Step into bold style with the Carter Granny Bag, a fresh design from TL Yarn Crafts that proves beginner-friendly can also be effortlessly chic.
Built from sturdy granny squares, this modular crochet tote balances practicality with personality—secure stitches, striking color changes, and a shoulder strap made for all-day comfort.
Whether you’re browsing the farmer’s market, settling in at your favorite coffee shop, or toting around your latest WIP, this bag is ready to go wherever life takes you.
Contents
Materials Needed
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Yarn: Lion Brand Made With Love: The Cottony One
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Color A: Pewter Pan – 295 yds
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Color B: Flaming Amber – 225 yds
(Substitute with any worsted weight yarn)
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Hook: 4.5 mm
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Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape, steam blocking tools
Finished Size
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Width: 16″ at widest point
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Height: 12.5″ measured flat
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Strap: 1.75″ wide × 23″ long
Abbreviations (US Terms)
| Abbr | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| sp | space |
| sk | skip |
| BLO | back loop only |
| CC | change color |
| RS | right side |
| v-st | 2 dc in space between dc |
| beg-ch | beginning chain |
Pattern Instructions
Granny Squares (Make 3)
Note: Work in joined rounds, RS always facing. Slight cupping is normal and will flatten out.
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Round 1: With A, ch 4. In 4th ch from hook, [2 dc, ch 2, (3 dc, ch 2) × 3]. Join in 3rd ch of beg-ch. (12 dc)
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Round 2: Ch 3, dc in ch-sp. [sk 3 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-sp] × 3, sk 3 dc, 2 dc in last ch-sp, ch 2, join. (16 dc)
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Round 3: Ch 3, dc in ch-sp, v-st in each 2-dc group to corner, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-sp—repeat around. End with 2 dc in last ch-sp, ch 2, join. (4 v-sts per side)
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Rounds 4–5: Repeat Round 3. (8 v-sts per side)
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Round 6: Ch 3, dc in ch-sp, sk 2 dc, v-st in each 2-dc group to 2-dc before corner, sk 2 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner—repeat around. End with 2 dc, ch 2, join. (8 v-sts per side)
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Rounds 7–10: Repeat Round 3. (16 v-sts per side)
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Round 11: CC to B. Repeat Round 6. (16 v-sts per side)
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Round 12: With B, repeat Round 3. (18 v-sts per side)
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Fasten off and leave a 25″ tail for seaming on 2 squares. On 3rd square, leave only a short tail to weave in.
Triangles (Make 2)
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Row 1: With A, ch 4. In 4th ch from hook, (3 dc, ch 2, 4 dc). Turn. (8 dc)
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Row 2: Ch 3, sk next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, sk 1, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-sp, sk 1, 2 dc, sk 1, dc in top of tch. Turn. (4 v-sts + 2 dc)
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Row 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in sp before next dc, v-st in each 2-dc group, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner, v-sts to end, 2 dc before tch, dc in top of tch. CC to B, fasten off A. (8 v-sts + 2 dc)
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Rows 4–5: With B, repeat Row 3. Fasten off with 12″ tail.
Assembly
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Fold each square in half (triangle shape, RS facing out).
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Arrange and mattress stitch squares together through back loops only using tail yarn and provided seaming diagram (if available).
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Attach triangles to gaps at the top using the same technique.
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Weave in all ends and block gently.
Border
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With B, join with standing sc in any corner.
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(Sc in each dc, 2 sc along side of each dc stitch, (2 sc, ch 2, 2 sc) in corners) around entire opening.
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End with 2 sc in first ch-sp, ch 2, join with sl st.
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Fasten off and weave in ends.
Strap
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Row 1: With B, ch 7. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in BLO across. (6 sc)
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Row 2: Ch 1, sc across using thermal stitch: work into BLO + back bar of st one row below.
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Repeat Row 2 until strap measures 23″ slightly stretched. Fasten off.
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Sew strap ends to inside points of bag using matching yarn.
Conclusion
Your Carter Granny Bag is complete! With just five motifs and smart seaming, you’ve created a practical, stylish, and durable tote perfect for everyday use. Don’t forget to steam block your finished piece for that polished look—and show it off proudly!
