A retro-inspired granny square crossbody bag will make you the envy of all! Make one for yourself with this beginner-friendly, stash-busting pattern.

I remember the 70s when granny squares were all the rage. Anything you could imagine was made out of granny squares – scarves, skirts, blankets, even men’s shorts!

The colors of the day were warm, earthy tones like mustard yellow, burnt orange, deep browns, and olive or avocado green. Even my Tupperware was made in these colors. Remember those?

One of the most popular items of the 70s was a small granny square bag with a long strap. Fringe and beads were added to complete the look. Everywhere you looked you could find a fringed granny square bag.

I’ve taken that classic crossbody bag design and given it a 21st century refresh with bright colors and a sunshiny center to the classic granny square. You’ll love making one for yourself.

Granny’s Crossbody Bag

Why you’ll love making Granny’s Crossbody Bag

There’s so much to love about this crossbody bag!

1. Its vintage-inspired style – With its granny square design and retro vibes, this bag brings timeless charm to any outfit.
2. The bag is fun and functional – It’s the perfect size for carrying your essentials while keeping your hands free.
3. Its design is beginner-friendly – Made with just two modified granny squares and simple finishing, it’s quick and easy to crochet.
4. Customize the crossbody bag with your favorites – Add fringe, tassels, charms, or even a colorful button closure to make it uniquely yours.
5. It’s an instant gratification project – Fast to stitch up, this crossbody bag is ideal for gift-giving, festivals, or when you want a satisfying make in a short amount of time.

Design + Construction

Granny’s Crossbody Bag draws its design inspiration from the carefree crossbody styles of the 70s, blending vintage charm with everyday functionality. 

The bag begins with a classic granny square motif, starting from a sun-inspired circle at the center and radiating outward with rounds of the traditional granny stitch, giving it that iconic retro look. 

To create the crossbody bag, you’ll crochet two matching squares and join them along three sides to form a roomy pocket, leaving the top open. A neat single crochet border adds structure, while the long, skinny strap makes it comfortable to wear as a true crossbody bag. 

Finish it off with an optional button-and-loop closure, or add playful extras like fringe, tassels, or bag charms to make it uniquely yours.

The Yarn

I chose a cotton worsted weight yarn for this crossbody bag because I wanted a yarn that was easy to take care of and had beautiful stitch definition while adding stability to the overall design.

One of my all-time favorite yarns is Paintbox Yarns “Cotton Aran” when I need a worsted weight cotton. It comes in vibrant colors and the price point is budget friendly.

I chose 5 bright colors, with blue as the main color. While blue just happens to be my favorite color, you can choose any color combination you love and make this cute crossbody bag uniquely you.

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Granny’s Crossbody Bag Free Pattern Starts Here

General Information

Yarn

Paintbox Yarns “Cotton Aran” 100% cotton worsted weight (1.7 oz/93 yd; 50g/85m)

• Main color (MC) – Kingfisher Blue (635) – 80yds (You’ll need more if adding fringe)
• Color A (CA) – Mustard Yellow (624) – 18yds
• Color B (CB) – Lime Green (629) – 18yds
• Color C (CC) – Rose Red (614) – 23yds
• Color D (CD) – Bubblegum Pink (651) – 33yds

Note: All yardages are approximate. You may use any worsted weight yarn you like.

Hook

US size H-8 (5mm)

Tools + Materials

• Removable stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Optional: Bag charm, tassels, magnetic snap closure, toggle button

Finished Size

• The bag measures approx. 7.5″ wide x 9″ tall
• Each square measures approx. 7.5″ square
• The strap is approx. 44-45″ long

Gauge

Rnds 1-3 of the granny square = Approx. 4″

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Abbreviations – US crochet terminology

• beg – beginning
• ch – chain
• dc – double crochet
• FPsc – front post single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• rep – repeat
• rnd(s) – round(s)
• sc – single crochet
• sk – skip
• sp – space
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side
• YO – yarn over

Repeats

• (…) – Work everything within the parentheses in the same st or sp.
• […] – Repeat everything within the brackets the indicated number of times.

Special Stitches

Cluster – [YO, insert hook in the indicated st, YO, pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops] twice, YO, pull through all loops on the hook.

Foundation single crochet (Fsc) – To start the row, ch 2, insert hook in the 2^nd ch from the hook, YO, pull up a loop, YO, pull through 1 loop (this forms the chain along the bottom), YO, pull through 2 loops on the hook (sc made).

All other Fsc in the row: Insert hook under both loops of the chain at the bottom of the previous st, YO, pull up a loop, YO, pull through 1 loop (this forms the chain along the bottom), YO, pull through 2 loops on the hook (sc made).

Granny stitch (GS) – 3 dc in the same st or sp.

Stacked single crochet (STsc) – (This stitch is used at the beginning of a round to replace the traditional turning ch-3. It has the appearance of a dc.) – Insert hook in the same st as the loop, YO, pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops (bottom sc made), insert hook through the left vertical bar of the bottom sc, YO, pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops (top sc made).

Note: A standing stitch replaces attaching the yarn and working a series of chains to begin a round. All standing sts begin with a slip knot held firmly against the hook to avoid slipping, then the st is worked as it normally would be.

Standing double crochet (Standing dc) – Make a slip knot, hold the slip knot firmly against the hook with the forefinger of the same hand, YO, insert hook in the indicated st, YO, pull up a loop, [YO, pull through 2 loops] twice.

Standing treble crochet (Standing tr) – Make a slip knot, hold the slip knot firmly against the hook with the forefinger of the same hand, YO twice, insert hook in the indicated st, YO, pull up a loop, [YO, pull through 2 loops] 3 times.

Video Tutorial

Find the full tutorial for Granny’s Crossbody Bag on YouTube.

Pattern Notes

1. A ch-1 at the beginning of a round does not count as a stitch.
2. A ch-2 or ch-3 may be substituted for the STsc without altering the construction of the square.
3. Do not turn after any rnd.
4. If you prefer to use a chain to start a round rather than working a standing st, attach the yarn where indicated, then “ch 3” for a ST dc and “ch 4” for a ST tr.