About This Pattern
This tote starts small, one flower square at a time. Each square is quiet work, four rounds, easy to pick up mid-evening. You make twenty-four before any seaming begins. The gray palette keeps every square calm and matched to the next. It fits an evening on the couch, one or two squares per sitting, no rush. What it needs is a US 7 hook, cotton yarn, and patience for the tails.
In the basket
Suggested yarns
Crochet hook
Optional
Tools
Abbreviations
- Petal
- Work (sc, 3 dc, sc) all into the same chain 2 space. This creates one raised flower petal.
- Corner
- Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in the same stitch or space.
- V-stitch (Vst)
- Work (dc, ch 1, dc) in the same stitch or space.
- This pattern uses US crochet terms. If you are a UK crocheter, remember
- US single crochet (sc) equals UK double crochet (dc), US double crochet (dc) equals UK treble crochet (tr), and US half double crochet (hdc) equals UK half treble crochet (htr).
- ch
- chain
- st(s)
- stitch(es)
- sl st
- slip stitch
- sc
- single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops)
- hdc
- half double crochet
- dc
- double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops)
- sp(s)
- space(s)
- rnd(s)
- round(s)
- rep
- repeat
- beg
- beginning
- BLO
- back loops only
- MR
- magic ring
Gray granny square tote with sunburst flower squares
Top Band
- Round 1Light Gray Ch 1, sc evenly around the top of the mesh band, join to first sc. (120 sc)
- Round 2through 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (120 sc each round) Fasten off after Round 4.
Straps (Make 2)
Foundation: With Light Gray, ch 101.
- Round 1Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (100 sc)
- Round 2through 6: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (100 sc each row) Fasten off, leaving a long tail.For extra sturdy straps: Fold the strip in half lengthwise and whipstitch the long edge closed before attaching. This doubles the thickness and prevents stretching.
Before the first stitch
- Check yarn amounts against your gauge before buying just enough.
- Read Round 3 twice, since color splits twelve squares each way.
- Weave in ends as you finish each square, not at the end.
Minutes per piece
- 24 flower squares about 3-4 hours because each has four short rounds, times twenty-four
- Top band, straps, and edging about 1-2 hours because the band alone is four rounds of 120 stitches
Other yarns that work
- Cotton, worsted weight, single strand Matches the pattern as written, crisp stitches, same US 7 hook.
- Fine cotton, held doubled Gives a lighter drape, softer squares, keep the same hook size.
Where it ends up
- A market tote for produce, sturdy enough with the lining.
- An everyday bag that pairs with denim and plain sweaters.
- A project bag for carrying yarn between rooms.
Joining up
- Step 1 Scallop Edging (Light Gray): Join at the base of one side seam. Skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, sl st in next st; rep from up the side seam to the top band. Fasten off. Repeat on the opposite side seam. (one 5-dc shell per repeat)
- Step 2 Final Assembly: Weave in all remaining ends securely on the wrong side. Give the whole tote a gentle steam block so the squares lie flat and the mesh opens up. Optional lining: Cut fabric to the inside dimensions plus a 0.5 inch seam allowance, sew into a pouch, and hand stitch it just below the top band. Add a magnetic snap at center top if desired.
Small notes
- Use a US 7 / 4.5 mm hook throughout for even stitch definition.
- Mark each corner space on the squares before joining, so seaming stays square.
- Split your color order early: twelve squares in Charcoal, twelve in Medium Gray.
Little questions
Can I make all squares one color?
Yes, skip the Charcoal and Medium Gray split. Use one gray for all twenty-four squares in Round 3. The rest of the pattern stays the same.
Do I need the wooden beads?
No, they are for the tassel trim only. Leave them off if you prefer a plainer tote. The bag holds its shape without them.
Is the lining required?
No, the lining and magnetic snap are listed as optional. The tote works unlined for everyday use. Add lining later if you want more structure.
Why fasten off after every round on the squares?
Each round changes color, Cream to Charcoal or Medium Gray to Light Gray. Fastening off keeps the color changes clean. It also makes the many tails easier to weave in as you go.
Original pattern: https://crochetwithmia.com/monochrome-gray-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.
