Granny squares can feel intimidating with all the color changes and ends. Not this one. The Ocean Breeze Blue Floral Granny Tote uses one simple sunburst square worked 16 times in coastal colors, then joined into a sturdy tube with a solid base and soft lace band. Once you finish the first square, the rest becomes pure rhythm. The puff petals, ivory frames, and beaded tassels make it look way more complicated than it actually is.
About This Granny Square Tote Pattern
This market tote features 16 sunburst granny squares arranged in a tube. Eight squares wrap the circumference, stacked two rows tall. A solid single crochet base gives structure, while a delicate three-round lace band finishes the top with soft scallops.
The palette pulls from coastal inspiration. Deep navy and teal anchor everything. Washed turquoise, warm coral, sage, and camel add that sun-bleached beach vibe. Ivory frames every square so the scrappy mix still looks intentional.
Finished dimensions: About 13.5 inches wide by 9 inches tall (not including handles), with a 4.5 inch deep base. Skill level sits at intermediate. Time runs 18 to 25 hours depending on your pace.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
Gather everything first so the project flows without stops.
Yarn Requirements (Aran/Worsted Weight Cotton)
- Ivory/Cream (Main Color): 360 yards / 330 meters
- Navy: 55 yards / 50 meters
- Teal: 55 yards / 50 meters
- Turquoise: 50 yards / 46 meters
- Coral: 50 yards / 46 meters
- Sage: 40 yards / 37 meters
- Camel: 40 yards / 37 meters
Ivory does the heavy lifting for handles, base, frames, seams, and the lace band. Buy extra. Lily Sugar’n Cream, Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran, or Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8 all work beautifully here.
Tools and Notions
- 4.0 mm (US G/6) crochet hook (go up to 4.5 mm if you crochet tightly)
- 4 wooden beads, about 16–18 mm
- Natural jute or twine cord plus two metal D-rings or split rings
- Half a yard of fabric for lining (optional but smart)
- Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers
- 5-inch piece of cardboard for tassels
Gauge Information
One finished sunburst square (Rounds 1–4) should measure 4.5 inches / 11.5 cm across with a 4.0 mm hook. Base in single crochet: 16 stitches by 18 rows equals 4 inches / 10 cm.
Gauge matters less for a bag than a sweater, but big differences change the final size and yarn needs. Make one square first, measure it, and adjust your hook until you hit that 4.5-inch target.
Abbreviations and Special Stitches
US terms throughout. Here’s the quick list plus the special moves.
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sp – space
- rnd – round
- rep – repeat
- sk – skip
- beg – beginning
UK crocheters: US sc equals UK dc, US dc equals UK tr. The puff works the same in both systems.
The Puff Stitch (puff)
Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch or space, yarn over and pull up a loop to double crochet height. Repeat two more times in the same place (7 loops total). Yarn over and draw through all 7 loops. Chain 1 to close.
Pull every loop to the same height. Consistent height gives those petals their plump, sunny look.
Beginning Puff
Chain 2, then work the yarn-over-insert-pull-up sequence only twice (5 loops). Yarn over through all loops, chain 1 to close.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
Keep these in mind:
- All 16 squares use the same recipe. Only the colors change.
- Each square needs three colors: center for Rounds 1–2, outer petals for Round 3, Ivory for the Round 4 frame.
- The beginning chain 3 counts as your first double crochet. Join each round with a slip stitch.
- Weave in ends on every square as you finish it. Sixteen squares create a lot of ends. Future you will thank present you.
- Pull the first loop of each new color snug for tidy transitions.
Suggested Color Map for the 16 Squares
Aim for a relaxed, scrappy mix where no two neighbors look identical. Here’s a proven combination:
- Camel center + Turquoise petals: 3 squares
- Navy center + Coral petals: 3 squares
- Sage center + Coral petals: 3 squares
- Coral center + Teal petals: 3 squares
- Turquoise center + Navy petals: 2 squares
- Camel center + Teal petals: 2 squares
Every square still gets an Ivory frame on Round 4. Swap freely based on your stash.
The Sunburst Square Pattern
This is the heart of the tote. Make 16.
Round 1 (Center Color)
Begin with a magic ring. Chain 3 (counts as first dc), work 11 dc into the ring. Pull closed and join with slip stitch to the top of the chain 3.
Stitch count: 12 dc
Round 2 (Inner Petals, Same Color)
Work a beginning puff in the same stitch as the join, chain 1. Work a puff in each of the next 11 stitches, chaining 1 after each. Join to the top of the first puff.
Stitch count: 12 puffs, 12 chain-1 spaces
Round 3 (Outer Petals, Contrast Color)
Join outer petal color in any chain-1 space. In that space work: puff, chain 1, puff, chain 1. Repeat (puff, chain 1, puff, chain 1) in each remaining space. Join.
Stitch count: 24 puffs, 24 chain-1 spaces
Two puffs in every space doubles the petals into a full sunburst. This is where the flower blooms.
Round 4 (Ivory Frame and Corners)
Join Ivory in any chain-1 space (this becomes a corner). Chain 3, then (2 dc, chain 2, 3 dc) in the same space. *Work 3 dc in each of the next 5 chain-1 spaces. Then (3 dc, chain 2, 3 dc) in the next space for the corner.* Repeat twice more. Work 3 dc in each of the last 5 spaces. Join.
Stitch count: 84 dc and 4 chain-2 corner spaces (21 dc per side)
Fasten off, weave ends, and lightly block each square to a true 4.5-inch square.
The Base
A solid single crochet rectangle gives the tote a firm, flat bottom that holds shape even when loaded. Work entirely in Ivory.
Chain 55. Row 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from hook and across (54 sc). Rows 2 through 20: Chain 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. Finished rectangle measures about 13.5 inches wide by 4.5 inches deep.
Edging Round: Chain 1 and single crochet evenly all the way around, working 3 sc into each corner. Aim for approximately 168 sc. Join and fasten off. Single crochet creates dense fabric that resists sagging.
Joining the Squares
Your 16 squares form a tube: 8 around by 2 rows tall. Lay them out first and shuffle any combinations that clash.
- Arrange the lower ring of 8 squares (3 front, 1 side, 3 back, 1 side). Place the upper ring above it in the same order.
- Hold two squares wrong sides together. Join Ivory and single crochet through both back loops along one edge (21 sc per seam).
- Join all 8 lower squares side to side, then close the ring. Repeat for the upper ring. Join the upper ring onto the lower ring.
- With wrong sides together, single crochet the base edging to the bottom edge of the tube (about 168 sc).
This creates a pretty raised ridge on the right side. Flat-braid or whipstitch also works if you prefer.
Top Lace Band
This three-round Ivory lace band rises from the top of the squares and finishes in soft scallops. It gives the tote that vintage, heirloom feel.
Round 1 (Foundation)
Join Ivory at the top edge. Single crochet evenly around the opening (about 21 sc per square edge). Join. (168 sc)
Round 2 (Loops)
Chain 1, sc in the first stitch. *Chain 3, skip 2 stitches, sc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. Join. (56 chain-3 loops)
Round 3 (Scallops)
Slip stitch into the center of the first loop, chain 1, sc in that same loop. *Chain 3. In the next loop work (3 dc, chain 2, 3 dc). Chain 3, sc in the next loop.* Repeat around. Join and fasten off. (28 shells)
Lightly block the band so the scallops open and lie flat.
Handles (Make 2)
Work both handles in Ivory. Chain 9. Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook and across (8 sc). Rows 2 through 84: Chain 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn.
After all 84 rows, fold each strap in half lengthwise and whipstitch the long edge closed. You get a firm, rounded handle about 18 inches long.
Beaded Tassels (Make 2)
These twin tassels add the perfect finishing touch.
- Wind Ivory and a soft blue yarn together about 40 times around a 5-inch cardboard.
- Slide jute under the top and tie tightly. Cut the loops at the bottom.
- Wrap the neck several times about 3/4 inch down. Secure and trim the skirt level.
- Thread two wooden beads onto the jute tails above the neck.
- Loop the jute onto a D-ring so the pair hangs together.
Finishing and Assembly
Take your time here. Good finishing turns a nice bag into a stunning one.
Pin the handle ends to the inside of the front lace band, roughly above the seams between the first and second squares and the second and third. Stitch securely with doubled Ivory, reinforcing each point. Repeat on the back.
Add a lining if you want: cut fabric to match the body plus 1/2 inch seam allowance, stitch into a pouch, and hand-sew just below the lace band. Hang the tassels from the front lace band near one handle base. Give the whole bag a gentle steam or wet block, shape the base square, and let it dry standing upright stuffed with a towel. Weave in any last ends.
Care Instructions for Your Finished Tote
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Don’t wring. Press water out gently and reshape while damp. Dry flat, stuffed lightly so the base and sides keep their shape. Spot clean between washes and store loosely rather than crushed.
Customizing the Size
Make one square first, measure it, and adjust from there.
- Bigger tote: Add a third row of squares (24 total) for a deep beach bag. Lengthen the base rows to match.
- Smaller pouch: Work 6 squares around by 1 tall. Skip the handles and add a wrist strap.
- Longer handles: Add more rows to the straps. About 110 rows gives a comfortable shoulder drop.
- Calmer palette: Hold one or two accent colors constant across all squares for a more uniform look.
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FAQ’s
Can I use acrylic instead of cotton?
You can, but the bag will drape more and the base may sag under weight. Cotton gives better structure and stitch definition for the puffs. If acrylic is what you have, double the yarn for the base and add a firm lining.
How do I keep the puff stitches even?
Pull every loop to the same height, roughly matching a double crochet. Practice a few on scrap yarn until the motion feels automatic. Consistent tension is the whole secret.
Do I really need to block every square?
Yes. Light blocking to a true 4.5-inch square makes joining so much cleaner. The grid lines up, the seams look professional, and the finished bag sits better.
Is the lining necessary?
Not strictly, but highly recommended. It keeps small items from slipping through the stitches and adds structure. A simple fabric pouch sewn just below the lace band does the job.
What if my color changes look messy?
Pull the first loop of the new color snug and weave the old tail as you go. Starting each new color in a chain-1 space also helps hide the transition.
How long should the handles be for shoulder carry?
Work about 110 rows instead of 84. Test the drop against your body before sewing them on permanently.
You’ve Got This
The Ocean Breeze Blue Floral Granny Tote looks impressive, but the secret is simple: one four-round square repeated 16 times, joined into a tube, and finished with thoughtful details. The puff stitches feel unfamiliar at first, yet after a couple of squares your hands know exactly what to do. This pattern loves cotton leftovers from your stash and turns them into a sturdy, charming tote ready for market runs or beach days. Grab your colors and start that first magic ring. Happy crocheting.
