Constellation Granny Bottle Bag Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This little bottle bag is the perfect project for anyone who loves granny squares but wants something quick, useful, and a bit celestial. It is worked in soft lilac recycled cotton, so it has a smooth, matte, preppy look that feels sturdy in the hand and gentle on your bottle. Four simple solid squares join into a flat rectangular body, a gathered base keeps your bottle snug, and two short handles make it easy to carry. The finishing touch is a tiny white constellation of cross-stitch stars connected by straight stitches, stitched on the front only. It is beginner-friendly, uses about one skein, and works up in an evening or two.

Materials Needed

• Yarn A: Worsted weight (CYC 4) 100% recycled cotton, 1 skein (approx. 85 yd / 78 m) in lilac.
• Yarn B: Small amount of worsted weight white cotton for embroidery.
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6).
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, scissors, blocking pins and mat.
• Finished size: Approx. 4" (10 cm) wide x 7" (18 cm) tall, excluding handles; handles add 2" (5 cm). Fits a standard 500 ml water bottle (2.75" / 7 cm diameter).

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn on the hook.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• inc – increase: work 2 sc into the same stitch.
• sc2tog – single crochet 2 together: a decrease that joins 2 stitches into 1.
• MR – magic ring: an adjustable loop you crochet into.
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• Rnd – round: one complete circle of stitches.
• Row – one straight line of stitches worked back and forth.

Gauge

One granny square measures 3.5" (9 cm) square after blocking, and 4 rounds measure 3.5" (9 cm). To check, work one square through Round 4, block it, and measure across the middle; adjust your hook size if it is off.

Tips Before You Start

• Work all four squares first and block them together so they match in size before seaming.
• Keep your tension even on the increases; a slightly loose square blocks out flatter and seams more neatly.
• Place the constellation stars before you sew so you can check the spacing on the finished front.
• Use a smaller tapestry needle for the embroidery so the white stitches sit crisply on the lilac.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Square (make 4, Yarn A)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).

Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts).

Fasten off. Block all four squares to 3.5" (9 cm) square.

Assembly

Arrange the four squares in a 2x2 grid. Using Yarn A and a tapestry needle, whipstitch the edges together, leaving the top edge open. The body measures 7" (18 cm) wide x 7" (18 cm) tall.

Base (Yarn A)

Join Yarn A to the bottom edge of the assembled body.

Rnd 1: sc evenly around the bottom edge (approx. 36 sts).

Rnd 2: sc in each st around (36 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc2tog] x18 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [sc2tog] x9 (9 sts).

Rnd 5: [sc2tog] x4, sc (5 sts).

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Weave the tail through the remaining stitches and pull closed.

Top Edging (Yarn A)

Join Yarn A to the top edge.

Rnd 1: sc evenly around the top opening (approx. 36 sts).

Rnd 2: sc in each st around (36 sts).

Fasten off.

Handles (make 2, Yarn A)

Row 1: Ch 25, sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (24 sts).

Row 2: sc in each st across (24 sts).

Fasten off. Sew each handle end to the top edge, 1" (2.5 cm) in from the side edges, aligning with the squares.

Embroidery (Yarn B)

Using white yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider 5 cross-stitches on the front of the bag only. Each cross-stitch is 2 stitches wide x 2 rows tall. Place the stars at grid positions (1,1), (2,2), (3,1), (4,2), and (5,1). Then connect the stars with single straight stitches in Yarn B to form the constellation lines.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends on the wrong side, taking care not to pull the fabric tight. Lightly block the finished bag to shape the body, base, and handles, and to settle the embroidery. Let it dry fully before using.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the white embroidery for a metallic or glow-in-the-dark thread for a bolder night-sky effect.
• Work the squares in two alternating lilac shades for a subtle checkerboard body.
• Add a third row to each handle for a wider, more comfortable strap.