Granny square purse 👜

Oh my goodness, finishing my very first granny square purse was such a rewarding experience! There’s nothing quite like holding something you’ve made with your own hands, especially when it turns out so cute. For anyone dreaming of making their own, let me share a bit more about my journey, especially the part about lining – which was a big first for me! Starting with the granny squares themselves, I opted for a classic pink and white granny square purse design, which felt really fresh and cheerful. Choosing your yarn is key; I used a soft acrylic yarn, perfect for beginners and durable enough for a bag. Don't be afraid to experiment with different crochet hook sizes – a slightly smaller hook can create a tighter stitch, which is great for a purse that needs to hold its shape. Assembling the squares is like putting together a puzzle; I found whip stitch worked best for a seamless look. Now, for the lining – this was the part I was most nervous about, but it makes such a difference! A lining prevents your beautiful crochet work from stretching out over time and stops small items from poking through the stitches. For my purse, I used a lovely pink floral fabric from WAVERLY INSPIRATIONS, which added an extra touch of charm. Here’s a quick rundown of how I approached it: Measure Your Bag: Lay your finished granny square purse flat and measure its width and height. You’ll want to cut two pieces of fabric for the main body and two for the sides if your bag has depth. Add about an inch or two seam allowance all around. Cut the Fabric: Carefully cut your fabric pieces. Remember, measure twice, cut once! Sew the Lining: With right sides together, stitch your fabric pieces to form an inner bag that mirrors the shape of your crochet purse. You can do this by hand or with a sewing machine. I left the top edge open and pressed a small hem along the top. Insert and Pin: Gently slide the fabric lining into your crocheted purse. Make sure the seams match up with the purse’s corners and sides. Pin the top edge of the lining to the inside top edge of the purse, folding the raw edge under for a neat finish. Hand Stitch: This is the most satisfying part! Using a needle and thread that matches your yarn or lining, carefully hand-stitch the lining to the inside of the purse. Use small, even stitches to make it secure and invisible from the outside. Seeing that visible pink floral fabric lining inside when you’re done is just the best! Adding a strap or handles is the final touch. You can crochet a strap, use a leather strap, or even old purse handles. For this pink and white granny square purse, I kept it simple with a crocheted strap that matched the yarn. Don't be intimidated by trying new techniques like lining! My first time attempting lining of ANYTHING was a learning curve, but totally worth it. The process of seeing the partially crocheted pink and white granny square purse transform into a finished, functional bag, complete with a beautiful lining, was incredibly rewarding. If I can do it, you definitely can too! Happy crocheting!