Intermediate Patchwork Granny Square Tote Bag Pattern

A vibrant patchwork bag featuring classic granny squares in a stunning granny square tote bag crochet pattern colorful design.

🤍
Difficulty
🟡 Intermediate
Time
⏱️ 8-12 hours
Hook
🪡 H / 5.0mm
Yardage
🧶 approximately 600-800 yards total
Finished Size
📏 12 inches wide x 10 inches tall x 4 inches deep
⚠️
Always make a gauge swatch before starting!
Gauge: One granny square = 4 inches across; 14 dc x 7 rows = 4 inches in double crochet
Adjust hook size as needed to match gauge.
📋

At a Glance

The Intermediate Patchwork Granny Square Tote Bag Pattern is a free Intermediate-level accessory pattern with a H / 5.0mm hook . Estimated time: 8-12 hours. Finished size: 12 inches wide x 10 inches tall x 4 inches deep. You'll need approximately approximately 600-800 yards total of yarn.

17 steps across 6 sections  ·  Free under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — you can sell finished items

🛒 Materials

Worsted Weight Yarn
200 yards main color (MC), 100-150 yards each of 4 accent colors (A, B, C, D)
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Crochet Hook
Size H/5.0mm
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Yarn Needle
For seaming and weaving ends
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Stitch Markers
Optional, for marking placement
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📖 Abbreviations

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
sp — space
MC — main color
CC — contrast color (A, B, C, or D)

📌 Before You Begin

💡

Make 24 granny squares total using various color combinations.

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Join squares with whip stitch or single crochet seaming method.

💡

Alternate colors randomly or create a planned color pattern.

💡

Each square uses approximately 20-25 yards of yarn.

🧶 Pattern Instructions

💡 Tip: Weave in ends as you complete each square to save time later.
  1. Round 1
    With first color, ch 4, sl st to first ch to form ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, [3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times, sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 spaces)
  2. Round 2
    Join second color in any ch-2 corner sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), [2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in same corner sp, ch 1, *[3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in next corner sp, ch 1; repeat from * twice more, sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off. (24 dc, 4 corner spaces, 4 ch-1 spaces)
  3. Round 3
    Join third color in any ch-2 corner sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), [2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in same corner sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, *[3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in next corner sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1; repeat from * twice more, sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off. Square measures 4 inches. (36 dc, 4 corner spaces)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Pin squares together before seaming to ensure proper alignment.
  1. Layout
    Arrange squares in the following layout: Front panel: 4 squares wide x 3 squares tall. Back panel: 4 squares wide x 3 squares tall. Bottom: 4 squares wide x 1 square tall. Side panels: 1 square wide x 3 squares tall (make 2).
  2. Joining
    With MC and yarn needle, whip stitch squares together using the back loops only for a decorative ridge, or use sl st through both loops for invisible seaming. Join all squares for each panel separately first.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Turn bag right side out and check all seams are secure before adding edging.
  1. Step 1
    Seam bottom panel to front panel along one long edge (16 inches).
  2. Step 2
    Seam bottom panel to back panel along opposite long edge.
  3. Step 3
    Seam one side panel between front and back panels along the side edges. Repeat for second side panel on opposite side.
  4. Step 4
    Seam bottom corners where side panels meet bottom panel.
Row counter:
  1. Round 1
    With MC, join yarn at any side seam at top of bag. Ch 1, sc evenly around entire top opening, working approximately 2 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each corner sp. Join with sl st to first sc. (approximately 120 sc)
  2. Rounds 2-3
    Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc. (120 sc)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: For extra strength, work a row of sc around entire perimeter of each handle before attaching.
  1. Foundation
    With MC, ch 61.
  2. Row 1
    Dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped ch counts as dc), dc in each ch across. Ch 2, turn. (59 dc)
  3. Rows 2-4
    Dc in each st across. Ch 2, turn. (59 dc)
  4. Row 5
    Dc in each st across. Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Handle measures approximately 18 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Test handle strength by gently pulling before using bag.
  1. Placement
    On front panel, mark placement 2 inches from each side seam centered on top edge. Position handle ends on inside of bag, covering approximately 2 inches down from top edge.
  2. Sewing
    With MC and yarn needle, sew handle securely to bag using whip stitch around all edges of handle end. Reinforce with several passes through the same stitches. Repeat for second handle end. Attach second handle to back panel in same manner.
Row counter:

✂️ Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends securely. Block lightly with steam if desired to even out squares and seams. For extra stability, cut a piece of plastic canvas or cardboard to fit the bottom of bag and insert between yarn layers. Optional: Add a fabric lining by cutting fabric 13x11 inches for front/back, 5x11 inches for sides, and 13x5 inches for bottom. Sew lining pieces together, fold top edge under, and whip stitch to inside of bag just below top edging.

🧺 Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Do not wring or twist. If machine washing is necessary, place in mesh laundry bag and use delicate cycle. Remove any cardboard insert before washing. Store flat or hanging by handles to maintain shape.

🤖 This pattern was generated by AI and may contain errors. Always test your gauge before starting.

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Questions About This Pattern

Absolutely — just match the weight (Worsted). You'll need about approximately 600-800 yards total, so make sure your substitute has enough meterage. Acrylic is budget-friendly and machine-washable; wool gives better stitch definition and drape.
This intermediate pattern assumes you're comfortable with basic stitches. You'll use ch, sl st, sc, dc and a few more (see the Abbreviations section above). If increases and decreases are new to you, a quick 10-minute tutorial on YouTube before you start will make the pattern much smoother.
Usually it's the joining or finishing — where individual sections meet and need to align. Read through the entire pattern once before you start so there are no surprises. Use stitch markers generously to track your place, especially in rounds. If a section looks wrong, count your stitches before proceeding — catching an error early saves a lot of frogging later.
For this pattern, gauge is "One granny square = 4 inches across; 14 dc x 7 rows = 4 inches in double crochet". For decorative or non-fitted items it's less critical, but matching gauge ensures you use the right amount of yarn and get the proportions the pattern intends. If your swatch is too small (too many stitches/inch), go up a hook size. Too large — go down.
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Do not wring or twist. If machine washing is necessary, place in mesh laundry bag and use delicate cycle. Remove any cardboard insert before washing. Store flat or hanging by handles to maintain shape. A general rule: when unsure about the yarn, hand wash in cool water with a drop of gentle detergent, squeeze (don't wring), and block flat to dry. This is safe for almost every fiber.
Each section builds on the last, so yes — follow them in order. That said, some finishing sections (like embellishments or optional edging) can be skipped if you prefer a simpler look. Read through all sections before starting so you understand how the pieces fit together and can plan your yarn usage across sections.