Summary
Highlights
The video introduces how to crochet a granny square bag using three squares, customizable in size and color. It details the use of two colors, how to change them, and offers a shorter strap for a shoulder bag or a longer one for a crossbody. The design features a triangle cutout for a comfortable fit. Materials needed are 120g of medium-weight cotton yarn (e.g., Big Twist favorite cotton in cream and green olive), a 4.5mm hook, scissors, and a yarn needle. A free written pattern is available on vivcrochrochets.com.
The tutorial begins with creating a magic ring. Yarn is placed over the hand with the tail at the bottom, wrapped around two fingers to form an X. The hook goes under one side of the X, over to grab the other side, and pulls through. The two fingers holding the yarn gently pull the loop off, forming the magic ring. Pull the tail end to reduce the ring's size. For the first round, chain two to begin. Then, create three double crochets (a cluster) into the ring. Repeat by chaining two and making another cluster three more times, resulting in four clusters. Tighten the magic ring by pulling the tail end. Finish the round with a slip stitch into the very first stitch.
Start round two by chaining two and making a cluster in the space directly below the chain. Chain one, then move to the next space. In this corner space, work a cluster, chain two, and another cluster. Repeat for the next two corner spaces, separating each with a single chain. The last corner space will initially have only one cluster. For the final double crochet of the second cluster in this space, change colors. Start the double crochet with the current color, then drop it and pick up the new color to complete the stitch. Secure the tail of the new yarn with a double knot. Chain two with the new color and slip stitch to the first stitch of the round.
Round three begins with chaining two and making a cluster into the space below. Chain one. In side spaces, do one cluster. In corner spaces, repeat the 'cluster, chain two, cluster' pattern. This sequence of working one cluster in side spaces and a 'cluster, chain two, cluster' in corner spaces, separated by chain ones, is repeated around. At the end of round three, ensure the unused yarn color is carried along with the last cluster to prepare for a color change. The video then transitions to the fourth round, which follows the same pattern as the third, but with a color switch to the original yarn in the final cluster.
Continue increasing the granny square size using the established pattern, switching colors every two rounds and carrying the unused yarn in the last cluster. The squares should be increased until the desired bag size is achieved. The video demonstrates an 8-round square, measuring approximately 19.5 cm x 19.5 cm. To visualize the bag size, fold the square diagonally; this length will be both the bottom and side of the bag. To fasten off, cut the white yarn to about 4 inches. The green yarn, which will be used for assembly, needs a much longer tail (around 180 cm or 71 inches) to sew the entire bag. Chain one and pull through to knot the remaining yarn.
Make two more squares identical in size but with reversed color patterns (starting with green instead of white) to create a balanced look when assembled. For these two squares, only a 4-inch loose end is needed, as the long tail from the first square will handle all assembly. Once all three squares are complete, assembly can begin. Place the first square (with the long green tail) right side up with the tail in the top right. Take another square and place it directly above the first, preparing to stitch the sides together.
Thread the long green tail into a yarn needle. Use a whip stitch to connect the squares, starting by connecting the corners. Always stitch through the top square first, then the bottom square. Continue stitching through each 'V' of the double crochet stitches and through individual chain spaces along the side. Ensure the stitches are pulled tight to prevent a loose seam. Once the first two squares are connected, attach the third square to the other side of the central square, following the same whip stitch method. This creates a continuous strip of three squares.
After connecting the three squares in a line, rotate and fold them diagonally to create the bag's main shape. Continue using the long green yarn tail to sew the remaining open edges. Although the corners were previously connected, go through them again for a smoother transition. Align each stitch and space, sewing across to connect the front to the back of the bag. Once all seams are sewn, a double knot secures the stitching. This marks the completion of the bag's body.
The strap is created using white yarn. Begin with a slip knot, leaving a 10-inch tail for sewing. Chain until the desired strap length is reached; approximately 65 chains for a 40cm strap is suggested, noting that the bag will stretch when filled. Start the first row in the second chain from the hook, working single crochets into each chain. For subsequent rows, chain one, turn, and single crochet into each stitch across. Continue adding rows until the desired width is achieved (e.g., four rows for a 2.5cm strap). Fasten off by chaining one and cutting the yarn, leaving another 10-inch tail for sewing.
Thread the loose ends of the strap into a yarn needle. Attach each end of the strap to the top corners of the bag using a sewing method similar to the body assembly. Each row of the strap is sewn to the corner's chain-two space. Secure the attachment with a double knot. Finally, weave in all remaining loose yarn ends. For granny squares, hide the ends by working the needle under loops of stitches, moving in different directions to secure. Trim any excess yarn. The bag is now complete.