Friday, 22 June 2018

INTERESTING TOTE BAG

Interesting Tote bag modelled - a lovely free crochet pattern from Sweet Nothings Crochet
I had this multi coloured bag below that I used for a long time and when I was gifted this bag full of slinky shiny polyester purse yarn, I knew I had to re-create that bag in crochet.  Today I used some of our Indian polyester purse yarn in cones , with a 5.5 mm crochet hook.  This lovely crochet project uses very basic stitches and we end up with a really beautiful useful bag.  This project is great for beginner crocheters and anyone who wants to learn some new ideas in making a bag.
see how the bag is splitting along the side
This is my long time favourite bag, that finally started giving way at the seams, which inspired me to create today's tote.  Thank you for joining me.

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Materials used : About three cones of polyester purse yarn in cones , with a 5.5 mm crochet hook ; fabric glue to seal ends ; chain ; stitch markers ; embroidery needle.
For Indians : You could use Anchor , Red ros or unbranded knitting cotton as well
General yarn info : This polyester yarn is available only in India.
The yarn used today is not specific to this pattern.
You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.
International yarns :  Among the international yarns I have used in this thickness, I’d suggest Aunt Lydia Cotton 10, Aunt Lydia Bamboo-Viscose 10, DMC Petra, Sullivans knitting cotton (Australia), Milford Soft, Hilaza Rustica Eclat , Alize cotton yarn and Alize bamboo yarn.
Skill level : Easy 

Stitches used :
Starting slip knot :   https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw 
Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot :  https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs 
What is a slip stitch :  https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw  
Half Double Crochet : Hdc :  yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk) ; 
yo, draw through all 3 lps.  One hdc made.  
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/sDiELJdB2Dg
Chainless start for Half Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 start, and this is what I do to start my row of hdc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/lWXpl1KdbZ8 
Double Crochet : dc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk); 
[yo, draw through 2 lps] twice.  One dc made.  
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/xdnjB27zpYo 
Chainless start for Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of dc. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/wskv3iTjRx0 

Abbreviations used : (Using U.S terminology)
lp(s) : Loop(s)                        sc : Single crochet
dc : Double crochet               sp : Space                               
sl-st : Slip stitch                     ch : Chain
st(s) : Stitch(es)                     hk : Hook
yo : Yarn Over 
fsc : Foundation Single crochet                  
hdc : Half double crochet                

Instructions using U.S terminology
Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.
Please check the top of this blog for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.  
Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.
In my patterns I work with the principle of stitch count and body measurement.  
This means that you need to work the stitch count in pattern, till you get the measurement (length and/or width) that you need for your project. 

For today’s interesting market bag, we will start from the bottom and work our way all the way up to the top. 

While you can start with any number of stitches, let’s start with 20 fsc 
Foundation Single Crochet : fsc :  https://youtu.be/mcT85fwh4mA
Start : with 20 fsc.  Turn.

In the following row, we will start working all the way till the end, then turn and work around the bottom of the fsc chain.  So while we start with a row, we will end up working in rounds.
How to work the fsc chain into a round : https://youtu.be/DwkKgtGaJMY

For the base, I have decided to work only in one colour
We will not be joining at the end of every round.  
We will place a marker to mark that last / 1st st.  So at the end of every round, we will move the marker up.

At the end of the following row / round, we will work 3 sts in the end st.  
Place a marker in the centre (or 2nd st) of the 3-st set.  
For our increases thereafter, we will work 2 sts in the st on either side of that centre marked stitch.  Got it?

Single Crochet : Sc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (2 lps on hk); yo, draw through both lps.  One sc made.  Check out the video at https://youtu.be/ghACqBpA-3k

First stitch for Single Crochet : This is how I like to start my row of sc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/6pVYRfsf4_M 


Row / Round 1 : sc in the 1st 19 fsc ; 3 sc in the last fsc – 
(Place marker in the centre st) ; 
Turn and work along the bottom of the fsc chain ; sc in the next 18 fsc ; 
2 sc in the last (which is also the 1st) fsc. Place marker in the centre st)
Do not join , but place a marker in the last / 1st st.

Round 2 : 2 sc in the 1st sc ; sc in the next 18 sc ;
(you should be one stitch away from the marked stitch) ; 
2 sc  in the next sc ;
sc in the next st ;
2 sc in the next sc ;
sc in the next 19 sc ;
2 sc in the next sc ; sc in the last sc. 
Do not join , but place a marker in the last / 1st st.
The bag I'm using as a template to create this new crochet tote bag
See what we are doing.. slowly increasing the base without joining the end sts, so we will create a neat spiral finish.  (see the pattern on the right hand side of this bag - we are attempting something similar)

We will now move our markers to the 2 sc on either sides that we have made.  So we now have a total of 4 markers – 2 on either side of our ends.

Round 3 : 2 sc in the 1st sc ;
(sc in all the sc till the marked sc ; 2 sc  in the that marked sc) ;
sc in the next sts till the marked sc ;
2 sc in the next marked sc ;
rep (to) once ;
sc in the next sts till the 1st / last marked sc. 
Do not join.

With every increasing round, you will have more stitches at each end between markers – just ensure that  you are working the same number of stitches (in between markers) at both ends.

Rep Round 3 till you have a base that is about 4” wide – or as wide as you think you want it to be – let your creative juices and imagination flow.

Once you have got the base done, we will start on the sides. 
We still want a slight shape to the bag, so I’ve moved my marker to the centre stitch.
Which is the centre stitch at each end ?
So you have 2 markers at each end that you were increasing at, and you have some stitches in between, right?  Count off and find the centre stitch between the 2 markers, and that becomes your centre stitch for both ends.  Got it?

Henceforth, we will only increase at these marked stitches at each end.  The pattern stays the same, but as we’re only increasing once, let me write it out again.

Now we may have worked several rounds, and are not *technically* at Round 4 – but let’s just number it such for convenience.
and the interesting tote bag all done
Round 4 : sc in the 1st sc ;
(sc in all the sc till the marked sc ; 2 sc  in the that marked sc) ;
sc in the next sts till the marked sc ;
2 sc in the next marked sc ;
sc in the next sts till the 1st / last marked sc.  
Do not join.

Rep Round 4 for a few inches, till you have increased and got a circumference that is good for the bag.  Once you have the full increase(s) done, we will be working without any further increase.

Now for the pattern – it’s actually worked just because of colour changes and working in spirals.  Each alternate row colour is just added on without joining with a sl-st and that gives this angular line one side that looks so darn awesome.

What I have also done is change the point where the color changes – so each ‘set’ of color changes was at a slightly different point and that gave it this effect.
Right then, get to it..

FINISHING :
I have attached a thick metal chain-link handle for my tote.  I do not plan on lining my bag – however here are a few links on how you can finish your bag up if you so decide.

Once you have got the rectangle neatly completed, use the links below to work the finishing.
How to line the bag : here
Easiest I-cord : here
How to attach a zipper : here

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If you'd like  to check out some of my other bag patterns, here goes
















































































































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