Hello hello!
It’s been a couple of weeks since I haven’t post a new pattern, and this one is very special.
Today I will show you how to crochet this STUNNING cross bag. It is so simple & quick to make, that you will want to make more than one!
First things first, why should you dive into this crochet project? Well, imagine having a stylish, one-of-a-kind cross bag you can show off to your friends and family. Creating your own accessories has its unique charm, and this Granny Squares Cross Bag is no exception. Not only will you learn new crochet techniques, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of completing a practical and stylish accessory that reflects your personality!
Not ready to crochet yet? Pin this image and crochet later!
Now, hear me out, this cross bag is effortless to make, you only need 4 granny squares.
If you haven’t seen my Granny Squares Chunky Blanket, you have probably not seen the pattern I used, but if you saw it, you are already ahead of the game. We are using the same square, just adding one extra round.
The construction
As I mentioned before, you only need 4 squares to create the bag, then we will join them together to create the desired shape.
Once the outside of our bag is completed, we will make a lining, add a zipper and sew the D rings.
Finally, we will clip the straps to enjoy our bag!
The lining
Making bags sometimes requires a lining and a zipper or buttons. I cannot stress enough how important it is to add a lining to your crochet bags. This is especially important because a lining will allow us to add stuff to our bags without worrying that the crochet fabric will stretch.
We can crochet the most sturdy bag, but still, with time and adding things to it, it will stretch.
The lining that I made for this one is a very simple one, I will show you how I did it below.
Check out more crochet patterns
Follow along with the video tutorial on YouTube!
Stitches you should know
- Chain
- Slip stitch
- Single Crochet
- Double Crochet
Yarn
Colour A – Ecru: 25g/43m
Colour B – Dragonfly: 9g/15m
Colour C – Café Au Lait: 12g/20m
Colour D – Bayleaf: 3g/5m
Colour E – Amber: 12g/20m
Notions
Measurements
The overall size of the bag is approximately 15″ x 6″
Gauge
Each square measures 5.5″x5.5″
Abbreviations
This pattern uses US standard terms
- MR: Magic ring
- Ss: Slip Stitch
- Ch(s): Chain(s)
- St(s): Stitch (es)
- Sc: Single Crochet
- Dc: Double Crochet
Pattern
Note: The ch 2 at the beginning of each round counts as 1 dc
The square:
Begin with a MR
Round 1: In the magic ring work 2 ch, 2 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc, 2 ch. To form a square. Ss to join the round. (20 sts in total)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in the next 2 sts, [in the ch space work (2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc), 3 dc in the next 3 sts]. Repeat 2x. In the next ch space work [2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc]. Ss to join in the round. (36 sts in total)
Round 3: Ch 2, 4 dc in the next 4 sts, [in the ch space work (2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc), 7 dc in the next 7 sts]. Repeat 2x. In the next ch space work [2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc], 2 dc in the next 2 sts, ss to join in the round. (52 sts in total)
Round 4: Ch 2, 6 dc in the next 6 sts, [in the ch space work (2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc), 11 dc in the next 11 sts]. Repeat 2x. In the next ch space work [2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc], 4 dc in the next 4 sts, ss to join in the round. (68 sts in total)
Round 5: Ch 2, 8 dc in the next 8 sts, [in the ch space work (2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc), 13 dc in the next 13 sts]. Repeat 2x. In the next ch space work [2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc], 6 dc in the next 6 sts, ss to join in the round. (84 sts in total)
Diagram
Legend
Colour combinations
I did 2 squares of each colour combination.
Joining the squares
For this project, I used the slip-stitch joining method. It is simple and works up really fast and with a neat look.
All you need to do is slip stitch through the loop closer to the edge from one square and join to the next square.
The trim
Once all four squares have been joined together, now is time to add a few rounds for the trim/edge of the bag.
This is going to hold the shape and create height on the bag.
To do the trim, all you need to do is insert your crochet hook in any stitch of the bag, then sc all the way around.
I did 2 rounds of sc but you can add more if you want to add more height to the bag.
Note: When you get to the corners of the bag, skip the ch 2 space created on the squares and continue sc in the next available stitch.
You should have approximately 124 stitches around.
Adding the zipper and lining
I cannot stress this enough, if you want your bag to last longer and not to stretch over time, please add a lining, it is easier than you think.
You don’t need a sewing machine, but if you have one, go ahead and use it!
Cut the fabric
Start by cutting the fabric. I placed my crochet bag on top of the fabric to cut the same shape. Leave 1/4 of an inch for seam allowance.
Add the zipper
Make sure the zipper is longer than your actual project so that it will be easier to sew.
Now, place the right side of the fabric facing you, and the right side of the zipper also facing you. Align both at the top and then sew them together.
Do the same with the other side.
Once the zipper has been added, now sew along the edge to close the lining.
Add the D rings
To add the D rings, you will need to create two small rectangles to attach them to the lining.
Make sure to make them the same width as the D rings.
Now you are going to add the D rings on both sides of your bag, one on the front, and one on the back, to distribute the weight.
You will sew them on the front side of the zipper, as close as possible.
Sew your lining and your crochet bag
Insert your lining and use some clips to secure the lining in place.
Now use a strong thread and hand-sew the lining with a simple stitch. Make sure your thread is the same colour as your crochet bag so that you won’t be able to see it.
Tip: Every time you stitch, make sure you are passing the needle through a crochet stitch to make sure it will be nice and secure.
Now you’re done! Attach your straps and it’s time to rock your retro bag!
If you liked this pattern/video please give it a like on Youtube and share your pictures online using the hashtag #CrochetRetroBag.
Happy crochet! ~ Dani
