This tote bag pattern has an openwork design created with areas of shell stitches and a mesh look. I've figured starting chains for crocheting the bag in three sizes.
Instructions, see below, and on pattern page 2.
Abbreviations: ch = chain, chs = chains, ea = each, dc = double crochet, sc = single crochet, sp = space, sts = stitches
Materials: Any weight of yarn. Some popular choices are: sport weight yarn with a US size G hook, worsted weight yarn with US size H or I hook or bulky weight yarn with a US size J or K hook
In the example, I used Red Heart Fiesta (worsted weight), color Millenium, with a US size H hook. It took about 4 oz. of yarn to crochet this bag in the starting chain size of 37 chains.
If you wish to add a tie-on flower to the bag for a decorative accent, see Tie-on Flower Free Pattern
Pattern Notes: You will turn at the end of each row, except where rounds are indicated. Directions are given for the shortest starting chain length, with any difference in directions for
the other two chain lengths given in parenthesis.
Starting Chains Sizes: The totes can be useful in many different sizes. Just to give an idea about finished sizes, when made with worsted weight yarn and a US size H hook, 37 chains = about 10 1/2 inches wide x 13 inches high (not including the height of the carry handle), 46 chains = about 13 inches wide x 13 inches high, 55 chains = about 15 1/2 inches wide x 13 inches high
Starting Chain: chain 37 (or 46 or 55)
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea ch across. Depending on the starting chain you used, row should have 36 sc or (45, 54) sc.
Row 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in ea of next 2 sc, skip next sc, 3 dc in next sc, * skip next 2 sc, 3 dc in next sc **, repeat the directions between * and ** as many times as needed until only the last 4 sc remain, then skip next sc, dc in ea of last 3 sc.
Row 3: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in ea of next 2 dc, skip next dc, 3 dc in next dc, * skip next 2 dc, 3 dc in next dc **, repeat the directions between * and ** as many times as needed until only the last 4 dc remain, then skip next dc, dc in ea of last 3 dc.
Rows 4 - 6: Repeat Row 3.
Row 7: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in ea of next 3 dc,
* ch 1, skip next dc, dc in ea of next 2 dc **, repeat the directions between * and ** as many times as needed
until only the last 5 dc remain, then ch 1, skip next dc, dc in ea of last 4 dc.
Row 8: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in ea of next 3 dc,
* ch 1, skip next ch-1 sp, dc in ea of next 2 dc **, repeat the directions between * and ** as many times as needed
until only one chain-1 and 4 dc remain, then ch 1, skip next ch-1 sp, dc in ea of last 4 dc.
Rows 9 - 16: Repeat Row 8.
Row 17: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in ea of next 2 dc, skip next dc, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, * skip next 2 dc, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp **, repeat the directions between * and ** as many times as needed until only 4 dc remain, then skip next dc, dc in ea of last 3 dc.
Rows 18 - 21: Repeat Row 3.
Rows 22 - 25: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in ea dc across. 36 (45, 54) dc
Rows 26 - 30: Repeat Row 3.
Row 31: Repeat Row 7.
Rows 32 - 40: Repeat Row 8.
Row 41: Repeat Row 17.
Rows 42 - 45: Repeat Row 3.
Row 46: ch 1, sc in ea dc across. Do not end off but continue with the Outside Round (which will join the edges).
---> Continue to page 2 of the pattern for the Outside Round instructions
