Creating a Small Draw String Pouch from Two Classic Granny Squares

Crocheting a classic granny square is a timeless craft that many enjoy for its simplicity and charm. When combined with a bit of sewing, these squares can transform into practical, stylish items. This post guides you through making a small pouch using two classic 3-color granny squares, size 4 worsted weight yarn, and a US size 5.5 mm (I) crochet hook.

Small crocheted bag made from granny squares

Materials Needed

Before starting, gather the following materials:

• Size 4 worsted weight yarn in three colors of your choice

• US size 5.5 mm (I) crochet hook

• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing the squares together

I have no idea what yarn I used in the samples shown here, really just cleaning out my stash and leftovers.

Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Skills Needed:

• magic circle

• chain stitch

• half double crochet

• double crochet

• optional standing double crochet

• weaving in ends

Step 1: Crochet the first round of the granny square

Start by making a magic circle and work the following into the circle

Start by making a magic circle and work the following into the circle

• Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet, or you can also choose to replace the chain 3 at the beginning of each round with a standing double crochet)

• Chain 2 (creates the corner)

• Work 3 double crochets into the ring (we will refer to these 3 double crochet groups as clusters in the post as well)

• Chain 2

• Repeat two more times to have four groups of 3 double crochets separated by chain-2 spaces

Join with a half double crochet or chain 2 and slip stitch  in the top of the beginning chain 3

This forms the foundation of your granny square.

Joining with a half double crochet in the top of the beginning chain 3

This forms the foundation of your granny square.

Step 2: Crochet the second round of the granny square

Change to your second color.

• Slip stitch into the first chain-2 corner space

• Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet)

• Work 2 double crochets into the same corner space

• You now created one half of your first corner, the second half will be finished at the end of this round.

• Move to the next corner space and repeat the corner cluster (3 double crochets, chain 2, 3 double crochets)

• When you reach the beginning corner you will work 3 double crochets to make that second part of the corner.

• Join with a half double crochet to the top of the beginning chain 3, this allows you end your round in the middle of the corner.

This round expands the square and adds the second color.

Step 3: Crochet the third round of the granny square

Switch to your third color.

• Slip stitch to the first corner space

• Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet)

• Work 2 double crochets into the corner space

• Work 3 double crochets into each space from the previous round, you will not work any chain stitches between these clusters as you work around your square.

• At each corner, work (3 double crochets, chain 2, 3 double crochets)

• When you reach your beginning corner add 3 double crochets in that space.

• Join with a half double crochet to the top of the beginning chain 3

This completes the classic 3-color granny square.

Step 4: Make the square larger

Choosing either your first or second color, add another granny row on your square, making clusters in each space and a cluster, chain 2, cluster in each corner. This will make your pouch larger. You can continue to add rows to grow your square into the size you desire for your pouch.

Step 5: Add a double crochet row for width and stability

• Keep working with the same color or switch to one of your other colors as desired. Either join your new yarn or continue with your current color and chain three, then complete another double crochet in the corner space. This makes the first half of that corner. Continue around the square, working a double crochet in each of the previous double crochets from the row before. In each corner space work 3 double crochets to make a corner.

• When you reach the end of the round you will come to that partial corner you made at the beginning. Add another double crochet in that space to finish your corner.

• Join with a slip stich in the top of your chain 3.

Step 6: Make the second granny square

Repeat steps 1 through 5 to create the second granny square. Make sure to use the same colors and tension for consistency.

Once both squares are finished, weave in all yarn ends neatly with a yarn needle.

Optional next step

Depending on the yarn you've used you may want to stop and block your granny squares. Usually with a project this small made with an acrylic yarn I do not bother blocking my granny squares. I do like to block my sqares when making a larger project though. You do not need a special granny square blocking kit if you don't have one. It is an unnecessary expense for new crocheters or anyone who is not going to make a bunch of projects. Up until I recently got mine I just blocked my granny squares on a towel with pins, using a tape measure to make sure the blocks were as uniform as possible. Use a steam block or wet block depending on your yarn. I DO like the granny square blocking kit I recently purchased though. It allows me to block multiple squares at the same time in a much smaller space. Here is a link (yes, it is an affiliate link) to the one I purchased should you be interested in getting one in the future. Again, not necessary at all and certainly not necessary for this project.

Step 7: Join the 2 squares to form the pouch

Place the two granny squares with the right sides facing out.

• Use your yarn and crochet hook or yarn needle to join the squares along three edges (two sides and the bottom) using slip stitches or a mattress stitch, depending on the look you like.

• Leave the top edge open for the bag opening

  
  

Joining the squares this way forms the main body of the pouch.

Step 8: Create the top edge to add the drawstring

• Choose the color for the drawstring section from amongst your granny square colors. You can create a variety of looks depending on your choice here. Attach the yarn and chain 4. This will count as your first double crochet and chain one space. Skip one stitch and double crochet in the next, chain one. Repeat around the top of your little bag in this manner until you reach your starting chain 4. Join with a slip stitch in the top of the third stitch of that inital chain 4.

• Finish off and weave in the ends.

• Make two chain ropes, approximately 2 1/2 times the width of your pouch. For me this was 75 chain stitches. You will want to weave your begining and ending yarns into each end of your chains.

• Thread one chain rope through the front double crochet chain 1 space row, and the second through the back of the same row as shown.

• Tie the ends of the chain ropes together on each side of the pouch.

You've now completedyour drawstring pouch. This cute little bag can be used just as it is, or lined to better protect its contents