Little granny square sling bag with a long chain strap

• LevelIntermediate
• Time4-6 hours
• Hook4.5 mm
• YarnWorsted

About This Pattern

On the desk

Stitch shorthand

• puff — puff stitch

Little granny square sling bag with a long chain strap

Main Pattern

1. Round 1(16)

   Make a slip knot with blue yarn. Chain 5, slip stitch to the first chain to form a circle. Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet). Make 15 double crochets into the circle (16 in total).Slip stitch to the top of beginning chain 3 to join. Chain 1 and cut the yarn.

2. Round 2(16)

   Attach a new color to any chain space. Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch). Make a puff stitch in the same space: Yarn over, pull up a loop three times. Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops. Chain 1 to lock. Make puff stitches in the remaining 15 spaces.Slip stitch to the top of the first puff stitch to join. Chain 1 and cut the yarn.

3. Round 3(16)

   Attach a new color between any two puff stitches. Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet). In the same space, make 3 more double crochets—leaving last loop of each on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops to form a cluster. Chain 2. Repeat cluster stitch in each of the remaining 15 spaces.Slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3 to join. Chain 1 and cut the yarn.

4. Round 4

   Attach a new color to any 2-chain space. Chain 4 (counts as 1 triple crochet). Make 2 more triple crochets in the same space. In next space: 3 double crochets. In next space: 3 half double crochets. In next space: 3 double crochets. In corner space: 3 triple crochets, chain 2, 3 triple crochets. Repeat this pattern around. End with 3 triple crochets in the last corner.Chain 2 and slip stitch to the top of beginning chain 4. Chain 1 and cut the yarn.

More shots

Where it goes

• A crossbody bag for a farmers market run, sized to hold a phone, cash, and keys.
• A colorful accent piece to carry with a plain denim jacket or a solid-color dress.
• A small gift for a crochet-loving friend who likes accessories with real texture.
• A display piece hung on a hook by the entryway, adding color to a plain wall.

Color ideas

• Sunset fade Start the center round in a warm coral, shift to orange for the middle rounds, and finish the outer round in a deep plum, with the handle chained in the plum for contrast.
• Cool contrast Work the innermost round in bright teal, the next rounds in a soft sky blue, and the final outer round in white, keeping the handle in teal to tie back to the center.

Care

Since this is acrylic yarn, hand wash in cool water with a mild soap, and skip the wringing—acrylic holds its shape better when you just press out excess water.

Lay the bag flat on a towel to air dry rather than hanging it, so the puff and cluster stitches don't stretch out of shape under wet weight.

Store it flat or gently stuffed with tissue paper rather than folded, which keeps the round shape and textured stitches from creasing over time.

Assembly

1. Step 1 Make two granny squares.
2. Step 2 With wrong sides facing, sew three sides together using a running stitch.
3. Step 3 Turn the bag right side out.
4. Step 4 Handle: Using two strands of yarn, chain 100 (or desired length).
5. Step 5 Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.
6. Step 6 Sew each end of the chain to the top corners of the bag.
7. Step 7 Weave in all ends securely.

Easy to get wrong

Between the songs

• The satisfaction here is in the texture play—puff stitches and cluster stitches worked into the same rounds so the surface has real dimension, not just flat color blocks. Watching the circle grow round by round with a fresh color each time keeps the work from ever feeling repetitive. Then there's the strap: a long double-strand chain that turns into something sturdy enough to wear crossbody, which feels like a nice payoff after all that careful round-building. It's a project that rewards a beginner willing to slow down on the puff stitches, and gives an experienced crocheter a fast, colorful win. Four yarn colors means you get to make real design decisions as you go, not just follow a single palette. By the end you've practiced circular shaping, textured stitchwork, and simple assembly, all in one small, wearable piece.

Listener questions

• Can I use a different hook size than 4.5 mm?

  You can, but your gauge and finished bag size will shift with any change. A smaller hook gives a tighter, smaller bag, while a larger one loosens the stitches and grows the piece.

• How many yarn colors do I actually need?

  The pattern is built around four colors, one per major color change through the rounds. You can use fewer if you repeat a color, but four keeps that layered look intact.

• What if I want a shorter strap?

  The handle chain length is flexible, so chain to your preferred length instead of the full amount listed. Just make sure both ends still reach the top corners comfortably before sewing them on.

• Is this a good pattern for a beginner?

  Yes, as long as you're comfortable with basic double crochet and are willing to practice puff and cluster stitches. The rounds are worked in a clear circle shape, which makes it easier to track your place.

• Do I need to block the finished piece?

  Acrylic yarn doesn't block the same way natural fibers do, so a light steam or hand-shaping while damp is usually enough. Focus on smoothing the rounds flat rather than aggressive blocking.

Original pattern: https://crocheteverything.com/chic-style-crochet-mini-granny-square-sling-bag-tutorial/

About the Author

Marisol QuinteroWho runs Crochet Obsessed, why a stitch count sits at the end of every round, how a pattern gets written here, and the things this site will never do.