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Ocean Breeze granny cluster tote bag pattern

A striped granny cluster tote in double crochet (UK: treble crochet), with full US and UK stitch terms noted.

Ocean Breeze granny cluster tote bag pattern
Skill
Intermediate
Time
15 to 22 hours
Yarn weight
Worsted
Hook
6.0 mm

Intermediate

What the original write-up called it. Nothing here is graded again.

Worsted

What the sample was worked in. Any weight works; the size moves with it.

15 to 22 hours

What the original page reckoned. Your own pace is the one that matters.

About this pattern

This is an intermediate granny cluster tote worked in continuous rounds, built from a flat single crochet base, ten body rounds moving through a nine-colour stripe sequence, an eyelet upper band, two straps, and a tasselled finish. It demands comfort with standing stitches, frequent colour joins, and even tension across a larger piece. Total working time runs roughly 15 to 22 hours across several sessions.

The Ocean Breeze tote belongs to the granny cluster family, a textured offshoot of traditional granny-square crochet built from small groups of double crochet stitches (UK: treble crochet) worked into chain-one spaces. Rather than joining individual motifs, the clusters stack directly into continuous rounds, producing the same bobbled, open texture associated with granny work but shaped seamlessly into a bag rather than a flat panel. The result is a sturdy, ridge-striped tote with enough structure to carry real weight.

Construction begins with a flat single crochet rectangle for the base, which is then worked around its perimeter to launch the granny cluster rounds rising through the body in a fixed colour sequence. A plain upper band with an eyelet row marks the transition before two straps and a tasselled drawstring finish the piece. Working the base and straps at a slightly tighter gauge than the body helps the finished bag hold a crisp, flat-bottomed shape once filled.

Materials

  • Color A, Natural/Sand: 500 yards (457 meters)
  • Color B, Teal: 130 yards (119 meters)
  • Color C, Seafoam/Light Mint: 120 yards (110 meters)
  • Color D, Aqua/Medium Turquoise: 120 yards (110 meters)
  • Color E, Cobalt Blue: 100 yards (91 meters)
  • Color F, Light Blue/Sky: 100 yards (91 meters)
  • Color G, White/Cream: 100 yards (91 meters)
  • Color H, Dark Teal (strap accent): 80 yards (73 meters)
  • Color I, Navy Blue (strap accent): 80 yards (73 meters)
  • Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton works beautifully for this project. The mercerized cotton gives excellent stitch definition and holds its shape well.
  • Paintbox Yarns Simply DK used doubled, or Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky at a looser gauge, offers an extensive color palette perfect for building your custom gradient.
  • Scheepjes Cahlista is a premium option that produces heirloom quality results with exceptional color range.
  • Avoid fuzzy or textured yarns. They will obscure the granny cluster pattern.

Hook

  • US size J / 6.0 mm crochet hook

Optional second hook

  • US size I / 5.5 mm for tighter tension on base and straps

Optional

  • 1/2 yard fabric for lining

Optional

  • Stiff interfacing for base

Tools

  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers (at least 4)
  • One wooden bead, approximately 3/4 inch (18 mm) diameter
  • Scissors

The list is the pattern's own wording.

Instructions

Every round is printed as the pattern wrote it, brackets and all. Open the key beside a round to see only the short forms that round uses.

Section 1: Bag Base

The base creates a firm rectangle using single crochet.

With Color A (Natural/Sand) and J hook, chain 51 .

  1. Round 1

    (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (50 sc)

    Key3
    ch
    chain
    RS
    right side
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  2. Round 2

    Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (50 sc)

    Key2
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  3. Round 3

    through 16: Repeat Row 2. Turn after each row. (50 sc per row) After 16 rows, do NOT fasten off. Your base should measure approximately 14 inches wide by 4 inches tall.

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)

Main Pattern

  1. Round 1

    Setup: With Color B (Teal), join with a standing double crochet in the marked stitch.Work as follows: (1 GC in current sc, ch 1, skip 1 sc) around. At end of round, sl st to top of first GC to join. Move marker. (66 GCG)

    Key5
    sl st
    slip stitch
    GCG
    granny cluster group (1 granny cluster plus 1 chain)
    ch
    chain
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)

Section 4: Bag Body, Granny Cluster Rounds

From here, all rounds are worked into the ch-1 spaces of the previous round.

Follow this color stripe sequence exactly:

  1. Rounds 1–2

    Color B, Teal (1 GC into next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, sl st to join. (66 GCG)

    Key5
    sl st
    slip stitch
    GCG
    granny cluster group (1 granny cluster plus 1 chain)
    ch
    chain
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sp
    space
  2. Rounds 3–4

    Color C, Seafoam Join Color C with StDC. (1 GC into next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, sl st to join. (66 GCG)

    Key6
    sl st
    slip stitch
    StDC
    standing double crochet
    GCG
    granny cluster group (1 granny cluster plus 1 chain)
    ch
    chain
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sp
    space
  3. Rounds 5–6

    Color D, Aqua Join Color D. (1 GC into next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, sl st to join. (66 GCG)

    Key5
    sl st
    slip stitch
    GCG
    granny cluster group (1 granny cluster plus 1 chain)
    ch
    chain
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sp
    space
  4. Rounds 7–8

    Color E, Cobalt Blue Join Color E. (1 GC into next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, sl st to join. (66 GCG)

    Key5
    sl st
    slip stitch
    GCG
    granny cluster group (1 granny cluster plus 1 chain)
    ch
    chain
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sp
    space
  5. Rounds 9–10

    Color F, Light Blue Join Color F. (1 GC into next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, sl st to join. (66 GCG)

    Key5
    sl st
    slip stitch
    GCG
    granny cluster group (1 granny cluster plus 1 chain)
    ch
    chain
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sp
    space
  6. Rounds 11–12

    Color G, White/Cream Join Color G. (1 GC into next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, sl st to join. (66 GCG)

    Key5
    sl st
    slip stitch
    GCG
    granny cluster group (1 granny cluster plus 1 chain)
    ch
    chain
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sp
    space
  7. Rounds 13–14

    Color F, Light Blue Join Color F. (1 GC into next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, sl st to join. (66 GCG)

    Key5
    sl st
    slip stitch
    GCG
    granny cluster group (1 granny cluster plus 1 chain)
    ch
    chain
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sp
    space
  8. Rounds 15–16

    Color D, Aqua Join Color D. (1 GC into next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, sl st to join. (66 GCG)

    Key5
    sl st
    slip stitch
    GCG
    granny cluster group (1 granny cluster plus 1 chain)
    ch
    chain
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sp
    space
  9. Rounds 17–18

    Color C, Seafoam Join Color C. (1 GC into next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, sl st to join. (66 GCG)

    Key5
    sl st
    slip stitch
    GCG
    granny cluster group (1 granny cluster plus 1 chain)
    ch
    chain
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sp
    space
  10. Rounds 19–20

    Color B, Teal Join Color B. (1 GC into next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, sl st to join. (66 GCG)Checkpoint: After Round 20, your bag body should measure approximately 10 inches from the base.

    Key5
    sl st
    slip stitch
    GCG
    granny cluster group (1 granny cluster plus 1 chain)
    ch
    chain
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sp
    space

Section 6: Straps (Make 2)

With Color A and J hook, chain 8 .

  1. Round 1

    Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (7 sc)

    Key2
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  2. Round 2

    through 120: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (7 sc) After Row 120, fasten off leaving a long tail. Strap should measure approximately 30 inches.

    Key2
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)

Section 5: Upper Band with Eyelet Row

  1. Round 21

    Color A, Natural Join Color A with StDC. (1 GC into next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, sl st to join. (66 GCG)

    Key6
    sl st
    slip stitch
    StDC
    standing double crochet
    GCG
    granny cluster group (1 granny cluster plus 1 chain)
    ch
    chain
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sp
    space
  2. Round 22

    Color A, Eyelet Round Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch 1), skip first ch-1 sp, (dc in top of next GC, ch 1, skip ch-1 sp) around, sl st to third ch of beginning ch-4. (66 dc plus 66 ch-1 sps)

    Key5
    sl st
    slip stitch
    ch
    chain
    dc
    double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops)
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sp
    space

This creates the decorative openwork band visible between the stripes and the solid top.

  1. Round 23

    Color A Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same sp as join, ch 1, (1 GC in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, sl st to top of ch-3. (66 GCG)

    Key6
    sl st
    slip stitch
    GCG
    granny cluster group (1 granny cluster plus 1 chain)
    ch
    chain
    dc
    double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops)
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sp
    space
  2. Rounds 24–26

    Color A (1 GC in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, sl st to join. (66 GCG)

    Key5
    sl st
    slip stitch
    GCG
    granny cluster group (1 granny cluster plus 1 chain)
    ch
    chain
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sp
    space
  3. Round 27

    Color A, Top Edging Setup Sc in each GC top and each ch-1 sp around. (132 sc)

    Key4
    ch
    chain
    GC
    granny cluster (see special stitch below)
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
    sp
    space
  4. Round 28

    Color A, Top Edge Sl st in each sc around. Fasten off. (132 sl st) Checkpoint: Total height from base to top edge should measure approximately 13 inches.

    Key2
    sl st
    slip stitch
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)

Section 2: Base Perimeter Setup

Now you will work around all four sides of the base rectangle to create the foundation for the body rounds.

With RS facing, do not turn. Rotate work 90 degrees clockwise.

Side B (right short end): Work 16 sc evenly along the short end, 1 sc per row end. (16 sc)

Corner: Work 1 sc into the corner chain.

Side C (bottom foundation chain): Sc in each of the 50 foundation chain sts along the bottom. (50 sc)

Corner: Work 1 sc into the corner chain.

Side D (left short end): Work 16 sc evenly along the short end. (16 sc)

Join with sl st to the first sc of Row 16.

Total perimeter: 50 + 16 + 50 + 16 = 132 sc Place a stitch marker at the join point.

Surface Stripe Decoration

With RS of strap facing, work 3 parallel surface slip stitch lines along the length:

Line 1 (left edge): With Color H (Dark Teal), surface sl st along the 2nd column of sc from left edge. Fasten off.

Line 2 (center): With Color I (Navy Blue), surface sl st along the 4th column (center). Fasten off.

Line 3 (right of center): With Color B (Teal), surface sl st along the 6th column. Fasten off.

Strap Attachment

Position each strap end approximately 3.5 inches in from the side edges on the bag top. Strap ends should overlap the inside by about 2.5 inches.

Using Color A and a tapestry needle, sew each strap end using a box stitch (rectangle of running stitches with an X inside) for maximum strength. Repeat for the second strap on the back.

Section 7: Tassel

Cut 40 strands of yarn, each 14 inches long. Use a mix of Colors B, C, D, F, and G (approximately 8 strands of each).

Fold all strands in half. Thread the folded loop through the wooden bead from top to bottom.

Make the Tassel Cap: Magic ring, ch 2, work 5 dc into ring, join with sl st. (6 dc) Round 2: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join. (12 dc)

Place the cap over the bead. With Color B, wrap yarn tightly 8 times around the tassel about 3/4 inch below the bead. Knot securely.

Trim strands to 5 to 6 inches below the neck. Attach to the front top corner of the bag.

Making up

  1. Step 1Weave in all ends securely, working back and forth through several stitches for at least 2 inches.
  2. Step 2Fill the bag with plastic bags or a towel to shape it. Mist lightly with water or diluted starch spray. Pat into shape with flat base and perpendicular sides. Allow to dry completely for 12 to 24 hours.
  3. Step 3For extra stiffness, spray with fabric stiffener or a diluted white glue solution.

Notes from the pattern

  • Keep at least four stitch markers in play; the main pattern and each colour round rely on the marker moving to track the join point as the stripe sequence progresses.
  • The nine colours used across the body and strap accents mean frequent joins; weave every end back and forth through at least 2 inches of stitching so the mercerised cotton doesn't slip loose.
  • After assembly, fill the bag with plastic bags or a towel, mist lightly, and allow 12 to 24 hours to dry fully before removing the filler, so the rectangular base sets flat.

The essentials

Rounds
22
Parts
9
Level
Intermediate
Time
15 to 22 hours
Hook
6.0 mm
Yarn
Worsted

Stitches you will use

  • Standing stitch colour joins Used at the start of every new colour round through the body; keep the first cluster snug to the chain-one space so the join doesn't sit proud of the round.
  • Working into chain-one spaces The granny cluster rounds are built entirely into the previous round's ch-1 spaces rather than into stitch tops; miscounting here shifts the 66 GCG total out across the round.
  • Continuous round joins with marker tracking Each round closes with a slip stitch and the marker moves forward; forgetting to move it misaligns the stripe sequence from Rounds 1-2 onward.

Troubleshooting

The base won't sit flat once the body rounds begin.

Uneven tension across the 16 base rows can leave the rectangle slightly wider or narrower than its 50 sc count; recheck the stitch count on each row before starting the cluster rounds.

The finished bag looks soft or slouchy even after stuffing and drying.

Cotton fibre alone may not hold a crisp shape; apply a fabric stiffener or diluted white glue solution as noted in the finishing steps, or add the fabric lining for extra body.

Substituting yarn

Mercerised cotton, DK weight held double
Produces a similar firm fabric to the called-for worsted cotton; check gauge against the 66 GCG count and be prepared to drop to the 5.5 mm hook throughout for the same density.
Cotton-acrylic blend, worsted weight
Softer drape than pure mercerised cotton, so the bag will rely more heavily on stuffing and stiffening spray to hold its flat-bottomed shape.
Cotton, chunky weight at a looser gauge
Works up faster with fewer total stitches needed for the same size, but the granny cluster texture reads less defined; a larger hook than the J/6.0 mm will be needed.

Washing and care

  • Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent; mercerised cotton holds its colour well but should not be wrung, as twisting can distort the granny cluster texture.
  • Reshape while still damp over a stuffed form, then leave flat to finish drying; store the empty tote loosely filled with tissue so the single crochet base doesn't crease.

FAQs

Questions

Can the finished tote be resized?

The base chain of 51 and the 66 GCG count are built to match; lengthening the base chain or adding cluster repeats will shift both the width and the stripe sequence, so any resizing should be tested in a swatch first. Keeping the ratio of base rows to body rounds consistent helps the proportions stay balanced.

What happens if one of the stripe colours runs short?

Each colour is used for a fixed pair of rounds, so running short usually means tension has tightened partway through; check the 66 GCG count is holding steady before assuming the yardage is insufficient. If a colour genuinely runs out, the closest-value shade in the gradient can finish that round without disrupting the overall sequence noticeably.

Is the fabric lining optional?

The lining is listed as a material but is not worked into the stitch instructions, so it functions as a finishing choice rather than a structural requirement. Adding it gives extra rigidity and hides yarn ends, which is useful if fabric stiffener alone doesn't give enough body.

How much of the total time goes into the upper band compared with the body?

The upper band with its eyelet row is estimated at about 1 hour, a small fraction next to the 10 to 14 hours allotted for the granny cluster body rounds. Most of the project's time investment sits in maintaining the colour sequence and tension through those ten body rounds.

These answers came from whoever first published the pattern, kept word for word.