Crochet Cotton Tote Bag

Skill level: Easy

Size: Approx. 9" deep x 24" around

Materials:

540 yds. light worsted weight cotton in one or two colors (or more!) (sample shown in Tahki "Cotton Classic")

Scraps of novelty scarf yarn, or pony beads, for trim (optional)

Size G/6 (4.25 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to achieve gauge

Tapestry needle

Gauge: 4 sts = 1", 9 rows = 2" in single crochet woven pattern on size G/6 (4.25 mm) hook

Stitches/Terms: beginning (beg), chain (ch), double crochet (dc), half double crochet (hdc), repeat (rep), single crochet (sc), stitch (st)

Pattern notes:

Change colors as desired for 2-color or multicolor tote.

Special stitches:

For disappearing loop beginning: wrap yarn once or twice around index finger, insert hook into loops on finger, yo and pull loop through, chain 1 and begin working 6 sc over strands on finger. When several rounds have been completed, pull beginning yarn tail to close center of ring.

Tote Bag

Beginning at center of tote bottom, chain 4, join into ring (or use magic disappearing loop method to begin). Ch 1, 6 sc in ring, join with sl st (6 sc)

Rnd 1: Ch 1, 2 sc in same sc, 2 sc in ea sc around, join with slip stitch (12 sc)

Rnd 2 and all even rounds: Work even, join with sl st at end of each round.

Rnd 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in same sc, 2 sc in ea sc around, join with sl st (24 sc)

Rnd 5: Ch 1, 2 sc in same sc, 1 sc in next sc, *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next sc, rep from * around, join with sl st (36 sc)

Rnd 7: Ch 1, 2 sc in same sc, 1 sc in next 2 sc, *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 2 sc, rep from * around, join with sl st (48 sc)

Rnd 9: Ch 1, 2 sc in same sc, 1 sc in next 3 sc, *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 3 sc, rep from * around, join with sl st (60 sc)

Rnd 11: Ch 1, 2 sc in same sc, 1 sc in next 4 sc, *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 4 sc, rep from * around, join with sl st (72 sc)

Rnd 13: Ch 1, 2 sc in same sc, 1 sc in next 5 sc, *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 5 sc, rep from * around, join with sl st (84 sc)

Rnd 14: Work 1 round even, join with sl st (84 sc)

Rnd 15: Sc in back loop only (BLO) of ea sc around, join with sl st (84)

Rnds 16-17: Work even, join with sl st at end of ea round (84)

Begin single crochet woven pattern:

Rnd 18: Ch 1, sc in same sc, work sc in next sc 1 row below, *sc in next sc, sc in next sc 1 row below, rep from * around, join with sl st (84)

Rnd 19: Ch 1, sc in same sc 1 row below, sc in next sc, *sc in next sc 1 row below, sc in next sc, rep from * around, join with sl st (84)

Rep Rnds 18 and 19 until bag measures 8" from Rnd 15.

Next round (eyelet round): Ch 4, skip 1 sc, *dc in next sc, ch 1, skip 1 sc, rep from * around, join with sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-4.

Next round: Ch 1, sc in same ch, sc in ea space and dc around, join with sl st (84 sc)

Next 4 rounds: Ch 1, sc in ea sc around, join with sl st (84 sc). Fasten off and weave in ends.

Drawstring ties (make 2):

Holding 2 strands together, chain 120, fasten off. Fold bag flat. Beginning at right side of eyelet row, weave one end of chain under and over ea dc around top of bag. Weave second chain in same manner, starting at left side of bag. Hold ends of each separate chain together and tie in overhand knot. Weave yarn ends into knot to hide and secure them. When you pull on drawstring ties, top of bag should draw closed.

Optional trim:

Cut lengths of novelty scarf yarn and attach to bag as desired by inserting hook into a space between sts. Fold strand in half around hook, pull loop through, then pull loose ends through loop on hook and tighten.

OR -

Use same yarn to make fringed strands. Attach as desired around top of bag, then string pony beads on ends of strands. A fabric lining can be sewn and inserted into bag, tacking top to inside of bag below eyelet row.