Noro Granny Squares Purse Bag Crochet Pattern

Noro Granny Squares Purse

Project Overview

The Noro Granny Squares Purse is an intermediate-level crochet bag project that combines classic granny square motifs into a finished handbag. This downloadable pattern demonstrates how traditional crochet squares can be transformed into a functional accessory through strategic assembly and finishing techniques.

What Is Being Made

This project creates a structured purse constructed from individual granny square motifs. The finished bag is assembled by seaming multiple completed squares together, resulting in a cohesive handbag suitable for everyday use. The design showcases the versatility of the granny square—one of crochet's most recognizable and enduring stitch patterns—adapted for fashion and functional purposes.

Crochet Techniques Used

• Worked Flat: The granny squares are crocheted in flat pieces rather than in the round, allowing for controlled shaping and easier seaming during assembly.
• Seamed Construction: Individual squares are joined together using seaming techniques, creating clean, professional edges where the pieces meet. This method provides structural integrity to the finished purse.
• Lace Elements: The pattern incorporates lace stitching, adding visual interest and an open, airy quality to the granny square design while maintaining the bag's functionality.

Crochet Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches and techniques essential to granny square construction:

• Single Crochet (sc): A basic short stitch used throughout the pattern for structure and density.
• Slip Stitch (sl st or ss): Used to join rounds and close chains, creating seamless transitions between pattern sections. In this pattern, slip stitch closes the initial chain ring to begin each granny square.
• Yarn Over (yo or yoh): The fundamental action of wrapping yarn around the hook to create new stitches and build fabric.
• Chain Stitch (ch): The foundation stitch; the pattern begins each square with 6 chain stitches closed into a ring.
• Skip: Specified stitches are skipped to create the open spaces characteristic of lace and granny square patterns.

Pattern Structure

The Noro Granny Squares Purse requires making 14 individual granny squares that serve as the building blocks for the finished bag. Each square is worked flat using a US H-8/5mm crochet hook, beginning with a chain foundation closed into a ring, then building outward with successive rounds of stitches and lace elements.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 5 skeins of Noro Kureyon in colorway #411 (50g per skein). Noro Kureyon is a premium hand-dyed yarn known for its rich, variegated color patterns that add visual depth to traditional stitch patterns like granny squares.
• Crochet Hook: One US H-8/5mm crochet hook for all pattern work.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 11 single crochet stitches equals 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked with the US H-8/5mm crochet hook. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the finished purse to reach the intended dimensions and drape correctly. The editor recommends using LYKKE® needles and hooks for optimal results, emphasizing the importance of quality tools in achieving professional-quality finished pieces.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, this purse requires familiarity with basic crochet stitches, the ability to read pattern abbreviations and instructions, and experience with seaming techniques. Crafters should be comfortable working multiple identical pieces and assembling them into a finished garment.