Best yarn to crochet a granny square tote bag.

#1

Would someone be able to advise me about the best yarn to crochet a tote bag with granny squares. I am a newby and not sure what yarn to choose. Thanks.

#2

Welcome to KH. I’d use either acrylic or cotton yarn. Acrylic is easier to work with and I usually have some hanging around begging to be used. To minimize the stretch in the strap or handles I crochet over something, even a strand of yarn works. Whatever yarn you use the bag will stretch a lot and so will a strap and a stretchy strap isn’t the best IMO.

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#3

Thank you so much. This is really helpful.:blush:

#4

You’re welcome. I hope it does help. If you’re making a bag you want to be beautiful, say to use as a handbag, using more expensive yarn can make sense to me. For a tote bag that will get a lot of wear and tear I’d just stick with cheaper yarn. I’m expecting others to comment with something to add. Do you have a pattern for your bag?

#5

Thanks. I am new to actually trying to make a bag but want to have a go. I normally concentrate on toys for my grandchildren and never attempted a tote bag. I was looking for an easy free pattern made with granny squares. Found a couple but haven’t decided which one yet as I have been trying to work out what the best yarn is.
What weight yarn do you suggest. I have used cotton before but I have trouble using it sometimes so am going for acrylic.
Sorry for all the questions.

#6

Questions are good, please don’t apologize for asking. I’d typically take myself to Walmart and buy either Red Heart Super Saver or Mainstays, both worsted. I had to have a look at patterns on Ravelry and saw this. I might make this one myself.

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#7

I have no experience of this yarn, never used it, and I barely crochet so can’t recommend it from experience, however, I came across it on the site I tend to use for yarn shopping as I was looking at recycled yarns and it looks lovely. (Also on sale at woolwarehouse)
It’s 50% recycled. A mix of acrylic and polyester.
The crochet patterns available look stunning (i didnt see a bag but browsed some crochet patterns to get a feel for how it works up, stitch definition, colour combo etc). There’s also a wide choice of colours.

https://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/scheepjes-scrumptious-bubblegum-ice-cream-355-100g

#8

Thanks for the info. I am in the UK but my daughter lives in the USA and I know and like Red Heart Super Saver and always bring a stash home when I visit. I can also order that too.
The bag pattern looks good. I think I will have a try.
You have been so helpful and I really appreciate it. Thanks too for recommending Red Heart Super Saver …it is my ‘go to’ yarn.
:blush::blush::blush::blush:

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#9

Thank you for this information and the link to the scheepjes-scrumptious site. I appreciate it.:blush:

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#10

The brand of yarn doesn’t matter. The point is, it’s inexpensive. Walmart is my source for cheap stuff locally. I like the brands I mentioned because they wear well and stand up to abuse for things like bags and drag around blankets for little kids.

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#11

Yes I agree. I love the versatility of Red Heart Super Saver. Just ordered a batch this morning so I can start the bag.:blush::blush::blush:

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#12

I like that pattern. I was going to suggest a lining and this pattern has that.

If you want a larger bag, just make larger granny squares. Or seam smaller ones together to make three larger squares. Lots of possibilities.

To control the stretching in the strap, I would try making it wider and wrapping around a length of cotton strapping. Another option would be attaching the crocheted strap to a length of cotton strapping.

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#13

Thanks for the tip about sizing. I am glad it has a lining…not sure difficult it will be to do but looking forward to getting started.:blush:

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#14

It has been many years since I made granny squares but I am considering making a few to make this bag. I think it would make a nice Christmas gift.
I read through the instructions and it seems fairly straightforward, not difficult at all.

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#15

Yes it seems quite straight forward. Would be good for Christmas presents.:blush:

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#16

The opportunity to play around with colors could make it a great stash scraps buster using larger squares. I like to minimize the number of seams, no matter how the joining is done.

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#17

Trying to find patterns now for different size granny squares. I am not good at converting a granny square pattern.:worried:

#18

Are you wanting a basic granny square or something fancier?
You could make a pattern larger by using double strands of yarn and a suitably sized hook or use fatter yarn single strand.

#19

Just a basic granny square. So if I increase yarn thickness and hook size it will produce a bigger square?

#20

Sure it will. As for making it larger, every round after starting the square and getting the pattern established is just like the last one, only more stitches. Is it one more space to crochet into or two? I don’t know offhand. I’m thinking it’s one. I’m not good with this sort of thing. Make sure you know where your corners are and you should be good. You can make a granny square as large as you like just working the same round over and over until you can’t stand doing it any more or run out of yarn. For me it’s not running out of yarn. :wink: I need to get going on a hex cardi for my daughter. I have to figure out how to make it work since I’m not aware of any pattern for what she wants.