Made and counted by Wren —

Pastel granny square tote pattern for a market bag

4.0 mm hook, DK cotton builds a 12x10x3 in granny square tote with 9 in handles.

Advanced BeginnerLevel

10-14 hoursTime

4.0 mmHook

DKYarn

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About this pattern

This pattern makes a 12 x 10 x 3 inch (30 x 25 x 7.5 cm) market tote from flower granny squares worked in four rounds each, finishing at 3 inches (7.5 cm) square on a 4.0 mm hook. Six pastels fill the petal rounds against a cream frame. Expect 10 to 14 hours, plus a top border and two handles with a 9-inch (23 cm) drop.

This tote builds from flower granny squares joined into panels, each square worked in four rounds to a finished 3-inch (7.5 cm) measurement at 4.0 mm hook gauge. Round 1 sets a 12-dc center dot, Round 2 adds a 24-dc petal ring, and Rounds 3-4 frame the motif in cream to 48 dc, keeping every side square. The finished bag measures 12 x 10 x 3 inches (30 x 25 x 7.5 cm) with a 9-inch (23 cm) handle drop, built for farmers market loads.

The pattern

Written out round by round

Materials

Yarn

Cream or ivory (main color and borders): approximately 250 g (460 yd / 420 m)
One pale accent for flower centers: small amounts pulled from your pastel stash
Six pastel colors (pink, lavender, mint, peach, blue, and butter yellow): approximately 25 to 30 g each (45 yd / 41 m each)

Recommended yarns

Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK offers a huge pastel range at great value
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton is smooth with a gentle sheen
Yarn and Colors Must-Have provides soft mercerised cotton

Hook and Notions

4.0 mm (US G/6) crochet hook
Tapestry needle or yarn needle for joining and weaving ends
Scissors
Stitch markers

Optional

cotton fabric plus needle and thread if you want to add a lining

Abbreviations

ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops)
dc = double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops)
st(s) = stitch(es)
sp = space
rnd = round
beg = beginning
rep = repeat
MR = magic ring
[ ] = repeat instructions within brackets as directed
( ) = stitch count or grouping
Magic Ring (MR) = Loop the yarn around your fingers, work the first round of stitches into the loop, then pull the tail to close the center tight. This creates a clean center with no hole. If you’re not comfortable with magic rings, you can chain 4 and slip stitch to join into a ring instead.
3-dc Granny Group = Three double crochet stitches worked into the same space. This little fan is the building block of every granny square round.
Corner = A cluster of (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) worked into one corner space. This is what turns the corner and keeps your square flat and square.

Main Pattern

Make 34 squares total. Round 1 is your center color (pick something bright), Round 2 is your petal color (a contrasting pastel), and Rounds 3 and 4 are always cream. Mix your pastels freely from square to square for that beautiful scattered rainbow effect.

The stitch counts follow a satisfying pattern: 12 dc on Round 1, 24 dc on Round 2, 36 dc on Round 3, and 48 dc on Round 4. Each round adds one extra 3-dc group to every side. This steady rhythm keeps the corners crisp and the motif perfectly square.

Round 1 creates your center dot, the brightest accent.

Round 1Center color Into a magic ring: ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, [3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. Pull the ring closed tight.(12 dc, 4 corner spaces)Round 2 builds the petal ring around it in a contrasting pastel.

Round 2Petal color Sl st into the next ch-2 corner space. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same space, [ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner space] 3 times, ch 1. Join to top of beg ch-3.(24 dc, 8 groups)Round 3 starts the cream frame.

Round 3Cream Sl st into the next corner space. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same space, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner space; rep from twice, ch 1, 3 dc in last ch-1 space, ch 1. Join.(36 dc, 12 groups)Round 4 completes the square.

Round 4Cream Sl st into the next corner space. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same space, [ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space] twice, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner space; rep from twice, [ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space] twice, ch 1. Join and fasten off.(48 dc, 16 groups)

Tip: After completing Round 4, your square should measure 3 inches (7.5 cm). Gently steam-block each square to the same size before joining. This small step makes the assembly stage so much quicker and neater.

Top Border and Handles

Top Border:

Round 1Join cream yarn at a top side seam. Single crochet evenly around the whole opening, working 1 sc in each stitch and easing around corners so the edge lies flat. Join with a slip stitch.

Rounds 2–4Rounds 2 through 4: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join.Repeat for three smooth rounds total. This firms up the rim and gives a clean finished edge.

Handles (Make 2):

Mark two points on the front rim, centered and about 5 inches (13 cm) apart. Mark the back to match.

With cream yarn, ch 9. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (8 sc). Working in continuous rows, sc in each stitch across for approximately 18 inches (46 cm). This creates a long strap that folds into a sturdy double-thick handle. Adjust the length for your preferred handle drop.

Fold each strap lengthwise and single crochet or whip stitch the long edges together for strength. Stitch the handle ends firmly to the inside of the rim at your marked points, reinforcing with several passes of yarn. Repeat for the second handle, matching the drop exactly.

Handle Tip: For heavier loads, slip a length of cotton cord or webbing inside the folded strap before seaming. This invisible support prevents the handles from stretching over time.

Assembly

Step 1Lay Out the Grid: Arrange your front 12 squares in a 4 x 3 layout that pleases you. Do the same for the back panel. Lay each side panel as a 1 x 3 vertical strip and the base as a 4 x 1 horizontal strip.

Step 2Join Into Panels: Using cream yarn and with right sides together, slip stitch through the back loops along each seam. Join all the vertical seams first, then join the horizontal seams. You'll end up with five flat pieces: front, back, two sides, and base.

Step 3Build the Box: Slip stitch the base strip to the lower edge of the front panel (4 squares to 4 squares). Then add the back panel to the opposite long edge of the base. You now have an open box shape.

Step 4Set In the Sides: Slip stitch each 1 x 3 side panel into place.

Step 5Finishing:

Step 6Weave in every remaining end on the wrong side of your work and trim close. Gently steam-block or wet-block the entire bag, shaping the corners square and the rim even. Let it dry fully while stuffed with a towel to help it hold its form.

Step 7Optional Lining: Cut cotton fabric to the inside dimensions plus seam allowance, sew it into a simple pouch shape, and hand-stitch it just below the top border. A lining adds structure and hides all those join ridges beautifully.

Step 8Care Instructions:

Step 9Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Cotton holds its shape best when treated gently.

Step 10Reshape while damp and dry flat, away from direct heat or sun to keep your pastels bright.

Step 11Avoid wringing. Instead, press water out by rolling the bag in a towel.

Step 12If you added a lining, follow the care instructions for whichever fabric is more delicate.

Tester's notes

The bag requires 34 flower granny squares total: 12 for the front, 12 for the back, 3 for each side panel (6 total), and 4 for the base strip.

Every square follows the same four rounds. Only the center and petal colors change. Rounds 3 and 4 are always cream, which creates that beautiful effect of colorful flowers floating on a white grid.

The starting ch-3 counts as the first dc on each round unless noted otherwise.

the end of each round, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3, then slip stitch across into the next corner space to position yourself for the new round.

Weave in your ends as you go. With 34 squares and multiple color changes, you'll have a lot of tails. Dealing with them square by square is much easier than facing a mountain of ends at the finish.

Squares are joined using a slip stitch join through the back loops, which creates a soft decorative ridge. However, whip stitch or any joining method you prefer works just as well.

This pattern uses US crochet terms. If you're a UK crocheter, remember that US single crochet (sc) equals UK double crochet (dc), and US double crochet (dc) equals UK treble crochet (tr).

At a glance

Rounds	6
Parts	2
Level	Advanced Beginner
Time	10-14 hours
Hook	4.0 mm
Yarn	DK

Gauge check

After Round 2, check that the motif lies flat at about 1.5 inches (4 cm) across corner to corner.

If something looks wrong

The square cups instead of lying flat after Round 4.: This comes from tight corner ch-2 spaces or a hook size smaller than 4.0 mm; reblock with steam and, if it recurs, move up a hook size.
The 12 dc of Round 1 won't close into a tight center dot.: The magic ring tail wasn't pulled fully before working Round 2; pull the ring closed before the first ch-2 corner and before joining.
Finished squares vary in size across the batch.: Hook size drifted between sessions; recheck the 1.5-inch (4 cm) Round 2 gauge check on a new square and standardize the hook before joining panels.
The top border ripples instead of lying: Too many or too few sc stitches went in around the corners during Round 1 of the Top Border; ease the stitch count at corners so the edge sits flat, then work Rounds 2-4 even.

Yarn substitutions

Acrylic worsted weight	Produces a slightly thicker, less crisp motif than DK cotton; drop to a 3.5 mm hook to hold the 3-inch (7.5 cm) square size, and expect a lighter, less structured tote without a lining.
Wool-blend DK	Keeps the stitch count and hook size close to the original (4.0 mm) but adds stretch and drape; block firmly to hold the square corners since wool relaxes more than cotton.
Linen-cotton blend fingering weight	Runs thinner than the DK cotton called for; a 3.0-3.5 mm hook gets closer to the 3-inch (7.5 cm) square, but expect more squares needed to reach the same 12 x 10 inch panel size.

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

FAQs

Questions

Does this pattern need a lining?

No. The lining step is optional; cut cotton fabric to the inside dimensions plus seam allowance and hand-stitch it below the top border only if more structure is wanted.

How many pastel colors does the pattern use?

Six pastels rotate through the petal rounds, scattered so no two identical squares sit side by side; there's no fixed color map, only a brighter-center, softer-petal contrast rule.

What if the Round 2 gauge check comes out wrong?

A motif larger than 1.5 inches (4 cm) across needs a smaller hook, and one smaller than that needs a larger hook than the stated 4.0 mm; adjust before working Round 3 so all panels finish at the same 3-inch (7.5 cm) square.