A dusty rose granny square crochet tote with cream edges

Tapestry needle 8 locking stitch markers Pins Tape measure Optional: Removable bag base insert or fabric lining Gauge

Getting gauge right is crucial for this project. If your squares are off by even a quarter inch, your finished bag won’t come together properly.

One blocked floral square should measure 4.25 inches / 10.8 cm.

In plain single crochet (sc) , which means inserting your hook, pulling up a loop, and pulling through both loops: 16 stitches and 18 rounds equals 4 inches / 10 cm using the larger hook.

Match the motif size first. The single crochet gauge is just a secondary guide.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

This pattern uses American crochet terminology. If you’re more familiar with UK terms, I’ve included a conversion note below. ch – chain sl st – slip stitch sc – single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops) hdc – half double crochet

dc – double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops twice) tr – treble crochet st(s) – stitch(es) sp – space rnd – round

RS – right side WS – wrong side rep – repeat BLO – back loop only MC – main color (dusty rose)

CC – contrast color (cream)

UK Conversion: US sc = UK dc, US dc = UK tr, US tr = UK dtr Special Stitches

These two special stitches create the beautiful texture in your floral motifs. Don’t skip this section.

Puff Petal This stitch creates those plump, dimensional flower petals in the center of each square.

To work a puff petal: [Yarn over, insert hook in indicated stitch or space, yarn over and pull up a tall loop] 4 times, yarn over and pull through all 9 loops on hook, chain 1 to close.

Tip: Keep your loops even and plump. If they’re too tight, the petal will look squished. If they’re too loose, it’ll be floppy.

2-dc Cluster This creates a nice decorative element without adding bulk.

To work a 2-dc cluster: Yarn over, insert hook in indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops. Repeat once more in the same stitch, then yarn over and pull through all 3 remaining loops on hook.

Flat Slip-Stitch Join This technique joins your blocked motifs with a clean, visible seam.

Hold two blocked motifs with wrong sides together. Using CC and the smaller hook, insert your hook through the back loop only of the matching edge stitch on the front motif AND the back loop only of the matching edge stitch on the back motif. Slip stitch. Continue across all 18 edge stitches. Don’t pull too tightly or your seams will pucker.

Important Pattern Notes Read these before you start. They’ll save you headaches later.

The chain 1 at the start of single crochet rounds does NOT count as a stitch. The chain 3 counts as the first double crochet when stated.

Block every single motif before joining. I cannot stress this enough. A square that’s even 1/4 inch off will affect your finished bag.

Work your ends in as you go, especially at color changes. This tote is meant to be firm, not drapey, so secure weaving is important.

Left-handed makers can work these instructions in the opposite direction. Just keep the right side facing for all motif fronts and top-band rounds.

Floral Granny Square Instructions (Make 19)

Use your larger hook (US G/6 / 4.0 mm). Each finished blocked square should measure 4.25 inches / 10.8 cm, with 18 single crochet stitches along each edge (not counting the corner chain-2 spaces).

Panel Layout and Joining Now comes the fun part: turning 19 individual squares into a beautiful bag.

Arrange all your motifs with the flowers facing outward: Front panel: 3 squares across x 2 squares high Back panel: 3 squares across x 2 squares high

Side panels: 1 square across x 2 squares high (make 2)

Base panel: 3 squares across x 1 square deep Step 1

Join 6 motifs into the front panel. First join 3 motifs across for Row A. Then join 3 motifs across for Row B. Finally, join Row A to Row B. Repeat this entire process for the back panel.

Step 2 Join 2 motifs vertically for each side panel.

Step 3 Join the base panel by connecting 3 motifs in a row.

Step 4

Join the side panels to the front panel, then to the back panel. Join the base panel to the lower edges of the front, back, and sides.

Step 5

At every corner where seams meet, secure with an extra whip stitch in CC so the grid lines meet cleanly.

Checkpoint: Before adding the top band, your bag body should measure about 13.5 inches / 34 cm wide, 9 inches / 23 cm tall, and 4.5 inches / 11.5 cm deep.

Top Band Instructions

The top band adds structure and that polished look. You’ll work it in joined rounds around the upper edge of your assembled bag.

With MC and the larger hook, join yarn at a back side seam with the right side facing. You’ll be working around the upper edge of 8 exposed motif edges: front 3, side 1, back 3, side 1.

Handle Instructions (Make 2)

These padded handles are comfortable and sturdy. You’ll make two identical rectangles and sew them to the bag.

Attaching the Handles

Sew one handle to the front and one to the back. Center each handle over the middle motif. Place each handle end over 8 top-band stitches, with 22 top-band stitches between the inner edges of the handle.

For durability, stitch a box shape with an X through it. This distributes the weight and prevents the handles from pulling away over time.

Heart Charm Instructions This sweet little detail adds personality to your finished tote.

Finishing and Blocking

You’re almost there! These final steps make the difference between a homemade-looking bag and a professional-looking one.

Weave in all your ends on the wrong side. Be thorough.

Steam lightly or wet block the whole bag over a box-shaped form (a shoebox works great) so the sides dry upright.

For extra sturdiness, cut a plastic canvas or bag-base insert to 12.75 x 4 inches / 32.5 x 10 cm and place it inside the base.

Optional: Sew a simple rectangular fabric lining with a boxed base and hand-stitch it just below the top rim.

Size Customization Tips Want to make this bag bigger or smaller? Here’s how to adjust:

Care Instructions To keep your tote looking beautiful for years:

Hand wash in cool water or use a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Reshape while damp and dry flat with the bag stuffed lightly to preserve that boxy shape. Avoid hanging while wet, as this can stretch the cotton.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

You Did It!

Thank you so much for choosing this pattern for your next crochet project. I truly hope you love making this Dusty Rose Floral Granny Square Tote as much as I loved designing it. If you make one, I would absolutely love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or share a photo in our Facebook group.

If this pattern is calling your name, go ahead and save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you’re ready to start. And please drop a comment below if you make one. I love seeing your color choices and hearing about your crochet adventures!

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