In my previous post (Ode to the Classic granny square), I admitted that I had fallen in love with Classic granny square, and here is the evidence. Once I started making those beautiful granny squares, I couldn’t stop… so, I made this tote bag, and I’m very pleased with how happy and colorful it looks!
For this crochet tote bag, I used 100% cotton yarn “Cotton Classic” 120m/50g from St. George (manufacturer from Serbia) and 4 mm crochet hook. The yarn is very soft and easy to work with. I like it, and will probably use it in my future crochet projects – adventures. I like to call them adventures because they always are. I never know where they will bring me, and how many twists and turns we will experience. The process goes always like this: I’ve got an idea, very clear in my head, start to work on it, but then, something happens and like with a teenager, however strong your will is, he always win (at list in my case), so the idea took the lead and you just have to listen. But in the end, I’m always surprised how much better than expected it turned out. Yes, you just have to listen. Listen to the ideas, to the creativity, to the Universe! Yes, I know, this sounds a little “woo-woo”, but I actually love those things. Like spirituality, the “Power of now”, the Law of attraction, and of course Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big magic”. If you’ve now decided to stop reading this post, please don’t, I’m back to crochet…
As you can see, I made 18 granny squares in total (9 for each side) and joined them together with single crochet. With Classic granny square, you have so many options. You can join them as you go, you can join them with slip stitch, or sew them together. I decided on joining them together with single crochet because I love that convex edge between the squares, I always like to add some texture in my crochet.
I love simple crochet projects and this bag certainly is very simple and easy to make. It would be even easier to make without lining. To be honest, the bag would look very neat even without it, but a yellow-white plaid linen is always welcome. At list in my opinion.
As you’ve probably noticed already I love, love, love to play with colors, so I decided to make the sides of the bag in different colors. One in happy, radiant, hot, warm colors (where pink is the queen), and one in cooler, more peaceful colors (where blue is the king). So, depending on your mood, you can decide which side you want to show to the world. Also, people may think: “How many beautiful crochet bags does this lucky lady have?”
Because I wanted this bag to look glamorously I made the straps out of the smallest granny squares (only 2 rows), joined them together using Join-as-you-go method, and then on each side added a row of single crochet. To make it even more interesting I made a picot stitch between squares and in the center of each square.
So, if you like crochet bags, click here to see my previous crochet bags and pouches. Maybe you get an idea, which may lead you into some exciting and unpredictable adventure…
And please let me know in the comments if you have also experienced the strong will of your own ideas.
This is by far the most Beautiful one you’ve made.
Happy Easter.
Greetings from Norway
Oh, thank you, Lunamon Design! ? It’s nice to hear that! I’m glad you like it! ?
Your bag is so cute…..love it!
Thank you, Sharon! ?
Wow, so lovely. I liked the idea of the two sided color. Your works are amazing. Thanks for sharing ?
Thank you so much Joyce for your nice comment!
Hugs, Dragana ? ?
Oh my gosh, I love the bags you crochet, the colors are so beautiful. I need to get started on one. I am crazy about the blankets also.
Thanks Sandy! ? Yes, yes, yes! Please do, and enjoy the process! And send me a picture when you finish it! I would ❤️ to see how it turned out!
Hugs,
Dragana ?
Do you have a pattern for the lining? I’m new to sewing. Thank you.
Hi Carmen,
It’s actually very easy to do (if you have a little experience of course), and there are many step-by-step tutorials on the internet on how to make tote bag. Also, I’ve been thinking about to make a tutorial on how to make crocheted tote bag, so stay tuned… but also be patient because I have to finish several projects before that.
? Dragana
Thank you very much for your tips. You are so sweet and patient!
Dear Dragana – I was captivated by your creative work at the first sight of your many baby blankets. Your great variety of beautiful patterns inspired me to make “Baby Boxes” for my 7 grandchildren, which will contain many of your designs and are meant for great grandchildren I may never see but who will be gifted with the lovely items created with my love and your inspiration to make something lovely from yarn.
Thank you!
Belle
Dear Verna,
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for your nice words, you’ve just made my day! ?
Hugs ?
Dragana
magnifique
hello makes you small crochet dresses because I am a beginner and I seek a tutorial to make it easy for a year thanks
This bag is beautiful just like all your work/creations. I wish the St George company would offer packs of yarn to make your projects and sell to the US.
You are so talented and inspirational, thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, Deborah! ? Yes, it would be great, and who knows… maybe one day… I always love to say: “Everything is possible!”
Hugs ?
Dragana
So colorful, neat and beautiful !! 🙂
Dear Pragti,
Thank you so much! I’m really glad you like it! ?
hugs, ? ?
Dragana
Believe me, I have been into crocheting industry since so long but this is the most beautiful patterns i have ever across with. With the instructions being clear and concise it will have a beginner crocheter feeling like a professional crocheter in no time!! I really wanna try it now but crocheting a couple of pillows, will definitely going to make one for me this weekend. Thank you so much for sharing this. Keep doing the good work.. I am going to subscribe your blog to have posts straightway into my inbox.
Thank you so much, Hannah! ? Your kind words mean the world to me! ?
How can I get the free pattern for this Granny Square purse?
I want to teach a young gal how to crochet granny squares.
Thank you for your help!
Sorry, but I did not make the pattern for the bag, but there are so many free tutorials for squares on the Internet, so you can follow one of them.