Thirteen granny squares arranged in a specific layout become a fully structured tote bag.
The layout is the clever part: columns of four, three, and four squares form the front, base, and back of the bag in one connected piece. Two additional squares become the side panels. The result is a boxy, structured tote with flat sides and a flat base—no sagging, no awkward folding.
Each square features a raised daisy motif at the center. The flower uses treble crochet petals worked into front loops, with the background square built outward from the petal foundations. The two-color contrast—cream flowers on colored backgrounds—makes the daisies visible from across a room.
The slip stitch join method leaves only two loose ends to weave in after assembling all thirteen squares. For a project with this many pieces, that's remarkably tidy.
Why You'll Love This Crochet Tote
The 13-square layout creates a genuinely functional bag shape.
Not all granny square totes have flat bottoms. Many are just two panels sewn together, which means the base bunches when you set the bag down. This layout folds along specific seams to create a flat rectangular base that sits squarely on a table.
The daisy motif is worked in two rounds per flower.
Round 1 is the yellow center. Round 2 creates eight petals using treble crochets worked into front loops only. The petals are dimensional—they pop forward from the fabric because they're anchored only at the center and tips.
The slip stitch join method is both functional and decorative.
Working through the outer loops of both squares creates a visible seam that reads as an intentional design element. The cream join yarn against the colored squares creates a grid pattern that adds to the geometric aesthetic.
The strap is worked in continuous rounds around the top opening. No attaching separate straps. No sewing. The single crochet rounds build thickness and strength with every pass.
Materials Needed
- 215 grams of worsted weight (#4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn in three colors: base (cream), petals (white/cream), centers (yellow)
- 4.5 mm (7) crochet hook
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
Re-Up recycled cotton in Mineral Springs and Surf Spray, plus Big Twist Favorite Cotton in Cream are the colors shown. Re-Up is about $3.99 per 130-yard ball. You'll need roughly two balls of the main colors.
Cotton or cotton blends are recommended for bags. The fiber's natural lack of stretch means the tote won't sag under weight. Acrylic will work but the bag may stretch over time with heavy use.
Best Yarn Choices for a Granny Square Tote
Cotton gives structure. The 13 squares need to hold their shape when joined, and cotton's stiffness supports the boxy construction better than acrylic.
Cotton blends offer a middle ground. Big Twist Favorite Cotton (cotton-acrylic blend, $4.99 per skein at Joann) is softer on hands while still providing good structure.
For a more polished look, mercerized cotton like Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton ($4.99 per 186 yards) gives the daisy petals a subtle sheen.
Two contrasting colors for the flowers plus a neutral background create the clearest daisy effect. Cream flowers on sage green or mineral blue read best. For more on color selection, see my beginner yarn guide.
Gauge, Size Guide & Must-Have Tools
With worsted weight cotton and a 4.5 mm hook, each square measures approximately 4.1 inches.
Finished dimensions:
- Each square: about 4.1 x 4.1 inches
- Bag body: about 11 x 11 inches
- Strap height: about 13.8 inches
For a larger bag, add rounds to each square. Each additional round adds roughly 0.8 inches per side. For a smaller bag, stop squares earlier.
Must-have tools:
- 4.5 mm hook: Smooth finish for easy slip stitching.
- Tapestry needle: For weaving ends.
Pattern Notes & Tips Before You Start
Make all 13 squares before beginning assembly. Eleven squares can have their yarn cut. Two squares should have the yarn left attached—these will be used strategically during assembly to minimize the number of ends.
Weave in all loose ends on the individual squares before joining. It's significantly easier to weave ends on a single square than on an assembled bag.
The slip stitch join uses the outer loops only. Hold squares with right sides together (or right sides up, depending on preference). Slip stitch through the back loop of the front square and the front loop of the back square. This creates a flat, tidy seam.
Chain 1 at every transition between squares. This maintains a consistent gap at the corners and prevents puckering.
Abbreviations Explained
- ch – chain: Yarn over, pull through loop.
- ch-sp – chain space: The gap under a chain.
- dc – double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, (yarn over, pull through two loops) twice.
- flo – front loop only: Insert hook under only the front loop.
- rep – repeat: Work the instruction set again.
- sc – single crochet: Insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both.
- sl st – slip stitch: Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop.
- tr – treble crochet: Yarn over twice, insert hook, pull up loop, (yarn over, pull through two loops) three times.
Step-by-Step Daisy Granny Square Tote
Daisy Granny Square (Make 13)
Foundation: With yellow yarn, make a magic ring.
Round 1: Chain 2. Work 8 dc into the ring. Slip stitch. Switch to petal color. (8 stitches)
Round 2a (Petals): (Chain 3. Tr, ch 3, sl st) in the front loop only of the next stitch. Repeat around for 8 petals. Fasten off.
Round 2b (Background): Attach background color to any back loop from round 1. Chain 5 (counts as dc, ch 2). (Dc in next back loop, ch 2) repeat around. Slip stitch to 3rd chain of starting chain-5. (8 dc, 8 ch-2 spaces)
Round 3: Chain 2. Work 4 dc in each chain-2 space around. Slip stitch. (32 stitches)
Round 4: (Chain 2, dc2 in next stitch, hdc, sc in next 4 stitches, hdc, dc2 in next stitch) 4 times. Chain 2. Slip stitch. (40 stitches)
Round 5: Chain 2. Dc2 in space below. Dc in each of next 10 stitches. (Dc2, ch 2, dc2) in corner space. Repeat around, ending with (dc2, ch 2) in the last space. Slip stitch. (56 stitches)
Fasten off 11 squares. Leave yarn attached on 2 squares.
Assembly
Lay out squares in the diagram arrangement: column of 4, row of 3, column of 4. The center square of the row of 3 should have yarn attached.
Using the slip stitch join method, connect all squares along their touching edges. Chain 1 when moving to a new set of squares.
Fold the bag along the center square. Stitch the bottom edges. Add the side squares, connecting two edges each. Fold and connect the remaining edges.
Strap
Attach yarn to the top right chain space. Work sc around the entire top opening, chaining 60 across the two side gaps to create the strap openings. Work 2–3 more rounds of sc around the entire opening and chains. The sc rounds build strap thickness.
Work additional sc rounds on the underside of the straps for reinforcement.
Finishing
Weave in the two remaining ends. The bag is complete.
Easy Variations & Custom Ideas
Different flower colors: Make daisies in pink, lavender, or yellow for different seasonal looks.
Solid squares on the back: Use plain granny squares for the back panel and reserve flower squares for the front.
Crossbody strap: Lengthen the chain in the strap round to 120 for a crossbody-length strap.
Lined interior: Sew a fabric liner for extra security with small items.
Common Troubleshooting and Fixes
Squares are different sizes: Block all squares to the same dimensions before assembly. Even a quarter-inch difference compounds across multiple squares.
Seams are puckering: Your slip stitch tension may be too tight. Keep slip stitches relaxed.
Bag doesn't sit flat: Check that the base squares are correctly folded and seamed. The bottom should be a flat rectangle.
Straps stretch: Add an extra round of sc to the straps for more reinforcement.
Final Thoughts
A granny square tote is a project that announces itself as handmade in the best possible way.
People recognize granny squares. They associate them with skill and care. Carrying this tote to the market or the beach is a quiet statement: I made this, and it's beautiful.
Make one in colors that make you happy every time you look at it.
Tag me if you post yours. Flower totes always brighten my feed.
