Pansy Granny Square Crochet Bag Pattern

September 5, 2026

This flower granny square handbag combines creamy crochet squares, deep purple edging, layered pansy flowers, and sturdy rounded handles for a bag that looks much more complicated than it actually is.

Each flower is crocheted separately and sewn onto a simple granny square, which means you can work through the project in easy stages: make the squares, crochet the pansies, assemble the bag, then add the handles.

The finished handbag is roomy enough for everyday essentials while still keeping the structured, decorative look that makes floral crochet bags so eye-catching.

Pattern at a Glance

Skill level: Intermediate
Terminology: US crochet terms
Finished bag size: Approximately 10½–11 inches wide × 10 inches tall × 3 inches deep
Total height with handles: Approximately 18 inches
Construction: 8 granny squares + separate gusset + 2 handles
Squares: 4 front + 4 back
Flower motifs: 8
Hook: 4 mm
Yarn weight: Worsted / Category 4 cotton or cotton blend

Materials

You will need:

500–600 yards warm ivory worsted-weight cotton
300–350 yards deep violet or plum yarn
100–120 yards lavender yarn
approximately 50 yards golden-yellow yarn
approximately 120 yards leaf-green yarn
4 mm crochet hook
yarn needle
scissors
stitch markers
4 purse rings, approximately 1¼ inches
approximately 36 inches of 5 mm cotton cord for handles, optional
fabric lining, optional

Choose a cotton or cotton-blend yarn with enough structure to prevent the bag from becoming too stretchy.

Color Palette

For the version shown in this pattern:

Color A

Warm Ivory

Color B

Deep Violet

Color C

Soft Lavender

Color D

Leaf Green

Color E

Golden Yellow

The contrast between the ivory squares and dark purple borders makes the flowers stand out beautifully.

Abbreviations

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble crochet
sl st = slip stitch
BLO = back loop only
st = stitch
sts = stitches
sp = space
rnd = round
rep = repeat

Gauge

One completed granny square after edging should measure approximately:

5 to 5¼ inches square

Exact gauge is less important than making sure all 8 squares are the same size.

PART 1 — CROCHET THE GRANNY SQUARES

Make:

8 squares

Use warm ivory for the main square.

Round 1

Make a magic ring.

Ch 3.

The ch-3 counts as the first dc.

Work:

2 dc, ch 2

into the ring.

Then repeat:

3 dc, ch 2

3 more times.

Join with sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.

You should have:

4 groups of 3 dc
4 ch-2 corner spaces

Round 2

Sl st across to the first corner space.

Ch 3.

Work:

2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc

in the same corner.

Ch 1.

In the next corner work:

3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc

Ch 1.

Repeat around.

Join with sl st.

Round 3

Sl st into the first corner.

Ch 3.

Work:

2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc

in the corner.

Ch 1.

Work:

3 dc

in the next ch-1 space.

Ch 1.

In the next corner work:

3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc

Continue around in this manner.

Join.

Round 4

Sl st into the first corner.

Work:

3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc

in each corner.

Along each side, work:

3 dc in each ch-1 space

with:

ch 1

between each cluster.

Join.

Round 5

Repeat the same granny-square construction.

Work:

3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc

in every corner.

Work:

3 dc

in every ch-1 side space.

Ch 1 between clusters.

Join.

Fasten off the ivory yarn.

PART 2 — PURPLE SQUARE EDGING

Join deep violet in any corner.

Ch 1.

Work:

3 sc

into the corner.

Sc evenly across the side, working into every stitch and ch-1 space.

At the next corner:

3 sc

Continue around.

Join with sl st.

Fasten off.

Block the square lightly.

Finished measurement should be approximately:

5–5¼ inches square

Make all 8 squares the same size.

PART 3 — CROCHET THE PANSY PETALS

Each flower contains:

2 deep-violet upper petals
2 lavender side petals
1 ivory lower petal
1 yellow center
2 green leaves

Make enough pieces for:

8 complete pansies

Petal Pattern

Use the appropriate petal color.

Ch 6.

Starting in the second chain from the hook:

Sc in next chain.

Hdc in next.

Dc in next.

Work:

2 tr

in the next chain.

Work:

5 tr

in the final chain.

Rotate the work so you can crochet along the unused loops on the opposite side of the foundation chain.

Work:

2 tr

in the next chain.

Dc in next.

Hdc in next.

Sc in final chain.

Sl st to the beginning.

Fasten off, leaving a sewing tail.

Petal Counts for One Flower

Make:

Deep Violet

2 petals

Lavender

2 petals

Warm Ivory

1 petal

Repeat until you have enough for 8 flowers.

That means:

16 deep-violet petals
16 lavender petals
8 ivory petals

PART 4 — YELLOW FLOWER CENTERS

Using golden yellow:

Make a magic ring.

Round 1

Work:

10 sc

into the ring.

Join.

Round 2

Work:

2 sc in each stitch around

You should have:

20 sc

Join.

Fasten off, leaving a long sewing tail.

Make:

8 yellow centers

PART 5 — CROCHET THE LEAVES

Using leaf green:

Ch 8.

Starting in second chain from hook, work:

Work:

3 sc

into the final chain.

Continue down the opposite side of the foundation chain:

Join with sl st.

Fasten off.

Make:

16 leaves

Two leaves are used for each flower.

PART 6 — ASSEMBLE EACH PANSY

Place one ivory granny square flat with the right side facing up.

Arrange the flower in the center.

Start with the leaves.

Place:

one green leaf pointing toward the lower left
one green leaf pointing toward the lower right

Next arrange the five petals.

Upper Petals

Place the two deep-violet petals at the top.

Allow them to overlap slightly in the center.

Side Petals

Place one lavender petal on each side.

Lower Petal

Place the ivory petal at the bottom.

Its upper edge should tuck slightly beneath the lavender petals.

The five petals should form a broad pansy shape rather than a perfectly round flower.

Add the Yellow Center

Place the yellow center over the points where all five petals meet.

Sew it securely through:

center
petals
granny square

This helps anchor the entire flower.

Secure the Petals

Using matching yarn, sew around the inner half of each petal.

Leave the outer edges slightly free.

This creates a dimensional flower instead of flattening every petal against the square.

Secure the leaves in the same way.

Optional Pansy Markings

For a more realistic pansy look, thread a yarn needle with deep violet yarn.

On the lower ivory petal, add:

3 short straight stitches

radiating outward from the yellow center.

You can also add one short dark stitch onto each lavender petal.

Keep the markings subtle.

Repeat for All Squares

Attach one complete pansy to every granny square.

You should now have:

8 floral granny squares

PART 7 — MAKE THE FRONT PANEL

Take 4 squares.

Arrange them:

2 squares across × 2 squares down

Make sure all flowers face the same direction.

Using deep violet yarn, join the squares.

You can use:

slip-stitch joining
mattress stitch
whip stitch

A visible purple slip-stitch join looks especially attractive because it coordinates with the square borders.

First join the two squares in each row.

Then join the two rows together.

PART 8 — MAKE THE BACK PANEL

Repeat with the remaining:

4 squares

You now have:

1 front panel
1 back panel

Both panels should measure approximately:

10–10½ inches square

before the final panel edging.

PART 9 — PANEL BORDER

Using deep violet, join yarn at one corner of the front panel.

Ch 1.

Sc evenly around the entire panel.

At each corner work:

3 sc

Join.

Fasten off.

Repeat around the back panel.

After edging, each panel should measure approximately:

10½–11 inches square

Keep both panels the same size.

PART 10 — CROCHET THE GUSSET

The gusset creates the bottom and side depth of the handbag.

Using deep violet:

Ch 125.

Gusset Row 1

Starting in second chain from hook:

Sc across.

124 sc

Ch 1.

Turn.

Rows 2–12

Sc in every stitch across.

124 sts

Ch 1 and turn after each row.

After Row 12, the strip should measure approximately:

3 inches wide

and approximately:

30–31 inches long

Fasten off, leaving a long sewing tail.

Check the Gusset Length

The gusset must travel:

down one side + across the bottom + up the opposite side

of one bag panel.

Before sewing, place the strip around the front panel.

If your square gauge is slightly different, adjust the gusset length by adding or removing rows or stitches as needed.

The gusset ends should stop at the two upper corners of the bag.

PART 11 — ATTACH THE GUSSET TO THE FRONT

Place the front panel right side up.

Pin or clip the gusset around:

left side
bottom
right side

The floral front should remain visible.

Using deep violet yarn, sew or slip stitch the gusset to the panel.

At the bottom corners, ease the strip gently around the turn.

Do not pull the seam tightly.

The corners should remain softly rounded.

PART 12 — ATTACH THE BACK

Position the back panel on the remaining long edge of the gusset.

Make sure:

flowers face outward
upper edges line up
both panels remain level

Sew the back to the gusset.

You should now have a structured three-dimensional handbag approximately:

10½–11 inches wide

10 inches high

3 inches deep

PART 13 — FINISH THE TOP OPENING

Join deep violet at one side of the top opening.

Ch 1.

Sc evenly around the complete opening.

This includes:

front top edge
first gusset end
back top edge
second gusset end

Join.

Top Round 2

Ch 1.

Sc in each stitch around.

Join.

Fasten off.

These two rounds help stabilize the opening before the handles are attached.

PART 14 — HANDLE RING TABS

Make:

4 tabs

Using deep violet:

Ch 5.

Tab Row 1

Sc in second chain from hook and across.

4 sc

Ch 1.

Turn.

Rows 2–12

Sc across.

4 sc

Ch 1 and turn.

Fasten off, leaving a long sewing tail.

Attach the Rings

Insert one tab through a purse ring.

Fold the tab in half around the ring.

Sew the two short ends securely to the top edge of the bag.

Position the rings approximately:

2 inches inward from each upper corner

Attach:

2 rings to the front
2 rings to the back

Make sure the front pair and back pair are evenly aligned.

PART 15 — CROCHET THE HANDLES

Make:

2 handles

Using deep violet:

Ch 65.

Handle Row 1

Starting in second chain from hook:

Sc across.

64 sc

Ch 1.

Turn.

Rows 2–5

Sc in BLO across.

64 sts

Ch 1 and turn.

After Row 5, fasten off, leaving a very long sewing tail.

Make a Rounded Handle

Cut a piece of cotton cord approximately:

17–18 inches long

Place it along the center of the crocheted handle strip.

Fold the crochet strip lengthwise around the cord.

Using the long yarn tail, whip stitch the long edges together.

This forms a firm rounded crochet handle.

Do not sew the final ¾ inch at either end closed yet.

Attach Handle to Rings

Pass one handle end through a front purse ring.

Fold approximately:

¾–1 inch

back against the handle.

Sew securely.

Repeat at the opposite ring.

Attach the second handle to the two back rings.

Make several passes with the yarn needle because the handles carry the weight of the bag.

Handle Size

Each finished handle should rise approximately:

7–8 inches above the bag

This produces comfortable handbag-style handles rather than long shoulder straps.

PART 16 — OPTIONAL DECORATIVE BEADS

If you want a more ornate finish, you can add one large wooden or acrylic bead beside each handle ring.

Choose beads with openings large enough for strong yarn or cord.

Secure them firmly.

Avoid delicate beads if the bag will be used frequently.

PART 17 — OPTIONAL CLOSURE

The handbag can be left open, but you can add a simple loop-and-button closure.

At the center of the back opening, join deep violet yarn.

Ch:

10–12

depending on button size.

Sl st back into the same area to form a loop.

Sew a coordinating button to the center front edge.

Check the fit before securing the button permanently.

OPTIONAL FABRIC LINING

A lining makes this bag much more practical for everyday use.

It prevents:

keys from poking through stitches
small items from falling through gaps
the bag from stretching excessively

Cut two fabric rectangles approximately:

½ inch larger than the front and back interior measurements

plus a strip matching the gusset.

Sew the fabric pieces into a simple bag shape.

Insert the lining inside the crochet bag.

Fold the upper raw edge inward.

Hand sew the lining around the inside of the crochet opening.

Keep all stitches hidden from the outside.

Finished Measurements

The finished handbag measures approximately:

10½–11 inches wide

10 inches tall

3 inches deep

With handles:

approximately 18 inches total height

Individual measurements may vary slightly depending on yarn and tension.

How Many Granny Squares Do I Need?

This pattern uses:

8 squares total

Arrange them as:

Front

4 squares

Back

4 squares

Each panel uses a:

2 × 2 arrangement

How Many Flowers Do I Need?

Make:

8 pansy flowers

One flower is attached to every square.

For 8 flowers you will need:

16 deep-violet petals
16 lavender petals
8 ivory petals
8 yellow centers
16 green leaves

Can I Make the Bag Larger?

Yes.

The easiest method is to make larger granny squares.

For example, add another granny round to every square before the purple edging.

If each square grows by approximately 1 inch, the finished bag becomes roughly:

2 inches wider and 2 inches taller

because each panel contains two squares across and two down.

Remember to make a longer gusset to match.

Can I Make a Tote Version?

Yes.

Instead of the short handbag handles, crochet two longer straps.

For a shoulder tote, make each strap approximately:

24–28 inches long

For a crossbody version, make one adjustable strap approximately:

45–50 inches long

A lined bag is strongly recommended for long straps because shoulder straps place more stress on the upper edge.

Can I Use Acrylic Yarn?

Yes.

Acrylic works, but cotton produces a firmer bag.

If using soft acrylic:

use a slightly smaller hook
add fabric lining
reinforce handle attachment points

This will reduce stretching.

Can I Use Crochet Handles Without Rings?

Yes.

Skip the purse rings and tabs.

Sew each finished handle directly to the top edge.

Overlap approximately:

1½ inches

of each handle end with the bag.

Sew in a square, then stitch diagonally through the square to create an:

X-shaped reinforcement

This provides much more strength than sewing only along one line.

Can I Use Different Flowers?

Absolutely.

Once you have the basic bag construction, the granny squares can be decorated with:

daisies
sunflowers
roses
violets
simple leaves
plain granny-square centers

You can also leave some squares undecorated for a cleaner design.

Alternative Color Palette — Soft Cottage

Squares: warm cream
Borders: dusty sage
Upper petals: muted plum
Side petals: dusty lavender
Lower petal: ivory
Centers: mustard yellow
Leaves: olive green

Alternative Color Palette — Vintage Pansy

Squares: antique cream
Borders: deep aubergine
Upper petals: burgundy-purple
Side petals: mauve
Lower petals: pale yellow
Centers: golden yellow
Leaves: moss green

Alternative Color Palette — Blue Garden

Squares: soft ivory
Borders: midnight navy
Upper petals: royal blue
Side petals: powder blue
Lower petals: white
Centers: yellow
Leaves: forest green

What If My Granny Squares Are Different Sizes?

Block every square before joining.

If one square is slightly smaller:

lightly stretch it while blocking
pin it to the same dimensions as the others
allow it to dry completely

Large differences usually mean your tension changed while crocheting.

What If the Bag Feels Too Soft?

Try one or more of these:

use cotton yarn
reduce hook size
add fabric lining
add lightweight interfacing to the lining
reinforce the top edge
use cord inside the handles

The flower motifs can remain soft while the bag itself stays structured.

What If the Flowers Curl?

Lightly steam or wet block the petals before attaching them.

Do not flatten them completely.

The outer portions of the petals should remain slightly raised for a dimensional pansy effect.

What If the Bag Stretches When Filled?

The most effective solution is a fabric lining.

You can also work the gusset with a slightly smaller hook for a denser fabric.

Avoid carrying very heavy items in an unlined crochet handbag.

Final Thoughts

The secret to this bag is making the decorative part separately from the structural part.

The granny squares themselves are simple.

The bag construction is just:

four squares for the front + four squares for the back + one gusset.

Then the pansies transform those basic squares into something much more dramatic.

The combination of deep violet edging, warm ivory crochet, layered flowers, green leaves, and rounded handles creates a handbag that looks detailed and special while still being built from manageable pieces.

It is also an easy design to customize. Change the flower colors, make larger squares, add a lining, or switch the short handles for shoulder straps to create a completely different version from the same basic pattern.

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