purlJam

# Granny Square Market Tote Bag
### Skill Level: Advanced

A structured market tote built from traditional granny squares joined-as-you-go, set onto a solid worked base and finished with reinforced fabric-style handles. Worked in rounds from the bottom up, this bag combines classic motif charm with the sturdiness needed for everyday loads.

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## Materials

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Aran) 100% cotton, approximately 350–400 g total.
  - Main Colour (MC): 250 g
  - Contrast Colours (CC1, CC2, CC3): 50 g each for granny square centres (optional palette)
- **Hook:** 4.5 mm crochet hook
- **Notions:** Tapestry needle, stitch markers, sharp sewing needle and matching thread (for handle reinforcement), optional fabric lining (approx. 35 × 70 cm)

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## Tension (Gauge)

- One completed granny square (3 rounds) = **10 cm × 10 cm** on a 4.5 mm hook.
- Solid base section: 16 tr and 8 rows = 10 cm × 10 cm.

> **Tip:** Tension is critical for a load-bearing bag. If your squares measure larger, drop to a 4.0 mm hook to keep the fabric firm.

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## Abbreviations (UK Terms)

| Abbreviation | UK Meaning (US equivalent) |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| ss | slip stitch |
| dc | double crochet (US sc) |
| htr | half treble (US hdc) |
| tr | treble (US dc) |
| sp | space |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rnd | round |
| RS / WS | right side / wrong side |

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## Finished Dimensions

- **Circumference:** approximately 60 cm
- **Height (body):** approximately 30 cm
- **Base:** approximately 18 cm × 10 cm (oval-rounded rectangle)
- **Handle drop:** approximately 22 cm

**Layout maths check:**
6 squares around × 10 cm = **60 cm circumference** ✓
3 squares high × 10 cm = **30 cm body height** ✓
Total body squares = 6 × 3 = **18 squares** ✓

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## Part 1 — Granny Squares (make 18)

Work centres in your choice of CC, rounds 2–3 in MC, or work entirely in MC for a uniform look.

**Foundation:** With CC, ch 4, ss to first ch to form a ring (or use a magic ring).

**Round 1:** ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), 2 tr into ring, ch 2, *3 tr into ring, ch 2; repeat from * twice more, ss to top of beg ch-3. **(4 groups of 3 tr, 4 ch-2 corner sps = 12 tr)**
*Check: 4 corners × 3 tr = 12 tr ✓*

Fasten off CC, join MC in any corner ch-2 sp.

**Round 2:** ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), (2 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in same corner sp, *ch 1, (3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in next corner sp; repeat from * twice more, ch 1, ss to top of beg ch-3. **(8 groups of 3 tr = 24 tr, 4 corners, 4 side ch-1 sps)**
*Check: 8 × 3 tr = 24 tr ✓*

**Round 3:** ss into corner sp, ch 3, (2 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in same sp, *ch 1, 3 tr in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in next corner sp; repeat from * twice more, ch 1, 3 tr in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, ss to top of beg ch-3. **(12 groups of 3 tr = 36 tr, 4 corners, 8 side ch-1 sps)**
*Check: 4 corners + 8 sides = 12 groups × 3 tr = 36 tr ✓*

Fasten off Squares 1–6 (first row). Leave the working yarn attached for the remaining squares to enable join-as-you-go.

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## Part 2 — Join-As-You-Go (JAYG) into a Tube

You will create a tube **6 squares around × 3 squares high**.

**Joining method (replaces the ch-2 corner / ch-1 side spaces on Round 3 of the square being joined):**
- At a **corner**: work (3 tr, ch 1, ss into the corresponding corner ch-2 sp of the neighbouring square, ch 1, 3 tr).
- At a **side join point**: replace each ch-1 with (ch, ss into corresponding ch-1 sp of neighbour, ch).

**Assembly order:**
1. Join Squares 1–6 side by side into a ring (Square 6 joins back to Square 1), forming Round 1 of the body. *(6 squares = 60 cm ✓)*
2. Work Squares 7–12, joining each to the square above in the ring **and** to its horizontal neighbour, forming the second tier.
3. Work Squares 13–18 in the same way for the third tier.

Result: a seamless tube, **60 cm circumference × 30 cm tall**.

> **Advanced note:** Keep all joins on the same face (WS) so the right side stays smooth. Block the tube lightly before adding the base to even out join tension.

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## Part 3 — Stabilising Border (top and bottom edges)

A firm border prevents the granny lattice from stretching under load.

Join MC at any top-edge corner.
**Border Rnd 1 (top edge):** Working evenly around the top opening, work 1 dc into each tr and 1 dc into each ch-sp, placing 2 dc in each square-corner junction. Aim for **96 dc total** (16 dc per square × 6 squares). ss to join.
*Check: 16 × 6 = 96 dc ✓ — divisible for later handle spacing.*

**Border Rnd 2:** ch 1, 1 dc in each dc around, ss to join. **(96 dc)**
Fasten off. Set top edge aside.

Repeat **Border Rnd 1** only along the **bottom edge** (96 dc) and leave yarn attached to begin the base. Do **not** fasten off.

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## Part 4 — Solid Base (worked in rounds, bottom up)

The base is worked as a flat closure across the bottom opening, then the bag stands upright on it. With the 96-dc bottom border facing, flatten the tube so the opening forms a long oval (approx. 30 cm flat width).

**Base Rnd 1:** Working through **both layers** of the flattened bottom edge to seam it closed, work 1 dc through each pair of opposing stitches across — 48 dc to close the seam. Fasten off, weave in ends. This creates a flat, reinforced base seam.

*Check: 96 dc ÷ 2 layers = 48 paired dc ✓*

> **Advanced alternative (rounded base):** Instead of seaming flat, decrease the bottom border over 4 rounds (dc2tog evenly, reducing 96 → 72 → 48 → 24 → close) to form a gathered rounded base for a more bucket-like shape.

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## Part 5 — Handles (make 2)

Sturdy double-layer straps.

**Strap (make 2):**
ch 9.
**Row 1:** 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in each ch to end, turn. **(8 dc)**
**Rows 2–80 (or to 50 cm):** ch 1, 1 dc in each dc to end, turn. **(8 dc)**
Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

**Reinforce:** Fold each strap in half lengthwise (WS together) and dc the long edges together for a double-thick 4 cm-wide strap, OR fold a strip of lining inside before seaming. Block flat.

*Check: 80 rows × ~0.6 cm row height ≈ 48–50 cm ✓*

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## Part 6 — Handle Attachment

On the top border (96 dc), mark handle positions:
- **Front face:** count in 24 dc from one side seam; place handle ends at dc 32 and dc 64 (spacing the handle 32 dc apart, centred).
- **Back face:** mirror identically.

*Check: handle ends at 32 & 64 of 96 → 16 dc to each side seam, symmetrical ✓*

Pin each strap end **3 cm down** the inside of the top border. Using sharp needle and matching thread, sew each end with a **box-with-cross stitch** (a stitched rectangle with an internal X) for maximum strength at this stress point. Reinforce with a second pass.

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## Part 7 — Finishing

1. Weave in all loose ends securely.
2. **Block** the finished bag over a box or stuffed form to set the shape; allow to dry fully.
3. **Optional lining:** Cut fabric to body dimensions (approx. 62 × 32 cm plus seam allowance) plus a base panel. Sew into a tube with base, hem the top, and hand-stitch to the inside of the top border. Lining prevents small items slipping through the granny lattice and adds structure.

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## Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent, reshape and dry flat. Cotton may relax with use — re-block as needed.

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**Designer's Final Check ✓**
- Squares: 18 made, 18 used (6 × 3 tube) ✓
- Circumference: 60 cm body = 60 cm base perimeter ✓
- Top border 96 dc divisible by handle spacing (32/64) ✓
- All stitch counts verified per round ✓