This tote bag is made by adding to two crocheted afghan squares.
If you want to make a tote bag that looks like my examples shown in the photo, make 2
Bumpy Boxes Afghan Squares (these are used for the front and the back of the tote). I
used a different color for each square but you might prefer using the same color for both.
Note: You can use any other square pattern of your choice to make the two squares. They don't have to be 8 inch squares either, as my tote bag directions are adaptable for other
square sizes.
Materials: Use the same weight of yarn or size of thread that you used to make the crocheted squares that will be used for the front and back of this tote bag.
Shaping Technique: (used on the tote straps)
sc dec over next 2 sc - Instructions link, with photos (makes it easy to learn how to do this):
sc decrease how-to
To begin the tote: Attach yarn in ch-2 corner space (or first stitch) on left-hand side top of one square (I used a darker shade of a color that I had used on one of the squares).
Note about the Partial Round directions to follow: these are worked around three sides of the square. Each could be called a row because it doesn't go all the way around and you will turn to start the next one but I decided that it seems less confusing to call it a partial round.
Partial Round 1: (worked around three sides of the square). ch 1, sc in ch-2 sp where yarn was attached. * sc in ea sc along the side of the square until you reach the next ch-2 corner, 3 sc in the ch-2 corner **, repeat the directions between * and ** once more then sc in ea sc along the side of the square until you reach the next ch-2 corner, sc in that ch-2 corner.
Partial Round 2: ch 1, turn, sc in ea sc along the three sides of the square (there are no increases on this partial round). The corners should begin to curve, which is what we want (to form the center band).
Partial Rounds 3 - ?: Repeat Partial Round 2 until you have one row less than the width that you want for the panel between the front and the back of the tote. In the example, I did 7 partial rounds before the last partial round.
Last Partial Round: With the right side of the second square facing outward, hold the second square so that the top of the square lines up with the top edge of the row just completed. Insert the hook through under the loops of the first sc on the square and, at the same time, insert the hook through under the loops of the first sc on the partial round just completed, yarn over the hook, pull the yarn through both pieces and complete as a single crochet. Continue along the side in this same manner, working through both pieces at the same time in single crochet, to join the two pieces. When you reach the ch-2 corner of the square, make 3 sc in the ch-2 corner while working through the next 3 sc of the Partial Rounds center band at the same time. Work along bottom edge the same way that you worked through both pieces along the side, then work the next ch-2 corner in the same way as the first corner, then work along the next side the same way that you worked along the first side.
Troubleshooting: On the last side of the Last Partial round, the stitches should match evenly in number but, if for whatever reason, they don't, just work back through a same sc again while working through the next sc on the piece that has the extra leftover stitch. if there's more than one leftover stitch, plan where you do this corrective measure so that you space it out on that last side (instead of doing these corrective stitches next to each other).
End off. Weave in ends.
Straps (Make 2):
To begin: Leave a 10 inch strand dangling beyond the starting loop, to be used later
for sewing the strap end to the tote bag.
Row 1: ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea of next 4 sc. (5 sc)
Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc dec over first 2 sc, sc in next sc, sc dec over last 2 sc. (3 sc)
Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc dec over first 2 sc, sc in next sc. (2 sc)
Rows 4 - 28: ch 1, turn, sc in ea of the 2 sc in the row.
If you want a longer strap, make additional narrow rows with 2 sc in each row. In the example, I
continued with row 29 at this point, with no additional narrow rows added.
Row 29: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first sc, sc in next sc. (3 sc)
Row 30: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in last sc. (5 sc)
Row 31: ch 1, turn, sc in ea of the 5 sc in the row.
End off, leaving a 10 inch strand to be used for sewing this end of the strap to the tote bag.
Finishing: Position the ends of one strap where you want them to attach to the tote bag front. You can refer to the photo of the finished tote to get an idea about the placement of the strap ends. You may wish to pin the ends in place, to keep them in the correct position while you attach them. Thread the 10 inch yarn strand (left at the end of the strap) through a large-eye yarn needle. Sew the strap end to the tote, catching a part of a stitch on the tote that will be just slightly under the strap after you have sewed the strap on (being careful not to pull your sewing stitches too tight so the strap won't begin to buckle). If you are careful with your stitches, the sewing stitches won't show beyond the area of the strap.
Sew all the strap ends in place in the same manner. If you wish, sew some decorative buttons on the flat areas of the tote front and/or back. You can see a basic example of this in my pattern photo. You'll find your own creative ways to add decorative embellishments to your tote.
Another idea that I had is to make little party favor bags by using crochet thread instead, to crochet the squares and the tote pieces. If desired, you could personalize yours, using appliques or themed buttons.
