How to Make a Granny Square Beaded Bag

Chapter 1: Essential Materials and Tools

• Yarn Selection: Choose worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn for durability and structure. You'll need approximately 400-600 grams in your main color (cream, beige, or soft neutrals work beautifully) and about 100 grams in an accent color like navy, forest green, or burgundy for borders and joining. Popular brands like Lion Brand or Paintbox Yarns offer excellent color ranges that pair wonderfully with metallic or wooden beads.
• Beads: Glass or wooden seed beads in size 6/0 or 8/0 are ideal for this project. You'll need between 200-300 grams total, depending on how heavily you want to embellish your beaded bag. Metallic gold, silver, or bronze beads create elegant contrast against neutral yarns, while natural wooden beads complement earthy, bohemian color schemes. Avoid overly heavy beads that might cause your crochet bag to sag or stretch over time.
• Crochet Hooks: A size H/8 (5mm) hook works perfectly for the main granny squares, providing good stitch definition and proper gauge. Keep a smaller G/6 (4mm) hook handy for beading work if you need tighter tension around bead placement.
• Additional Tools: Gather a yarn needle for weaving ends and joining squares, sharp fabric scissors, stitch markers to track rounds, and a measuring tape. Optional but recommended: pre-made tote handles in leather or chain style (20-24 inches long) and canvas lining fabric to add structure and protect your belongings.
• Yardage Estimate: Plan for 800-1000 yards of yarn total across all colors to complete a standard-sized tote measuring approximately 12x14 inches.

Chapter 2: Preparing Your Beads and Foundation

• Threading Beads onto Yarn: Before you begin crocheting, you must pre-string all beads onto your working yarn—this is the secret to seamless bead integration. Cut a manageable length of yarn (2-3 yards), thread it through a yarn needle, and carefully slide beads onto the yarn strand. Let the beads rest loosely along the yarn; they'll slide down as you work and be pushed into position when needed. For efficiency, consider using a bead spinner or working in sections to avoid tangling long strands.
• Bead Placement Strategy: Plan to incorporate beads every 5-10 stitches for subtle sparkle throughout your squares, or concentrate them on outer rounds for dramatic edge definition. The spacing you choose dramatically affects the final aesthetic—dense beading creates glamorous evening-wear appeal, while sparse placement maintains casual versatility.
• Color Coordination: Match your bead tones to your yarn palette thoughtfully. Complementary colors create visual interest, while monochromatic schemes appear sophisticated and refined. Test combinations by holding beads against your yarn before committing to the full project.
• Practice Round: If this is your first beaded crochet project, create one practice square to master the technique of sliding beads into stitches before beginning your full bag. This preview helps you adjust bead density and ensures you're comfortable with the process.

Chapter 3: Creating Your Granny Squares

Starting the Foundation Ring

Begin each granny square with a foundation ring that will anchor all subsequent rounds. Chain 4 stitches and join them with a slip stitch to form a small circle. Alternatively, use a magic ring technique for a hole-free center—this creates a cleaner, more professional finish that many experienced crocheters prefer. The magic ring method allows you to tighten the center completely, eliminating any gaps that might appear with the traditional chain-4 approach.

Building Round One with Clusters

For the first round, chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet throughout the project), then work 2 more double crochets into the ring. Chain 1 to create a corner space, then repeat this pattern: work 3 double crochets into the ring, chain 1, continuing around until you've created four clusters separated by chain-1 spaces. Join with a slip stitch to the top of your initial chain-3. This establishes the signature granny square structure with four distinct corners. If you're working with multiple colors, this is the perfect time to fasten off and switch yarns for a striped effect.

Expanding with Rounds Two Through Five

Join your yarn in any corner chain-1 space from the previous round. Chain 3, then work (2 double crochets, chain 1, 3 double crochets) all in the same corner space—this creates the granny square's characteristic corner. Move to the next chain-1 space and work 3 double crochets, then continue around, placing 3-double-crochet clusters in side spaces and (3 double crochets, chain 1, 3 double crochets) in corner spaces. As your squares grow through rounds 3, 4, and 5, maintain this pattern while integrating your pre-strung beads. After every third double crochet cluster, slide a bead up to your hook and work the next double crochet over it, enclosing the bead within the stitch. This technique secures beads firmly while allowing them to sit prominently on the fabric surface.

Completing Your Square Collection

Create 12-16 squares total for a standard tote design, arranging them in a 6x4 grid configuration that will form the front, back, and sides of your bag. Each completed square should measure approximately 4-5 inches across. Weave in yarn ends as you complete each square rather than saving this tedious task for the end—your future self will thank you. Consider alternating colors between rounds or concentrating beads only on outer rounds for varied visual interest across your square collection.

Chapter 4: Assembly and Construction

Laying Out Your Design

Arrange your completed squares on a flat surface in your desired configuration before joining them permanently. A typical tote layout uses a 6-across by 4-down grid, creating a large rectangle that will be folded and seamed into a three-dimensional bag. This planning stage allows you to distribute colors and bead placement attractively, ensuring balanced visual weight across the finished piece. Photograph your layout for reference as you work through the joining process.

Joining Squares Seamlessly

Hold two squares with right sides together, aligning edges carefully. Join your accent yarn with a slip stitch at one corner, then chain 1 and single crochet evenly across the edge, working through both layers simultaneously. This creates a sturdy seam that's nearly invisible from the right side. Alternatively, use a yarn needle and whip stitch for an even flatter, more invisible join—this method works particularly well for beaded projects where you want seams to disappear completely. Continue joining squares in rows first, then connect the rows together until you've created one large rectangular panel.

Creating Dimensional Structure

To transform your flat rectangle into a bag with depth, fold the panel and identify where sides should be. Most designs benefit from 4-6 inches of depth, which you'll create by joining the short ends of your rectangle with a single crochet seam. Work this seam with wrong sides facing if you want a decorative visible seam, or with right sides together for a hidden interior seam. Consider adding beads to your joining rows for seam sparkle that adds unexpected detail to your handmade creation.

Reinforcing Edges and Opening

Once your bag takes shape, join yarn at the top edge and work a stabilizing border of single crochets around the entire opening, placing 3 single crochets in corners for smooth turns. Add 1-2 rows of half double crochet for extra reinforcement—this prevents stretching from daily use and provides a sturdy foundation for handle attachment. Incorporate beads every 10th stitch along the top border for cohesive decoration that ties your design together. For the base, flip the bag inside out and work 2-3 rows of single crochet around the bottom perimeter for stability and shape retention.

Chapter 5: Handles and Finishing Details

Attaching Handles

For purchased handles in leather or chain, position them 2-3 inches from side seams for comfortable shoulder carry. Attach securely with slip stitches and additional rounds of double crochets worked around the attachment points, creating reinforced tabs that distribute weight evenly. If you prefer crocheted straps, chain 80-100 stitches for each handle, then work back across in single crochet to create a sturdy strap. Make two identical straps and sew them firmly to the bag's interior sides, reinforcing with multiple passes of sturdy thread.

Adding Interior Lining

While optional, a fabric lining transforms your crochet bag from casual to sophisticated while protecting your belongings from snagging on yarn or beads. Cut canvas or cotton fabric to match your bag's interior dimensions, adding 1/2 inch seam allowance on all sides. Sew the lining pieces together, leaving the top open, then press seams flat. Insert the lining into your completed bag, fold the top edge under, and whip stitch it to the inside of the crocheted top border using matching thread. For extra security, consider adding a magnetic clasp or drawstring closure—chain 100 and thread it through the top border for an adjustable gathered opening.

Blocking and Final Touches

Professional finishing makes the difference between homemade and handcrafted. Wet your completed bag thoroughly with cool water, gently squeeze out excess moisture, then pin it flat to a blocking board or clean towel, shaping it to your desired dimensions. Allow it to dry completely—this process relaxes the stitches and creates even, professional-looking fabric. Once dry, inspect for any loose beads and secure them with matching thread. Your finished granny square beaded bag is now ready to showcase your skill and creativity wherever you carry it.