by A crochet Sunburst Granny Square bag is a beautiful and vibrant project that takes the classic granny square to the next level with a stunning, textured center! This style of bag is eye-catching and perfect for a bohemian or summery look.
Given that you’re in Phnom Penh, where it’s generally warm, 100% cotton yarn or a sturdy cotton blend is an excellent choice for your bag. Cotton is durable, holds its shape well (important for a bag), has great stitch definition, and is breathable. It’s also easy to wash, which is practical for a bag that will see a lot of use.
How to Crochet a Sunburst Granny Square Bag: A Detailed Guide
This tutorial will guide you through creating a versatile, medium-sized tote bag using individual Sunburst Granny Squares. You can easily adjust the size by changing the number of rounds in your squares, or by making more or fewer squares.
1. Essential Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn:
- Worsted Weight (Aran / Medium / Category 4) yarn is ideal for a sturdy bag.
- Colors: The Sunburst Granny Square thrives on color! You’ll need at least 3-4 colors per square (e.g., one for the center puff, one for the shell round, one for the double crochet round, and one for the outer round). You’ll also need a joining color (this can be one of your square colors or a contrasting one).
- Quantity: Approximately 250-400g total yarn for a medium-sized bag, depending on square size, number of squares, and bag dimensions. This is an excellent project for using up yarn scraps!
- Crochet Hook:
- A 4.5mm (US 7) or 5.0mm (US H/8) hook. Choose a hook size that creates a fairly dense and firm fabric for your squares. This will help your bag hold its shape well and not be too flimsy.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Absolutely essential for weaving in ends (and there will be many!) and seaming the squares together.
- Stitch Markers (Optional but helpful): To mark the beginning of rounds or corners when making your squares.
2. Basic Crochet Stitches You’ll Use
This project uses a few more textured stitches than a classic granny square but is still very beginner-friendly.
- Magic Ring (MR) / Adjustable Ring: (Highly Recommended!) Creates a tight, hole-free center for your first round. Alternatively, you can
ch 4, then sl st to joininto the first chain to form a ring. - Chain (ch): Used for foundation, spacing, and forming corner spaces.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining rounds.
- Double Crochet (dc): A basic tall stitch.
- Puff Stitch: A textured stitch where you pull up multiple loops from the same stitch/space before closing them all together.
- 3-dc Shell: (3 dc in same space).
- Working in Rounds: You’ll build each square in circles from the center out.
- Fasten Off: Securely ending your work.
- Weaving in Ends: Hiding yarn tails for a neat and professional finish.
Crochet Sunburst Granny Square Bag Pattern (Medium Tote Style)
This pattern typically uses 13 Sunburst Granny Squares for a basic tote:
- 9 squares for the main body (3×3 grid).
- 4 squares (or longer strips of crochet) for the handles.
We’ll make 4-round Sunburst Granny Squares. Each round will likely use a new color, contributing to the “sunburst” effect.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- MR: Magic Ring
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- dc: double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- Puff St: Puff Stitch (yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop – repeat 3 times in same stitch, 7 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through all 7 loops, ch 1 to close).
(...): work stitches into the same stitch or space[...]: repeat instructions in brackets- FO: Fasten off
Part 1: Making the Sunburst Granny Squares (Make 13 total)
Each square will have 4 rounds, typically with a color change for each round. Weave in ends as you go, as there will be many!
- Round 1 (Puff Stitches – Color 1):
- With Color 1, create a MR.
- Work 8 Puff Stitches into the MR, separating each Puff Stitch with a ch 1.
- Join with a sl st to the top of the first Puff St. (8 Puff Sts, 8 ch-1 spaces)
- Fasten off Color 1. (Remember to weave in this end immediately!)
- Round 2 (Shell Stitches – Color 2):
- Join Color 2 with a sl st into any ch-1 space from Round 1.
- Ch 2 (does not count as st). Work (3 dc) into the same ch-1 space.
- Work (3 dc) into each ch-1 space around.
- Join with a sl st to the top of the first dc. (8 x 3-dc shells)
- Fasten off Color 2. (Weave in end!)
- Round 3 (Adding Corners – Color 3):
- Join Color 3 with a sl st into the space between any two 3-dc shells from Round 2.
- Ch 2 (does not count as st). Work (3 dc) into the same space.
*In the next space between shells, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) (this is your corner).- In the next space between shells, work (3 dc).
* - Repeat from
*to*2 more times. - In the last space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) (the final corner).
- Join with a sl st to the top of the first dc. (8 x 3-dc shells, 4 ch-2 corners)
- Fasten off Color 3. (Weave in end!)
- You now have a square shape defined by 4 corners.
- Round 4 (Final Square Round – Color 4):
- Join Color 4 with a sl st into any ch-2 corner space from Round 3.
- Ch 2 (does not count as st). Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the same ch-2 corner space.
*Ch 1. Work 3 dc into the next ch-1 space (between 3-dc shells from previous round).- Ch 1. Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the next ch-2 corner space.
* - Repeat from
*to*2 more times. - Ch 1. Work 3 dc into the last ch-1 space. Ch 1.
- Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning dc.
- Fasten off Color 4. (Weave in end!)
Part 2: Assembling the Bag Body (9 Squares)
You’ll use 9 squares to form the main body of the bag. The single crochet (sc) join or slip stitch (sl st) join using your hook are popular for a visible seam, or a whip stitch with your yarn needle for a flatter, less visible seam. Use your joining color for all seams.
Bag Layout (Front/Back/Bottom):
Arrange 9 squares in a 3×3 grid:
[ Sq 1 ] [ Sq 2 ] [ Sq 3 ] <-- Top Row (One side of the bag)
[ Sq 4 ] [ Sq 5 ] [ Sq 6 ] <-- Middle Row (The bottom of the bag)
[ Sq 7 ] [ Sq 8 ] [ Sq 9 ] <-- Bottom Row (The other side of the bag)
Step-by-Step Joining:
- Join the Rows:
- Join Sq 1 to Sq 2: Place Sq 1 and Sq 2 with their wrong sides together. Insert your hook through both loops of the corresponding stitches on both squares (or into the chain spaces). Use your chosen joining method (e.g.,
sl stacross the edge, orscacross the edge, through both layers). - Join Sq 2 to Sq 3: Repeat the joining process to attach Sq 2 to Sq 3 along one edge.
- You now have a strip of 3 squares (Row 1). Fasten off your joining yarn and weave in ends neatly after each seam.
- Repeat this process to create Row 2 (Sq 4, Sq 5, Sq 6) and Row 3 (Sq 7, Sq 8, Sq 9).
- Join Sq 1 to Sq 2: Place Sq 1 and Sq 2 with their wrong sides together. Insert your hook through both loops of the corresponding stitches on both squares (or into the chain spaces). Use your chosen joining method (e.g.,
- Join the Columns:
- Now, join Row 1 to Row 2 along the long edge. Align Sq 1 with Sq 4, Sq 2 with Sq 5, and Sq 3 with Sq 6. Join across the entire length.
- Repeat to join Row 2 to Row 3.
- You now have a large flat piece of 9 joined squares. This will be the main body of your bag.
- Form the Bag Shape (Side Seams):
- Fold your 3×3 grid in half, so that Row 1 aligns with Row 3. Row 2 will form the bottom of the bag.
- Join the side edges: Using your joining method, join the side edge of Sq 1 to Sq 7.
- Repeat on the other side: Join the side edge of Sq 3 to Sq 9.
- You now have a 3D bag shape with an open top.
Part 3: Adding the Top Edging and Handles (Remaining 4 Squares or Crocheted Strips)
You can use the remaining 4 granny squares to form the handles, or you can crochet simple strips for handles. Crocheted strips are often more comfortable and adjustable.
Option A: Crocheted Strip Handles (Recommended for beginners)
- Top Edging (Optional but Recommended):
- Join your joining color yarn with a
sl stto any stitch along the top opening of your bag. - Ch 1. Work 1 sc evenly around the entire top opening of the bag. Aim for 1 sc per stitch or into chain-1 spaces, and 2-3 sc in corners of the squares for a neat transition. This creates a solid base for your handles.
- Join with a
sl stto the first sc. - Repeat this
scround for 1-2 more rounds for a sturdier top edge.
- Join your joining color yarn with a
- Make 2 Handles:
- With your joining color (or a new accent color), ch 50-70 (adjust for desired handle length and arm drop).
- Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch back down the chain.
- Row 2-3 (for wider/sturdier handle): Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches / 30 cm) on both ends for sewing.
- Repeat to make the second handle.
- Attach Handles:
- Lay your bag flat. Determine where you want your handles to be (e.g., centered over the middle top square, or slightly wider).
- Using your yarn needle and the long tails, securely sew each end of one handle to the inside of the bag’s top opening. Stitch through multiple layers of stitches for durability.
- Repeat for the second handle on the opposite side of the bag.
- Weave in all remaining tails very securely.
Option B: Sunburst Granny Square Handles (More complex joining)
- You’d make 4 more Sunburst Granny Squares.
- Join 2 squares side-by-side to form a rectangle for one handle. Repeat for the second handle.
- Then, you’d carefully join the ends of these handle rectangles to the top opening of your bag. This method can sometimes result in bulkier handles but offers a very cohesive look.
4. Finishing Your Sunburst Granny Square Bag
- Weave in ALL Remaining Ends NEATLY: This is the most crucial step for a polished and durable bag. Given the multiple color changes in Sunburst squares, you’ll have many ends. Use your yarn needle to carefully weave in every single yarn tail securely. Go back and forth through stitches several times to ensure they’re hidden and won’t unravel.
- Blocking (Optional but Recommended): Blocking can significantly improve the shape and drape of your bag.
- Gently wet the entire bag (you can dunk it in cool water).
- Stuff the bag lightly with towels or plastic bags to help it hold its intended square shape. You can also pin it to shape on a blocking mat.
- Allow it to air dry completely. Blocking helps to even out your stitches and gives the bag a more professional, finished appearance.
5. Tips for a Charming & Durable Sunburst Granny Square Bag
- Yarn Choice & Hook Size: For a truly sturdy bag that will hold its shape, use cotton or a cotton blend, and a hook on the smaller side of the recommended range for your yarn. A tighter gauge will prevent stretching and sagging.
- Consistent Tension: Maintain even tension throughout both your Sunburst squares and your joining seams. This ensures your bag is symmetrical and looks neat.
- Seaming Method: While single crochet join is durable, for Sunburst squares, a slip stitch join or whip stitch often creates a less obtrusive seam, allowing the square’s texture to shine.
- Personalize It:
- Color Play: Experiment with different color combinations for each round of your squares. Think about analogous colors, complementary colors, or even a rainbow effect.
- Lining (Advanced): For a truly professional and more durable bag (especially for small items that might slip through stitches), consider sewing a fabric lining inside. This requires basic sewing skills.
- Pockets: Crochet a separate flat rectangle and sew it to the inside of the bag for an interior pocket.
- Closure: Add a button and loop, or a magnetic snap closure to the top opening for security.
You’re now ready to crochet a fantastic Sunburst Granny Square bag! It’s a project that brings a lot of joy, both in the making and in the using. Happy crocheting!
