Make a Crochet Granny-Square Beach Bag — Free Pattern & Step-by-Step Guide

This Crochet Granny-Square Beach Bag is a charming, practical accessory perfect for sunny days. The bag is constructed from five identical granny squares joined together, finished with a sturdy single-crochet edging and double-strand handles for durability. It's an intermediate-level project that you can customize in size and color by adding rounds or changing yarns.

The pattern below includes materials, stitch key, specialty stitch description, notes, and step-by-step instructions for squares, handles, assembly and finishing. Follow the rounds as written for an 8.5" x 8.5" sample or repeat rounds to enlarge your squares.

Difficulty

Project-Level - Intermediate

Materials

Hayfield Bonus Chunky Extra Value, 100gr, 100% Acrylic, 150 yds, 137 m, color Starling (1.5 skeins)

Weight - 5 (Bulky)

Hook: US Size H-8 (5 mm) — I used a smaller hook size to give the bag more sturdiness

Yarn needle, scissors, measuring tape

Sizes

This sample is 8.5" x 8.5"

Stitch Key

Ch = Chain

Sc = Single Crochet

St = Stitch

Dc = Double Crochet

Yo = Yarn over

Slst = Slip stitch

Ch-Sp = Chain space

Specialty Stitch

Granny cluster (3 dc cluster): A granny cluster is a set of 3 double crochet stitches, all worked into one stitch or space. In this pattern, the granny clusters are separated from one another with chain stitches.

Notes

The pattern is worked in rounds and rows.

Starting Ch 3 counts as first stitch in round and row.

You can work this pattern with one color or multiple as you wish — the sample used one color.

This pattern consists of 5 identical granny squares joined and handles.

If changing colors make sure to use a color-change technique and weave your ends in.

You can decide on the size of the square by adding rounds.

Instructions

The Bag

Make 5 identical squares — alternate colors as you wish.

Ch 4, join with a sl st to form a ring.

Round 1: Ch 3. Into the center ring, make 2 dc, ch 2, (3 dc, ch 2) three times. Join with a sl st to the top of first ch-3.

Round 2: Chain 4. (This counts as the first dc and ch-1 space.) Work in the next ch-2 space (the first corner space): (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), ch 1. Repeat two more times for a total of three times. In the last ch-2 space, work: 3 dc, ch 2, 2 dc. Join with a sl st to the 3rd chain of the beginning chain stitches.

Round 3: Chain 3 (counts as 1 dc). Into the ch-1 space just below in the previous round, work 2 dc, ch 1 (this makes the first granny cluster of this round). Into the next ch-2 corner space, work: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1. Into the next ch-1 space, work: 3 dc, ch 1. Repeat around to the beginning chain. Join with a sl st to the top of the starting ch-3.

Round 4: Chain 4 (counts as 1 dc and the ch-1 space). Into the next ch-1 space, work: 3 dc, ch 1. Into the next ch-2 corner space, work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1. Repeat in each remaining ch-1 and ch-2 space. In the last ch-1 space, work 2 dc. Join with a sl st to the top of the starting ch-3.

Round 5: Ch 3, dc 1 in next st, dc 1 in next st, and around; when in corners work (dc 2, ch 1, dc 2) on each corner. Secure yarn and cut.

To make bigger squares, repeat rounds 3 and 4 until you reach the desired size.

Handle — make 2 identical

I used double strands for more thickness.

Single Crochet Cord:

Measure the length of the handle you want × 5 and slip knot so you have long strands (the sample used doubled strands). Yarn over your hook with one strand and work single crochet stitches along the length until you reach desired thickness. You can leave a strand for a tassel or secure the yarn and weave in the ends.

Construction

Lay all squares as in the photo and join to form a bag by using Sc 1 on each st using the middle loops only (as shown in the image). On corners, Sc 1 joins all corners to secure.

When the body is formed:

Round 1 (edging): Ch 1, sc 1 around the top part of the bag. Sl st to first ch, turn.

Round 2 (edging): Ch 3, dc 1 in next st, skip 1 st, ch 1, dc 1 in next, skip 1 st, ch 1, dc 1 in next around. When in corner, dc 3 in 3 stitches and continue (skip 1, ch 1, dc 1) to next corner. Finish by sl st to first ch. Secure yarn, cut, and weave in ends.

Finishing

Attach the handles to both sides by sewing them to the bag using a tapestry needle. Secure the handles well.

You can sew fabric to the bottom square to reduce holes and/or line the bag with fabric for added strength and to protect smaller items.

Optional: add fringe, tassels, beads, or other embellishments. The sample used wooden beads.