Welcome to our retro-inspired Granny Square Hobo Bag project! This delightfully nostalgic design combines the charm of classic granny squares with a modern hobo style. The roomy interior and comfortable shoulder strap make it perfect for everyday use, while the vibrant color combinations let your personality shine through.
Get ready to create a bag that's both functional and full of vintage charm! Whether you're heading to the farmers' market or meeting friends for coffee, this bag adds a handmade touch to any outfit. We've got you covered with detailed, step-by-step instructions and clear diagrams for both the granny squares and bag assembly.
Ready to hook up some retro magic? Let's create a bag that's uniquely yours!
Pin for Later
Carry your retro dreams - pin this groovy hobo bag pattern now and crochet yourself a piece of vintage charm whenever you're ready!
Details About Granny Square Hobo Bag
Each flower granny square measures approximately 3.5 inches, giving you the perfect canvas to showcase those lovely blooms. To create this groovy bag, you'll need to make 24 squares for the main body - it's like creating a garden of vintage-inspired flowers!
When assembled, your bag will measure about 12 inches wide and 14 inches tall, with a generous shoulder strap that's both comfortable and stylish. It's roomy enough for your daily essentials while maintaining that perfect slouchy hobo shape.
For colors, I'm absolutely in love with this retro-inspired palette - mint green for the square backgrounds, soft pink petals with sunny yellow centers, all framed with that bold orange border and strap. But don't feel limited! You could go full flower power with rainbow squares, keep it sophisticated with monochromatic blooms, or even match your favorite vintage outfit.
Remember, this bag is all about expressing your personal style. Choose colors that make your heart sing and transport you back to those carefree, flower-child days. The joy of creating this bag is in making it uniquely yours!
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
Loopara 5 ply milk cotton yarn is my absolute go-to for this retro beauty. Not only is it dreamy to work with, but it also has the perfect drape for that classic hobo slouch. The stitch definition is chef's kiss perfect, making your flower granny squares pop with vintage charm.
For that perfect retro vibe, I'm obsessing over this color combo: refreshing mint green for the flower backgrounds (it's like a slice of 70s nostalgia!), soft baby pink for those delicate petals, cheerful yellow centers, and that bold, statement-making orange for the border and strap. The way these colors play together? Pure vintage magic!
A 3mm hook is your best friend for this project - it creates squares that are sturdy enough to hold their shape while keeping enough flexibility for that perfect hobo bag drape. The smaller hook size also ensures your granny squares stay neat and tight, essential for a bag that'll be carrying your daily treasures.
What makes this yarn perfect for our groovy bag? It's not just about the gorgeous sheen and amazing stitch definition - it's also super durable and machine washable. Because let's be real, a bag this cute is going to get a lot of use!
Materials needed for Granny Square Hobo Bag
- Yarn– Loopara 5ply combed cotton (Green 03, Blue 13, Orange 37 and Purple 47)
- Hook- 3.0mm
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- dc - double crochet
- hdc - half double crochet
- tr - treble crochet
- sl - slip stitch
- Magic ring
- BLO - back loop only
Granny Square Hobo Bag Pattern Layout
This layout demonstrates the assembly pattern for one side of the Granny Square Hobo Bag, showing how 12 flower squares should be arranged. The colored lines indicate joining lines - vertical (green) and horizontal (red) - to guide the proper assembly of the squares for each panel of the bag.
How to Crochet Granny Square Hobo Bag – Step by Step
How to Crochet the Square
Round 1: Magic ring. Chain 3, double crochet, chain 1, (2 double crochet, chain 1) 7 times. Slip stitch to join in the 3rd chain of beginning chain-3. Change color.
Round 2: Chain 3, double crochet, chain 2, (4 double crochet, chain 2) 7 times, 2 double crochet. Slip stitch to join in top of beginning chain-3. Change color.
Round 3: (Chain 2, 3 double crochet, half double crochet), (half double crochet, 3 double crochet, half double crochet) 7 times. Slip stitch to join in first chain-2 space. Change color.
Round 4: Chain 1, 48 single crochet. Slip stitch to join in first single crochet.
Round 5: Chain 2, 7 half double crochet, double crochet, (treble crochet, chain 2, treble crochet), [8 half double crochet, double crochet, (treble crochet, chain 2, treble crochet)] 3 times. Slip stitch to join in top of beginning chain-2.
Round 6: Chain 2, 2 half double crochet, chain 2, [(2 double crochet, chain 3, 2 double crochet), chain 2, 6 half double crochet, chain 2] 3 times, (2 double crochet, chain 3, 2 double crochet), chain 2, 3 half double crochet. Slip stitch to join in top of beginning chain-2.
Crochet Granny Square Hobo Bag Assemble
How to Assemble the Granny Squares
Step 1: On the wrong side of the pieces, follow the joining diagram. Each body section needs 12 granny squares. Make two body sections.
Step 2: For the first stitch at the granny square corner, face the right sides together. Pick up the inside half of each stitch to join.
Step 3: At the connecting corners, sew back and forth once for strength.
Step 4: Continue joining the squares one by one, matching them up.
Step 5: Complete joining both body sections.
Tips: Don't pull the joining thread too tight when sewing. This helps maintain the bag's shape.
How to Make the Bag Strap
Row 1: Start with a slip knot and chain 17.
Row 2: Turn, 2 double crochet in third chain from hook, chain 1, skip 1, (3 double crochet, chain 1, skip 1) twice, 3 double crochet, turn.
Row 3: Chain 3, 2 double crochet, chain 1, skip 1, (3 double crochet, chain 1, skip 1) twice, 3 double crochet, turn.
Row 4-174: Repeat the third row for a total of 170 rows (adjust length based on your height).
How to Join the Bag Strap
Step 1: The strap needs to be joined on three sides. Align one edge of the strap with the bag opening.
Step 2: Like before, join on the wrong side of the bag body.
Step 3: Pick up the side braids of the strap and join them to the bag body using slip stitches.
Step 4: Use the same method to join the other side of the bag body to the other edge of the strap.
Step 5: Finally, connect the strap ends using the same slip stitch method.
Step 6: Finish joining, turn the piece right side out, and you're done!
How to Join Granny Squares
While I've used one simple joining method in this pattern, you might find another technique that better suits your style. I'm excited to share my comprehensive guide on 11 Ways to Join Granny Squares with you! I've detailed every method I know and love - each brings its own special touch to your finished piece. Let me help you discover which one works best for you!
How to Change Colors in a Granny Square
Are you looking for a different color palette? I totally get it—it’s why I love crochet! If you’re not crazy about our color palette, I put together two color-changing techniques that I use for all of my projects. Let me show you how to make these color transitions smooth and professional so you can bring your unique, creative vision to life.
How to Weave in Ends Crochet Granny Square
The secret for professional-looking granny squares is all about how you weave in those ends. I'm sharing 3 ways to weave in ends with you! These are techniques I've perfected over years of crocheting and use in all my projects. I'll show you exactly how I secure my ends to make sturdy, polished pieces that last. Trust me, once you master these finishing methods, your granny squares will look absolutely stunning!
Care and Cleaning Instructions
Daily Care Tips
Your handmade hobo bag isn't just an accessory - it's a piece of wearable art! Keep it looking fresh by giving it a gentle brush with a soft-bristled brush every few uses. This removes any surface dust or lint while maintaining those beautiful granny square textures.
When you're out and about, be mindful of rough surfaces that might snag the yarn. And remember, while your bag is sturdy, avoid overloading it with heavy items that could stretch the strap or distort those lovely flower squares.
Washing Methods
When your hobo bag needs a refresh, treat it to some gentle TLC.
Hand washing is your best friend here - fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a mild, wool-safe detergent. Gently submerge your bag and let it soak for about 10 minutes. No wringing or twisting, please! Instead, softly squeeze the water through the fibers. Rinse thoroughly with cool water until all soap is gone.
Here's the crucial part: reshape while damp, paying special attention to the strap and corners. Lay it flat to dry, stuffing it lightly with clean towels to maintain its shape.
Storage Suggestions
When your bag isn't out turning heads, give it the rest it deserves. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight that could fade those beautiful colors.
To maintain its shape, stuff it lightly with acid-free tissue paper - think of it as giving your bag a soft pillow to rest on. Avoid hanging it by the strap for long periods, as this can cause stretching. Instead, lay it flat or stand it upright in a drawer or on a shelf.
Add a lavender sachet to keep it fresh and moth-free. Your groovy bag will be ready for its next adventure whenever you are!
What’s Next?
Crochet lovers, show off your retro style! Just finished this groovy Granny Square Hobo Bag? Share your vintage-inspired creation on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter! Use #GrannySquareHoboBag to join our crafty community. Whether you're a flower power fan or modern maker, your unique bag can inspire others. Let's spread some handmade happiness across social media!
