Sunday, November 14, 2010

Book Tote with Free Pattern


Book Tote with Free Pattern

Materials: Red Heart Super Saver Solids - 1 7oz skein of Frosty Green (F) and 1 7oz skein of Medium Thyme (M)
Hook Size: G
Gauge: 5sc = 1" and 6 rnds = 1"
Finished Size: 14" wide, 5 1/4" deep, 10" tall with 16" strap to center point from top edge of bag.
Optional: Cardboard cut to 14" x 5 1/4"
Abbreviations: 
rnd = round
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
BLO = back loops only
FO = Fasten off (usually join with slip stitch to next stitch, pull up a tail and cut, then weave tail into work)

Bag Pattern
Wtih M, ch 61
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook
Row 2: sc in each sc across, ch-1, turn
Rep row 2 for a total of 22 rows, but work 2sc in last st of last row. DO NOT TURN but begin working in rnds.
Rnd 1: sc across short end (20 sc) with 2sc in last st. Continue working sc in each sc across long edge, with 2sc in last sc for corner. sc across short end. Do Not Join.
Rnd 2: Working in BLO for this round only, sc in each sc around
Rnd 3 - 12: sc in each sc around
Rnd 13: Change color to F, sc in each sc around
Rnd 14 - 22: sc in each sc around
Rnd 23: (Do not chain), but begin working hdc in each sc around
Rnd 24: hdc in each hdc around
Rnd 25: (Do not chain), but begin working dc in each hdc around
Rnd 26 - 32: dc in each dc around
Rnd 33: hdc in each dc around
Rnd 34: hdc in each hdc around
Rnd 35: sc in each hdc around
Rnd 36 - 40: sc in each sc around
Rnd 41: Change color to M, sc in each sc around
Rnd 42: sc in each sc around, FO, weave in ends

Straps pattern:
With M, ch 441, or until about 58" long
Row 1: starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, ch-1, turn
Row 2: sc in each sc across, ch-3, turn
Row 3: dc in each sc across, ch-1, turn
Row 4: sc in each sc across, ch-1, turn
Row 5: sc in each sc across, FO

Finishing:
Join long strap together at short ends to make a large circle, being careful not to twist.
Place seam at bottom of bag about 15 st from short edge of bottom. Stitch strap into place along bottom and up sides of bag.
With this side attached, find the center point on the opposite side of the "strap circle" and attach to opposite side of the bottom of the bag, the same as the first side of the strap. (see photos for placement clarification).

Optional: Cut a thick piece of cardboard to the same measurements of the bottom of the bag and place inside bottom of bag for more strength to bottom.


If you encounter any problems with this pattern, please let me know.
This pattern should be able to be easily adjusted for a larger or smaller bag, and with longer or shorter straps. Feel free to play with it to make a bag of your own liking.