Kawaii Cloud Granny Square Tote: Free Crochet Pattern

Kawaii Cloud Granny Square Tote: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This sweet tote is made from twelve classic white granny squares joined into a sturdy, roomy bag, then topped with a smiling pastel blue cloud appliqué. It's a wonderful project for anyone who has crocheted a granny square or two and wants to turn that skill into something useful and adorable. The bag measures about 11" wide by 12" tall (excluding handles), with soft pastel blue straps and a single crochet edging that frames the opening. The finished tote feels firm and structured thanks to the dense double crochet clusters, while the open ch-1 and ch-2 spaces keep it light and airy. Whether you carry it to the market or gift it to a friend, this kawaii cloud tote is sure to make people smile.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn — 300 yds white (A), 100 yds pastel blue (B), a small amount of black (C) for the eyes, and a small amount of blush pink (D) for the cheeks.
• Hook: 4 mm (US G/6).
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, and pins for holding pieces in place.
• Finished size: Approximately 11" wide x 12" tall, excluding handles.

Abbreviations

• ch — chain
• sl st — slip stitch
• sc — single crochet
• dc — double crochet
• hdc — half double crochet
• sp / sps — space / spaces
• sc2tog — single crochet two stitches together (a decrease)
• MR — magic ring
• rep — repeat

Gauge

16 sts and 12 rows in hdc = 4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm). Work a small hdc swatch and measure the center 4" to check your gauge before beginning; if your squares come out larger or smaller than 4", adjust your hook size.

Tips Before You Start

• Make all twelve granny squares first and block them lightly so they measure a consistent 4" x 4" — even squares make seaming much easier.
• Keep your tension relaxed on the ch-1 and ch-2 spaces so the squares stay flat and don't cup at the corners.
• Lay out your squares in the 3 x 4 grid before seaming so you can check the arrangement and swap any squares that look uneven.
• When attaching the handles, pin them in place first and try the bag on your shoulder to confirm the strap placement feels comfortable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Granny Square (make 12, all in A)

Rnd 1: Ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, [ch 2, 3 dc in ring] 3 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (24 dc, 4 ch-1 sps, 4 ch-2 sps).

Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (36 dc, 8 ch-1 sps, 4 ch-2 sps).

Rnd 4: Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *[ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp] twice, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (48 dc, 12 ch-1 sps, 4 ch-2 sps).

Fasten off. Each square measures approximately 4" x 4".

Cloud Appliqué (make 1, using B)

Row 1: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (5 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in last sc (7 sc).

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across (7 sc).

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog (5 sc).

Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next sc, sc2tog (3 sc).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Eyes (make 2, using C)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc in ring, join with sl st to first sc (6 sc). Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Cheeks (make 2, using D)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc in ring, join with sl st to first sc (6 sc). Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Handles (make 2, using B)

Row 1: Ch 61, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (60 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across (60 sc).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Assembly

Arrange the twelve squares in 3 rows of 4 squares each. Using A, whipstitch the squares together to form a rectangle 12" wide x 16" tall. Fold the rectangle in half widthwise to form the bag body (front and back each 12" wide x 8" tall), then whipstitch the side seams using A.

Attaching the Handles

Pin one handle to the front top edge, positioning the ends 2" in from each side. Sew securely using B. Repeat for the back.

Edging

Join B at the top right corner of the bag. Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire top opening, working through both layers of the handle ends. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the cloud appliqué to the front center of the bag using B. Sew the eyes and cheeks to the cloud as shown in the photo. Weave in all ends securely, especially at the handle attachments and side seams. Lightly block the finished bag by misting it with water and shaping it flat, then let it dry completely before use.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the pastel blue for any color you love — mint, lavender, or butter yellow all look adorable with the white squares.
• Add a fabric lining to the inside for extra durability and to keep small items from slipping through the open spaces.
• For a larger market tote, add a fourth row of squares (4 x 4 grid) and lengthen the handles to match.