Crochet Vibrant Granny Square Messenger Bag Free Pattern

Crochet Vibrant Granny Square Messenger Bag Free Pattern

Introduction

This messenger bag is made for anyone who loves a pop of color and a project that comes together square by square. Two bold granny squares in pink, red, and green form the front panel, while a solid cream back, flap, and striped strap keep the look clean and wearable. The bag is sturdy enough for everyday errands but soft and lightweight on the shoulder. It is a wonderful first bag project, since the squares are quick to master and the finishing is simple.

Materials Needed

• Worsted weight yarn: cream approx. 400 yds, pink approx. 100 yds, red approx. 100 yds, green approx. 50 yds
• Crochet hook size H (5.0 mm)
• Darning needle
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Stitch markers (optional)
• One button or closure of choice

Finished size: Bag body approx. 8 inches wide x 8 inches tall (20 cm x 20 cm) plus flap. Strap approx. 50 inches long x 1.5 inches wide (127 cm x 4 cm).

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• hdc – half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
• dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
• sp – space: the gap between stitches, such as a ch-2 space.
• sts – stitches.

Gauge

One granny square after Round 3 measures 4 inches (10 cm) square. Work one square first and measure it; if it is larger or smaller, adjust your hook size up or down to match.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your granny square corners crisp by placing a stitch marker in each ch-2 corner space as you work.
• Work the two squares with the same tension so the front panel edges line up evenly when joined.
• Leave long tails (about 6 inches) on the squares so you have plenty of yarn for seaming and weaving in.
• Count your hdc stitches on the back panel and strap every few rows; the counts should stay steady at 15 and 148.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Granny Squares (Make 2)

Set-up: With green yarn, ch 4, sl st to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, [3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times total, sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

Rnd 2: Join pink yarn in any ch-2 space, ch 3, 2 dc in same space, ch 2, 3 dc in same space (corner made), [3 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 2, 3 dc in same space] 3 times total, sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off. (24 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

Rnd 3: Join red yarn in any ch-2 corner, ch 3, 2 dc in same space, ch 2, 3 dc in same space, [3 dc in next ch-2 space (side space), 3 dc in next corner space, ch 2, 3 dc in same corner space] 3 times total, sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off. (36 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

Front Panel Assembly

Joining: Place the two granny squares side by side with right sides facing up, matching edges. Using cream yarn, sc them together along the touching vertical edges to form a rectangle. Fasten off.

Back Panel

Set-up: With cream yarn, ch 17.

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch across, turn. (15 hdc)

Rows 2-16: Ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn. Fasten off. (15 hdc x 16 rows, approx. 8 inches square)

Bag Body Assembly

Seaming: With right sides together, place the front panel (granny squares) on top of the back panel, aligning edges. Using cream yarn, sc the side and bottom edges together to form the bag body, leaving the top edge open. Turn right side out.

Top Opening Border

Border: Join cream yarn at one side seam, sc evenly around the top opening, sl st to first sc. Fasten off. (This reinforces the opening.)

Bag Flap

Row 1: With cream yarn, attach to the top edge of the front panel at the left corner (where the two granny squares meet at the top). Ch 2, hdc evenly across the entire top edge of the front panel, turn. (approx. 30 hdc)

Rows 2-10: Ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn. Fasten off. (30 hdc x 10 rows; flap measures approx. 8 inches wide x 5 inches tall)

Closure: Attach a button at center front of the bag body, and make a corresponding loop or buttonhole on the flap if desired.

Strap

Set-up: With cream yarn, ch 150.

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch across, turn. (148 hdc)

Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn. (148 hdc)

Row 3: Change to pink yarn, ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn. (148 hdc)

Row 4: Ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn. (148 hdc)

Row 5: Change to red yarn, ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn. (148 hdc)

Row 6: Ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn. (148 hdc)

Row 7: Change to cream yarn, ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn. (148 hdc)

Row 8: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Fasten off. (148 hdc)

Attaching: Attach one end of the strap to each side of the bag at the top edge using a darning needle and cream yarn, sewing securely through all layers.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends with your darning needle, working them into the back of the stitches so they stay hidden. Check that the strap ends are sewn firmly through both the front and back panels so the bag can carry weight. Block the bag lightly by misting it with water and shaping it flat, then let it dry fully before use. Your messenger bag is ready to wear.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the pink, red, and green for any three colors you love to make the squares your own.
• Add a fabric lining by hand-sewing a simple rectangle inside the bag for extra structure.
• Make the strap longer or shorter by adjusting the starting chain in multiples that keep the hdc count even.