This summer I had a strong desire to make a bag/tote that I would actually use and it would fit my needs. I wanted a minimal look combined with a simple way to achieve it.
This type of tote design has existed for a good few years. I fell in love with it but, as you know me, I didn't want to follow any existing pattern, so I looked here and there, gathered inspiration, and after a few attempts I finally made it. The almost perfect version of a functional, handsome-looking bag!
The first version (above) was made with James C. Brett tubular polyester yarn, which is now discontinued. I loved the colour and softness of it. In fact, the finished bag had a bit of a stretch to it. It was ok to carry lighter items but if I wanted it to be more sturdy it had to be made of cotton. It worked perfectly!
It was fun to break down this design to show you how it's done. I learned a lot and I hope you will too.
There are a few completely new techniques of working trebles involved here. I will reveal those in IG reels. It is the secret sauce that creates that polished finish. Hope you'll love it!
In overall, it is a very easy, relaxing, and satisfying pattern to make.
Starting at the bottom and finishing with handles, it's possible to complete this project in a couple to three evenings.
All sections have been presented separately so it's clear to follow. Let's get to it!
Materials
Hooks: 4mm, 3.5mm,
Tapestry needle and scissors
Yarn:
3 x Lily Sugar’n Cream (here in Meadow)
Blend: 100% cotton
Weight: Aran; 86m/70.9g
Alternatively:
Rico Creative Cotton Aran
Paintbox Yarn Cotton Aran
Rico Bandchen tape
3 x James C. Brett Noodles Chunky 100g/170m – discontinued
Stitches
Ch - chain
Tr – treble crochet
St/sts – stitch/stitches
Sl st – slip stitch
Fp – front post stitch
Fptr – front post treble crochet
Bp sl st - back post slip stitch
Bptr - back post treble crochet
PATTERN
Bottom
Using 4mm hook ch9.
Tr in 3rd st from the hook (2ch doesn’t count as a st).
Tr6 to the end. (7sts)
Ch2 (counts as a st from now on), tur, tr6.
Continue to build 25 rows of 7tr in each.
It should be approximately 30cm long.
Turn for the body
First stitch with wraps (wrapped st): wrap yarn around the base of the chain on the hook anti-clockwise, ch1, wrap again, ch2 (ch1 + ch1 for the gap)
Turn for the body: you’ll be working perpendicular to the base.
R1: Wrapped st, *bp tr1, ch1* 24 times, bptr, bp tr5, bptr, ch1, *bp tr1, ch1* 24 times, bp tr, bp tr5, bp sl st in the ch space.
Body
First stitch of every round is always wrapped as above!
R2: Wrapped st, *tr1, ch1* 24 times, fp tr, tr5, fp tr, ch1, *tr1, ch1* 24 times, fp tr, tr5, bp sl st in the ch space.
R3 -30: Repeat R2.
Change to 3.5mm crochet hook.
R31: Wrapped stitch, *tr1 in ch space, tr1 in post* 23 times, tr1 in ch space, fp tr, tr5, fp tr, *tr1 in ch space, tr1 in post* 23 times, tr1 in ch space, fp tr, tr5, bp sl st.
R32: sl st and al st around in between trebles of the previous round.
Cut yarn, and weave in the end.
Handles
With a 3.5mm crochet hook, join in the yarn above the middle of the fifth ch gap.
R1: Wrapped st, tr4, ch2 (counts as a tr), turn.
R2-41: tr4, ch2, turn.
Cut the yarn, and sew it in place, symmetrically.
Repeat for the second handle.
Weave in the ends.
I am also preparing a video tutorial to show you how I am working all stitches and special techniques. Trust me it's going to be a game-changer! Any tips on how to successfully record a voice-over are most welcome.
Fingers crossed I'll be able to finish it soon. Keep your eyes peeled!
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