Welcome to my latest crochet obsession - the Granny Square Sling Bag! This delightful design transforms traditional granny squares into a stylish everyday companion. What I love most about this bag is how it beautifully combines vintage charm with modern practicality - featuring a playful mix of colors that create an eye-catching pattern against a neutral background. The comfortable adjustable strap and thoughtfully designed proportions make it perfect for carrying your daily essentials with a handmade touch!
Ready to create your own unique piece? I'm excited to walk you through every step of this journey with clear, detailed instructions and helpful photos - from crafting your first granny square to assembling the final bag. Whether you're a granny square expert or just getting started, this pattern will guide you to create something both beautiful and functional. Let's begin this creative adventure together!
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Details About Granny Square Sling Bag
Let me share the exciting details of this charming granny square sling bag with you!
Each granny square measures approximately 5.1 inches (13 cm), and you'll need to create 5 squares to bring this beauty to life. The finished bag measures about 7 inches (18 cm) in height and 12.9 inches (33 cm) in width - the perfect size for carrying your everyday essentials while maintaining that sweet, vintage-inspired look.
For my color palette, I chose a soft brown as the main color which creates a beautiful canvas for the rest of the design. The accent colors are inspired by a cozy autumn afternoon - warm honey gold that catches the light beautifully, dusty rose that adds a touch of romance, and sage green that brings a natural, earthy feel. These colors work together to create a pattern that's both classic and contemporary!
But here's the fun part - you can totally make this bag your own! Try cool blues and grays for a modern minimalist look, vibrant rainbow colors for a playful statement piece, or stick to elegant neutrals for a sophisticated vibe. The beauty of granny squares is how versatile they are - each color combination creates a completely different personality for your bag!
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
Here's your perfect yarn guide for creating this charming sling bag!
I absolutely recommend Loopara 5 ply milk cotton yarn for this stylish project. What makes this yarn my top choice? It's simply perfect for granny squares - creating beautifully crisp stitch definition that makes each pattern detail pop while maintaining enough softness for a comfortable, everyday bag. The texture is just right, giving you squares that hold their shape wonderfully without being too stiff.
For your color palette, you'll want Loopara in your chosen main color (I used brown), plus three complementary colors for those eye-catching pattern details. What I love most about this yarn is its incredible durability combined with a luxurious feel - it gets softer with each wash while keeping its beautiful structure. Plus, the colors stay vibrant even with regular use, which is essential for a bag you'll want to carry everywhere!
For this project, we'll be using a 4.0mm hook throughout. I've found this size creates the perfect tension with the 5 ply yarn - resulting in squares that are sturdy enough to maintain their shape while still having that lovely, gentle drape we want in a sling bag. If you're typically a tight crocheter, you might want to size up to 4.5mm, or if you tend to crochet loosely, consider going down to 3.5mm. The key is achieving consistent tension in your squares - this will ensure your bag looks polished and professional while holding its shape beautifully!
Materials needed for Granny Square Sling Bag
- Yarn – Loopara 5ply combed cotton (Orange 34, Brown 54 and White 60)
- Hook – 4.0mm
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker
- Snap closure
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- Magic ring
- ch - chain
- dc - double crochet
- sc - single crochet
- sl - slip stitch
- dc inc - double crochet increase
Granny Square Sling Bag Layout
This is the layout pattern for our Granny Square Sling Bag, showing how 5 granny squares are arranged in a single row formation. The fold lines indicate where we'll create the bag structure - this simple yet strategic arrangement ensures proper shaping and seamless assembly of your finished sling bag.
How to Crochet Granny Square Sling Bag – Step by Step
How to Crochet the Granny Square (Make 5)
Round 1: Create a magic ring, chain 3, make 15 double crochet into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Change color, chain, (single crochet, 3 double crochet in one stitch, 3 double crochet in one stitch, single crochet) repeat 4 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain, (single crochet, double crochet, increase with 4 double crochet in one stitch, double crochet, single crochet) repeat 4 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Change color, chain 3, double crochet, 3 single crochet, double crochet increase, chain 3, double crochet increase, 3 single crochet, 2 double crochet, (2 double crochet, 3 single crochet, double crochet increase, chain 3, double crochet increase, 3 single crochet, 2 double crochet) repeat 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 3, 6 double crochet, (4 double crochet), 7 double crochet, [7 double crochet, (4 double crochet), 7 double crochet] repeat 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 3, 7 double crochet, double crochet increase, chain, double crochet increase, 8 double crochet, (8 double crochet, double crochet increase, chain, double crochet increase, 8 double crochet) repeat 3 times, slip stitch to join, fasten off and weave in ends.
Tips: For perfectly shaped squares, always keep your tension consistent and count your stitches in each round. Blocking your squares before joining will ensure they're all uniform in size for a professional finish.
Crochet Granny Square Sling Bag Assemble
How to Assemble and Sew the Bag
Step 1: Mark buttonhole positions according to Figure 1.
Step 2: Start with slip stitch joining method as shown by arrows in Figure 1. Insert hook through corner pattern stitches. Align stitches one by one with panels back to back. Pick up both sides' stitches for slip stitch joining. Keep working yarn below hook with left hand.
Step 3: Maintain loose tension while joining to preserve bag shape.
Step 4: Continue matching stitches precisely during joining.
Step 5: When reaching bottom panels, keep yarn attached. Follow Figure 2 to connect Panel 1 at corner. Continue slip stitching following pattern.
Step 6: Following Figure 3, connect Panel 4. Continue joining to complete bottom section.
Step 7: Join final edge of bag body.
Step 8: Work two rounds of single crochet around opening. Use single crochet to smooth over seams.
Step 9: Complete bag body construction.
Tips: Before joining your squares, lay them out according to the pattern and use stitch markers to secure them in position. This prevents shifting while you're seaming, ensuring your bag comes together perfectly aligned and symmetrical.
How to Sew Bag Strap
Step 1: Begin with standing single crochet. Chain 2, single crochet in second chain from hook.
Step 2: Turn work, pick up left side loop. Pull through two loops with hook.
Step 3: Turn again, pick up two left side loops. Pull through front two loops.
Step 4: Make single crochet, pulling through two loops. Repeat until desired strap length.
Step 5: Thread strap through bag holes. Secure with knots.
Tips: Make your strap slightly longer than desired - it will naturally stretch with use. Test the length by trying different positions to find your perfect carrying comfort.
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
Give your granny square sling bag a little love each day! Gently brush off any dust or dirt after use, and avoid overloading it to maintain its shape. If you spot any loose threads, trim them carefully - but don't pull them, as this might affect the stitches.
Washing Methods
When it's time for a wash, always hand wash your bag in cool water with mild detergent. Avoid wringing or twisting - instead, gently squeeze out excess water. Lay it flat to dry in shape, away from direct sunlight which can fade those beautiful colors. Never machine wash or tumble dry, as this can distort your careful stitchwork!
Storage Suggestions
Store your bag flat or hanging when not in use - I like to stuff mine lightly with tissue paper to help maintain its shape. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and never store heavy items on top of it. This way, your handmade treasure will stay beautiful for years to come!
What’s Next?
Love how your granny square sling bag turned out? Share your beautiful creation with your crafting friends! Tag me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter - I'd be thrilled to see your unique color combinations and how you've made this pattern your own. Let's inspire more crocheters together! #grannysquarebag #crochetbag
