Colorful Granny Square Tote Bag: Free Easy Crochet Pattern for Beginners

Step-by-Step Pattern

Part 1: Making the Granny Squares (Front Panel)

*Make 4 squares – each takes about 15 minutes!*

Round 1 (Center):

1. Make a magic ring (or ch4, ss to form ring)
2. Ch3 (counts as 1st tr), 2tr into ring
3. Ch2, 3tr into ring – repeat 3 times
4. Ch2, ss to top of beg ch3 to join
5. Fasten off

Round 2 (First Color Change):

1. Join new color in any ch-2 corner space
2. Ch3, (2tr, ch2, 3tr) in same space
3. Ch1, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next corner, ch1 – repeat around
4. Ss to join, fasten off

Continue alternating colors each round

Rounds 3-4:

• Follow same pattern, adding more (3tr, ch1) groups between corners
• Join-as-you-go: On Round 4, connect squares by slip stitching into adjacent squares’ corners

Part 2: Back Panel (One Large Square)

Work similarly to front squares but:

• Continue expanding to Round 9
• Turn after each round for straighter edges
• Each round adds more (3tr, ch1) groups between corners

Part 3: Assembly

1. Join Front Squares:
   • Lay squares in a 2×2 grid
   • Use join-as-you-go method from Round 4
2. Sew Together:
   • Place front and back wrong sides together
   • Whip stitch along both sides and bottom
3. Top Edge:
   • Join yarn, ch3
   • Work 1 tr in each stitch around (74 total)
4. Straps:
   • Front Strap:
     1. Join yarn 12 stitches from left edge
     2. Ch3, tr in next 4 sts
     3. Ch3, turn, tr in same 4 sts – repeat 28 times
   • Back Strap: Repeat same process
   • Sew strap ends 12 stitches from each side

Helpful Tips for Beginners

🐝 Magic ring tricky? Chain 4 instead and work into first chain
🐝 Counting help: Use stitch markers every 10 stitches
🐝 Straps curling? Go down a hook size for more structure
🐝 First granny square? Practice one square before making four

You Did It! Time to Show Off Your New Bag!

Give yourself a pat on the back! 🎉 Whether you use it for farmers’ markets, library trips, or as a gift, this colorful tote is sure to turn heads. The more you use it, the softer it’ll get!

Happy crocheting! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions.