Granny~Stitch~Oversize~Project~Bag – A Free Pattern 🌻

Hello my lovely friends! 💕

Today I wanna show you my new Project-Bag…and tell you all about the making thereof. 😊
I wrote the pattern for it, and hope that (and the pictures) will inspire you to make your own.

Alright – here we go!

What you need:

2 skeins worsted weigh yarn – 5oz./each, 285 yards (you’ll just need a bit off of the 2nd skein)
Crochet Hook, Size I/9 – 5.5mm
1 Pair Purse-Handles
Fabric for Lining

Pattern Notes:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
Ch3 at beginning of round counts as the first stitch.

Pattern:

Front:

Round 1:
Ch 22.
Dc 2 in 4th ch from hook.
*Ch2. Skip 2 ch, dc in next 3ch.
Repeat twice from *
Ch2.
In last ch place [3dc, 3ch, 3dc, 3ch, 3dc] – Corner
Ch2.
Continue on the other side of the starting chain with *3dc, 2ch. Repeat twice from *
In 3rd ch (starting point) place [3dc, 3ch, 3dc, 3ch]

Slipstitch to 3rd ch of first stitch.

Round 2:

Ch3.
Turn. (†)Place [2dc, 3ch, 3dc] in next space.
Ch2. [3dc, 3ch, 3dc] in next space.
Ch2, 3dc in next space – 4 times.
Ch2.
*Place [3dc, 3ch, 3dc] in corner space.
Ch 2.
Repeat from * for other corner.
Continue on with 3dc, 2ch – 4 times.
Slipstitch to 3rd ch of first stitch.

Round 3 and all following rows:

Ch3. Turn.
Repeat from(†) in Round 2.
All corner spaces are made by working [3dc, 3ch, 3dc] in the corner space of the previous row.
All in-between spaces are worked by placing 3dc (separated by 2ch) in the spaces of the previous row.

Please note: The [3dc, 2ch] clusters between the corners increase by 1 in every round)

Work 9 rounds. Fasten off.

Make 2 (Front and Back)

Sides:

Make 4 Granny Squares (4 rounds each)

Bottom:

Ch 18 (or as many ch you need to acquire the width of the ‘Sides Granny Square) + 2
Work in rows of  ‘Linked Double Crochet‘ until you’ve reached the length of the front/back panels. Fasten off.

Assembly

For the Sides stitch or crochet together: 2 Granny Squares/each

Stitch or crochet the 2 Granny Square panels to either (short) side of the front and back panel.

Pin the bottom in place and stitch or crochet around.

Weave in all the ends.

To give it a ‘cleaner, finished’ look, I added 5 rows of linked, double crochet around the top edge.

Lining:

You don’t have to be a seamstress to make the lining – I certainly am not – basic sewing skills will do. But a sewing machine helps.

Fold your fabric in half, and place the assembled bag on top.
Cut around the bag, leaving a 1/2″ – 1″seam allowance all around.

Fold over both top edges (appr. 1/4″) and iron or pin in place. (Remember to fold it toward the ‘back’ of the fabric, since you want the ‘pretty’ side to show inside your bag)

Fire up your sewing machine and stitch the top seam in place.
Stitch close one side of the lining.

*If you want to add an inside pocket, you want to do that now. ⇓

Now – to make sure that the lining fits perfectly inside your bag – pin it to the inside of the bag.

When you get to the opening, mark the spot where the two sides meet.

Take out some pins (enough to pull out the lining and fit under the foot of your sewing machine). Close that side.

*Inside Pocket (optional)

Cut a rectangle from your fabric. Fold over the top, and stitch in place.
Attach the remaining three sides to the lining. You can make separate compartments by sewing one or two quick lines.

Handles

Measure the bottom of the handles, and the width of the front of your bag. Mark the middle portion with pins to make sure your handle sits in the center.
(My front is 19″, the handle is 9″. So I marked 5″ in)

Crochet the handles in place.

I noticed that my bag – if not stuffed full of goodies – sagged a bit at the sides.
I folded in the sides (much better), and added some ties to keep it in place.

Ties

Chain 100.
Attach the chain to the middle of the Granny Square on the side with a slipstitch.
Chain 100. Fasten off. Thread both ends through the top stitch of the side seam.

Repeat on the other side.

Aaaaaaaand …… you’re done!

Do you love your new bag?

If, at any point, you felt like I over-explained things, please do not take offense! 😌
I’ve been ‘burnt’ by many faulty patterns…so now I might be overdoing it, trying to avoid any mistakes.
If you do notice any mistakes anyway, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to tell me/ask. I’m just one quick comment away. 😊

Please let me know what you think! Will you be making one?

One more picture…the first bag I made was a ‘Stashbuster’. That one is mine 😁

Take good care of yourself! 💕 See you next time!