Crochet Felted Granny Tote Pattern

Crochet enthusiasts will love the versatility and charm of the Crochet Felted Granny Tote. With its patchwork style and sturdy structure, this tote bag is perfect for daily use. It’s not only a functional accessory but also a creative project that allows you to explore beautiful color combinations and crochet techniques, particularly the playful puff stitch.

About the Bag

This Crochet Felted Granny Tote is designed as a patchwork bag made from granny squares. The unique felting process creates a sturdy and textured finish, making this tote perfect for carrying everyday essentials or crafting supplies. The beauty of this project lies not only in its functionality but also in its aesthetic appeal—each tote becomes a unique work of art through random color combinations.

Before you begin, familiarize yourself with the materials and techniques used in this pattern:

this Pattern

Materials

Yarn

• RED HEART® “Eco-Ways™ Bamboo Wool™”:
  • 3 balls each of:
    • 3365 Cocoa
    • 3650 Dill
    • 3920 Cayenne
    • 3845 Twilight
  • 2 balls of:
    • 3116 Ivory

Crochet Hook

• 6.5mm [US K-10.5]

Notions

• Yarn needle (for weaving in ends / sewing)

Crochet Abbreviations

• Beg PS (Beginning Puff Stitch) = Ch 2, [yo and draw up a long loop, yo and draw through 2 loops] twice all in space indicated, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

• PS (Puff Stitch) = [Yo and draw up a long loop, yo and draw through 2 lps] 3 times all in st or space indicated, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

Pattern Notes

• This pattern requires the creation of 12 granny squares with random color combinations, making it a fun and enjoyable project.
• The bag is constructed through rounds of puff stitches and embellished with a strap made of single crochet stitches.

SQUARE (Make 12)

“Make 12 in random color combinations never using Ivory in the last 2 rounds.”

Setup

With first color: ch 4
Join with a slip stitch in 4th ch from hook to form a ring.

Rnd 1

• Beg PS in ring,
• ch 1, [PS in ring, ch 1] 7 times
• Join with a slip stitch in top of Beg PS — 8 puff sts
• Fasten off

Rnd 2

• Slip stitch to next ch-1 space
• (Beg PS, ch 1, PS, ch 1) all in next ch-1 space
• * [PS, ch 1] twice all in next ch-1 space
• Repeat from * around
• Join with a slip stitch in top of Beg PS — 16 puff sts
• Fasten off

Rnd 3

• Join 2nd color in any ch-1 space
• (Beg PS, ch 4, PS) all in same space
• * ch 1, [PS in next ch-1 space, ch 1] 3 times
• Repeat from * around, end at **
• (PS, ch 4, PS) all in next ch-1 space for corner
• Join — 20 puff sts
• Fasten off

Rnds 4 and 5

• Join next color in any corner ch-4 space
• (Beg PS, ch 4, PS) all in same space
• * ch 1, PS in next ch-1 space
• Repeat from * to next corner
• ch 1 **,
• (PS, ch 4, PS) all in corner ch-4 space
• Repeat from * around, end at **; join
• Fasten off

Rnd 6

• Join last color in any corner ch-4 space
• (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) all in same space
• * 3 dc in next ch-1 space
• Repeat from * to next corner **
• (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) all in corner ch-4 space
• Repeat from * around, end at **
• Join with a slip stitch in top of ch-3

Rnd 7

• Ch 3
• * dc in each st to corner **,
• (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) all in corner ch-3 space
• Repeat from * around, end at **
• Join
• Fasten off
• Weave in ends

STRAP (Make 2)

With Cocoa, leaving a long tail for sewing: ch 96

Row 1

• Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, turn — 95 sc

Rows 2-5

• Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn
• Fasten off at end of Row 5, leaving a long tail for sewing

Finishing

With Ivory and right sides of squares together, slip stitch squares in a 3 x 4 rectangle. Fold in half and slip stitch sides together. Sew ends of straps to the top opening of the bag at seams on each side of center top square.

Felting (Technical Notes + Instructions)

“Felting is not an exact science due to the many different variables; however, approximately 30% of the dimensions may be lost in the felting process.”

Felting process

1. Place bag and 1 or 2 bath towels in the washing machine in the smallest load with hottest water setting and a small amount of liquid detergent through two wash cycles.
2. Do not use fabric softener.
3. Remove the bag and check the amount of felting during this process.
4. Two or more wash cycles may be needed before you are satisfied with the effect.
5. One or two tablespoons of baking soda in the wash may speed the process — check frequently.
6. Repeat until pieces are felted and bag is the desired size.
7. Rinse in cool water to stop the felting process and to remove the soap.
8. Pull bag into shape and allow to dry away from the sun or heat for a day or two.
9. “Felting may cause a certain amount of pilling which is easily removed by brushing briskly with a hard nylon brush.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What crochet hook is used for this pattern?

The pattern uses a 6.5mm [US K-10.5] crochet hook.

Is this project worked in rows or rounds?

The main components, the granny squares, are constructed in rounds.

How many squares are needed for this bag?

You will need to create 12 granny squares in total.

Does this crochet project require assembly?

Yes, the squares need to be joined together to form the bag before attaching the straps.

How is the bag felted?

The bag is felted through a washing machine process that involves water, detergent, and possibly baking soda to achieve the desired texture.

Conclusion

The Crochet Felted Granny Tote pattern provides a delightful challenge for crocheters looking to create a unique and functional accessory. Each square’s distinct color combination contributes to a beautiful overall design that reflects individual creativity. Through simple stitches and techniques, you can create a bag that surely stands out, along with the added texture and durability that felting offers. Happy crocheting!