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Citrus Twist Granny Cross-Body Bag Pattern

Citrus Twist Granny Cross-Body Bag Pattern
4.7★ Rating
5-6 Hours Time Needed
3.3K Made This
✂️

Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their sewing journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🧣

Snug Essential

Everyday comfort with practical charm, designed for both functionality and style through changing seasons.

About This Citrus Twist Granny Cross-Body Bag Pattern

Citrus Twist Granny Cross-Body Bag Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The pattern includes detailed instructions for creating four granny square motifs, assembling them into a functional bag, and adding a sturdy strap for comfortable wear. The inclusion of a zipper closure ensures your belongings stay secure while you're on the go.

Why You'll Love This Citrus Twist Granny Cross-Body Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it perfectly balances simplicity with style. The self-striping yarn does all the color work for you, so you can focus on perfecting your granny square technique without worrying about managing multiple yarn colors. I find the process incredibly relaxing, and watching the vibrant colors emerge as you crochet is genuinely satisfying. Plus, the finished bag is so versatile that it works with everything from casual jeans to summer dresses, making it a practical addition to any wardrobe.

Citrus Twist Granny Cross-Body Bag Pattern step 1 - construction progress Citrus Twist Granny Cross-Body Bag Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Citrus Twist Granny Cross-Body Bag Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Citrus Twist Granny Cross-Body Bag Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with different color combinations for this versatile granny square bag pattern. While the Citrus Twist colorway is absolutely stunning with its vibrant, cheerful hues, I've also made versions using solid colors for a more minimalist aesthetic that works beautifully with professional attire.

For a bohemian vibe, I recommend trying earth tones or mixing complementary self-striping yarns to create unique color stories. You could even use traditional granny square color placement with a white or cream background and bright accent colors for each round to achieve that vintage-inspired look.

I've also experimented with adding embellishments like tassels to the zipper pull or decorative buttons along the strap for extra personality. Some crocheters in my community have lined their bags with fabric for added structure and durability, which is a wonderful modification if you plan to carry heavier items.

The strap length is another area where I encourage customization based on your height and how you prefer to wear cross-body bags. I've made versions with shorter straps that sit higher on the body and longer ones that hang at hip level for a different silhouette.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Working with inconsistent tension can cause motifs to be different sizes, so maintain even tension throughout each square for uniform results ✗ Forgetting to check color alignment at the end of each round may require pulling back stitches to adjust gauge for proper color changes ✗ Skipping the blocking step before assembly can result in misaligned motifs, so gently block each square to ensure they match perfectly ✗ Sewing the zipper incorrectly or too tightly can cause puckering along the top edge, so pin carefully and use small stitches for a clean finish

Citrus Twist Granny Cross-Body Bag Pattern

Create this vibrant and stylish granny square cross-body bag that combines classic crochet techniques with modern functionality. This charming accessory features colorful granny square motifs worked in a self-striping yarn that creates beautiful color transitions automatically. Perfect for everyday use, this bag includes a practical zipper closure and an adjustable strap, making it both fashionable and functional for carrying your essentials.

Beginner Friendly 5-6 Hours

Materials Needed for Citrus Twist Granny Cross-Body Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Red Heart All in One Granny Square yarn in Citrus Twist (8.8 oz/250 g; 417 yds/381 m)
  • 02
    1 ball provides 3 Granny Squares plus 160 yards for edging and strap, or 250 yards total

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size U.S. I/9 (5.5 mm) Susan Bates Silvalume
  • 02
    12-inch zipper
  • 03
    Sewing thread
  • 04
    Steel yarn needle
  • 05
    Tape measure
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Pins for assembly

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Motif :

Info :

Make 4 motifs total

Starting :

With Color 1, ch 4. Join with sl st to first ch to form ring

Round 1 (RS) :

Ch 6. (3 dc. Ch 3) 3 times in ring. 2 dc in ring. Join

Round 2 :

Sl st in ch-3 sp. Ch 6. 3 dc in same ch-3 sp. *Ch 1. (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more. Ch 1. 2 dc in first ch-3 sp. Join

Round 3 :

Sl st in ch-3 sp. Ch 6. 3 dc in same ch-3 sp. *Ch 1. 3 dc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more. Ch 1. 3 dc in last ch-1 sp. Ch 1. 2 dc in first ch-3 sp. Join

Round 4 :

Sl st in ch-3 sp. Ch 6. 3 dc in same ch-3 sp. *(Ch 1. 3 dc) in each ch-1 sp to next ch-3 sp. Ch 1.** (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. 2 dc in first ch-3 sp. Join

Round 5 :

Sl st in ch-3 sp. Ch 6. 3 dc in same ch-3 sp. *(Ch 1. 3 dc) in each ch-1 sp to next ch-3 sp. Ch 1.** (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. 2 dc in first ch-3 sp. Join. Fasten off

— Assembly :

Joining Motifs :

Hold WS of 2 Motifs tog with sts aligned. Join white yarn with sl st in ch-2 corners of aligned Motifs at top right. Ch 1. Working in back loops only, work 1 sc in each dc through both thicknesses. Fasten off

Info :

Join Motifs together using just white sections of yarn

— Top Edging :

Round 1 (RS) :

Join yarn (any section of color) with sl st to top edge of Bag at right corner. Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc

Round 2 :

Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc around. Join with sl st to first sc

Round 3 :

Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc around. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off

— Strap :

Starting :

With any color section of yarn, ch 109

Round 1 :

2 dc in 4th ch from hook. *Skip next 2 ch. 3 dc in next ch. Rep from * to last 3 ch. Skip next 2 ch. (3 dc. Ch 2. 3 dc) in last ch. Working along opposite side of ch, work 3 dc in each ch-2 sp (working around foundation ch), to last ch. 3 dc in first ch of rnd (same ch as first 2 dc). Ch 2. Join with sl st to top of ch 3

Round 2 :

Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as joining sl st. 1 sc in each dc around. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off

Assembly Instructions

  • Hold wrong sides of two motifs together with stitches aligned and join using white yarn sections only
  • Work single crochet through back loops of both motifs to join them securely together
  • Join all four motifs according to the diagram to form the bag shape
  • Work the top edging rounds around the opening to create a sturdy finish for zipper attachment
  • Using sewing thread and needle, carefully sew the 12-inch zipper along the top edge opening
  • Attach the completed strap to the bag along the top edge at either end as shown in diagram

Important Notes

  • 💡Motifs begin with Color 1 from center of pull-skein, leaving a 4-inch tail to weave in
  • 💡Each color aligns with one round in the motif with 5 colors total in the self-striping yarn
  • 💡Adjust gauge slightly if too much or too little color remains at end of round to finish at color change
  • 💡Ch 3 at beginning of round counts as double crochet and Ch 6 counts as dc and ch-3 space
  • 💡Join all rounds with slip stitch to 3rd chain of ch-6 unless otherwise indicated
  • 💡Use yarn as self-striping for edging and strap, allowing colors to change naturally as they appear
  • 💡Each finished motif should measure approximately 6 inches square for proper bag proportions

This cheerful Citrus Twist Granny Cross-Body Bag combines the beloved classic granny square technique with practical, everyday functionality. The self-striping yarn creates gorgeous color transitions effortlessly, making this an enjoyable project for crocheters who love vibrant, eye-catching accessories. With its secure zipper closure and comfortable strap, this bag is perfect for farmers markets, casual outings, or adding a handmade touch to your daily routine. The granny square motifs work up quickly, and the assembly process is straightforward, resulting in a stunning finished piece you'll be proud to carry everywhere. 🧶 Happy crocheting! 🌈✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

Can I use a different yarn for this pattern?

Yes, you can substitute with any worsted weight yarn, but you'll need to manage color changes manually if not using self-striping yarn. Make sure your gauge matches approximately 6 inches per motif square.

How do I know when to change colors with self-striping yarn?

The self-striping yarn changes color automatically as you work. If you have too much or too little color at the end of a round, slightly adjust your gauge by loosening or tightening your tension and rework the stitches.

What size zipper works best for this bag?

A 12-inch zipper is specified in the pattern and works perfectly for the bag's opening. You can hand-sew or use a sewing machine with matching thread for a professional finish.

Can I make the strap longer or shorter?

Absolutely! Adjust the starting chain count in multiples of 3 to customize the strap length. Just add or subtract chains in groups of three to maintain the stitch pattern.

Do I need to block the granny squares before assembly?

While not strictly required, gently blocking each motif ensures they're all the same size and makes assembly much easier with perfectly aligned edges.