Granny Square Bunny Bag Free Crochet Pattern
Granny Square Bunny Bag Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This little crossbody bag is the perfect project for anyone who loves kawaii style and wants a cheerful, colorful accessory they can actually use. It's built from four classic rainbow granny squares joined into an 8" x 8" pouch, then topped with two soft white bunny ears, a sweet embroidered face, and a button closure. The macramé cord gives it a sturdy, structured feel that holds its shape beautifully, while the open granny stitch texture keeps it light and airy. Whether you're new to granny squares or a seasoned maker looking for a quick, joyful make, this bag comes together in an afternoon and looks adorable slung across your body.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Macramé cord (3 mm), 100% cotton, in 6 colors: A (red) 30 yd, B (orange) 30 yd, C (yellow) 30 yd, D (green) 30 yd, E (blue) 30 yd, F (purple) 30 yd. Small amount of black and white for the face (or use 6 mm safety eyes and embroidery floss).
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, one button, stitch marker (optional)
- Finished size: Bag body 8" wide x 8" tall (20 cm x 20 cm); strap length 40" (102 cm) total
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- inc – increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec – decrease (work 2 sc together into one stitch)
- sp – space
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rep – repeat
Gauge
One granny square = 4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) after blocking. Work one square first and measure it; if it's larger than 4", go down a hook size, and if it's smaller, go up a hook size.
Tips Before You Start
- Macramé cord is stiff, so keep your tension relaxed and let the hook do the work—tugging tight will make the squares curl and shrink below gauge.
- Block each square to exactly 4" x 4" before joining. Even, blocked squares are what make the finished bag sit flat and square.
- Plan your color placement before you begin: each square can use one color for R1–2 and another for R3–4, or a single color throughout. Lay the four finished squares out in a 2x2 grid to check the rainbow balance.
- Place the face on the front square before seaming—it's much easier to embroider on a flat, single square than on the assembled bag.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Granny Square (make 4)
Make 4 squares, each using a different color for R1–2 and another for R3–4, or a single color per square as desired.
Setup: With your first color, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.
R1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, [ch 2, 3 dc in ring] 3 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
R2: Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (24 dc, 4 ch-1 sps, 4 ch-2 sps)
R3: Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (36 dc, 8 ch-1 sps, 4 ch-2 sps)
R4: Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (48 dc, 12 ch-1 sps, 4 ch-2 sps)
Fasten off. Repeat to make 4 squares total.
Ear (make 2)
With white, ch 2.
R1: 6 sc in second ch from hook. (6)
R2: [sc, inc] x3. (9)
R3: [2 sc, inc] x3. (12)
R4–6: Sc in each st around. (12)
R7: [2 sc, dec] x3. (9)
R8: [sc, dec] x3. (6)
R9: Dec x3. (3)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Repeat for the second ear.
Face
Using black, embroider two eyes (French knots or small stitches) on one square—this will be the front. Using white, embroider a small nose and mouth. Alternatively, attach 6 mm safety eyes.
Assembly
Block all four squares to 4" x 4". Arrange them in a 2x2 grid with the face square at the front. Sew the squares together using whipstitch or sl st along the side and bottom edges, leaving the top edge open for the bag opening.
Top Border
Join a contrasting color at the top right corner. Sc evenly around the top edge, join with sl st. Fasten off.
Strap
With macramé cord, ch 2, then work i-cord (or a simple chain) to 40" (102 cm). Alternatively, crochet a chain of 100, then sl st in each ch across for a thicker cord. Attach the strap to the top corners of the bag.
Button Closure
Sew a button on the front square near the top center. On the back square, ch 10 and join to form a loop, then sl st around the loop to reinforce it (or use a hair elastic).
Assembly and Finishing
Sew the ears to the top of the front square, about 1" apart, using the long tails and a tapestry needle. Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side. Lightly mist and block the finished bag to shape, especially the top border and ears, and let it dry completely before use.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the closure: Replace the button loop with a magnetic snap or a simple tie for a cleaner look.
- Change the palette: Use pastel cord for a softer kawaii bag, or keep all four squares in one color with a contrasting border.
- Add a lining: Sew a simple fabric lining to the inside before closing the top border for a sturdier, snag-free bag.
