Why block all twelve squares before joining?

Mismatched squares make seaming frustrating and the finished bag uneven. Blocking first keeps every square at the same 4.25 inch size. It saves you from fighting the seams later.

Can I skip the lining?

Yes, the lining is listed as optional in the pattern. Cotton construction holds its shape well on its own. Add lining later if you want a cleaner interior.

Do all twelve squares need the same color order?

No, the pattern suggests varying the color order across your squares. Keep the final border white on every square. That consistency is what ties the rainbow look together.

How do I make the bag wider?

Add one more square per row to each panel. You will also need to increase the gusset length. This keeps the proportions balanced across the bigger bag.

Boho rainbow granny square tote bag pattern

About This Pattern

This is a bag built from small pieces. Twelve granny squares, one gusset, one rim, two handles. I think of it as evening work spread over several sittings. Each square fits in a lap, a lamp, a quiet hour. The firm cotton needs blocking before it behaves. Give it a flat surface, pins, and patience.

In the basket

Cotton is your best friend for this project. It gives you clean square shapes, strong handles that will not stretch under weight, and a bag that can actually go in the washing machine. Acrylic will work for a softer decorative tote, but if you plan to carry anything heavier than your phone, stick with cotton.

Yarn

Worsted weight cotton or cotton blend yarn, approximately 700 to 820 yards total. You will need white or cream for the borders, gusset, and handles. For the rainbow colors, gather red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.

Recommended yarns

Lily Sugar n Cream Solids for firm, washable structure
Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran for smooth stitches and wide color range
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton for crisp mercerized finish

Hook

US H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to match gauge

Notions

Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors, measuring tape, blocking pins and mat. Optional but recommended: cotton fabric for lining, sewing needle or machine, thread, and a 0.75 inch button for the pocket charm.

Abbreviations

Puff Stitch: This creates a puffy, textured cluster. Yarn over, insert hook in indicated space, yarn over and pull up a loop to double crochet height. Repeat this action 3 more times in the same space. You will have 9 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all loops. Chain 1 to close the puff unless instructed otherwise.
3-dc cluster (granny group): Work 3 double crochet stitches in the same chain space. This is the building block of every granny square. Corner groups are written as (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
Joining method: Use whipstitch through back loops for a soft, flat seam. Alternatively, slip stitch through back loops for a raised crochet seam. Keep your tension relaxed so panels stay flat.
ch: chain
ch-sp: chain space (the gap created by a chain stitch)
dc: double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over and pull through two loops twice)
hdc: half double crochet
sc: single crochet (insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over and pull through both loops)
sl st: slip stitch (insert hook, pull yarn through stitch and loop on hook in one motion)
st(s): stitch or stitches
sp: space
rnd: round
rep: repeat
RS: right side
WS: wrong side
UK crocheters: US single crochet equals UK double crochet. US double crochet equals UK treble crochet.

Joining up

Step 1 Weave in all ends securely. Pay special attention to motif color changes and handle seams where tension is greatest.
Step 2 Steam or wet block the bag lightly over a folded towel. Shape the corners by hand and allow to dry completely before using.
Step 3 Optional lining: Cut two fabric rectangles plus a gusset strip using the finished bag as a template. Add 0.5 inch seam allowance all around. Sew the lining pieces together, turn the top edge under, and hand stitch it just below the crochet rim.
Step 4 For extra base support, slip a plastic canvas rectangle into the lining base. This keeps the bottom flat and prevents sagging when the bag is loaded.

Small notes

Keep your gauge firm and consistent. A loose square will not match its blocked neighbors.
Mark each color change round with a stitch marker. Twelve squares make it easy to lose your place.
Block all twelve squares to the same 4.25 inch size before any seaming begins.

Little questions

Why block all twelve squares before joining?
Mismatched squares make seaming frustrating and the finished bag uneven. Blocking first keeps every square at the same 4.25 inch size. It saves you from fighting the seams later.
Can I skip the lining?
Yes, the lining is listed as optional in the pattern. Cotton construction holds its shape well on its own. Add lining later if you want a cleaner interior.
Do all twelve squares need the same color order?
No, the pattern suggests varying the color order across your squares. Keep the final border white on every square. That consistency is what ties the rainbow look together.
How do I make the bag wider?
Add one more square per row to each panel. You will also need to increase the gusset length. This keeps the proportions balanced across the bigger bag.

Original pattern: https://bunnypatterns.com/boho-rainbow-granny-square-tote-free-crochet-pattern/

About the Author

Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.