M aterials _
Color A: Mademoiselle – 1 ball (approx. 80 g)
Color B: Pewter – 1 ball (approx. 88 g)
Color C: Mineral Yellow – 1 ball (approx. 82 g)
tapestry needle
Hook the size of I (5.5 mm).
J-size hook (6.0 mm).
20 Point Markers.
T pins
Steamer or iron with steam function (alternative: use a spray bottle).
Block table.
Wooden button (optional).
Leather strap or second hand belt (optional).
Measurements
Granny Square bag measurements:
12.5″ at highest point.
15″ at widest point.
The length of the strap is adjustable.
Caliber
The finished granny squares should measure approximately 4.75 x 4.75″ before blocking.
Crochet Sunrise Bag Instructions
granny squares
Grades:
The granny squares are worked in the round with the right side.
3 ch counts as 1 dc.
Since the bag is not reversible, consider tying off the tails of the threads and closing them instead of weaving the ends together. (Unless you’re a purist, in which case, grab your tapestry needle and go for it.)
Make 11 squares.
With color A:
Preferred Base: Create a magic ring.
Alternative base: 4 PCs, sr to join in the chains and form a circle.
Round 1 (Right Side): 3 ch tight, 2 dc in loop, 1 ch, [3 dc in loop, 1 ch] three times; pr to the top of pc from the beginning of the round to join. Close the zipper. (1 bunch per side)
Match color B in any pc-1 space.
Round 2 (Right Side): 3 ch tight, 2 tr in the same space, 2 ch, 3 tr in the same space (corner made), 1 ch, [3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch] in three pc-1 space remaining, pr to top pc from start of round to join. Close the clasp. (2 bunches per side)
Match color C in any pc-2 space
Round 3 (Right Side): 3 ch tightly, 2 tr in the same space, 2 ch, 3 tr in the same space, ch 1, [3 tr, 1 ch] in the next ch-1 space, *[3 tr , 2 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch] in the corner ch-2 spaces, [3 ch, 1 ch] in the next ch-1 space; repeat from * two more times, st to top of ch from beg of round to join. Do not close. (3 bunches per side)
Each square should measure 3″ wide at this point. While varying the size of the square will not adversely affect the finished bag, following this measurement will ensure that the yardage used is approximately the same as indicated on the pattern.
Continuing with color C:
Round 4 (Right Side): 3 ch tightly, dc in next dc, [dc in every dc and ch-1 space to corner, (dc, 2 ch, dc) in corner] 3 times, dc in every tr and ch-1 space to last corner, (dc, 2 ch) in corner, sc to top 3 ch from start of round to join. Close the zipper. (13 pat per side)
Join color A in a tr along either side.
Round 5 (Right Side): 3 ch tightly, dc in next dc, [dc in each dc to corner, (dc, 2 dc, dc) in corner] 4 times, dc in each remaining dc, dc to left top 3 pc from the beginning of the round to join. Close the zipper. (15 pat per side)
Block granny squares
If you take the time to block your squares now, you’ll end up with a neater looking bag.
Use T-pins to attach each square to a blocking board or other surface. Lock all the squares to a standard size, approximately 5″ X 5″. Strain the squares with a steamer or iron, being careful not to touch the string directly.
match the squares
Grades:
To avoid orientation errors, it can be very helpful to pin all the squares together using dot markers before you begin.
The squares are joined using reverse sc stitches (also known as crab stitches). The reverse sc is worked in the opposite direction to the typical crochet. Therefore, if you are right-handed, you will knit from left to right. If you are left handed, you will knit from right to left.
Orientation can take some getting used to. If you find yourself picking up your work and trying to work in the typical direction, simply turn everything over and your hook will be in the correct position. If the orientation causes you problems repeatedly, the typical sc (worked in the expected direction) can also be used to join squares.
Arrange the squares as shown in the image below. With the support point facing out, pin it together using stitch markers.
The path to join all the squares does not have to involve many closures. Pin the yarn toward the top pocket and continuously work around the top squares until you come to a dead center. Next, reattach the thread to a new square and continue joining. Don’t be afraid to cross previously joined intersections to continue joining.
Join the colored yarn B as described above.
To join: 1 ch, sc I reserve through both squares in each ch-space and dc to join the squares with as few new seams as possible. The exact placement and number of sts is much less important than getting a smooth, consistent joint. When all the squares are joined, fasten.
finishing edge
Grades:
The border is worked around the top of the bag with the right side of the bag facing continuously.
Round 1 overlaps the sides of the closing square. (The center square is folded in half to close the bag.)
See the photos below to visually illustrate what is described below.
Round 1 (Right Side): With the wrong side of the bag facing you, pin the thread at the right intersection of the closing square. (For lefties: place the thread at the left intersection of the closing square).
1 ch, dc at each tr intersection and ch- space around the top of the bag.
Place (sc, 1 ch, sc) in the corner of the closing square.
In both side corners, sc in each tr to corner, then 7 ch and continue with sc in each tr on next side of square. (This is where the strap will be attached.)
When you return to the starting point for the round, sc in each sc on both sides of the closing square. On the second row around the corner of the closing square, work sc in every sc up to the corner, then 6 ch* and continue with sc in every sc on the last side of the square. (This pc loop will fasten with the button.) Do not twist. *If using a wooden button, modify the length of the chain to fit around the button with some stretch.
Round 2 (Right Side): 1 PC, reverse sc in each sc of round 1. Reverse 7 sc in PC loop and reverse 6 sc in button of closing square. Join with the first seam to join. Close with a clasp.
crochet button
Grades:
Substitute a wooden button or toggle if you prefer.
With color B and a smaller hook:
Preferred Foundation Round: Create a magic loop, leaving a 12″ tail. 1 pc and work 6 sc inside. (6)
Continue in spiral:
Round 2: 2 sc in first st (stitch marker in first sc made), 2 sc in each st. (12)
Move the marker to the first point of each round from now on.
Rondas 3-4: Pb en cada pb. (12)
Close the thread leaving a 15″ tail. Thread this tail onto a tapestry needle and make a whip stitch in each st of round 4. Use the leftover tail from the foundation loop to stuff the button in until it is round and snug. Pull on the final tail, closing the whip stitches and closing the button. Keep the tapestry needle threaded and attach the button to the bag where desired.
Roman cord strap
Grades:
The belt is made with two joined threads of color B. Before beginning, separate the remaining thread of color B into two equal balls.
Alternatively, try using a long leather belt as a leash. Learn more about how to add leather straps to crochet bags here.
This lacing requires you to continually turn your crochet hook clockwise (left-handed crocheters: counter-clockwise). It can be awkward at first, but it’s done pretty quickly.
Once completed, the strap can be tied in a variety of ways to adjust the length.
A larger hook size is suggested here to make it easier to work with two strands of yarn joined together. However, since you want as strong a cord as possible, feel free to stick with the original hook if it works for you.
With the largest hook and two strands of color B attached:
Basic round: 2 PCs.
Round 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook; turn the point clockwise.
Round 2: Insert the hook under the loop at the “back” of the point where the two “Vs” point. Work 1 sc under this loop; turn the point clockwise.
Round 3 and beyond: Insert the hook under the two loops at the back of the point where the two “Vs” meet. Work 1 sc under these loops; turn the point clockwise.
Repeat row 3 until the cord is as long as you want or you run out of color B. The cord is quite strong, but it will stretch a bit after use.
Close and use the tapestry needle to weave the ends of the strap together. Thread the strap through the two side loops and tie a square knot. The strap is intended to be folded when worn.