Coral Peony Granny Square Bag Free Crochet Pattern

You know that feeling when a yarn project just clicks? This Coral Peony Granny Square Bag did that for me. Soft sage squares, layered peach peonies with burnt orange centers, and a sweet rounded tote shape that looks like it walked straight out of a spring garden. Ready to make one that turns heads every time you carry it?

What Makes This Bag Special

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This rounded tote uses sixteen classic granny squares arranged in a grid, seamed together, and shaped into a beautiful teardrop silhouette. Each square gets its own three-dimensional peony-style flower that you work separately and sew on. The result? Incredible texture and visual interest that feels both vintage and fresh.

The construction stays more straightforward than it looks. You make individual granny squares, join them into two panels, seam the panels, add a sturdy strap, and finish with those gorgeous layered flowers. The V-shaped opening at the top comes from orienting the corner squares at an angle. No complicated shaping required.

This pattern uses worsted weight yarn in three colors: sage green as the main color, peach for the flower petals and trim, and burnt orange for the flower centers. The color combination feels fresh and modern, but you could easily swap in your own palette. IMO, the soft sage and coral combo is pure spring magic.

Skill Level and What You Need to Know

I would call this an intermediate pattern. You need to feel comfortable with the standard granny square, joining squares together, working a flat slip stitch border, and constructing three-dimensional applique flowers.

If you have never made a granny square before, practice one or two plain squares first. But honestly, if you can chain, double crochet (dc), and single crochet (sc), you already have the core skills. The rest is just following the steps.

The trickiest part for most people is the flower construction. Those layered petals look complex, but every round gets clear instructions. Take it slow, and you will be amazed at what you create.

Finished Size

Bag body: approximately 14 inches wide by 13 inches tall (35.5 cm wide by 33 cm tall), excluding strap

Strap length: approximately 22 inches (56 cm) from top edge of bag to highest point of strap

Each granny square (blocked): approximately 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches (9 cm by 9 cm)

Materials You Will Need

Yarn

Color A (Sage Green): approximately 350 yards (320 m) of worsted weight yarn
Color B (Peach): approximately 200 yards (183 m) of worsted weight yarn
Color C (Burnt Orange): approximately 80 yards (73 m) of worsted weight yarn

Hook

US size J / 6.0 mm crochet hook

Notions

Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing flowers
Scissors
Rust proof pins for blocking
Blocking mats and spray bottle (optional but recommended)
Stitch markers

Yarn Suggestions

Lion Brand Yarn Pound of Love works great for durability and shape. Paintbox Yarns Simply DK shows stitch definition clearly. WeCrochet Swish Worsted gives a polished, slightly drapey fabric. Use any worsted weight yarn that hits the gauge. Avoid fuzzy yarns that hide the cluster stitches and flower details. Cotton blends make a stiffer bag but need a slightly larger hook.

Gauge

One completed granny square (after blocking) = 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches (9 cm by 9 cm). Gauge matters here so the bag assembles correctly. Adjust your hook size if needed.

Time Estimate

Plan on 12 to 18 hours total, including blocking, assembling, and attaching flowers. Perfect weekend project if you spread it out.

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

ch: chain

sl st: slip stitch

sc: single crochet

dc: double crochet

tr: treble crochet

sp: space

ch-sp: chain space

rep: repeat

sk: skip

st(s): stitch(es)

RS: right side

WS: wrong side

yo: yarn over

beg: beginning

rem: remaining

PM: place marker

RM: remove marker

3-dc Cluster (used in granny squares)

Yarn over, insert hook into indicated space, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same space, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same space, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops (4 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops on hook. One 3-dc cluster complete.

Join-as-you-go (JAYG) Flat Sl St Join

Hold two squares with right sides facing each other. Insert hook through the back loop only of the corresponding stitch on the front square and through the back loop only of the corresponding stitch on the back square simultaneously. Draw up the working yarn and pull through both loops. Continue across the edge, working one sl st through both back loops of each corresponding stitch pair. This creates a flat, raised seam on the wrong side.

Step by Step Crochet Tutorial

Section 1: Granny Squares (Make 16)

Using Color A and a J / 6.0 mm hook.

Foundation Ring: ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring. Alternatively, use a magic ring.

Round 1: ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), work 2 dc into ring (first corner cluster), ch 2, (work 3 dc into ring, ch 2) 3 times, sl st to top of beg ch-3 to join. (4 groups of 3 dc, 4 ch-2 corner spaces) [12 dc plus 4 ch-2 spaces]

Round 2: sl st into each of next 2 dc and into ch-2 corner sp, ch 3, work 2 dc into same corner sp, ch 2, work 3 dc into same corner sp (first corner made), ch 1, (work 3 dc into next ch-2 corner sp, ch 2, work 3 dc into same corner sp, ch 1) 3 times, sl st to top of beg ch-3 to join. (8 groups of 3 dc, 4 ch-2 corner spaces, 4 ch-1 side spaces) [24 dc plus 4 ch-2 spaces plus 4 ch-1 spaces]

Round 3: sl st into each of next 2 dc and into ch-2 corner sp, ch 3, work 2 dc into same corner sp, ch 2, work 3 dc into same corner sp, ch 1, work 3 dc into next ch-1 side sp, ch 1, (work 3 dc into next ch-2 corner sp, ch 2, work 3 dc into same corner sp, ch 1, work 3 dc into next ch-1 side sp, ch 1) 3 times, sl st to top of beg ch-3 to join. (12 groups of 3 dc, 4 ch-2 corner spaces, 8 ch-1 side spaces) [36 dc plus 4 ch-2 spaces plus 8 ch-1 spaces]

Fasten off Color A. Join Color B with sl st into any ch-2 corner sp.

Round 4 (Border Round): ch 1, work 1 sc into same corner sp, ch 1, work 1 sc into same sp (corner), work 1 sc into each dc and each ch-1 sp across to next corner sp, (work 1 sc, ch 1, work 1 sc into corner sp, work 1 sc into each dc and each ch-1 sp across) 3 times, sl st to first sc to join. [11 sc between corner ch-1 spaces per side; total 44 sc plus 4 ch-1 corner spaces]

Fasten off Color B. Weave in all ends. Block each square to 3.5 by 3.5 inches (9 by 9 cm).

Checkpoint: After completing and blocking all 16 squares, each square should measure 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches. All squares should have uniform cluster definition and flat corners.

Section 2: Panel Assembly

You will assemble two identical panels: one front panel and one back panel. Each panel is 4 squares wide and 2 squares tall.

Lay out 8 squares for the front panel:

Bottom row: 4 squares side by side, flat edges aligned

Top row: place 2 squares in the center (positions 2 and 3) flat edge to flat edge with the bottom row. Place 1 square at each outer position (positions 1 and 4) rotated 45 degrees so one corner of each square points upward to form the V-opening edge

Join squares using the JAYG flat sl st join method, working through back loops only of corresponding stitches along shared edges. Join bottom row squares first (3 vertical seams), then join the top center squares to each other and to the bottom row. The two angled corner squares are joined only along the two edges that contact adjacent squares.

Repeat this assembly for the back panel using the remaining 8 squares.

Checkpoint: Each assembled panel should measure approximately 14 inches wide by 7 inches tall after joining.

Section 3: Joining Front and Back Panels

Hold front and back panels with wrong sides together (right sides facing out).

Using Color A, join the front and back panels along the bottom edge and both side edges using the JAYG flat sl st join. Begin at the top right corner of one side, work down the right side edge, across the entire bottom edge, and up the left side edge. Stop at the top left corner. Do not join the top edges.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Checkpoint: The joined bag body should now be a rounded bottom tote shape measuring approximately 14 inches wide and 13 inches tall.

Section 4: Strap

Using Color A and two strands held together for reinforcement, ch 9.

Row 1: sc into 2nd ch from hook and into each ch across. (8 sc)

Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc into each st across. (8 sc)

Rep Row 2 until strap measures 52 inches (132 cm) total length.

Last Row: ch 1, turn, sc across. Fasten off, leaving a 24-inch tail for sewing.

With Color B, work 1 row of sl st along each long edge of the strap for the peach trim detail. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Fold the strap in half to find the center point. Mark with a stitch marker. Position the center of the strap at the center of the bag’s top back edge. Pin the strap ends down along the inside of the bag opening, running the strap ends down approximately 2 inches inside the bag on each side.

Using the long tail and a yarn needle, whipstitch the strap securely to the top inside edges of the bag on both sides.

Section 5: Top Opening Border

With RS facing and Color B, join yarn at the top right corner of the bag opening.

Round 1: ch 1, work 1 sc into each sc and each ch-1 corner sp around the entire top opening. When working across the angled corner squares, work 2 sc into each dc-cluster corner that would otherwise create a gap. Continue until you reach the starting point. Sl st to first sc to join.

Round 2: ch 1, sl st into each sc around. Sl st to first sl st to join.

Fasten off Color B. Weave in ends.

Section 6: Peony Flowers (Make 16)

These flowers are what make this bag truly special. Take your time with them.

Layer 1 (Center):

With Color C, make a magic ring.

Round 1: ch 1, work 6 sc into ring, sl st to first sc to join. (6 sc)

Round 2: ch 1, work 2 sc in each st around, sl st to first sc. (12 sc)

Fasten off Color C.

Layer 2 (Inner Petals):

Join Color B with sl st to any st of the 12-sc round.

Round 3: (ch 3, work 2 dc into same st, ch 3, sl st into same st, sl st into next st) 6 times. (6 inner petals)

Do not fasten off.

Layer 3 (Outer Petals):

Working behind the inner petals and into the sts of Round 2:

Round 4: (ch 4, work 3 dc into same st, ch 4, sl st into same st, sl st into next st) 6 times. (6 outer petals)

Fasten off Color B, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing.

Checkpoint: Each finished flower should have a firm, raised center disc surrounded by 6 inner petals and 6 outer petals.

Section 7: Attaching Flowers

Center one peony flower on each granny square, positioning it so the flower sits directly over the center cluster ring of the square.

Using the long Color B tail and a yarn needle, sew the flower to the square by stitching through the base of the center disc and catching the yarn of the square beneath. Work several stitches around the circumference of the center disc to secure it firmly. Do not sew through the petals.

Fasten off all tails on the wrong side and weave in securely.

Size Customization Tips

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Want a smaller bag? Reduce each granny square by working only 2 rounds with Color A before adding the Color B border. Each square will measure approximately 2.25 inches by 2.25 inches. The finished bag will be approximately 9 inches wide by 9 inches tall.

Need a larger one? Add a 4th pattern round to each granny square in Color A before the Color B border. Each square will grow to approximately 4.75 inches by 4.75 inches.

Want more height? Keep the 4-square-wide setup and add extra rows. Each additional row of 4 squares adds about 3.5 inches to the bag height.

Finishing, Blocking, and Care

Before assembling, block all 16 squares individually by misting with water and pinning to blocking mats at exact 3.5 inch measurements until dry. This step is not optional. Unblocked squares will produce an uneven, puckered bag.

After full assembly and flower attachment, lightly mist the entire bag with water. Stuff the bag with plastic bags or a rolled towel to hold the rounded shape. Allow to air dry completely before use.

Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side, working the tail through at least 2 inches of adjacent stitches in two directions.

Hand wash in cool water with a gentle wool-safe soap. Do not wring. Press gently between towels to remove excess water. Reshape and stuff the bag, then allow to air dry flat. Do not machine wash or tumble dry. Store flat or stuffed with tissue paper to maintain the rounded shape.

Final Thoughts

There is something so satisfying about watching those individual squares come together into something beautiful and functional. And those peony flowers! They steal the show every single time.

This free crochet pattern makes a wonderful gift or a perfect project for using up partial skeins in coordinating colors. Do not be afraid to make it your own with different color combinations. FYI, once you finish one, you might find yourself planning the next colorway already.

Happy crocheting from the Sumara Patterns team. Go make something pretty!

Coral Peony Granny Square Bag Free Crochet Pattern

What Makes This Bag Special