12 DIY Granny Square Tote Bag Ideas

Granny square tote bags are a charming and practical way to show off your crochet skills while creating something functional and beautiful. In this list of 12 DIY Granny Square Tote Bag Ideas, you’ll find a variety of styles, from boho fringe and retro-inspired bags to minimalist modern totes and beach-ready designs. Each project uses classic granny squares in creative ways—joined in patterns, bordered with lace, or decorated with fringe, buttons, or beads. Whether you love bright colors, soft pastels, or neutral tones, there’s a style here for every taste. These tote bags are perfect for everyday errands, shopping trips, or even as handmade gifts. Some are lined with fabric for extra strength, while others embrace a lightweight, unlined style. You can use leftover yarn to make a scrap yarn tote or go bold with rainbow spirals or sunflower designs.

Best of all, each project is beginner-friendly and easy to customize. Add different handles, closures, or decorative accents to make each one unique. These DIY granny square tote bag ideas combine style and sustainability, making them perfect for eco-conscious crafters. Whether you crochet for fun, relaxation, or gifting, these ideas will inspire your next handmade project. Explore the full collection to find your favorite pattern and start stitching a stylish tote bag today. With just a hook, some yarn, and creativity, you’ll turn simple squares into a fashionable statement.

1. Classic Patchwork Tote

This classic granny square tote bag features bright, colorful squares stitched together in a patchwork design. It’s perfect for beginners and offers a fun way to showcase different yarn shades. The tote is finished with a plain cotton lining and sturdy crochet handles. Great for everyday use, market trips, or carrying books, it’s a cozy mix of nostalgia and practicality. Whether made in rainbow colors or a soft neutral palette, this bag always turns heads. Add a button closure for extra flair or leave it open for quick-access style.

Supplies

• Assorted colorful yarn
• Size H (5 mm) crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Lining fabric (optional)
• Scissors
• Button (optional)

2. Neutral Toned Minimalist Tote

Create a chic, neutral-toned granny square tote using soft beige, ivory, and grey yarn. This minimalist version uses simple square motifs joined with an invisible seam technique, giving the tote a clean look. It’s lined with canvas for structure and durability. Add leather or faux-leather handles for a refined touch. This elegant bag pairs beautifully with everyday outfits, from denim to linen dresses, and is lightweight yet roomy enough for your essentials. A beautiful balance of handmade charm and modern styling, this is a great choice for understated crafters.

Supplies

• Neutral yarn (cotton or acrylic)
• Crochet hook (5 mm)
• Canvas lining
• Faux-leather or leather straps
• Sewing needle and thread
• Stitch markers

3. Boho Fringe Tote

This boho-style granny square tote features mixed-color squares, long yarn fringe, and soft cotton handles. Perfect for music festivals or beach days, it exudes a relaxed and artistic vibe. Choose warm sunset colors or earthy tones for the squares, then attach strands of yarn around the bottom seam to form a fringe. The open-top design makes it light and breezy. Pair it with a flowy maxi dress or denim jacket for a fun, free-spirited look. It’s a great project to experiment with textures, colors, and a bit of movement.

Supplies

• Warm-toned yarn (cotton or blended)
• Crochet hook (5 mm)
• Yarn needle
• Cotton straps
• Scissors

4. Retro Inspired Color Pop Tote

Channel the 70s with this bold and retro granny square tote bursting with bright color combinations like orange, teal, mustard, and pink. Each square pops with contrasting shades, and a thick black joining border makes the colors stand out even more. The tote has a fun, funky vibe that’s great for shopping or weekend adventures. Finish it with crochet handles and optional tassels. This bag adds a splash of vintage energy to any outfit while keeping things functional and handmade.

Supplies

• Bright multicolored yarn
• Black yarn for borders
• Crochet hook (5 mm)
• Yarn needle
• Optional tassels
• Scissors

5. Monochrome Modern Tote

For a sleek and modern look, this monochrome granny square tote uses shades of black, grey, and white in simple geometric patterns. Ideal for minimalists, it’s lined with black canvas and features black crochet straps or sleek webbing handles. The squares are joined with whip stitch for a flat finish. Whether you’re heading to the office or brunch, this tote pairs perfectly with everything. It’s a stylish way to bring crochet into a contemporary lifestyle and makes a lovely handmade gift.

Supplies

• Monochrome yarns (black, white, grey)
• Crochet hook (5 mm)
• Black canvas for lining
• Webbing straps or crochet handles
• Yarn needle

6. Sunflower Granny Square Tote

This charming tote features sunflower-inspired granny squares with golden petals and a rich brown center. Each square is bordered in green, creating the feel of a fresh bouquet. It’s a cheerful choice for spring or summer. Add wooden handles or crochet your own to match. Lined with a floral fabric, this tote has country charm and sunny personality. Perfect for farmers’ markets, garden strolls, or just to brighten your day. Beginners and advanced crocheters alike will enjoy working with this nature-inspired theme.

Supplies

• Yellow, brown, green yarn
• Crochet hook (5 mm)
• Tapestry needle
• Lining fabric (optional floral print)
• Wooden or crochet handles

7. Oversized Beach Tote

Need a roomy bag for beach days or travel? This oversized granny square tote uses large motif squares and a double-thick base for strength. Choose soft blues, sandy beige, and coral tones for a coastal feel. Add rope-style handles for that nautical vibe. This bag can carry towels, snacks, and sunscreen with ease while looking effortlessly stylish. A waterproof lining is optional but handy for poolside use. It’s the ultimate handmade tote for summer adventures or weekend road trips.

Supplies

• Large amounts of cotton yarn
• Crochet hook (6 mm)
• Rope handles
• Waterproof lining fabric (optional)
• Scissors and needle

8. Rainbow Spiral Tote

Create a stunning rainbow spiral pattern by arranging multicolored granny squares in a circular gradient. Each square leads into the next shade, creating a mesmerizing, eye-catching swirl. Ideal for pride events, gifts, or just adding color to daily life. The inside can be lined with bright fabric, and the handles done in a bold red or rainbow-striped strap. This design turns heads and lets you play with color in creative ways. It’s both fun to make and a joy to carry.

Supplies

• Yarn in all rainbow colors
• Crochet hook (5 mm)
• Bright lining fabric
• Colorful strap or ribbon
• Yarn needle

9. Lace Edge Granny Tote

Add a feminine touch to your bag with this lace-edged granny square tote. The squares use soft pastel shades and are bordered with a delicate picot or shell stitch lace edge. It’s perfect for springtime and tea party vibes. Lined with floral or polka-dot cotton, and finished with soft crochet straps, this bag is as sweet as it is stylish. Lightweight and pretty, it works well as a gift bag, purse, or accessory for vintage lovers.

Supplies

• Pastel yarn (cotton preferred)
• Crochet hook (4.5–5 mm)
• Cotton lining (floral or polka dot)
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers

10. Circle in Square Tote

This modern take on granny squares features a bold circle in the center of each square, creating a cool contrast of shapes. Use bold background colors to frame the circles and stitch them into a grid. It’s a graphic, eye-catching style great for creative types. Use thick yarn for structure and durability. Add a magnetic closure and canvas lining for everyday use. Whether you go with jewel tones or brights, the result is sleek and artistic.

Supplies

• Colored yarn for circles + background yarn
• Crochet hook (5.5 mm)
• Lining fabric
• Magnetic snap
• Yarn needle

11. Scrap Yarn Tote

Turn leftover yarn into something beautiful! This scrap yarn granny square tote mixes random colors in each square, creating a fun, eclectic bag with no waste. It’s a great eco-friendly project and perfect for practicing different square styles. The final tote has a patchwork quilt look, full of character and charm. Use a denim lining or old fabric scraps to match the upcycled theme. Every bag is one-of-a-kind and filled with crafty personality.

Supplies

• Assorted scrap yarn
• Crochet hook (any compatible size)
• Fabric scraps for lining
• Old belts or handles
• Scissors and needle

12. Granny Square Backpack Tote

This hybrid design combines the charm of granny squares with the function of a backpack. Arrange 12–16 squares into a box shape and add straps that convert from tote handles to backpack loops. Use strong yarn and reinforce with a thick lining. A drawstring or flap closure makes it secure. This hands-free option is perfect for bike rides, day trips, or busy errands. Add buttons or appliqués for extra flair. It’s a unique twist on the traditional tote and super fun to wear.

Supplies

• Durable yarn (cotton or blend)
• Crochet hook (5–5.5 mm)
• Adjustable straps or D-rings
• Lining fabric
• Drawstring or flap hardware