Free Crochet Granny Square Fanny Pack Pattern
If you’ve been looking for a fun, functional, and totally customizable crochet project, you’re in for a treat! The Granny Square Fanny Pack pattern is the perfect blend of retro charm and everyday convenience. Also known as a granny square bum bag in the UK or a granny square sling bag, it’s made using just four granny squares of any style! This means you can whip up a unique bag that’s just your look — whether you’re rocking bold colors, playful motifs, or sticking to classic neutrals.
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One of the best parts? You’re not locked into a specific square design. You can mix and match your favorites, use up stash yarn, and make a bag that’s truly you. In my samples, I went bright and fruity with Watermelon Granny Squares and Citrus Granny Squares but you can use literally any granny square pattern you love — from traditional to textured to quirky themed squares.
Why You’ll Love this Granny Square Bum Bag
Aside from being a quick and satisfying make, the granny square bum bag has a bunch of perks:
- Customizable Style: Choose any granny square pattern. Change the vibe with colors, stitches, and motifs.
- Beginner Friendly: If you can make a granny square, you can make this bag. The assembly is straightforward and forgiving.
- Practical: Perfect for holding your phone, keys, wallet, and all your small essentials.
- Wear It Your Way: Rock it as a waist pack, sling it across your chest, or wear it over your shoulder.
- Perfect for Gifts & Markets: Quick to make, totally customizable, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re strolling the farmers market, heading to a festival, or just need a lightweight everyday bag, this little accessory is a win.
Choosing Your Granny Square
The beauty of this granny square sling bag is that you’re in control. Any 4-6″ granny square will work, but here are a few things to consider:
- Size Matters: The size of your squares will determine your finished bag size. Larger squares = bigger bag. Smaller squares = cute and compact.
- Theme & Style: Go playful with food-themed squares like the Watermelon Slice Granny Square or Citrus Slice Granny Square. Or keep it classic with traditional floral or geometric granny designs.
- Texture & Thickness: Squares with lots of texture or bobbles, like the Victorian Romance Square, will give your bag extra dimension, but keep in mind bulkiness if you plan to wear it close to your body.
- Color Coordination: Match or contrast your squares for different looks. Two matching pairs of squares will give a cohesive style; four different ones make it eclectic and fun.
If you already have a stash of granny squares left over from other projects, this is the project to give them new life.
Crochet Granny Square Patterns
Here’s a list of Granny Squares you can use for this bag! Optional: forego a granny square and use swatches of your favorite crochet stitches!
Wearing Your Granny Square Fanny Pack
This bag isn’t limited to one style. Here are a few ways you can rock it:
Shoulder Bag: Keep the strap shorter and wear it over your shoulder for a casual vibe.
Crossbody Sling: Adjust your strap longer and wear it across your chest for a trendy, modern look.
Classic Fanny Pack: Make two shorter straps, add a clip to the ends, and wear it around your waist for hands-free convenience.
Design Ideas & Variations
This Granny Square bag is basically a blank canvas, and there are endless ways to make it your own:
Extra Pockets: Add a slip pocket to the inside or an extra granny square pocket to the outside for more storage.
Themed Sets: Match it to your outfit, season, or event. Halloween squares? Perfect for October festivals.
Bold Color Blocking: Use four solid-color squares in bright, contrasting shades.
Textured Squares: Try bobbles, popcorn stitches, or puff stitches for extra visual interest.
Mixed Squares: Pair two traditional grannies with two novelty ones for a fun twist.
Add a Fabric Handle: Sew D-rings to the outer corners of the bag and then attach any pre-made nylon or leather handle!
Tips for Best Results
Block Your Squares: Blocking ensures all four are the same size, making assembly easier.
Consistent Tension: Especially if you’re using different patterns for your squares.
Strap Comfort: If you plan to wear it across your body, consider a wider strap for comfort.
Durable Seams: Use strong joining methods so your bag holds up to daily use.
Using your Granny Square Fanny Pack
This little bag is surprisingly versatile:
Craft Fairs: Carry your business cards, cash box, and a pen in style.
Festivals & Concerts: Keep your hands free while dancing or browsing.
Travel: Store your passport, phone, and wallet close to your body.
Markets & Fairs: Perfect for small purchases and cash.
Walks & Errands: Just the essentials, no bulky bag.
Selling at Craft Fairs or Online
This pattern is an absolute winner for craft fairs, Etsy shops, and markets:
- Quick to Make: Once you’ve got your squares ready, assembly is fast.
- Highly Customizable: Every bag can be unique.
- Low Material Cost: Great for using scrap yarn and reducing waste.
- Trendy Appeal: Granny squares are always in style, but fanny packs and sling bags are especially on-trend right now.
Just remember, if you’re selling finished items, crediting the pattern designer is always appreciated.
How to Get the Crochet Fanny Pack Pattern
Crochet Fanny Pack Pattern
Option 1: Continue scrolling for free pattern instructions on this site
Option 2: Purchase the ad-free PDF that includes tutorial photos from one of my shops
About the Materials
The Granny Square Fanny Pack shown was made with 100% Cotton Worsted Weight Yarn, specifically I Love this Cotton. Good substitutes for this yarn are Knit Picks Dishie, Paintbox Cotton Aran, and Lily Sugar ‘n Cream, but you can also use wool, acrylic, or any fiber blend!
Yarn & Materials Suggestions
Even though you can technically use whatever yarn you want for your chosen squares, here are some tips for the best results:
Fiber Choice: Cotton or cotton blends are great for durability and stitch definition. Acrylic is fine too, especially for bright colors, but may stretch more.
Lining Fabric (Optional): If you want extra stability, sew in a lining — especially if you plan to carry small or pointy items.
Closure: A zipper, button, or even a drawstring can work, depending on your preference.
The Crochet Pattern
Keep reading for a list of what you need to make the Granny Square Sling Bag, including the stitch pattern instructions!
Gauge
R1-3 = 2.75” (Watermelon Square)
(Varies by square)
Finished Measurements
10.75” at widest part x 5.5″H
(Varies by square)
Stitch Guide
arnd = around
alt. dc = See Special Stitches
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
FPdc = See Special Stitches
hdc = half double crochet
sc = single crochet
sl st(s) = slip stitch(es)
TLO = See Special Stitches
trc = treble crochet
Skill Level
Easy
Pattern Written in U.S. Terms
Notes
- Check notes and instructions for individual Granny Squares.
Instructions
Follow Any Granny Square pattern you prefer. Example shown was made using the Watermelon Slice Granny Square.
ASSEMBLE BAG
R1. If using different squares, choose which one you want to be center front/center back, then hold them wrong sides together, matching up stitches on the bottom edges only, and slip stitch through the back loops of both squares across, working through both layers, to join them; Fasten.
R2. Hold front center square wrong sides together with the left side square, matching up stitches, and slip stitch through the back loops of both squares across, working through both layers, to join them; do not fasten, fold right square diagonally in half, flip bag over, and hold the back center square wrong sides together with the side square, and slip stitch through the back loops of both squares across, working through both layers, to join them; Fasten.
R3. Flip bag back over, hold front center square wrong sides together with the right side square, matching up stitches, and slip stitch through the back loops of both squares across, working through both layers, to join them; do not fasten, fold left square diagonally in half, flip bag over, and hold the back center square wrong sides together with the side square, and slip stitch through the back loops of both squares across, working through both layers, to join them; Fasten.
R4. Attach yarn to any stitch, ch 1, sc in every stitch and seam around the top (Stitch count varies depending on square chosen, so count them).
For the Watermelon Squares squares there should be a stitch count of (80)
R5. For the Watermelon Squares: *dec, sc x 8* arnd (72)
For other squares: this part takes some math: decrease evenly around the top, so find your stitch count multiple and decrease down evenly.
R6. For the Watermelon Squares: *dec, sc x 7* arnd; Fasten. (64)
For other squares: Decrease evenly around the top again; Fasten.
HANDLE
With Any Color,
R1. Ch 117, dc in 3rd ch from hook (cts as 1st dc) and in every ch across, turn chain and work down opposite side, dc in every ch across; sl st to join in beginning ch (115)
R2. sl st in every st arnd outside edge; Fasten. (230)
Finishing
- Optional: Attach zipper to the opening (PHOTOS BELOW).
- Open zipper, bring top stop all the way to the front of the opening, and sew one side of the fabric portion of the zipper to the inside of front panel by weaving in and out of the stitches, making sure the zipper teeth stay above the top of the stitches.
- Then sew the other side of the zipper to the inside of back panel (make sure top stops line up!).
- Close zipper and tuck excess inside the pouch, then sew from the outside of the pouch, over the top of the zipper excess, through the crochet stitches and the zipper fabric at the same time. Make a few passes to secure and create a new zipper stop. Repeat on other end of zipper.
- Secure yarn tails.
- Attach handle to outer edge of corners: I attached the bottom 3 dcs of the handle over R4-6.
- Hide all strings.
That’s the Crochet Granny Square Fanny Pack Pattern!
Whether you call it a granny square fanny pack, granny square bum bag, or granny square sling bag, this fun little accessory is quick to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for everyday wear.
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Written pattern and photographs © 2025 Sonya Blackstone of Blackstone Designs. Do not sell, share, or modify this pattern, but instead share the link to where the pattern can be found. You may sell items you make with this pattern. This pattern, as with all Blackstone Designs/Sonya Blackstone patterns, are not for educational use without written permission from the designer. All rights reserved.
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