Crochet Bags and Purses

Snowcap Granny Square Crochet Bag Free Pattern

CompatNest: Cozy Knits & Yarn Haven • November 04, 2026

Introduction

This Snowcap Granny Square Bag is a cozy, cabin-inspired tote that anyone can make, even if you've never joined a granny square before. It's built from sixteen simple squares in classic black and white, with a few squares worked a little taller to suggest a dusting of snow on a mountain peak. The finished bag is 16 inches square, sturdy enough for a market haul or a weekend project bag, and the black fabric lining gives it a clean, finished feel. With a 5.5 mm hook and worsted weight yarn, it works up quickly and looks crisp and modern in any room.

Materials Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic yarn. Black: approx. 400 yards. White: approx. 300 yards.
Hook: 5.5 mm (US I/9) crochet hook.
Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, sewing needle and thread.
Lining fabric: Black cotton fabric, 16" x 32" (folded in half for the lining).
Finished size: Bag body 16 inches wide x 16 inches tall (excluding handles); handles 20 inches long.

Abbreviations

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
sp — space
st(s) — stitch(es)
rep — repeat
yo — yarn over

Gauge

Each basic granny square measures 4 inches (10 cm) square after blocking. Work one square and measure it; if it's larger, go down a hook size, and if it's smaller, go up a hook size.

Tips Before You Start

Make all sixteen squares first, then lay them out in your 4x4 grid before joining so you can balance the black, white, and snowcap squares evenly.
Keep your tension consistent across squares so they all block to the same 4-inch size — this makes seaming much easier.
Block every square before joining; granny squares relax and square up noticeably after blocking.
Use a stitch marker in the corner ch-2 spaces as you work so you never lose your place in the round.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Basic Granny Square (make 10: 5 black, 5 white)

Setup: With color, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.

Rnd 1: 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). Fasten off.

Snowcap Granny Square (make 6: 3 black, 3 white)

Work as Basic Granny Square through Rnd 2.

Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each dc and ch-1 sp around, working (sc, ch 2, sc) in each ch-2 sp (44 sc, 4 ch-2 sps).

Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, working (sc, ch 2, sc) in each ch-2 sp (52 sc, 4 ch-2 sps). Fasten off.

Puff Stitch (reference)

*Yo, insert hook in st, yo, pull up loop* 3 times, yo, pull through all 7 loops on hook, ch 1 to close. Note: the snowcap texture in this bag comes from the extra single crochet rounds (Rnds 4–5), not from worked puff stitches.

Assembly of Squares

Arrange all 16 squares in a 4x4 grid, alternating colors and placing the snowcap squares randomly. Join squares with sc seams (or whipstitch) using black yarn. Join squares into a tube for the body, then join the bottom squares to form the base.

Lining

Cut black fabric to 16" x 32" and fold in half. Sew the side seams, insert the lining into the bag, and hand sew the top edge to the inside of the bag.

Handles (make 2)

Row 1: With white, ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (3 sc). Turn.

Rows 2–end: Rep Row 1 (3 sc) until handle measures 20 inches. Fasten off. Attach handles to bag front and back, 3 inches from the side edges, with 4 inches between handle ends.

Edging

With black, sc around the top edge of the bag, working through the lining and bag together. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends on the squares before seaming. Join the squares as described, then sew the lining in place by hand along the inside top edge. Attach both handles securely with several passes of yarn or matching thread. Weave in any remaining ends, then block the finished bag lightly — mist the crochet, shape it square, and let it dry flat. Avoid soaking the fabric lining.

Pro Tips and Variations

Swap the black lining for a fun print (like tiny pine trees) for a hidden pop of personality.
Make the handles longer for a shoulder bag, or add a button-and-loop closure at the top.
Try a contrasting border color around each square before joining for a quilted look.

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