Summer Checkers – Free Crochet Tote Pattern

 

DISCLOSURE:  I am a left-handed person, so I’ve tried to write these directions with the right-handed person in mind but since I am not right-handed, I could have missed something.

Supplies:

1. I used Sinfonia 100% mercerized cotton.  The color I used was White and Coral.
2. Crochet Hook Size – F
3. Tapestry needle for weaving in the ends.

Gauge: 

11 stitches and 9 rows = 2 inches

Abbreviations:

ch – chain

st – stitches

sc – single crochet

hdc – half double crochet

sl st – slip stitch

YO – yarn over

MC – main color

WC – white color

Special Instructions:

When changing colors do not cut your yarn!  Instead, on the 4th hdc work as normal but when you have the 3 loops left on your hook, change your color, YO and draw all three loops on the hook then continue with the instructions.  Take the unused color and crochet it along in the row.

Here are a few images to demonstrate and give a visual.

Body:

(MC) Chain 80 and join.  Be sure to keep your chain straight.

Row 1:  (MC)  Sl st into first chain, ch 1 and hdc in same st, hdc in next 79 ch, join by sl st to first hdc.

Read special instructions!  You will change your color on the 4th hdc!

Row 2:  (MC) Ch 1 and hdc in same st, hdc in next 3 hdc, * change color (WC) and hdc in next 4 hdc, change color to MC and hdc in next 4 hdc*. Repeat from * to * change color (MC)  and sl st in first hdc

Row 3 – 4:  Same as row 2

Row 5:  (MC) Ch 1 and hdc in same st, hdc in next 3 hdc, * change color (WC) and hdc in next 4 hdc, change color to MC and hdc in next 4 hdc*. Repeat from * to * DO NOT change color (WC) and sl st in first hdc

Row 6:  (WC) Ch 1 and hdc in same st, hdc in next 3 hdc, * change color (MC) and hdc in next 4 hdc, change color to (WC) and hdc in next 4 hdc*. Repeat from * to * change color (WC) and sl st in first hdc

Row 7 –8:  Same as row 2

Row 9:  (WC) Ch 1 and hdc in same st, hdc in next 3 hdc, * change color (WC) and hdc in next 4 hdc, change color to MC and hdc in next 4 hdc*. Repeat from * to * DO NOT change color (MC) and sl st in first hdc

Repeat Rows 2 – 9 until you have reached your desired length.  (I repeated the process once more).

Before I started the next process, I lined my purse up because I wanted it to have a symmetrical look to it.  That being said, you can start the join of the strap on say the WC, crochet 4 sc on the MC and the last sc should be on WC (Although my join was nearly invisible, I did make sure that it wasn’t going to be in the front of my purse).

Strap

Row 1:  (MC) sc in next 6 hdc, ch 1 turn.

Repeat Row 1 until you have reached your desired length.  Count 34 hdc to the right and join in the next hdc (35th) and sew the strap in the next 6 hdc using whip stitch.

Edging for Strap

Sc evenly across on each side of the strap. Fasten off

Flap

Row 1:  (MC) Skip 2 hdc to the right of the strap and hdc in next 32 hdc, ch 1 turn. (I know this picture is to the left, but remember I am left handed.  I’m just showing the skipping of the two stitches).

Row 2:  hdc in first hdc and in every hdc across, ch 1 turn  (32 hdc)

Repeat Row 2 until you have reached your desired length.  (I had approximately 14 rows) Fasten off.

Edging of Flap:

Join at the bottom of the flap and begin to sc evenly around and when you reach the top,  2 sc in first hdc, sc in next 11 hdc, ch 6, skip next 6 hdc, sc in next 11 hdc, 2 sc in last hdc, turn corner and sc evenly to the end.

Finishing:

Turn the tote inside out and whip stitch the bottom closed.  Weave in all ends.  Add button.

Loving the life I’m living!

Kathy