch) 121. (This will create a strap of about 30-35 inches / 76-89 cm, which is a good length for a shoulder bag. Adjust this chain length for a longer or shorter strap if desired, ensuring it’s an odd number for a 2nd chain from hook count.)
   • Row 1: Work 1 sc into the 2nd ch from your hook. Work 1 sc into each remaining ch across. You should have 120 sc.
   • Chain 1, turn.
   • Rows 2-5 (or more for a wider strap): Work 1 sc into each sc across the row. You will still have 120 sc in each row.
   • Chain 1, turn.
   • Fasten off, leaving a very long tail (at least 15-20 inches / 38-50 cm) at each end of the strap for sewing.
2. Attaching the Strap to the Bag:
   • Lay your bag flat. Find the center points on the front and back of your bag’s top opening. Or, for a classic look, position the strap ends over the side seams of the bag, or one granny square in from each side.
   • Position the ends of your crocheted strap on the inside of the bag’s top opening.
   • Thread one of the long tails from the strap onto your yarn needle.
   • Stitch firmly back and forth, going through the strap end and into the top edge of the bag. Make sure to go through multiple stitches and layers (especially the reinforced border) for a very strong attachment. Work your needle in a way that the stitches are discreet from the outside.
   • Repeat this process for the other end of the strap, ensuring the strap is not twisted before you stitch it down.
   • Weave in all remaining strap tails very securely into the top edge of the bag.

Part 6: Final Finishing Touches

1. Final Weave in Ends:
   • Carefully inspect your entire bag and ensure that every single yarn tail has been meticulously woven in. This is the last chance to secure everything for a durable and beautiful finish.
2. Blocking (Optional but Highly Recommended):
   • Blocking can significantly improve the shape, even out any tension inconsistencies, and give your bag a more polished, professional look. It’s especially beneficial for projects made from joined squares, as it helps the seams lie flat and the overall shape become more uniform.
   • Method (Wet Blocking – Ideal for Cotton/Cotton Blends):
     • Gently mist your entire bag evenly with cool water using a spray bottle until it’s damp but not soaking wet.
     • Carefully stuff your bag with clean towels or crumpled paper to help it hold its desired shape (e.g., a nice rectangular or square form) while drying.
     • Smooth out any wrinkles and gently shape the bag, ensuring the seams lay flat and the squares look even.
     • Allow the bag to air dry completely and thoroughly in a well-ventilated area. This can take several hours to a full day, depending on humidity and ventilation. Ensure it’s bone dry before handling or using it.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully crocheted a beautiful and functional Granny Square Shoulder Bag! This handmade accessory is not only practical but also a fantastic way to showcase your developing crochet skills and love for color. Enjoy using your vibrant new creation!

What adventures will your new granny square bag go on?

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