Designed as a weekend project and tailored for an easy skill level, this pattern promises a swift and enjoyable knitting experience. Knit with organic cotton, this tote stands as a softer, more inviting alternative to the classic canvas bags. This charming tote boasts a design that harmonizes a natural-colored panel in seed stitch with a vibrant body in stockinette stitch. This clever combination not only brings a pop of color but also adds delightful texture, making it an accessory that complements any outfit and any occasion.
Time: Weekend Project
Skill Level: Easy
Size: Bag Height 13.5” x Width 10.25”
Strap Length 27.5” x 2.25”
Gauge: 16 sts and 20 rows = 4” [10 cm] in St st after wet blocking
Materials
Yarn: Rico Essentials Organic Cotton DK (100% cotton; 115 yards [105 meters]/1.8 grams): 002 Cream (A, 1 ball), 005 Smokey Pink (B, 2 balls)
Hook/Needles: US size G/6 (4.0 mm) 26” straight needles
Notions: Removable markers, tapestry needle
Pattern
Sides (make 2)
With A, cast on 43.
Row 1: Knit. 43 sts
Row 2: K1, (p1, k1) across.
Rows 3-5: Rep row 2.
Row 6: P2, *k1, (p1, k1) 5 times**, p3, rep from * to **, p3, rep from * to **, p2.
Row 7: K3, *p1, (k1, p1) 4 times**, p5, rep from * to **, p5, rep from * to **, k3.
Row 8: K1, p3, *k1, (p1, k1) 3 times, p3, k1**, p3, rep from * to **, p3, rep from * to **.
Row 9: K1, *p1, k3, p1, (k1, p1) twice, k3, p1, k1**, rep from * to ** twice.
Row 10: P2, *k1, p3, k1, p1, k1, p3, k1**, p3, rep from * to **, p3, rep from * to **, p2.
Row 11: K3, *(p1, k3) twice, p1**, k5, rep from * to **, k5, rep from * to **, k3.
Row 12: K1, *p3, k1, p5, k1, p3, k1**, rep from * to ** twice.
Row 13: K1, *(p1, k3) 3 times, p1, k1**, rep from * to ** twice.
Row 14: P2, *k1, p3, k1, p1, k1, p3, k1**, p3, rep from * to **, p3, rep from * to **, p2.
Rows 15-22: Rep rows 11-14 twice.
Rows 23-25: Rep rows 11-13.
Row 26: K1, p1, k1, *p3, k1, p1, k1, p3, k1**, (p1, k1) twice, rep from * to **, (p1, k1) twice, rep from * to **, p1, k1.
Row 27: (K1, p1) twice, *k3, p1, k3, p1, (k1, p1) 3 times**, rep from * to **, k3, p1, k3, (p1, k1) twice.
Row 28: K1, (p1, k1) twice, *p5, k1, (p1, k1) 4 times**, rep from * to **, p5, k1, (p1, k1) twice.
Row 29: (K1, p1) 3 times, *k3, p1, (k1, p1) 5 times**, rep from * to **, k3, (p1, k1) 3 times.
Rows 30-32: Rep rows 2-4.
Row 33: With B, knit across.
Row 34: Purl across.
Rows 35-80: Cont in st st.
Bind off.
Bag Straps (make 2)
Cast on 12.
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Purl.
Rows 3-136: Cont in St st.
Cast off.
Finishing
Set bag straps WS facing, fold sides longways to meet in center and sew up. Arrange with seam in center of one side.
Place bag side panel RS facing, place strap end with seam side against bag side, approx. 6 sts from outer edge with 6 rows overlapping. Ensuring strap is not twisting, sew other end of strap in place. Sew firmly in place. If preferred, form a simple criss-cross or rectangular outline.
Rep with second bag side panel and strap.
Place bag side panels with WS tog and sew around each side and the base. Weave in ends.