Granny Square Tote - Free Bag Crochet Pattern in Paintbox Yarns 100% Wool Worsted - Downloadable PDF

Granny Square Tote: Free Crochet Bag Pattern Using Paintbox Yarns 100% Wool Worsted

The Granny Square Tote is a free, beginner-friendly crochet bag pattern available as a downloadable PDF from Paintbox Yarns. This cheerful, practical tote is built around the beloved granny square motif — one of crochet's most iconic and enduring designs — and combines classic technique with a vibrant, multicolour palette to create a finished bag that is as eye-catching as it is functional. The completed tote measures 30 cm (11¾ in) wide and 40 cm (15¾ in) long, with generously sized handles measuring 50 cm (19¾ in) long, making it a versatile everyday carry-all suitable for shopping, the beach, or casual outings.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a structured crochet tote bag constructed from individual granny square motifs joined together, with handles worked separately and attached to complete the design. The bag is roomy and practical, with a shape and size well suited to everyday use. Because the pattern is rated beginner difficulty, it is an ideal project for those who have mastered basic crochet stitches and are ready to explore motif-based construction and simple colourwork.

Techniques Used

• Granny square construction: The defining technique of this pattern, granny squares are small, individual crochet motifs worked in the round from a central point outward. They are one of the most recognisable elements in crochet craft and are well suited to colourwork because yarn colours can be changed easily between rounds.
• Worked in the round: Each granny square motif is crocheted in the round, beginning from a magic ring (mr) at the centre and expanding outward round by round. Working in the round eliminates the need for seaming within each motif.
• Worked flat: Certain elements of the bag, including the handles, are worked flat in rows rather than in the round, adding structural variety to the construction process.
• Lace: The open, mesh-like structure of traditional granny squares incorporates lace-style spacing, with chain spaces forming the characteristic airy gaps between clusters of treble crochet stitches.
• Stripes: The multicolour yarn palette lends itself to stripe-style colourwork across the granny square rounds, creating a bold, graphic effect across the surface of the finished tote.
• Seamless joining: The pattern incorporates seamless construction principles to keep the finished fabric neat and professional-looking.
• Turning at the end of each round: As noted in the pattern instructions, the work is turned at the end of each round, a technique that helps maintain an even tension and consistent stitch appearance across both sides of the fabric.

Stitches Used

• Magic ring (mr): Used to begin each granny square motif at the centre, the magic ring creates a tight, adjustable loop that closes neatly without leaving a hole.
• Chain (ch): Used throughout for turning chains, foundation chains, and to create the characteristic chain spaces within granny square motifs. The pattern notes that 3 ch counts as 1 treble crochet unless otherwise specified, and that a 2 ch turning chain does not count as a stitch.
• Slip stitch (ss): Used to join rounds and to move the yarn to new positions within the motif without adding height.
• Double crochet / single crochet (dc / sc): The pattern is written in UK terminology, where double crochet (dc) refers to what is called single crochet (sc) in US terminology. This stitch is used in the handle construction and finishing sections to create a firm, dense fabric.
• Treble crochet / double crochet (tr / dc): Again using UK terminology, treble crochet (tr) — known as double crochet (dc) in US terms — forms the primary stitch clusters within each granny square round, creating the raised, textured appearance characteristic of this motif style.

Materials Required

The pattern is designed specifically for Paintbox Yarns 100% Wool Worsted, a worsted weight yarn. The multicolour design calls for several shades used across the granny