The Woven Meadow Crossbody: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Boho Bag with Granny Squares
Introducing the Woven Meadow Crossbody Bag
Carry a piece of handcrafted charm with this unique crossbody bag, featuring a modern twist on the classic granny square. The textured stitch pattern and earthy color palette create a bohemian accessory that's both stylish and practical. Whether you're heading to a farmer's market or a casual brunch, this bag adds a touch of handmade elegance to any outfit. The combination of moss green, cream, and dusty rose creates a soft, meadow-inspired look that's perfect for spring and summer.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials. All yarn amounts are approximate for a bag measuring approximately 8 inches wide by 12 inches tall (excluding strap).
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton blend yarn in three colors:
- Color A (Moss Green): approximately 100g
- Color B (Cream): approximately 50g
- Color C (Dusty Rose): approximately 50g
- Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing, scissors, stitch markers (optional)
- Gauge: One granny square (4 rounds) = 4 inches (10 cm) square. Note: Gauge is important for the bag to fit together properly. Make a test square before starting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Part 1: Granny Squares (Make 12 total)
You will need 12 identical granny squares. Each square is worked in 4 rounds, changing colors each round. Follow these instructions carefully for each square.
Round 1 (Color A - Moss Green)
- Make a magic ring. If you're not familiar with a magic ring, you can also chain 4 and slip stitch to form a ring.
- Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet).
- Work 2 double crochet into the ring. Chain 2.
- Work (3 double crochet into the ring, chain 2) three more times. You should have 4 groups of 3 double crochet, separated by chain-2 spaces.
- Slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3 to close the round. Fasten off Color A.
Round 2 (Color B - Cream)
- Join Color B in any chain-2 space from Round 1. To join, make a slip knot on your hook, insert hook into the chain-2 space, yarn over and pull through, then chain 1 to secure.
- Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet).
- Work (2 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet) into the same chain-2 space. This creates the corner.
- Chain 1.
- In the next chain-2 space, work (3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet). Chain 1.
- Repeat step 5 for the remaining two chain-2 spaces.
- Slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3 to close the round. Fasten off Color B.
Round 3 (Color C - Dusty Rose)
- Join Color C in any chain-2 space (corner) from Round 2.
- Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet).
- Work (2 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet) into the same chain-2 space (corner made).
- Chain 1.
- Work 3 double crochet into the next chain-1 space (the space between corner groups). Chain 1.
- In the next chain-2 space (corner), work (3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet). Chain 1.
- Repeat steps 5-6 around the square. You will have 4 corners and 4 side groups of 3 double crochet.
- After the last corner, chain 1, work 3 double crochet into the last chain-1 space, chain 1, then slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3. Fasten off Color C.
Round 4 (Color A - Moss Green)
- Join Color A in any chain-2 space (corner) from Round 3.
- Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet).
- Work (2 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet) into the same chain-2 space (corner made).
- Chain 1.
- Work 3 double crochet into the next chain-1 space. Chain 1.
- Work 3 double crochet into the next chain-1 space. Chain 1.
- In the next chain-2 space (corner), work (3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet). Chain 1.
- Repeat steps 5-7 around the square. You will have 4 corners and 8 side groups of 3 double crochet (two on each side).
- After the last corner, chain 1, work 3 double crochet into the next chain-1 space, chain 1, work 3 double crochet into the next chain-1 space, chain 1, then slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3. Fasten off Color A.
Repeat these 4 rounds to make a total of 12 squares. Weave in all ends as you go to save time later.
Part 2: Assembly - Joining the Squares
You will create two rectangles: one for the front of the bag and one for the back. Each rectangle is made from 6 squares arranged in a 2x3 grid (2 squares wide, 3 squares tall).
- Arrange 6 squares in a 2x3 grid on a flat surface. Make sure all squares are facing the same direction (right side up).
- Using Color A (Moss Green) and a yarn needle, whip stitch the squares together through the back loops only. This creates a flat, invisible seam on the front.
- Start by joining the squares in the top row: sew the left square to the right square. Then join the middle row squares, and finally the bottom row squares.
- Next, join the rows together: sew the top row to the middle row, and the middle row to the bottom row. You should now have one solid rectangle of 6 squares.
- Repeat steps 1-4 to create a second identical rectangle for the back of the bag.
Part 3: Bag Body - Creating the Opening
- With right sides facing out, take the front rectangle. Join Color A to the top edge (the long edge that will be the opening of the bag).
- Work 1 single crochet in each stitch across the top edge. You should have approximately 24 single crochet stitches (6 stitches per square side). Count your stitches to ensure accuracy.
- Repeat for the back rectangle: work 1 single crochet in each stitch across the top edge.
- Do not fasten off. You will now work the border around the entire top opening.
Part 4: Woven Stitch Border
This border is worked in the round around the top opening of the bag. It creates a textured, lacy edge that adds a boho touch.
Round 1: Single Crochet Base
- Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).
- Single crochet evenly around the entire top opening. At each corner (where the front meets the back), work 3 single crochet in the same stitch to turn the corner smoothly.
- When you reach the starting point, slip stitch to the first single crochet to join.
Round 2: Chain Spaces
- Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).
- *Single crochet in the next stitch, chain 1, skip the next stitch. Repeat from * around the entire opening.
- At corners, work single crochet, chain 1, skip 1 as usual. The corner will naturally curve.
- Slip stitch to the first single crochet to join.
Round 3: Filling the Spaces
- Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).
- *Single crochet in the next single crochet from Round 2, then single crochet in the next chain-1 space. Repeat from * around.
- This creates a dense, woven texture.
- Slip stitch to the first single crochet to join. Fasten off Color A and weave in the end.
Part 5: Strap
- With Color A, chain 120 (or your desired strap length. For a crossbody bag, 120 chains typically gives a strap length of about 40-45 inches).
- Row 1: Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn. (119 single crochet)
- Row 2: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches) for sewing.
- Weave in the starting tail.
Part 6: Attaching the Strap
- Position the bag with the front facing you. The top edge should be the opening you just bordered.
- Take the strap and sew one end to the inside of the bag at the top left corner. Use the long tail and a yarn needle to sew securely through both the strap and the bag fabric. Make several stitches to ensure it's strong.
- Sew the other end of the strap to the inside of the bag at the top right corner.
- Weave in all remaining ends.
Part 7: Finishing Touches (Optional)
For added security and style, you can add a button and loop closure:
- Sew a button to the front of the bag, centered near the top edge.
- On the back flap (the back rectangle's top edge), create a chain loop: join Color A to the edge, chain enough stitches to fit around the button (about 6-8 chains), then slip stitch back to the edge. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Your Woven Meadow Crossbody Bag is now complete! Enjoy your handmade, boho-chic accessory.