Nine heart granny squares arranged in a three-by-three grid become a structured tote with hearts on every visible surface.
The heart motif is the same dimensional design used in the heart drawstring pouch—treble crochets building the upper curves, a chain-1 marking the bottom point, and graduated stitch heights smoothing the heart shape into a perfect square. Each square features a heart in variegated pink and coral, framed by a cream border.
The assembly uses a slip stitch join method that leaves only a few ends to weave in. The strap is worked in single crochet rounds around the top opening, building thickness with every pass. No separate strap pieces to sew on.
Why You'll Love This Crochet Tote
The three-by-three layout creates a bag with genuine structure.
Three squares form the front, three form the back, and three form the sides and base. The layout folds at specific seams to create a flat, rectangular bottom that sits squarely on a table.
The heart motif uses the same technique as the smaller pouch version.
If you've made the heart drawstring pouch, you already know the heart construction. The squares are simply larger, with an extra background round to match the tote's proportions.
The assembly is systematic and satisfying.
Layout, join vertical seams, join horizontal seams, fold, join remaining edges. The process follows a clear sequence, and the slip stitch join creates visible grid lines that add to the geometric design.
The tote is fully reversible. Both sides feature hearts, and the slip stitch joins look tidy from both the front and back. There's no wrong side to accidentally display.
Materials Needed
- Approximately 200 grams of worsted weight (#4) yarn in background color (cream)
- 50 grams in heart color (variegated pink/coral)
- 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
Red Heart Super Saver in White and Caron Big Cakes in Toffee Brickle (for hearts) are the yarns shown. The variegated heart yarn creates hearts with subtle color variations, each square slightly different from the next.
Cotton or cotton blends are recommended for bags. The tote will hold weight, and cotton's lack of stretch keeps the bag from sagging. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton works beautifully.
Best Yarn Choices for a Heart Tote
Cotton provides the structure a tote needs.
The bag will carry keys, wallet, phone, and possibly a small water bottle. Cotton holds its shape under that weight. Acrylic will stretch over time and the bag will grow.
The heart color should contrast clearly against the background. Variegated pink on cream creates visible hearts. Solid red, burgundy, or deep pink also work. Dark hearts on a light background read best.
For a more polished tote, mercerized cotton adds a subtle sheen. The hearts look more defined, and the fabric has a cleaner finish.
Gauge, Size Guide & Must-Have Tools
With worsted weight yarn and a 5.0 mm hook, each square measures approximately 5 inches.
Finished dimensions:
- Each square: about 5 x 5 inches
- Assembled tote: about 15 inches wide x 15 inches tall with strap
For a smaller tote, reduce the number of background rounds per square. For a larger tote, add a round.
Must-have tools:
- 5.0 mm hook: Standard worsted weight hook.
- Tapestry needle: For weaving ends.
Pattern Notes & Tips Before You Start
Make all 9 heart squares before beginning assembly. Weave in ends on each square individually—it's much easier than weaving ends on an assembled bag.
The heart construction uses treble crochets for the top lobes and a chain-1 for the bottom point. The stitches mirror on either side of the bottom chain-1. Place a marker at the chain-1 so you always know where the mirror line is.
The background square around the heart uses graduated stitch heights (sc, hdc, dc, tr) to fill the curved heart edges and create straight sides. This is the most complex round. Work slowly.
Assembly uses the same slip stitch join method as the daisy tote. Work through the outer loops of both squares for a flat seam.
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.
- hdc – half double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all three.
- 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 Heart Granny Square Tote
Heart Granny Square (Make 9)
Follow the heart square pattern from the heart drawstring pouch, adding one extra background round for the larger tote dimensions. Each square should have 5 rounds total: 2 heart rounds, 3 background rounds.
Fasten off. Weave in all ends on each square.
Assembly
Arrange the 9 squares in a 3-by-3 grid. Join vertical seams first, then horizontal seams. Use the slip stitch join method, working through the outer loops of both squares. Chain 1 at corners when transitioning between squares.
Strap
Attach yarn at a top corner space. Work sc around the entire top opening, chaining 60 across each side gap to create the strap opening. Work 3 rounds of sc around the entire opening and chains. Work additional sc rounds on the underside of the straps.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Easy Variations & Custom Ideas
Alternating hearts and solids: Use 5 heart squares and 4 plain squares in a checkerboard pattern.
Crossbody strap: Lengthen the strap chains to 120 for crossbody wear.
Lined interior: Add a fabric liner for extra security with small items.
Pocket: Sew an additional heart square to the inside as a pocket.
Common Troubleshooting and Fixes
Hearts aren't centered in squares: Count your stitches carefully on the background rounds. The heart should be centered with equal stitches on all sides.
Squares are different sizes: Block all squares before assembly. Gauge consistency matters more with 9 squares than with smaller projects.
Straps stretch: Add an extra round of sc for thicker, more supportive straps.
Bag bottom isn't flat: Check the folding and seaming sequence. The three bottom squares should form a flat rectangle.
Final Thoughts
A heart tote carries more than your belongings.
It carries the hours you spent on each square, the care you put into each seam, and the pride of making something genuinely beautiful and useful. Every time someone compliments it—and they will—you get to say you made it.
Make one in your favorite heart colors and use it everywhere.
Tag me if you post yours. Heart totes make my feed brighter.
