Willow Granny Square Free Pattern: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

This classic motif features a central, delicate petal arrangement that sits flat and firm, making it a reliable building block for blankets, pillows, or decorative bags. Its circular foundation transitions into a squared-off frame with clean, sharp corners that lock together without gaps or awkward puckering. Beginners appreciate how the repeating rounds help build muscle memory while creating a professional finish that hides its simple roots. You will practice managing yarn tension in the center while working through basic chain spaces to create the signature look. This project is a quiet, meditative way to clear out your stash bins.

Pin for later!

Why This Project Is Worth Making

This beginner-friendly project creates a durable, functional market bag that stretches to hold produce, library books, or your latest knitting supplies. The open, airy mesh construction relies on basic chain spaces, making it a fast work-up that avoids the monotony of dense fabric patterns. Since it uses standard worsted weight cotton, you can easily use leftover skeins from other projects to create a unique color-blocked effect. The bag features a reinforced base and sturdy, integrated handles, ensuring your finished piece remains reliable under the weight of heavy groceries.

I finished this market bag in just one weekend and the construction was much simpler than it looked. It fits perfectly over my shoulder and holds a surprising amount of stuff without stretching out of shape.

— Sarah, casual crafter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Approximate Time: 4 to 6 hours
• Construction: Worked in joined rounds starting from a circular base, moving into a mesh body, and finishing with integrated handles.
• Finished Dimensions: 14 inches wide by 16 inches long (laid flat before stretching).

Materials & Supplies Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) 100% cotton yarn, approximately 350 yards. Cotton is preferred over acrylic for its lack of elasticity, which prevents the bag from sagging when loaded.
• Hook Size: 5.0 mm (US H-8).
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, one locking stitch marker to track the start of rounds.
• Safe Yarn Substitutions: Linen or hemp blends work well for added durability. Using wool will result in a bag that loses its shape significantly and may felt if washed improperly.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• sp = space
• inc = 2 sc in the same stitch
• sk = skip

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Base

1. Rnd 1: Start with a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 11 dc into the ring. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (12 sts)
2. Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (24 sts)
3. Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st repeat from * to * around. Join. (36 sts)
4. Rnd 4: Ch 3, 2 dc in next st, 1 dc in each of next 2 sts repeat from * to * around. Join. (48 sts)
5. Rnd 5: Ch 3, 2 dc in next st, 1 dc in each of next 3 sts repeat from * to * around. Join. (60 sts)

Mesh Body

1. Rnd 6: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join to first sc. (60 sts)
2. Rnd 7: Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), sk 2 sts, dc in next st, ch 2, sk 2 sts repeat from * to * around. Join to 3rd ch of beg ch-5. (20 dc, 20 ch-2 spaces)
3. Rnds 8-25: Sl st into the first ch-2 sp, ch 5, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, dc in next ch-2 sp repeat from * to * around. Join. (20 dc, 20 ch-2 spaces)

Handles & Edging

1. Rnd 26: Ch 1, sc in each dc and each ch-2 sp around. Join to first sc. (60 sts)
2. Rnd 27: Sc in next 10 sts, ch 50, sk 10 sts, sc in next 20 sts, ch 50, sk 10 sts, sc in next 10 sts. Join.
3. Rnd 28: Sc in each sc and each ch around the handle loops. Join and fasten off.

Care & Washing Instructions

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water to prevent shrinking or fiber damage.
• Lay the bag flat on a towel to air dry, as hanging it while wet can cause the handles to stretch unnaturally.
• Reshape the bag while damp by pulling the base flat and ensuring the mesh squares are even.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Maintain consistent tension throughout the mesh section. Because the bag is made of large chain spaces, loose stitches in one area will make the bag look uneven when loaded.
• Always place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round. It is easy to lose track of where the round ends when working in continuous mesh loops.
• Weave in your ends securely using a tapestry needle, running the yarn through at least three inches of fabric to ensure it doesn’t pop out when the bag is stretched.
• If you want a deeper bag, simply add more rounds to the mesh body section. Keep in mind that adding four extra rounds will require approximately 30 additional yards of yarn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a larger hook to make the mesh more open?

Yes, using a larger hook will increase the size of the holes, but it will also make the bag more prone to stretching. If you do this, consider using a slightly heavier weight yarn to maintain the strength of the straps.

Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners?

This pattern is excellent for those who have mastered the basic chain, single crochet, and double crochet stitches. The repetition of the mesh rounds helps build muscle memory quickly.

Can I sell the bags I make from this pattern?

Please check the specific designer terms included in your pattern download or website footer. Generally, individual makers can sell items made from personal-use patterns, but you must use your own photography and credit the original designer.

How do I prevent the straps from stretching too much?

The straps are reinforced by the final round of single crochet. To ensure they stay sturdy, keep your tension tight when working the chain for the handle and ensure your single crochet stitches are uniform.

Pin for later!

Seeing your individual squares join together into a unified, heirloom-quality blanket provides a lasting sense of accomplishment. You might consider using a variegated yarn for the center flower to give your project a natural, shifting color palette or perhaps swapping to a wool blend for extra warmth during the winter months. Once you finish your pieces, post a photo of your layout on social media so others can see your color choices. Browse my collection of other free designs to find your next project.