This tote bag pattern has an openwork design created with areas of shell stitches and a mesh look. This version has an extra piece on each side made in single crochet to make the bag roomier, to hold more. I also added extra rows to make this version deeper than my flat tote version of this bag design. I've figured starting chains for crocheting the roomy version of this bag in two sizes.
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Abbreviations: ch = chain, chs = chains, ea = each, dc = double crochet, sc = single crochet, sp = space, st = stitch, sts = stitches
Materials: about 8 oz. 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
Used in the Example: 5 oz. Red Heart Super Saver worsted weight yarn, color Woodsy
multicolor and 3 oz. Red Heart Super Saver worsted weight yarn, color Dark Sage, for the larger
size (the 55 chains starting chain).
Stitches Used: double crochet - dc instructions
Single Crochet - Instructions link, with photos:
sc how-to
Pattern Notes: You will turn at the end of each row. Directions are given for the shortest starting chain length, with any difference in directions for the other chain length 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 -
46 chains = about 13 inches wide (not counting the side piece) x 15 3/4 inches high
(not including the height of the carry handle),
55 chains = about 15 1/2 inches wide x 15 3/4 inches high
Starting Chain: chain 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 45 sc or (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 - 24: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in ea dc across. 45 (54) dc
Rows 25 - 48: ch 1, sc in ea dc across. 45 (54) sc
Rows 49 - 51: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in ea sc across. 45 (54) dc
Rows 52 - 56: Repeat Row 3.
Row 57: Repeat Row 7.
Rows 58 - 66: Repeat Row 8.
Row 67: Repeat Row 17.
Rows 68 - 71: Repeat Row 3.
Row 72: ch 1, sc in ea dc across.
Do not end off if you are making the bag all in one color but continue with the
Carry Handle Rows. If you are using a different color for the Carry Strap Rows (as in my example)
then end off and attach the next color in the first stitch of the row just finished.
Continue to Page 2 of this pattern for Carry Handle Rows, Side Piece and Joining instructions.
