I used acrylic yarn for this project, but I think it would be better suited to cotton yarn. I did start with cotton yarn, but an old arm injury prevented me from getting too far along, so I switched to acrylic, which is much easier to work with. Both the cotton yarn and acrylic yarn are a number four medium-weight yarn, so the supply list is good for either yarn. I do show how to crochet cording, or you can buy cording if desired.

Supply List

• Cotton Yarn 540 yards or 495 meters (360 yards for main color and 180 yards for accent color if desired) Plus extra yardage if crocheting cording.
  • Bernat Handicrafter Robbins Egg
  • Sugar and Cream Painted Desert
• Or… acrylic yarn in the same quantity
• 3/8 to 1/2 inch cording: 3.25 yards or 3 meters
• Crochet hooks in sizes: 3.5 mm (E-4), 4 mm (G-6), optional 4.5 mm (7)
• Darning needle
• Scissors
• Large safety pin

Some (but perhaps not all) of the links in this blog are affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains some affiliate links. Please see my policy page for details. I look for the best possible option for your convenience, however, I encourage you to support your local shops!

The finished size is 16″ wide by 18″ high

The bag is made by crocheting two panels with a shell design and then a bottom panel of single crochets. They are joined together so the shell pattern has the scallops at the top of the bag on both sides. The video tutorial takes you through the pattern step-by-step, and while there are several steps, nothing about this bag is difficult. Have fun!

In the video tutorial for the Easy Crocheted Summer Bag, there is the option to add a lining to the bag. I have a great video tutorial that shows how to make a hand-sewn lining for any style of crocheted bag. Check it out below!

I also talked about adding beads to the crocheted cording if that was the style of cording you decided to do. You can find that at 20:40 in this video below. Be creative and have fun!

I have a few purse and bag tutorials on my blog and, for the most part, I do offer a written pattern for these projects. Here is the link for all the projects I have on my blog. You may be inspired to mix and match patterns! I always love to encourage people to explore different possibilities using my tutorials and patterns as a guideline. The wonderful thing about crochet is that you can always unravel your work and start again!

The post Easy Crocheted Summer Bag appeared first on Create and Crochet.

I am using the Color Wheel Granny Square for this project and you can find the written pattern here. If you prefer, you can watch the video tutorial below. As mentioned above, you can use any granny square pattern you like, but the only requirement is that the last round needs to be in the traditional granny square pattern, meaning clusters of three double crochets all the way around.

The supplies you will need are:

• Two granny squares of any design. If using the Color Wheel Pattern, these are the yarns used:
• Number 4 medium-weight yarn in assorted colors.
  • Bernat Satin-Mia Tai (pink)
  • Bernat Satin-Stardust (light purple)
  • Patons Canadiana-Medium Teal
  • Patons Canadian-Fools Gold
  • Cascade Anthum-#44 (green)
  • Red from the thrift shop
• 4 mm or G-6US crochet hook
• Darning needle
• Scissors
• Hand steamer (optional)
• Wooden or plastic bead with 1/8″ (4mm-5mm) hole

Some (but perhaps not all) of the links in this blog are affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains some affiliate links. Please see my policy page for details. I look for the best possible option for your convenience, however, I encourage you to support your local shops!

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• st = stitch
• sl st = slip stitch

As always, I have a video tutorial at the bottom of this post, so if any of the following instructions are not clear, you can check out the video to clarify. To begin, place the two squares wrong sides together.

Join with 1 sc into the first ch of the ch2 sps of each motif, going into the top loops only, 1 sc in the top loops of the second ch of the ch2 sp, 1 sc in the top loop of each st of each motif (joining them together) to the first corner.

At the corner, 2 sc in the top loop of each ch of ch2 sp (4 sc’s), 1 sc in the top loop of each st to the next corner, 2 sc in the top loop of each ch of ch2 sp (4 sc’s), 1 sc in the top loop of each st to the next corner (3 sides complete).

At the third corner, 1 sc in the top loops of the first ch of the ch2 sp, sl st into the ch2 sp of the front motif only.

Round one: Ch 3 (counts as your first dc), 2 dc, ch 1 in ch2 sp, *3 dc, ch 1 in next ch 1 sp, repeat from * all the way around. (note: treat the ch 2 spaces of each corner like a ch 1 space). Join with a sl st to the 3rd ch of beg ch3.

Round two: sl st into the top 2 sts of the first 3dc cluster over to the first ch1 sp, sl st into the ch1 sp. Ch 3 (counts as your first dc), 2 dc, ch 1 in same ch1 sp, *3 dc, ch 1 in next ch1 sp, repeat from* all the way around. Join with a sl st to the 3rd ch of beg ch3.

Round three: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 1 dc in both loops of each st all the way around. Join with a sl st to the 3rd ch of beg ch3 and fasten off. If desired, finish this round with the invisible finish, so there won’t be a knot to crochet into. I have a video tutorial here on how to do that.

Round four: Using a new color, join into any st with 1 sc, 1 sc in the same st, *2 sc in the next st, repeat from* all the way around, fasten off as usual or with the invisible finish. Darn in all the tail ends.

For the drawstring: crochet a chain that is long enough to go all the way around the pouch, with about 2 inches for tails on each side. Thread the drawstring through each chain one space of round two. Use the darning needle to thread the two tail ends through the bead. Tie a knot at the end of the tails and you are done!

If you like, you can make a lining for the pouch and I have a video tutorial here that shows how to make a hand-stitched lining. I would bring the lining to the height of the last round of the granny square motifs (not the rounds for the top section).

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If you like this pattern, you may also like:

The post How to Make a Granny Square Pouch appeared first on Create and Crochet.

In Part Two of this tutorial, we will make the lining, the straps for the handles, and do the finishing touches. All the supplies are listed in Part One, so make sure to check that out! I do have a video tutorial for this project as well and you can find that at the bottom of this post.

The lining fabric I chose for this project is a denim fabric with the denim blue color on one side and white on the other side. You want to choose a heavy-weight fabric such as denim or canvas for the lining because that will give the bag more body. You might want to add a plastic support in the bottom of the bag and I will talk about that below. If you want to add a pocket to the lining, you can check out one of the two tutorials below. One is how to sew a lining (with a pocket) on a sewing machine and the other is how to sew a lining (with a pocket) by hand. While these tutorials show different shape linings, they may offer some helpful tips.

• How to sew a lining with a sewing machine
• How to sew a lining by hand

In Part One, we did cut out the lining because we needed to use the granny square panels as templates for the lining. The final size for my lining pieces (based on the size of my granny square panel and round motif) were 12″ (30 cm) by 24″ (60 cm) for the rectangle piece and 7.25″ (18.5 cm) in diameter by 24″ (60 cm) in circumference for the round motif.

Decide which side of the fabric you want to face inside the bag, this will be the ‘right side’ of the fabric. For me, this was the white side of the fabric. Place the short sides of the fabric of the rectangle piece right sides together. Sew a 1/2″ (1.25 cm) seam allowance, trim and finish the raw edge with a zig-zag finish. Join the round piece, right sides together to the bottom of the rectangle tube. Divide the round shape and tube piece into quarters. Pin the round piece onto the bottom, lining up the quarter marks. Ease each quarter piece together with pins.

I apologize for not taking a photo of this step, but I do show it in the video tutorial. Sew the two pieces together with a 1/2″ (1.25 cm) seam allowance and finish as before.

I do recommend using a plastic support for the bottom of the bag. There are many plastic lids one could use from products such as frozen yogurt or ice cream containers (see above). If you can’t find a lid that fits your bag, then you can cut a round shape of flexible plastic (like the front of a daytimer or notebook), that is the same size as the round crocheted motif. You would then cut two pieces of lining fabric for the base and encase the plastic piece between the two pieces. Then you would sew the round base to the top piece of fabric as described above.

Once the lining piece is sewn together, place it inside the crocheted bag with the ‘wrong side’ or seam allowance facing out. Line up the bottom seams so it fits nicely inside the crocheted piece. Mark the top of the lining piece with a pin.

Fold the top hem over 1/2″ (1.25 cm), and then again to just below the pin mark. You want the top hem of the lining to sit just below the top edge of the crocheted bag. Sew the hem to finish the lining.

Place the lining back in the crocheted bag, and pin it in place just below the top of the crocheted bag. Sew a seam along the top edge between the top two rounds of single crochet (the Bright Navy and Indigo rows).

Then sew another seam around the top of the bag between the two bottom rounds of single crochet (the Bright Navy and Indigo. This will create a casing for the straps to go through.

Once the lining is sewn in place, lay the bag flat and measure across the top of the bag. Add another 6″ (15 cm) to 8″ (20.5 cm) to that length. Double that to get the total length required for each strap, you will need two straps for the bag. My bag measured 11″ (28 cm) across the top, plus 8″ (20.5 cm) to equal 19″ (48 cm) across. Multiply that number by 2 for a total length of 38″ (96 cm) for each strap.

I used Bright Navy and Indigo for the crocheted straps, but I am demonstrating with the Indigo and Blue Jean color so it is easier to see the steps. You will need two strands of each color, so just take both ends of the ball of yarn for each color to achieve this.

• Step One: Set up two strands of each color.
• Step Two: Create a slip knot with all four strands of yarn and place that on the E-4 US (3.5 mm) crochet hook with the tails to the right and one color at the top and one color at the bottom.
• Step Three: Bring the bottom color over the front of your hook and away from you (to create a loop).

• Step Four: Bring the top color over the top of your hook toward you, as shown above.
• Step Five: Bring the top color through all the loops on your hook to create a single crochet.
• Step Six: Bring the bottom color over the front of your hook and away from you, to create a loop.

• Step Seven: Bring the top color over the top of the hook toward you.
• Step Eight: Bring the top color through the two loops to create a single crochet.
• Step Nine: Continue to single crochet in this way until you have the strap to the length required.

Fasten off the strap by cutting a long tail (for the beads), yarn over, and pull through the loop. Tie a square knot at each end of the strap to secure it. Crochet a second strap in the same way.

Using a safety pin, feed each strap through the casing, going in the opposite direction as shown above. You want to have one loop on each end and two loose ends on the opposite sides. When feeding the straps through the casing, come out of one chain one space, skip the three double crochets and go back into the next chain one space. Do this on both sides. Once you have the straps in place, tie the loose ends together at the very end of each strap, leaving the tassels dangling. Again, I forgot to take a picture of this step, but I do show it in the video tutorial.

Use an assortment of beads to thread onto each strand of yarn for a funky bohemian style look. I used glass and metal beads, but wooden beads would work really well too. Place a small amount of white glue on the end of each strand of yarn to create a ‘needle’ of sorts. Let the glue dry and this will make it much easier to thread the beads onto the yarn.

Tie a knot at the end of each strand and cut off the excess yarn. I made each strand a different length so the beads wouldn’t bunch up all in one place. You can do this step any way you like. You may not want to use beads at all and cut all the strands of yarn off into just one length to look like a tassel, or you could braid some of the strands, or you could fray each strand piece to make a very fluffy tassel…be playful and creative!

And you have now come to the end of this tutorial, Granny Square Bag ~ Boho Style (Part Two)! You can find the video tutorial below. I hope you enjoyed this project, please leave a thumbs up on the YouTube video and subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss out!

Some of my favorite things!

Some (but perhaps not all) of the links in this blog are affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains some affiliate links. Please see my policy page for details. I look for the best possible option for your convenience, however, I encourage you to support your local shops!

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Granny Square Bag ~ Boho Style (Part Two)

The post Granny Square Bag ~ Boho Style (Part Two) appeared first on Create and Crochet.

I am always over-optimistic when it comes to creating a project, and think that it will be much easier to teach than it turns out. This is not a difficult project and is suited for beginners, but there are several steps involved. I have created a video tutorial for Part One and you can find that at the bottom of this blog post.

If you are new to crochet, then I do recommend that you check out my Beginner Crochet Series, which teaches you all the stitches, tips, and techniques you will need to make this Granny Square Bag ~ Bohemian Style. I will not be teaching how to crochet the actual granny square motifs in this tutorial because I already have tutorials on those projects. You can find the YouTube tutorials below! I recommend using a number 4 medium-weight cotton yarn for this project or yarn that does not have any stretch to it. Bamboo, wool, linen, cotton blends are a few suggestions. Synthetic yarns may have too much ‘give’ in them.

The supplies you will need for this project are:

• Lilly Sugar’n Cream~Blue Jean: 4 oz (113 g), 200 yds (184 m)
• Lilly Sugar’n Cream~Bright Navy: 2.5 oz (71 g), 120 yds (109 m)
• Lilly Sugar’n Cream~Indigo: 2.5 oz (71 g), 120 yds (109 m)
• Lining fabric (denim or canvis): 1/2 yard or meter
• Crochet hook: size E-4 (3.5 mm)
• Darning needle
• Stitch markers (not shown)
• Scissors
• Assorted beads (not shown)
• Hand steamer (not shown and optional)
• Round plastic support for the bottom of the bag. A lid from a frozen yogurt container works great.

Some (but perhaps not all) of the links in this blog are affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains some affiliate links. Please see my policy page for details. I look for the best possible option for your convenience, however, I encourage you to support your local shops!

This project will not use all the yarn listed above, but it will use about 150 yds (140 m) of the Blue Jean, about 40 yds (36 m) of the Bright Navy, and about 90 yds (82 m) of the Indigo. So in total, the whole project requires about 280 to 300 yds (260 to 270 m) of yarn. You can use the color combination I have used here or you can create your own color scheme.

You will need ten ‘Compact Granny Squares’ (see tutorial below) with a total of four rounds and are 4.25″ (11 cm) in diameter. I used Bright Navy for round one, Blue Jeans for rounds two and four, and Indigo for round three. I will be adding written directions for this pattern soon, so check back again if you’d prefer the written directions.

You will also need one ‘Round Granny Square’ motif (see tutorial below) that is 7″ (18 cm) in diameter, but you will only complete rounds one through four of that tutorial. Round five is done a bit differently, and there is actually a sixth round of single crochet that I added at the last minute because the round motif was just a little bit too small for the bag section. For rounds one and three, I used Bright Navy, for rounds two and four (and six, which is shown in an image below), I used Blue Jeans, and for round five, I used Indigo.

Round five: In a ch2 sp between a cluster of 4dc and 3dc, join new color with a sl st, ch 3 (counts as a dc), 4 dc in same sp. *Sk 1 st, 1 dc in center of 3dc cluster, sk 1 st, 5 dc in ch2 sp, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in center of 4dc cluster, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in ch2 sp. Repeat from * 4 times. 1 dc in center of 3dc cluster, 5 dc in ch2 sp, 1 dc in center of 4dc cluster. Fasten off with the invisible finish (see link below for this tutorial). See the options below if you want round six in the same color.

Round six: Same color option… If you want to do round six in the same color (Indigo), then rather than fastening off, join with a sl st in the 3rd ch of the beg ch3, ch 1, 1 sc in the top loop of each stitch all the way around. Fasten off with the invisible finish. New color option…join new color (Blue Jeans) into the top loop of any st with a sc, 1 sc in the top loop of each stitch all the way around. Fasten off with the invisible stitch.

Other helpful YouTube videos

• How to do an invisible finish (on any crocheted motif)
• How to sew a lining with pockets on a sewing machine
• How to sew a lining with pockets by hand

Once you have all your motifs ready to go, you can begin by joining the granny squares together in two strips of five squares. You can use any joining technique you like, but I love to use the whip stitch in the top loops only because it creates such a nice finish.

Cut a piece of yarn three times the length of a square. Place the squares right side down and bring your needle in through the top loop of the ch1 in the bottom square and then through the ch1 of the top square. Leave a tail to darn in later. Then bring the needle back down into the top loop of the next stitch of the bottom square and through the next top loop of the top square. Continue to whip stitch the two squares together in this way until the end and you will finish in the ch1 spaces of each square. Darn in your tail ends.

Once you have two panels of five squares sewn together, sew them together along the long edge using the whip stitch as before. When you get to a seam section, make sure to pick up the seam stitch from each section as well. This creates a nice secure intersection. Darn in your tail ends.

At this point, you need to use your crocheted sections for a template for the lining pieces. Lay the round motif on your fabric and measure a 1/2″ (1.25 cm) seam allowance around the motif. (Even though I added an extra round of single crochet to the above motif, the pattern piece still worked fine, you can see that in the video tutorial). This fabric piece is 7.5″ 19 cm) in diameter and 24″ (60 cm) in circumference.

For the rectangle piece, measure the width of your crocheted panel and add 1/2″ (1.25 cm) seam allowance to each side. My crocheted panel was 23″ (58.5 cm), so I measured 24″ (60 cm) for the lining width. For the height measurement, we will be adding a two-inch band around the top once the panel that has been sewn into a tube shape, so this has to be added to the calculation. Here are my calculations:

• Panel height now equals 8.5″ (21.5 cm)
• Plus 2″ (5 cm) for the band at the top
• Plus 1″ (2.5 cm) seam allowance for top hem
• Plus 1/2″ (1.25 cm) seam allowance for bottom seam
  • Total height equals 12″ (30 cm)

The final pattern pieces for my bag will be 12″ x 24″ for the rectangle piece and 7.5″ in diameter by 24″ in circumference for the round piece. Your dimensions may be different based on your yarn of choice and tension. If you want to add a pocket to the lining you can check out the tutorials in the links above under “other helpful tutorials.” I will show how to construct the lining in Part Two (soon to follow).

Next, sew the final seams of the rectangle panel together to create a tube shape using the whip stitch. With the extra row of single crochet on the round motif (as shown above now), you are ready to join the two sections together.

For this step, I suggest joining the sections with a single crochet stitch. Place wrong sides tother. With a slip knot on your hook in the Blue Jean color, put your hook through any top loop of the round motif (have it facing you). Then put the hook through the top loop of any stitch on the bag section. Pull the yarn through and do a single crochet to join on. Do one single crochet in the top loop of every stitch of each section (don’t include the stitches from where the granny squares were seamed together).

The round motif has 71 stitches and the bag panel has 70 stitches. As you crochet the two pieces together, you can pick up just one of the stitches from where the granny squares were seamed together to get that extra stitch needed.

I apologize for the fuzzy picture, but here is how the bottom of the bag will look once it has been joined to the top section with a round of single crochets.

For the band around the top of the bag, do one round of single crochet into the top loop of each stitch (this time including the stitch where the seams were joined) with the Bright Navy color. Fasten off as usual. Then do a second round of single crochet in the top loop of each stitch in the Indigo color and fasten off as usual.

For round three, find the center sides of the bag and place a stitch marker on each side. Place another stitch marker two stitches before the center-side stitch.

Join on with a slip stitch (into the top loop) in the Blue Jean color a few stitches before the stitch markers. Ch 3 (counts as your first dc), 1 dc into the top loop of each stitch until you reach the first marker. Sk 1 st, ch 1, 1 dc in next 3 sts, ch 1, sk 1 st, 1 dc in each st to the next side. Repeat the same pattern again on the next side to create the holes for the straps to go through, 1 dc in each stitch to the end of the round. Fasten off as usual.

For round four, do one row of single crochet in the top loops only using the Indigo color. For round five, repeat another row of single crochet in the Bright Navy color. Fasten both rows off as usual and then the crocheted bag is all done! I’m sorry I forgot to take a picture at this point of the final piece, but you will see that in Part Two!

For your convenience, I have also created a video tutorial below. I hope this tutorial is clear enough, I am struggling quite a bit with my brain function, so this has been quite a challenge to produce. Please forgive any boo-boos, poor grammar, or typos.

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The post Granny Square Bag ~ Bohemian Style (Part One) appeared first on Create and Crochet.

I haven’t written a post for awhile, as I am still dealing with some health issues. For this post, I have video tutorials that will take you step by step through the entire project. Before you ask…there are no written directions for the pattern, and I do apologize for that. I simply didn’t have the energy to create the written content as well.

I have divided this project into four tutorials starting with the Vintage Lace Granny Square, then I have the construction of the bag, followed by a tutorial on how to hand sew the lining. This tutorial shows how to add pockets, which then makes this bag useful as a purse. The last tutorial is on how to attach the handles and I offer a few different possibilities for that.

The yarn I used for this project was a thrift store find, so I don’t have an actual brand to recommend, but here are the supplies you will need to make this beautiful Vintage Lace Crocheted Purse (or bag). The finished square is 5″ (12.5 cm) in diameter.

• Number 3 lightweight yarn (cotton would be a good choice)
• Cotton broadcloth or quilting fabric (quantity depends on the size of your finished bag)
• 4mm or G-6 crochet hook (or size suited for your choice of yarn)
• Purse Handles, bamboo handles, strapping and/or rings
• Scissors (embroidery)
• Scissors (fabric)
• Darning and sewing needles
• Sewing thread to match the color of yarn used for the granny squares
• Optional: Conair Hand Steamer

Some (but perhaps not all) of the links in this blog are affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains some affiliate links. Please see my policy page for details. I look for the best possible option for your convenience, however, I encourage you to support your local shops!

The first tutorial is for the Vintage Lace Granny Square which measures 5″ (12.5 cm) in diameter. You can either click on the image above to go to YouTube, or you can watch it here in the video below.

This is such a pretty pattern and I designed it as a tight pattern, so it would be well suited for a bag or purse.

The next tutorial is on how to make the actual bag by laying out the squares in a specific way and then sewing them together. I offer two options to make the bag in the size shown here or to make it a bit bigger. This bag uses 13 granny squares and the larger version uses 15 granny squares. You can watch this tutorial on YouTube or watch it here in the video below.

The third tutorial shows you how you can make the lining for the bag. This is an option, but I think it is a very good idea because a crocheted bag simply doesn’t have the strength or integrity to hold anything unless it is lined.

I show you how you can make the lining and add pockets, using a hand sewing technique, so a sewing machine is not required! If you do have a sewing machine, then you can check out my tutorial on how to make a more heavy-duty lining here.

To see the hand-sewn lining tutorial, just click on the image above to go to YouTube or watch it here on the video below.

Now the last tutorial is on how to add handles to this project. Between the lining with pockets and these very cool handles, this bag is definitely upgraded to a purse. While I show you a few different options to add handles, the option I use with the clip-on handles is so much fun!

The clip-on handles can be attached, as shown above, facing the front, or from side to side. When attached in that way, the purse has more of a square look and it can be worn on your back like a pack! Very cool! Click on the image to see the tutorial on YouTube or watch it here on the video below!

I hope you enjoy these tutorials, and again, I do apologize for not having written directions. Please share this post by clicking on the social share button and choosing an image from below.

If you liked this tutorial, then you may also like:

• Granny Square Tote Bag
• How to Crochet a Granny Square Blanket for Beginners
• Crochet and Beaded Bracelet

The post Vintage Lace Crocheted Purse appeared first on Create and Crochet.

If you haven’t already checked it out, Part One of this tutorial can be found here. Making the lining for the bag does require some sewing experience, however, the bag doesn’t actually need to have a lining. I just think a lining makes the bag more durable. It also prevents little things from falling out of the crocheted fabric. If you choose not to make the lining, then you can attach the handles directly to the granny square bag.

The supplies you will need for this tutorial are:

• 1/2 yard or meter of heavy-duty lining fabric
  • OR
• 1/2 yard or meter each, of 2 colors of cotton lining fabric
• 1/2 yard or meter of fusible webbing
• 1 and 1/2 yard or meter of strapping for handles
• Scissors
• Cloth and hard edge tape measure
• Straight pins
• Miscellaneous sewing supplies

To calculate what size to cut the lining fabric, do the following:

• Measure the width of the 3 squares of the front panel of the bag.
• Measure the width of the 1 square of the side panel of the bag.
• Add 1″ (2.5cm) for seam allowance.
  • Add all these measurements up and this will be the cut width of the lining.
• Measure the height of the front panel of the bag, including the crocheted border around the top. Multiply this by two.
• Measure the width of the 1 square of the bottom panel of the bag.
• Add 3″ (7.5cm) for top hem.
  • Add all these measurements up and this will be the cut length of the lining.

My measurements looked like this:

• Lining Width
  • Front panel width (3 squares) = 10.5″ (27cm)
  • Side panel width (1 square) = 3.5″ (9cm)
  • Seam allowance = 1″ (2.5cm)
  • Total width: 10.5″ + 3.5″ + 1″ = 15″ (38.5cm)
• Lining Length
  • Front panel length (including top border) = 11.5″ (29.25cm)
  • Bottom panel width (1 square) = 3.5″ (9cm)
  • Top hem = 3″ (7.5cm)
  • Total length: 11.5″+ 11.5″ + 3.5″ + 3″ = 29.5″ (75cm)

As with Part One of this project, there are many steps involved with constructing the lining and attaching it to the crocheted bag. Therefore, rather than writing out all the directions, I have created a video showing all these steps.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and I would be very grateful if you would share this with your friends or on social media! Just click on the share icon and choose an image to share. Thank you for your support!

If you liked this tutorial, you may also like:

• How to Crochet a Granny Square Blanket
• How to Crochet a Bohemian Hat
• How to Crochet a Bohemian Scarf
• DIY Produce Bags (made from old lace curtains)

Here is a granny square bag made by one of my lovely, creative followers. I love the color combination she used and the lining is such a perfect color match too!

Thank you Jamie for sharing this!

The post Granny Square Tote Bag: Part Two (the lining) appeared first on Create and Crochet.

The tutorial is divided into two parts, and in part one, I will show you how to construct the actual bag. In part two we will create the lining and attach the handles.

Some (but perhaps not all) of the links in this blog are affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains some affiliate links. Please see my policy page for details. I look for the best possible option for your convenience, however, I encourage you to support your local shops!

The supplies you will need for this project are:

• Assorted colors of number 4, worsted weight yarn (I used 9 colors), plus one accent color
• 3.5mm (E-4 US) crochet hook
• 1/2 a meter or yard of fabric for lining
• 1 and 1/2 meters or yards of strapping for the handles (about 1″ or 2.5cm wide)
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Darning needle
• You can get the hooks, stitch markers, and darning needles all together in this nice kit.

You will need a total of 27 granny squares made with 3 rounds. I have a video tutorial here if you are new to crochet. I recommend using a ‘chain 2’ in each corner of the squares, rather than a ‘chain 3’ which is commonly used.

I have revised my granny square pattern, so the written pattern is slightly different from the video tutorial. Either method of making granny squares is fine, and you can also use any other granny square pattern you like in place of the traditional granny square.

Traditional Granny Square Pattern

Round one: ch 5, sl st into the first ch to create a ring. Ch 2 (counts as middle dc), 1 dc into the ring, ch 2, *[3 dc, ch 2] into the ring. Repeat from * 2 times. 1 dc into the ring (this completes the first 3dc cluster for a total of four 3dc clusters). Sk 2 ch’s, join with a sl st into the top of the first dc and fasten off.

Round two: Join new color into a ch2 sp with a sl st, [ch 2, 1 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1] into the ch2 sp, *[3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1] into the ch2 sp. Repeat from * 2 times, 1 dc into the beg ch2 sp. Sk 2 ch’s, join with a sl st into the top of the first dc, and fasten off.

Round three: Join new color into a ch2 sp with a sl st, [ch 2, 1 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1] into the ch2 sp, 3 dc, ch 1 in next ch1 sp. *[3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1] into the ch2 sp, 3 dc, ch 1 in next ch1 sp. Repeat from * 2 times, 1 dc into the beg ch2 sp. Sk 2 ch’s, join with a sl st into the top of the first dc and fasten off. Fasten off this last round with an invisible stitch as shown in the above video tutorial at 17:23.

The images above and below show you how to lay out the granny squares. You will need 2 panels with 9 squares in each panel, and then a long strip of 9 squares. I used 9 different colors so I wouldn’t have any 2 colors beside each other in the design. You could do any combination you like.

While this is an easy project to do, the instructions are quite involved, so rather than writing out all the details, I’ve created a video tutorial. It will be much easier to follow than written directions. You can check it out below!

And when you are done, your bag will look something like this! (I’ve just pinned the handles on the bag for now). So in part two, we will make the lining and attach the handles. See you there!

If you like this tutorial, you may also like:

• How to Crochet a Granny Square Blanket
• How to Crochet a Bohemian Scarf
• How to Crochet a Bohemian Hat

Here is a granny square bag made by one of my lovely, creative followers. I love the color combination she used and the lining is such a perfect color match too!

Thank you Jamie for sharing this!

The post Granny Square Tote Bag: Part One appeared first on Create and Crochet.

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All you need for this project is a crochet hook, a button, and some assorted yarn. I had a whole bunch of leftover yarn from an on-line course I created called “How to Crochet a Bohemian Poncho for Beginners“. I thought all these colorful yarns would work really well to make a cute pouch for my crochet hooks.

This isn’t really a pattern, it’s just a simple panel made with half-double crochets. You could make this any size you want. I made this one 11″ by 8.5″ (27.5 cm by 21.25 cm). The width is 8.5″ and the length allows for the pouch space and the flap at the top. The pattern is crocheted horizontally, but the panel will be folded vertically when done.

The yarn I am using is a number 4 worsted acrylic yarn and I’m using my new ergonomic G-6 (4mm) crochet hook. If you are new to crocheting, I have a Beginner Crochet Series that you can check out to learn everything you need to know to make this project.

Start with a slip knot, and do a series of chain stitches until you reach a length of 11″ (27.5 cm), or whatever length you want yours to be (which will be the width of your pouch). Then chain 2 (counts as a half-double crochet) and do one half-double crochet (hdc) into the third stitch from your hook. Crochet into the top post of that stitch. Continue to do 1 hdc in the top of each stitch until you reach the end. Chain 2.

Turn your work as shown below. This chain 2 counts as your first hdc. Work a hdc into the third stitch from your hook as shown below (going under both posts of the stitch). Continue to work a hdc in the top of each stitch to the end of your row.

To know where the end of the row is, look for the very last ‘V’ shape stitch at the top of the row you are crocheting in to, as shown above. It should be very obvious. Many people either miss this stitch or go too far into the chain 2 stitches from the previous row. Make sure to do your last hdc into this ‘V’ stitch. This will ensure that the sides of your panel will remain nice and straight. Chain 2 and turn. Continue to work each row with the hdc stitch.

To add a new color partway through a row, you can use a magic knot. I show how to do this in the video tutorial. This is a nice secure knot that crochets beautifully into your work. You can’t even notice that it is there.

To add a new color at the beginning of a row, just bring the new color through the top of your last hdc. Snug it up, chain 2 as usual and turn. You can crochet your ends in by crocheting over them with your hdc’s. If you find this awkward to do, you can just darn your ends in later.

Carry on with each row, changing up your colors as you like. Be playful and creative, there are no rules to this. Once you reach 8.5″ (21.25cm), or as long as you like, cast off with a chain stitch. Darn in your ends.

The size I made is perfect for my crochet hooks, but you can truly make this any size you like. Just allow space for the size of the pocket you desire, plus the flap.

Fold the long side in half, leaving a few inches at the top for your flap. Sew each side together with a whip stitch. I show this in more detail in the video tutorial. Darn in these ends as well, and you can even add a knot if you like to make it more secure.

Sew your button in place and simply crochet a loop with a chain stitch on the top edge of your flap. You may want to create a knot on each end of your loop as well to make it more secure.

That’s it! You are all done! This would make a great pencil case or makeup case. You could make a cover for your tablet or a book. Make this funky pouch for any sort of treasure! Here is the video tutorial which offers more detail.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If you watch the video, please like and subscribe on Youtube. Also, make sure you subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss any inspiring posts!

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