Free Crochet Granny Square Tote Bag Pattern in Oatmeal and Rust

This free crochet granny square tote bag pattern is perfect for crafting a stylish and functional accessory you’ll love. The bag is made from classic granny squares in a lovely oatmeal and rust palette, creating a beautiful piece ideal for carrying groceries, books, or personal items. You’ll enjoy the straightforward process of combining basic stitches to create this charming tote.

As you work on this project, you’ll gain confidence in your crochet skills while learning the timeless art of granny square making. This pattern is simple enough for beginners, yet enjoyable for more experienced crocheters too.

Why You’ll Love This Tote Bag

• Quick to crochet – with just a few hours, you can finish the granny squares and join them together.
• Stylish design – the warm oatmeal and rust colors make this tote both fashionable and functional.
• Versatile size – it’s perfect for various uses, whether for shopping or carrying your everyday essentials.
• Easy customization – you can modify square counts or add embellishments to suit your style.

Skill Level: Easy

To complete this pattern, you should know how to:

• Chain (ch)
• Slip stitch (sl st)
• Single crochet (sc)
• Double crochet (dc)

You’ll also learn how to join squares together and add straps.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• sp – space
• rep – repeat

Size and Gauge

• Finished Bag Size: 30.5 cm × 30.5 cm × 15 cm (12 in × 12 in × 6 in)
• Gauge: 4 squares = 15 cm × 15 cm (6 in × 6 in)

To check your gauge, make a granny square measuring 15 cm across. Adjust your hook size if needed to ensure your squares are the correct size.

Step 1: Crochet Granny Squares

Make 9 Granny Squares total (6 Oatmeal, 3 Rust)

Oatmeal Granny Square:

1. Start with a magic ring. (1 st)
2. Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in ring, *ch 2, 3 dc in ring; rep from * 2 more times, ch 2, sl st to top of ch-3. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sp)
3. Round 2: Sl st into first ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp; *move to next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next sp; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3. (24 dc, 4 ch-2 sp)
4. Round 3: Sl st into first ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp; *move to next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next sp; rep from * until all spaces are done, sl st to top of ch-3. (36 dc, 4 ch-2 sp)

Rust Granny Square: 5. Follow the same pattern for Rust squares, using Rust yarn for rounds 1-3.

Step 2: Joining Granny Squares

1. Layout 3 rows of 3 squares (each row having 3 granny squares).
2. Join squares using sl st or whip stitch, placing squares right sides together along edges.
   • Row 1: Join the first three squares.
   • Row 2: Join the next three squares.
   • Row 3: Join the last three squares.
3. Join rows together by aligning edges.

Step 3: Edging

1. With Color A, single crochet around the entire bag, working 3 sc in each corner for rounded edges.
2. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Step 4: Making the Straps

1. Using Color A (or your cotton yarn if desired), ch 90.
2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across, ch 1, turn. (89 sc)
3. Row 2: Sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn. (89 sc)
4. Repeat Row 2 for 5 more rows.
5. Once you reach your desired length (approximately 55 cm), finish off and weave in ends.

How to Join Your Pieces

1. Attach the straps to the top corners of the bag with a sl st or whip stitch.
2. Weave in all ends.
3. If desired, block the bag for a sharper finish.

Beginner Tips for a Neat Tote Bag

• Use stitch markers for joining squares to keep track of your progress.
• Count your stitches after each round to ensure they’re accurate.
• Manage your tension so that squares are uniform in size.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• My squares are too small. – You may need to change to a larger hook to achieve the correct gauge.
• The stitches are uneven. – Check your tension and keep it consistent for neat squares.
• My edges are not straight. – Make sure to follow the instructions for the edging and count your stitches.

How to Care for Your Tote Bag

To maintain the shape of your tote, hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry.

FAQ

How do I resize the pattern?

To resize, you can change the number of granny squares you make. Add or remove rows to adjust the finished dimensions.

Can I change the yarn color?

Absolutely! You can use any color combination that suits your style. Just ensure the yarn weight remains consistent.

How long will it take to finish this project?

The estimated total time to complete the tote bag is about 4–6 hours, depending on your experience level.

Looking for more? Check out our complete collection of free crochet patterns.

Image shown for inspiration — your finished result may vary slightly.