Looking for a stylish yet practical crochet project? Let me introduce you to this charming granny square messenger bag that's sure to turn heads!
In rich purple hues with delicate snowflake patterns, this bag combines classic granny square techniques with modern design. The strap adds a sophisticated touch, making it perfect for both casual outings and special occasions.
Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or just getting started with granny squares, I've got you covered with a detailed, step-by-step guide.
Ready to create your own beautiful messenger bag? Follow along with our comprehensive pattern and photo tutorial – you'll be amazed at how simple it can be to craft something so special!
Pin for later
Go ahead and pin this pattern for your next crafting weekend – trust me, you'll want to keep this gorgeous granny square bag design in your creative arsenal!
Details About Granny Square Messenger Bag
Let's dive into the specifics of this eye-catching messenger bag! Each granny square measures approximately 4.7 x 4.7 inches, creating the perfect size for a functional yet fashionable accessory. You'll need to crochet 8 beautiful squares in total - 4 for the front and 4 for the back and bottom, which come together to form a bag that's both roomy and elegant.
The finished bag measures roughly 10.2 inches wide by 6.3 inches tall when completed, making it spacious enough for your daily essentials while maintaining a sleek profile.
As for the color scheme, I'm in love with this purple combination, but feel free to let your creativity shine! Some stunning combinations worth considering include the shown deep purple with lavender and white, navy blue with light blue and cream, forest green with sage and ivory, autumn-inspired rust with orange and beige, or classic black with gray gradients.
Remember, the magic of granny squares lies in their versatility - you can easily switch up the colors to match your wardrobe or create multiple bags in different color schemes. The snowflake pattern in the center of each square really pops when you play with contrasting shades!
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
Let me share my absolute favorite yarn choice for this gorgeous bag - the Loopara 5 ply milk cotton yarn! I'm honestly obsessed with how this yarn works up for granny squares. It's wonderfully soft yet maintains its structure beautifully, which is exactly what you want for a bag that'll get daily use. The stitch definition is simply amazing, making those delicate snowflake centers really pop against the purple background.
For this project, you'll need a 3.0mm crochet hook - this size creates the perfect fabric density that's neither too loose nor too tight. Trust me, this hook size paired with the 5 ply cotton yarn creates squares that are sturdy enough to hold your essentials while still maintaining that lovely drape we all love.
One of the best things about using granny squares for bags is their incredible versatility and portability. You can work on individual squares wherever you go - perfect for crafting during your lunch break or while traveling! They're also wonderfully beginner-friendly while still offering endless possibilities for color combinations and pattern variations. Plus, if you make a mistake, you only need to redo one square instead of starting the whole project over.
Materials needed for Granny Square Messenger Bag
- Yarn – Loopara 5ply combed cotton (Pink 16, Purple 47, Purple 48, Purple 49, and White 60)
- Hook – 3.0mm
- Stitch Marker
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
- Grid Board
- Lining
- Binding
- Button
- Clip
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch - chain
- sl st - slip stitch
- dc - double crochet
- FPdc - front post double crochet
- sc - single crochet
Granny Square Messenger Bag Layout
This Granny Square Messenger Bag layout requires 8 snowflake motif squares arranged in a specific pattern to create a perfectly structured bag. The thoughtful arrangement ensures proper alignment for seaming and adds visual interest, transforming simple squares into an elegant and functional accessory.
How to Crochet Granny Square Messenger Bag – Step by Step
Round 1: Chain 6, join with slip stitch to form a ring, chain 3.
Round 2: Double crochet in ring, chain 2, (2 double crochet, chain 2) repeat 3 times, slip stitch to join, chain 3.
Round 3: (Double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet, chain 2, double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet) repeat 3 times, (double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet, chain 2, double crochet, front post double crochet, slip stitch), fasten off.
Round 4: Join new color, (chain 3, front post double crochet, double crochet, chain 2, double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet), (double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet), repeat [(double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet, chain 2, double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet), (double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet)] 3 times, slip stitch to join, fasten off.
Round 5: Join new color, (chain 3, front post double crochet, double crochet, chain 2, double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet), (double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet) twice, repeat [(double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet, chain 2, double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet), (double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet) twice] 3 times, slip stitch to join, fasten off.
Round 6: Join new color, (chain 3, front post double crochet, double crochet, chain 2, double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet), (double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet) 3 times, repeat [(double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet, chain 2, double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet), (double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet) 3 times] 3 times, slip stitch to join, fasten off.
Round 7: Join new color, (chain 3, front post double crochet, double crochet, chain 2, double crochet, work 3 double crochet in next stitch, double crochet), (double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet) 4 times, repeat [(double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet, chain 2, double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet), (double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet) 4 times] 3 times, slip stitch to join, fasten off.
Round 8: (Chain 3, front post double crochet, double crochet, chain 2, double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet), (double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet) 5 times, repeat [(double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet, chain 2, double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet), (double crochet, front post double crochet, double crochet) 5 times] 3 times, slip stitch to join, weave in ends.
Tips: When changing colors between rounds, fasten off securely but don't pull too tight to avoid puckering at the corners. Block your squares before assembly - this helps even out any slight size differences and makes seaming much easier.
Crochet Granny Square Messenger Bag Assemble
How to Assemble the Bag Body:
Step 1. The messenger bag requires 8 granny square pieces.
Step 2. Place stitch markers according to the layout.
Step 3. Follow the arrow direction in the layout, use slip stitch joining method. Tie a knot with the yarn tail, insert the hook into the loop, start from the corner pattern center. Match stitches one by one, squares facing wrong sides together, pick up half of each stitch on the inside, keep working yarn under the hook on the left hand.
Step 4. Don't pull the seaming too tight to maintain the bag shape.
Step 5. Continue matching stitches one by one.
Step 6. After completing vertical seams, secure with a slip stitch, and fasten off.
Step 7. Next, seam squares horizontally following the Pattern 2 layout using slip stitch method, secure with slip stitch at the end, and fasten off.
Step 8. The flat assembly of the bag body is complete.
Crochet the Side Panels (Make 2):
Step 1. Count 15 stitches on each side according to stitch marker positions in the picture.
Step 2. Work 12 rows of double crochet. Make 15 stitches per row.
Crochet the Main Border:
Step 1. Insert hook in stitch before any corner, single crochet around the entire edge.
Step 2. Work 2 single crochet in each corner stitch.
Step 3. Match single crochet stitches one-to-one with square pattern.
Step 4. Single crochet in seams.
Step 5. Work 2 single crochet in each post stitch on sides.
Step 6. Match stitches one-to-one along side edges.
Step 7. Join to the first stitch with slip stitch, fasten off, and weave in ends.
Cut the Plastic Canvas:
Step 1. Place canvas under crochet pieces. Mark and trace the outline carefully.
Step 2. Cut the main panel first, then the side panels.
Step 3. Join the main panel and sides using whipstitch method.
Cut the Lining:
Step 1. Place lining under plastic canvas, mark outline along canvas edges.
Step 2. Cut lining 1cm outside marked lines.
Tips: Before starting assembly, make sure all your squares are the same size by blocking them if necessary. Even small differences can affect the final shape. For a professional finish, keep your slip stitch tension consistent throughout all seaming. Too tight will cause puckering, too loose will create gaps. When cutting plastic canvas and lining, measure twice and cut once. The precision of these supporting materials will affect how well your bag holds its shape.
How to Assemble the Pieces:
Attach Canvas to Crochet:
Step 1. Position crochet over canvas, secure with clips.
Step 2. Insert hook through both crochet and canvas, work single crochet.
Step 3. Match crochet stitches precisely, work canvas at appropriate positions.
Attach Lining:
Step 1. Place lining inside bag, fold edges, join to the last row of single crochet.
Step 2. Ensure secure and neat attachment.
Connect Bag Body:
Step 1. Place stitch markers.
Step 2. Work from bottom to top using slip stitch joining method.
Step 3. Pick up half of each stitch on the inside, keep working the yarn under the hook on the left hand.
Step 4. Don't pull seaming too tight to maintain the bag shape.
Step 5. Secure with slip stitch at the end, fasten off, weave in ends.
Attach Snap:
Sew snap halves securely at the center of the flap and body.
Attach Strap:
Sew strap securely at the center of each side panel.
Tips: When attaching the plastic canvas, clip sections as you go rather than all at once - this gives you better control and prevents the canvas from shifting. Double-check your lining placement before sewing. The lining should sit smoothly without any wrinkles or pulling at the seams. Test your snap placement by folding the flap before sewing. Mark the spots carefully to ensure the flap closes evenly.
Care and Cleaning Instructions
Daily Care Tips
Keep your handmade messenger bag looking beautiful by gently brushing off any dirt or dust after each use. When not in use, try to avoid hanging the bag by its strap for long periods as this can cause stretching. Instead, store it flat or gently stuffed to maintain its shape. A quick spot clean with a soft brush can work wonders for everyday maintenance!
Washing Methods
Since we've used Loopara milk cotton yarn, your bag is washable - but let's be gentle with it! Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent, gently squeezing (never wringing) to clean. Avoid harsh scrubbing as it might affect those beautiful textured snowflake stitches. Roll in a clean towel to remove excess water, then reshape while damp. Never machine wash or tumble dry as this could damage both the yarn and the bag's structure.
Storage Suggestions
I recommend storing your bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. To maintain its shape between uses, lightly stuff it with acid-free tissue paper - this helps those gorgeous snowflake squares keep their definition. During off-season storage, place it in a cotton bag rather than plastic to allow the yarn to breathe. Remember to check on your bag occasionally to ensure it's maintaining its shape and staying dust-free!
How to Join Granny Squares
Granny squares are perfect for bags, clothing, and blankets. If you're thinking of making one with those squares, 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!
What’s Next?
Love how this snowflake granny square messenger bag turned out? Share the joy with your crafting community! Pin it on Pinterest for your next project, post your progress on Instagram using #crochetbag, share tips on Facebook, or tweet your finished bag on Twitter – let's inspire more makers to create this beautiful accessory!
