PREMISE
I wanted to create a summer vibes bag so I thought “why don’t do it with Granny Square?”
But I don’t always like classic Granny Square because they have big holes, so I decided to create a Modified Granny Square with smaller holes.
I recorded a video to show you how to do it; you can find it at this link and also below in the page.
Here below you will find the written instructions for creating the Modified Granny Squares, the shoulder strap and how to join everything together, but if you prefer to have an ads-free PDF printable pattern with photos for each step that includes also instructions for the lining, you can purchase it here.
The pattern on this page is totally free, but it’s intellectual property of Elendipity.
You can use it and, of course, you can sell the final products you create, but you cannot sell the pattern or any alteration of the pattern.
You should also credit Elendipity (as pattern creator) whenever you create and/or sell it.
Feel free to tag me on my Instagram if you create it, I would love to see your works and choice of colours!!
HOW TO
The bag is made of two panels, front and back panel.
I decided to create the panels with different combinations of the same colours, but you can create exactly the same design for the front and for the back.
Once you finished the bag, you will attach the shoulder strap and then you could also insert zipper and lining.
As mentioned before, this bag is created with multiple Modified Granny Squares joined together.
The Modified Granny Square is a simple variation of the Classic Granny Square.
If you don’t know this variation yet, don’t worry, here you can find the video-tutorial I recorded to help you out.
MATERIAL
I used:
- 3.5mm crochet hook
- stitch markers
- darning needle
- Yellow (Y), Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8 n. 54 – 42 gr
- Orange (O), Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8 n. 57 – 23gr
- Red (R), Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8 n. 58 – 95gr (42gr for the bag + 53gr for the strap)
Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8 can be found at this link.
TERMS
Here below the list of the stitches (US terms) that we are going to use for this project.
- CH = Chain
- MC = Magic Circle
- SS = Slip Stitch
- SC = Single Crochet
- DC = Double Crochet
- TS * = Thermal Stitch
* The TS (Thermal Stitch) is a stitch which is used for bag straps or towels to give more thickness to your projects – you can find my tutorial at this link. I used this stitch to create the shoulder strap, but you can decide to use just rows of Single Crochet instead.
Shall we start?
Let’s go!!
Modified granny square
- START
Create a MC with colour R and work R1 all in the MC.
- ROUND 1
CH 2, 2 DC, *CH 2, 3 DC* x 3 times, CH 2. Join with a SS on top of CH 2. (20)
In the photo you can see the Round made, just before the SS.
When you do the SS, you will also change colour.
Change colour to O and proceed with Round 2.
- ROUND 2
CH 2, turn your work. 2DC in the ‘CH 2’ space made in previous round (the one at the bottom of the CH 2 you just made), ‘CH 2, 3 DC’ all in same space. Now starting from the next ‘CH 2′ space: *3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC* x 3 times (for the 3 ‘CH 2’ spaces left). Join with a SS on top of CH 2. (32)
When you do the SS, you will also change colour.
Change colour to Y and proceed with Round 3.
- ROUND 3
CH 2, turn your work. 2DC in the ‘CH 2’ space made in previous round (the one at the bottom of the CH 2 you just made). *3 DC, CH 2, 3DC* in each corner of the previous round and *3 DC* in each space between the corners spaces. Join with a SS in top of CH 2. (44)
When you do the SS, you will also change colour.
Change colour to R and proceed with the border.
- BORDER
CH 1 (DON’T TURN), SC in each stitch of the previous round, in the ‘CH 2’ corner space you will do 3 SC in each space (corner), join with a SS in the first SC. (48)
Fasten off.
This side, with the border of SC facing you, will be your right side of the Granny Square.
If you have some yarn tails on this side, move them to the back.
Pull the MC tight and weave in all the ends.
Now you can create as many granny squares as you like to create your bag.
I did 12 (6 + 6, with different combination of colours).
SQUARES ASSEMBLING
You will now join the squares together.
I decided to use a stitch called FLAT SLIP STITCH: a simple SS but between squares.
I recorded a video on how to do it and you can find it at this link.
In my ads-free PDF printable pattern (available at this link) you will find also the instructions with photos step by step.
After you joined the squares together, you can create a border of SC all around the squares, be careful on the corners to do 3 SC to keep the corner shape.
Now you can create the second panel and then weave all the ends in.
PANELS ASSEMBLING
Take the two panels previously created and put them together, wrong side face each other (the wrong side is the one where you weaved the ends in).
Use stitch markers to mark the beginning and end of each square, to be sure they are aligned.
You can avoid to put the stitch markers on one of the long sides of the panels: that side will be your opening of your bag, so it doesn’t have to be sewn together.
I decided to sew them together with an invisible stitch: starting from the top left corner, you will enter in the back loops of both SC of both panels and you will continue like this all around.
I recorded a video of invisible join and you can find it at this link.
Remember to join only 3 sides: two short and one long, so you will have one long side for the opening.
In my ads-free PDF printable pattern (available at this link) you will find the instructions with photos step by step.
SHOULDER STRAP
As mentioned above, I used a thermal stitch for the strap: I started with CH 6 and then rows of TS 5.
At this link you can find a free video-tutorial about the Thermal Stitch.
The length of my shoulder straps is approximately 96cm, but it really depends on how tall you are, so please measure the length you want before starting and then proceed with the creation of the shoulder strap.
Leave long tails to sew them later.
If you think that the Thermal Stitch is too advanced, you could also use a simple Single Crochet to create the shoulders strap.
You will now join the shoulder strap to the bag.
You will use a darning needle and the long tails of the yarn you have left from the step before.
You will position each side of the strap at the ends of the long side of the bag: open the bag and insert the shoulder strap inside by 2/3 rows.
You can use stitch markers to help keeping the strap in position.
BE CAREFUL: do not twist the strap when you position it!
Sew the strap to the top of the panel.
In my ads-free PDF printable pattern (available at this link) you will find the instructions with photos step by step.
And your bag is done!
CONGRATULATIONS!
If you like to insert zipper and lining, you can purchase my ads-free PDF printable pattern (available at this link) where I guide you through each steps with photos.
I hope you enjoyed this Free Pattern 🥰
I have other many patterns available that you can find at this link.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any explanation for the pattern – you can write me at info@elendipity.com.
I also offer crochet lessons (both in person or online) if you need some help with crochet creations and reading patterns.
You find all the info at this link.
Feel free to tag me on my Instagram if you create it, I would love to see your works!
Happy Crochet!
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