Crochet

Crochet Granny Square Raffia Bag

July 4, 2018
The cover image for the Crochet Granny Square Raffia Bag

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Crochet Granny Square Raffia Bag

As a homage to my first crochet work, I present you with the Crochet Granny Square Raffia Bag pattern!

Inspiration

As my first pattern, I wanted to do something simple. I also wanted to use a material that works well for the summer. This led me to this summer’s hit: raffia! After that, the idea for the bag quickly started to take form.

I ordered my 2 skeins of Wool And The Gang Ra-Ra Raffia and as soon as I got them (which was quicker than expected!! Yay!) I started on my granny squares. It is a bit different using raffia as opposed to cotton yarn since raffia is not as malleable. However, once you get over the fear of ripping it every time you make a stitch – which took me a while – you’ll be on your way!

Picture of Work in Progress of the Crochet Granny Square Raffia Bag with a skein of Ra-Ra Raffia from Wool & the Gang

The Project

I had a very clear picture of the sides of the bag, which are big granny squares, but the strap took me a while to figure out. The idea was to make a bag that would be able to withstand the practicalities of everyday life. Therefore, I tried to think of something that would minimize the points of rupture. That’s why I decided to make the strap as a one-piece that goes around the bag. I also wanted all the stitches to be “faced out” so that it would have a more even look and feel.

Moreover, I decided that I would crochet the pieces together instead of sewing since I don’t trust my sewing stitches as much as I do in my crochet ones. However, this does not mean you have to do them too. In the pattern below I show how I’ve crocheted the pieces together, but feel free to sew them if you prefer. 🙂

One thing that I usually don’t do, but had to face for this project… Blocking. I only heard about blocking a few months ago and I was really clueless about it. Now that I’ve actually done it, I don’t know what all the fuss was about. I steam blocked the pieces and the best part is that Ra-Ra Raffia takes it very well. It won’t melt or start disintegrating or anything! Just give it a little steam, let it dry and that’s it.

Let’s get to it!

Model holding the Crochet Granny Square Raffia Bag

I’d love to know what you like about this design. Is it the giant granny squares? Is it the raffia? 🙂 Let me know in the comments below so I can make more designs for YOU!

Pattern

Description

Enjoy the summer out while making this easy crochet granny square raffia bag! The material is fun to work with and a perfect companion for higher temperatures. The finished project is sure to become your new go-to bag for all your beach outings.

Skill Level

  • Easy

Have in Hand

Gauge

  • Panel: [3 dc, ch 1] 4 times: 16 sts x 8 rows: 4”/10 cm
  • Strap (around the body): 10 dc:  4 ‘’/10 cm

Finished Measures

  • Panel: 13’’/33 cm square
  • Strap (around the body): 38’’/96.5 cm

Abbreviations (US Terms)

  • ch: chain
  • ch-# sp: chain-# space
  • dc:  double crochet
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • st(s): stitch(es)

Notes

  • The bag is worked by making 2 square panels and a strap. The strap is made in the round. Panels are crocheted to the strap leaving just one side open.
  • The strap is sized to be used as a crossbody bag. You can adapt this measure according to how you wish to wear the bag. In order to do that, consider that you will need to crochet 3 times the number of stitches of the side of the panel (in this case 3*53 = 159 sts) to go around the bag, plus the number of stitches to make the strap that will go around your body or shoulder (in this case, 95 sts). Take notice that raffia stretches, so the part of the strap that goes around your body will stretch a lot more than the one that goes around the bag.
  • Make your stitches around the chain space sts. Don’t insert your hook into the stitches.
  • The first ch 2 count as a dc.
  • Join with a sl st in the 2nd st of the beginning chain that counts as a dc.
  • Before assembly, block your pieces! It is important that the two side panels have close measures, even if they are not exactly the same.
  • The pattern explains how to crochet together the pieces of the bag. If you prefer, you can opt to sew them together using the mattress stitch or the whip stitch.

Crochet Granny Square Raffia Bag

Panel (make 2)

Ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.

Round 1: ch 2, 2 dc into ring, ch 2, [3 dc, 2 ch] 3 times, join with sl st into the 2nd chain of beginning ch 2 (the one that counted as a dc). <20>

Step by step on how to start the granny square

Round 2: ch 3 (counts as dc + ch 1), [(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp,ch 1] 3 times, (3 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, join with sl st into the 2nd ch of beginning ch 3. <36>

Step by step on how to make round 2 of the granny square

Round 3: ch 2, 2 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, [3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 cp, ch 1] 3 times, join with sl st. <52>

Round 4: ch 3, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, [(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1] 3 times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, 2 dc, join with sl st. <68>

Round 5: ch 2, 2 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, [(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1] 3 times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, join with sl st. <84>

Round 6-13: Repeat Rounds 4 and 5, 4 more times, increasing 16 sts in each round. Round 13 will have 39 dc + 14 ch per side. <212>

Strap

Ch 254, join with sl st to form a ring. 

Before you join, make sure your chain is not twisted!

Round 1: ch 2, dc in 3rdch from hook and in each chain across, join with sl st into the 2nd chain of beginning ch 2. <254>

Round 2:Repeat Round 1. Fasten off and weave in ends. 

Assembly

Use stitch markers to know where your stitches are going to go. Mark where the corners of the bag will be in the strap. Mark also some stitches along the panel, ex every 30 stitches. Make sure to leave one side of the bag unmarked, which is where the opening will be.

The panel’s right side should be facing down and the strap’s right side facing you. Align the first panel with the strap, so that your markers coincide. Starting from the top right corner of the panel) from the second chain in the granny square corner) sl st along the panel. To do this make a slip knot. With the slip knot on your needle, sl st through the back loops of both the panel and the strap. If this is sounding really complicated, check this short video from Blitsy Crafts. It is super helpful and clear. 🙂

Step by step on how to slip stitch the panel and the strap

Keep sl st until you close three sides of the bag. Fasten off and weave in ends.

For the second panel, you will place it on top of the other (right side facing up) and once again align the markers. Starting from the top right, sl st through the back loops along the panel until you close three sides. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Detail of the side of the bag

Go show off your new bag!

The image made for Pinterest of the crochet granny square raffia bag

I’d really like to know what you think of the written pattern. Was it clear enough? What do you think I could improve to make it easier for you to make this pattern? Tell me in the comments below so that I can write patterns that you can follow easily!

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17 Comments

  • Reply Granny Square Bags - Free Crochet Pattern Round Up - The Purple Poncho July 16, 2021 at 2:42 am

    […] Crochet Granny Square Raffia Bag: One large granny square made in raffia yarn make this bag by Fluffy Stitches a very sturdy […]

  • Reply Julie Lim May 20, 2021 at 4:13 am

    Hello! Love the pattern but am stuck even at Rd 2. What’do you mean by” In ch2 sp” with this? [(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp,ch 1] 3 .times. Actually would appreciate if you could break down instructions for Rd 2. Thanks!

    • Reply Susana May 21, 2021 at 12:37 pm

      Hi Julie,
      Thank you for your comment. I will try to explain it better. 🙂
      The instruction “In ch2 sp” means that you will make the stitches around the chain 2. So if I break down the instruction “(3dc, ch 2, 3dc) in ch-2 sp” this means that you will make 3 double crochet around the 2 chains from the row below, then make 2 chains, and then another 3 double crochet around the 2 chains from the row below. If you look at the set of photos below the pattern for Round 2, this step corresponds to the 2nd to 4th photos in the first row.
      So, if I take the whole instruction “(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1” this will make the corner of the square and the ch 1 at the end is the chain that will connect to the next corner. You will do this instruction 3 times and it will make 3 corners of the granny square.
      Then, you’ll make another corner, but with just 2 double crochet at the end, because you already have the chains you did at the beginning which count as a double crochet and the chain that connects to the next corner. This last part is what you see in the 3 photos of the bottom row of the same set I mentioned above.
      Let me know if this helps.

      • Reply Julie Lim May 25, 2021 at 7:34 pm

        Thank you so much! I have managed to figure it out, yay…

        • Reply Susana June 1, 2021 at 2:05 pm

          Glad to hear it!! 😀

    • Reply Kaitlyn November 22, 2022 at 5:20 am

      Hi! I love your pattern so much and am in the middle of making it! I did have a question about your pattern though, for rounds 6-13 the pattern states to repeat rounds 4 & 5, however I’m coming across a problem where if I repeat round 4 where I am I’d be doing the (3dc,ch2, 3dc) in a ch1 space as I have two chain 1 spaces before I get the the corner where the ch2 space is. Wondering if I did something wrong, or if the pattern is changing? Thank you so much for you help!

  • Reply W April 3, 2021 at 7:25 pm

    Hi!

    Could you clarify what you meant about this part in making the strap? ‘and in each chain across, join with sl st into the 2nd chain of beginning ch 2. ‘

    Is that something we’re supposed to do after every DC or…?

    Thank you!

    • Reply Susana April 10, 2021 at 2:55 pm

      Hello,
      To do the strap you will first make a long foundation chain that you will join in the round. Next, you will work 2 rounds on top of that chain. For the first round the instruction says:
      “ch 2, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each chain across, join with sl st into the 2nd chain of beginning ch 2.”
      If I break this down, “ch 2” is the turning chain to lift your work. Then, you will make a dc in the 3rd chain from the hook. From here you will make a double crochet in each chain until you reach the other end, which is what the “and in each chain across” part means. Once you reach the other end, and because you joined the foundation chain, you will now join again in the round. To join in the round, you will slip stitch into the top stitch of the turning chain, which are those ch 2 you did at the beginning of the round.
      Let me know if this helps. 🙂

  • Reply W April 3, 2021 at 7:27 am

    HI!

    Could I ask exactly what you meant by this part in the making of the strap? “and in each chain across, join with sl st into the 2nd chain of beginning ch 2. ”

    Is this something we’re supposed to do after every DC, or…?

    Thank you!

  • Reply Vernetta July 2, 2020 at 9:12 am

    I love granny squares and this bag is pretty. I was wondering if jute could be used to make it instead of rafia.

    • Reply Susana July 2, 2020 at 10:09 am

      Hi Vernetta,

      Sure, I think it would work too!
      Just be mindful that the jute is thicker and heavier than the raffia so you will probably not need to do as many rounds to get to the same size. 🙂
      Let me know how it goes!

  • Reply Sophie May 24, 2020 at 4:36 am

    Hi!!
    This is so so so cute! I want to make it for my sister for her birthday, but I’m curious about the longterm durability of the strap. Have you noticed it stretching with wear? She’s definitely a person who carries every single belonging with her when she leaves the house.

    Would you have any advice on how to reinforce the strap?

    Can’t wait to make this 🙂 🙂

    • Reply Susana May 25, 2020 at 1:31 pm

      Hi Sophie!!
      Thank you for your comment! As for the strap, the raffia tends to stretch a bit and if your sister likes to carry a lot of things, then you are right to worry! 🙂
      I think the best option would be to line the bag. This helps prevent stretching and losing any smaller items.
      For the strap specifically, you can do the same, meaning that you can line with fabric on the inside of the strap to ensure it won’t stretch over time and make it really durable.
      Hope this helps.
      Keep me posted! 🙂

  • Reply Leila April 30, 2020 at 9:19 pm

    Im slowly getting there 🙂 ! thank you so much !! I hope to send you a picture once it s done! Also if you have any advice on how to do a double strap instead of one, let me know 🙂 (should I just do 2 straps with your directions or would the sides then be to bulky?)

    Thank you!!!

    • Reply Susana May 4, 2020 at 1:25 pm

      Hi Leila!
      You can make one strap that goes around the bag and another strap just to go around your body. This way, the bag won’t be bulky and you’ll get a double strap. I hope this works out for you. 🙂
      I’d love to see your photos of the finished bag! Be sure to share them.

  • Reply Leila April 27, 2020 at 8:45 pm

    Hello,

    I really love the bag! I just finished my first crochet piece and would love to go ahead with this one. I however am really struggling to j détestant your explanations
    For example the first row (yes I didn’t even manage to get further 🙂 )
    ch 2, 2 dc into ring, ch 2, [3 dc, 2 ch] 3 times, join with sl st into the 2nd chain of beginning ch 2 (the one that counted as a dc).
    What is what you put in between [] versus what you put in parenthesis?
    When you say 2 double crochet in the ring do you mean inside the loop and not inside a stitch ?
    Sorry I’m very confused 🙂

    • Reply Susana April 28, 2020 at 11:00 am

      Hi Leila!
      I’m so glad you’ve decided to try this project. Let me try to help. 🙂

      The [] is a sequence that you will need to repeat a certain number of times. So when I write [3 dc, 2 ch] 3 times, it means the same as 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc, 2ch, 3 dc, 2 ch.

      The parenthesis is just a note to give a bit more detail about where to join. In the line above it was supposed to help identify the beginning ch 2, which is the ch 2 that counts as a double crochet right at the beginning of the round.

      When I say double crochet in the ring, it means making the dc around the stitches of magic ring. Don’t insert the hook inside any stitch from the magic ring, just work around them. In the images of the first round, if you look closely at the center, you can see that the double crochets are worked around the magic ring and not in any stitch. 🙂

      Hope this made things clearer and let me know if you need any more help.

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