Crochet Granny Hexagon Bag Pattern

🎥 Prefer watching? If you learn better by video, you can find the full step-by-step video tutorial embedded at the bottom of this article!

Introduction — Why You Will Love Making This

Hello, my wonderful crochet friends! I am so thrilled to welcome you to one of my absolute favorite projects of the season. If you have been scrolling through your favorite maker feeds lately, you have probably noticed a gorgeous geometric trend taking over the crafting world. Today, we are diving deep into the wonderful art of making a stunning handmade carryall using classic geometric motifs reimagined for modern wardrobes.

There is something deeply satisfying about watching individual shapes come together to form a functional, beautiful accessory. Inspired by traditional vintage blankets, this accessory brings a fresh, contemporary twist to a timeless technique. Whether you need a roomy everyday tote for your market runs, a stylish purse for weekend outings, or a lovely companion for your next beach getaway, this versatile design has got you covered.

One of the greatest joys of crafting this piece is the sheer flexibility it offers you as an artist. You can play with vibrant rainbow hues for a bohemian statement piece, or stick to earthy, neutral tones for a minimalist aesthetic that goes with everything in your closet. Working in modular pieces means you can easily take your project on the go, stitching up individual sections while waiting for appointments or relaxing on the couch.

Gather your favorite yarn cakes and your trusty hooks, because we are about to embark on a truly relaxing and rewarding creative journey together. No matter where you are on your yarn-crafting path, I am right here with you every step of the way. Let us jump in and explore everything you need to know to bring your very own masterpiece to life!

Materials & Tools You Will Need

Before we cast on our very first loop, let us make sure our crafting basket is fully stocked with all the right supplies. Having quality materials on hand makes the entire process smoother and ensures your finished bag looks polished, professional, and built to last.

Yarn: Approximately 400 to 600 yards of medium-weight yarn (Category 4). Cotton or cotton-blend yarns are highly recommended because they provide fantastic structure, great stitch definition, and durability for daily use.
Crochet Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook, or whatever size helps you achieve a nice, firm tension so your bag holds its shape beautifully.
Tapestry Needle: A large-eye blunt needle for weaving in all your ends seamlessly and securely.
Stitch Markers: A handful of locking stitch markers to help you keep track of corners, joins, and assembly alignment.
Scissors: A sharp, trusty pair of crafting scissors for clean yarn snips.
Optional Lining Material: Fabric for an optional interior lining, plus sewing thread and a needle if you choose to add pockets and extra stability.
Optional Hardware: Pre-made leather straps, wooden handles, or magnetic snaps if you prefer a non-crochet closure and handle option.

Crochet Abbreviations & Stitches Used

To ensure our crafting session flows effortlessly, let us quickly review the standard American crochet terminology and abbreviations we will be using throughout this pattern.

Ch: Chain stitch
Sl st: Slip stitch
Sc: Single crochet
Dc: Double crochet
Tr: Treble crochet (used in select decorative variations)
Sp(s): Space(s)
St(s): Stitch(es)
MR: Magic Ring
Cluster: A group of double crochets worked into the same space or stitch, joined at the top
BLO: Back loop only

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Creating this gorgeous accessory is much easier than you might think because we work in manageable, bite-sized sections. Follow along with these step-by-step instructions to craft your individual motifs and assemble your bag.

Making the Foundation Motif: Start by creating a Magic Ring (MR). Alternatively, you can chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a small center loop.
Round 1 (The Center): Chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet here and throughout). Work 1 double crochet into the ring, chain 2. *Work 2 double crochets into the ring, chain 2; repeat from * 4 more times for a total of 6 clusters. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the starting chain-3. Fasten off if you are changing colors, or carry your yarn.
Round 2 (Building the Corners): Join your yarn in any chain-2 corner space. Chain 3, work 1 double crochet, chain 2, and 2 double crochets all in that same corner space (this makes your first corner shell). *Work (2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets) into the next chain-2 corner space; repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the starting chain-3, and slip stitch across to the next chain-2 space.
Round 3 (Expanding the Sides): Chain 3, work 1 double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochets in the current corner space. Along the side edge, work 2 double crochets in the space between the previous round’s shell groups. *Work your corner shell (2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets) in the next corner space, then work 2 double crochets in the side space; repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the starting chain-3.
Round 4 (Final Motif Border): Repeat the expansion process, working corner shells in each of the 6 corners and working double crochet groups along all flat edges. This gives your motif a crisp, clean geometric boundary. Fasten off, leaving a long tail if you plan to sew your motifs together, or weave it in if you are using a join-as-you-go method. Repeat this entire process until you have crafted a total of 13 identical motifs.
Blocking Your Motifs: Lay all 13 finished motifs out on a blocking mat. Mist them lightly with water or steam them gently to relax the fibers, pinning them out so all edges and angles match perfectly. Allowing them to dry completely ensures smooth and even assembly later.
Assembling the Bag Layout: Arrange your 13 blocked motifs according to the traditional layout diagram (typically 6 motifs forming a ring for the body base, flanked by side panels and folded in a specific origami-like configuration). Double-check your alignment and symmetry before joining.
Joining the Pieces: Using your preferred method—such as a whip stitch from the back loop only, a flat braid join, or a continuous slip stitch seam—connect all the motifs securely. Take your time here to ensure your seams are sturdy and neat.

Customization, Sizing & Color Ideas

One of the most exciting parts of designing your own handmade accessories is making them completely unique to your personal taste. Here are some fun ways you can customize your project:

Play with Color Palettes: Use a gradient yarn cake for a gorgeous ombre effect across your motifs, or raid your stash to create a vibrant, scrap-busting rainbow masterpiece.
Adjust the Size: Add an extra round of stitching to every motif if you want a roomier, oversized beach tote, or stick to smaller motifs for a delicate evening purse.
Incorporate Unique Straps: Swap out crocheted handles for structured bamboo rings, polished leather straps, or durable macrame cord to elevate the overall look.
Add an Inner Lining: Cut a piece of coordinating cotton fabric and sew it into the interior of your bag to prevent stretching and keep small items secure.
Embellish with Accessories: Attach a playful yarn tassel, cute wooden buttons, or a handmade keychain to the side seam for an extra touch of handmade charm.

Pro Tips for THE BEST RESULTS

To help you achieve professional-looking results that you will be proud to show off to friends and family, keep these handy designer tips in mind:

Maintain Consistent Tension: Bags need to be sturdy, so try to keep your stitches slightly tighter than you might normally use for a garment or blanket.
Weave as You Go: If you are changing colors frequently within each motif, take a minute to weave in your yarn tails after every couple of rounds so you are not overwhelmed at the end.
Do Not Skip Blocking: Taking the time to block your individual shapes makes sewing them together exponentially easier and guarantees crisp, straight seams.
Count Your Stitches: Double-check your stitch counts on the first couple of motifs to ensure your corners and flat edges line up uniformly.
Reinforce High-Stress Areas: If you plan on carrying heavy items like books or laptops, consider adding extra reinforcement stitches where the handles attach to the bag body.
Choose the Right Fiber: Stick with 100% cotton or sturdy wool blends to minimize pilling and stretching over time, ensuring your bag stays gorgeous for years.
Press Your Seams: Once your bag is fully assembled, give the exterior seams a gentle steam press to help everything settle into place smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this project suitable for absolute beginners?

Yes, absolutely! While the geometric layout might look intricate, each individual shape is built using basic stitches like double crochet and chain spaces. Because you work in small, modular pieces, you can take your time learning the geometry without feeling overwhelmed.

How many yarn colors should I use for this project?

You can use as many or as few colors as you like! Some makers love using a single solid color for an elegant, understated look, while others use five or six contrasting shades to make the geometric pattern pop.

Can I wash my handmade bag in the washing machine?

That depends entirely on the yarn you choose. If you use 100% cotton yarn, most brands are machine washable on a gentle cycle, but we always recommend laying the bag flat to dry so it retains its shape and structure.

What is the best way to attach handles securely?

If you are using crochet straps, you can sew them firmly into the top edge over several rows for maximum strength. For leather or wooden handles, use heavy-duty upholstery thread and a whip stitch to anchor them through multiple stitch posts.

Why is blocking so important for this specific pattern?

Angles and corners can sometimes curl slightly while you work. Blocking forces the fibers to relax into precise geometric shapes, making the sewing and assembly process infinitely easier and much neater.

How do I keep my bag from stretching out of shape when filled?

Adding a fabric lining to the inside of your finished bag is the absolute best way to prevent stretching, while also providing a polished finish that keeps small items from slipping through your stitches.

Conclusion & Happy Crocheting

Congratulations, my dear crafty friends! You have made it all the way through, and you are now fully equipped with all the knowledge, tips, and inspiration you need to create your very own stunning geometric carryall. Remember to take your time, enjoy every single stitch, and let your creativity shine through your choice of colors and details.

Handmade accessories carry a special kind of magic because they are infused with your time, love, and patience. Wear your new creation proudly out into the world, and be prepared for all the lovely compliments headed your way. Until next time, keep your hooks moving, stay cozy, and happy crocheting!

Watch the Full Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

Follow along with the complete step-by-step video tutorial below and crochet at your own pace!