Crochet Mini Tote Bag

Size: 5-1/2" deep x 7-1/2" wide

Materials:

200 yds. light worsted wt. cotton yarn (100 yds. ea of 2 colors)

NOTE: For a larger tote, purchase additional yarn, up to 400 yds. total

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

Removable stitch markers or small safety pins

Tapestry needle

Pony beads, or other beads for decoration

Gauge: 4 single crochet = 1", 9 rows = 2" with size G/6 (4.25 mm) hook

Stitches/Terms: beginning (beg), chain (ch), repeat (rep), single crochet (sc), slip stitch (sl st), stitch (st)

Tote

Round 1: Beginning at bottom of bag, chain (ch) 20, single crochet (sc) in second chain from hook and in next 18 ch, 3 sc in next ch (mark center stitch of this 3-sc group with removable marker or safety pin), working along other side of chain, sc across to last ch, work 3 sc in last ch (mark center stitch of this 3-sc group also), slip stitch join to beginning sc.

Rounds 2-5 (increase rounds): Ch 1, sc in same sc, sc in ea sc around, maintaining increases at each end of bag by working 3 sc in marked stitches (remove and replace marker in center stitch of each 3-sc group as needed). Slip stitch join to beginning sc on every round. At the end of Round 5, there should be 57 sc.

NOTE: If you want a larger bag, continue to increase at each end of bag until desired width for bottom of bag is reached.

Sides:

Next round: Single crochet in back loop only (BLO) of ea sc around, sl st join to beg sc (57 sc)

Next and all remaining rounds: Ch 1, sc in same sc, sc in ea sc around, sl st join to beg sc (57 sc)

Continue in single crochet on every round, changing colors as desired. To change color: slip st join at end of round, but pull new color through loops on hook, dropping current color behind. Ch 1, sc in same sc and continue with new color. Carry unused strand loosely up inside of bag, catching it under working strand but not pulling it through loops on hook until color change is desired. Sample bag was worked in this color sequence:

3 rounds purple

1 round yellow

2 rounds purple

1 round yellow

2 rounds purple

1 round yellow

5 rounds purple

5 rounds yellow

3 rounds purple

1 round yellow

1 round purple (edging round)

Top edging:

When bag measures desired depth (sample bag is 5-1/2" deep), work 1 round reverse single crochet edging (AKA shrimp stitch or crab stitch) in color of choice, slip st join to beg sc, fasten off and weave in ends.

Handles:

Fold bag flat. Measure off six 90" lengths of one of the colors and work with 3 strands for each handle. Leaving 6" to 8" length before beginning to chain, hold 3 strands together and attach yarn in 9th stitch from right side of bag (counting from right to left), chain 50, skip 9 stitches, attach chain handle in next stitch, pull loop through, and fasten off tightly. Make an overhand knot with yarn ends around points where chain handle meets top of bag. Repeat on other side of bag.

Finishing:

Decorate as desired, by stringing pony beads on strands below handles. Buttons or beads can be sewn on the large-stripe areas for additional decoration. A fabric lining can be sewn and inserted inside bag.

Be creative and have fun with your new tote!