The Red Heart Crochet Granny Drawstring Tote Bag is a warm project that blends functionality with a touch of charm. This bag not only serves as an everyday carry-all but also shows nice crochet skills, making it a perfect project for intermediate makers looking to enhance their skills. Its unique drawstring feature adds both style and practicality, letting you to secure your belongings effortlessly.
Made using Red Heart’s Eco-Cotton Blend, this tote comes in an array of vibrant colors that can be mixed and matched to suit your own style. The pattern has detailed steps for creating the bag’s structure. Well as for the decorative elements that make it stand out. Whether you’re heading to the market or the beach, this tote is sure to turn heads.
Understanding the Bag’s Construction in This Red Heart Crochet Granny Drawstring Tote Bag
The build of the granny drawstring tote bag is primarily based on creating squares that are joined as one. The pattern begins with rounds that form a square base, gradually building up the bag’s height. Each round introduces distinct stitches and color changes, adding to the bag’s visual appeal. Using the basic square pattern, the bag is then done with a stylish drawstring closure that adds convenience.
As you work through the rounds, it’s key to pay focus to the stitch counts and join each round tight. The pattern emphasizes joining skills that keep the structure intact while letting for a flexible design. This approach not only reinforces the bag’s durability but also gives a canvas for creative color mixes.
Managing Color Changes Effectively in This Red Heart Crochet Granny Drawstring Tote Bag
Color care is key to getting the chosen look for your tote bag. The pattern utilizes many colors. Can be arranged in a way that highlights the unique stitches and shapes created in the design. To ensure clean transitions, it’s advisable to carry the unused yarn along the side of your work, letting for seamless changes as you progress through the rounds.
When switching colors, note to secure the new yarn properly to avoid gaps in your work. The pattern has exact steps for where to change colors, making sure that each round flows smoothly into the next. This focus to detail elevates the full finish of the bag, making it a clearly striking accessory.
Specifications for the Granny Drawstring Tote Bag
Sizes & fit
Bag measures 31” circumference x 14” tall.
Gauge & motif dimensions
Rounds 1-4 = 4½”, holding 2 strands of yarn together using smaller hook. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge given. Bag measures 31” circumference x 14” tall.
Hook specified in the pattern
Crochet Hooks: 5mm [US H-8] and 5.5mm [US I-9]
Materials Required for the Granny Drawstring Tote Bag
RED HEART® “Eco-Cotton™ Blend”: 2 skeins each 1370 Candy Marl A, 1645 Moss B, 1340 Almond C, 1373 Linen Marl D; 1 skein each 101 Snow E, 1897 Denim F. Crochet Hooks: 5mm [US H-8] and 5.5mm [US I-9] Stitch markers. Yarn needle.
Instructions for Completing the Granny Drawstring Tote Bag
Round 1 (RS): Ch 1, work [sc, ch 2] 8 times in ring, slip st to first sc to join.
Round 2: Slip st to first ch-2 space, ch 1, [(sc, ch 3, sc) in ch-2 space, ch 1] 8 times, slip st to first sc to join. Fasten off.
Round 3: Join F in any ch-3 space, ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc in same space, *ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 space for corner, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-3 space; repeat from * around to last ch-3 space, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in last ch-3 space, slip st to top of beginning ch to join, turn.
Round 4 (WS): Sc in next ch-1 space, *ch 1, sc in center dc of next 3-dc cluster, ch 1, (sc, ch 3, sc) in corner ch-3 space, [ch 1, sc in center dc of next 3-dc cluster, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 space] twice; repeat from * around, slip st to first sc to join. Fasten off.
Round 5: Join B in first ch-1 space, ch 1, sc in same space, sc in each sc and ch-1 space around working (sc, ch 3, sc) in each corner ch-3 space, slip st to first sc to join. Fasten off. Turn.
Round 6 (WS): Join E any corner ch-3 space, ch 1, (sc, ch 3, sc) in corner ch-3 space, *[ch 1, skip next sc, sc in next sc] to corner ch-3 space, skip next sc, (sc, ch 2, sc) in corner ch-3 space; repeat from * around, slip st to first sc to join. Turn.
Round 7: Slip st to corner ch-3 space, (sc, ch 3, sc) in corner ch-3 space, sc in next ch-1 space, sc in next sc; repeat from * around, slip st to first sc to join – 19 sc each side. Fasten off. Turn.
Round 8 (WS): Join D in 9th sc to the left of any corner ch-3 space, ch 1, sc in same sc, *ch 2, skip next sc, sc in next sc, [ch 2, skip 2 sc, sc in next sc] twice, ch 2, skip 2 sc, (sc, ch 3, sc) in corner ch-3 space, repeat between [ ] 3 times; repeat from * around, repeat between [ ] twice, ch 2, skip 2 sc, slip st to first sc to join, turn.
Round 9: Sc in next ch-2 space, *[work 5 dc in next ch-2 space for shell, sc in next ch -2 space], work 7 dc in corner ch-3 space, sc in next ch-2 space, work between [] 3 times; repeat from * around, slip st to first sc to join. Fasten off. Turn.
Round 10: Join A in center dc of any 5-dc shell, ch 1, sc in same dc, *[ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next
GRANNY DRAWSTRING TOTE BAG | CROCHET
CROCHET I SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
For more ideas & inspiration — www.redheart.com www.coatsandclark.com www.crochettoday.com www.knitandcrochettoday.com P.O. Box 12229 Greenville, SC 29612-0229 5-dc shell] to last sc before corner 7-dc shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, skip 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch 4, skip next dc, sc in next dc; repeat from * around, end ch 2, slip st to first sc to join. Fasten off.
Round 11: Join B in first ch-2 space to left of any corner, ch 3, work 2 dc in same space, *ch 1, 3 dc cluster in next ch-2 space; repeat from * around, working (ch 1, 3-dc cluster, ch 3, 3-dc cluster) in each corner ch-4 space, end, ch 1, slip st to first sc to join. Fasten off. Turn.
Round 12 (WS): Join F in ch-1 space after 5th 3-dc cluster on any side, ch 1, sc in same space, *[ch 2, skip next 3-dc cluster, sc in next ch-1 space] to corner ch-3 space, (sc, ch 3, sc) in corner ch-3 space, ch 2; repeat from *, slip st to first sc to join, turn.
Round 13: Sc in next ch-2 space, *ch 2, skip next sc, sc in next ch-2 space; repeat from * around working (sc, ch 3, sc) in each corner ch-3 space, ch 2, slip st to first sc to join. Fasten off.
Round 14: With C, repeat Round 11. Fasten off. Turn.
Round 15 (RS): With A, repeat Round 12. Fasten off.
PANEL
With D and using smaller hook, loosely ch 9.
Row 1: Working in back loops only, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 6 ch, leave last ch unworked, turn – 7 sc.
Rows 2-129: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn. At end of Row 129, fasten off.
FINISHING
Position long edge of Panel along 3 sides of Back piece. Joining Round With right side facing and using smaller hook, join A in ch-3 space of top corner of Square, working through both layers, working sc in each row of Panel and (sc in each sc, 2 sc in each ch-2 space) along sides of Square, working 3 sc in each corner ch-3 space, to join pieces. Fasten off. Repeat to join opposite long side of Panel with Front piece. Do not fasten off. Top Edge
Round 1: Turn to work along top edge of Bag, ch 1, sc in top corner ch-3 space, work *[sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 space] across Back piece to corner ch-3 space, sc in sc of Joining Round, working in front loops only, sc in next 7 sc of Panel, sc in sc of Joining Round; repeat from *, slip st to first st to join. Fasten off.
Round 2: Join B in center sc of one Panel, ch 5 (counts as first dc, ch-2 space), skip 2 sc, dc in next sc, *ch 2, skip 2 sc, dc in next sc; repeat from * around, end ch 2, skip last 2 sc, slip st to 3rd ch of beginning ch.
Round 3: Ch 1, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 space, ch 1] around, slip st to first sc to join. Fasten off.
Round 4: Join E in any ch-2 space, ch 1, working in ch-2 spaces of Round 2 only, repeat Round 2.
Round 5: Join F and repeat Round 4.
Round 6: Join A and repeat Round 4.
STRAPS
Row 1: Join C with smaller hook in back loop of 2nd sc on Panel, ch 1, sc in same sc, working in back loops only, sc in next 4 scs, turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in next 5 sc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first 2 sc, skip center sc, sc in last 2 sc, turn.
Rows 4-49: Ch 1, sc in 4 sc, turn. At end of Row 49, fasten off, leaving a long tail. Repeat on opposite side. Fasten off. Use tails to sew ends together. Weave in ends. Tie: With larger hook and holding 4 ends of B together, leave 6” tail and ch 140. Fasten off leaving 6” tail. Weave Tie over and under ch-2 spaces and dcs of Round 1 at top of Bag. Pull ends and tie in a large bow. Cut 8 lengths, each 12” of B. Holding 4 pieces together, fold in half and tie into an overhand knot. Attach to each end of tie. Trim ends evenly. RED HEART® “Eco-Cotton Blend™”, Art.E749 (3 ounce/145 yard ball). ABBREVIATIONS: A, B, etc= color A, B, etc; ch = chain;
| Abbreviation | Meaning in the original pattern |
|---|---|
| dc | double crochet |
| mm | millimeters |
| sc | single crochet |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| tog | together |
| yo | yarn over needle; * or ** = repeat whatever follows the * or ** as indicated; [ ] = work directions in brackets the number of times specified. |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Granny Drawstring Tote Bag
What size hook should I use for this tote bag?
The pattern calls for two distinct hook sizes: a 5mm (US H-8) and a 5.5mm (US I-9). The smaller hook is typically used for the initial rounds to create a tighter fabric. The larger hook is used for the body of the bag. Using both sizes helps achieve the correct gauge and ensures the bag retains its structure.
It’s key to check your gauge using the smaller hook with two strands of yarn held as one. This affects the full sizes of the done tote. The gauge should be even to maintain the chosen shape and durability of the bag.
How can I ensure my bag maintains its shape?
To maintain the shape of your tote bag, it’s crucial to follow the pattern steps closely, mainly regarding stitch counts and joining skills. Each round builds upon the previous one. Even tension in your stitches will help keep the bag firm and structured.
Also, check using a yarn that has a good balance of flexibility and sturdiness, like the Eco-Cotton Blend named in the pattern. This will help the bag hold its shape over time, even when carrying heavier items.
What is the best way to finish the drawstring?
Ending the drawstring correctly adds a neat touch to your tote bag. The pattern suggests using a larger hook and four strands of yarn held as one to create a sturdy and attractive tie. This ensures that the drawstring is strong enough to withstand daily use while also looking nice.
After making the drawstring, weave it through the top of the bag well, making sure it sits evenly. Tying it in a large bow not only secures the closure but also adds a decorative element to your done tote.
Now that you have all the details you need, gather your supplies and start making your own granny drawstring tote bag. With its charming design and useful use, this project is sure to become a favorite accessory for any occasion.
Save & Print This Crochet Pattern
Prefer working offline or keeping a printed copy in your project bag? Download our formatted Crochet Granny Drawstring Tote Bag printable PDF guide below, complete with the full materials table, stitch diagrams, color-key charts, and step-by-step assembly instructions prepared for Derecipe.
READER COMMENTS & PATTERN QUESTIONS
Have a question about stitch counts, yarn substitutions, or sizing? Leave a comment below — Mary Ward reads and replies to every maker question!