Hello fellow yarn artists!
Get ready to create a truly eye-catching accessory with this stunning “Geo-Glam Tote Bag”! This pattern features a beautiful geometric design, worked in two contrasting colors, that gives the bag a modern and artistic flair. With its sturdy construction and comfortable handles, it’s perfect for everyday use, adding a unique touch to any outfit. Let’s explore the magic of colorwork together!
Difficulty Level: Intermediate (Due to colorwork/jacquard technique)
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn:
- Approx. [Yarn Quantity – e.g., 300g] of [Yarn Type, e.g., T-shirt Yarn / Bulky Cotton Cord] in Main Color (MC – e.g., Pink)
- Approx. [Yarn Quantity – e.g., 200g] of [Yarn Type, e.g., T-shirt Yarn / Bulky Cotton Cord] in Contrasting Color (CC – e.g., White/Light Purple)
- (Note: Yarn quantities can vary based on your tension and desired bag size. It’s always best to have a bit extra for colorwork!)
- Crochet Hook: [Hook Size, e.g., 8.0mm (L) or 9.0mm (M/N)]
- Stitch Marker(s)
- Yarn Needle
- Scissors
- Optional: Fabric for lining, sewing needle and thread (if adding a lining).
Finished Dimensions (Approximate):
- Height: [e.g., 9 inches / 23 cm]
- Width: [e.g., 10 inches / 25 cm]
- Depth (Base): [e.g., 4 inches / 10 cm]
Gauge:
- Body (single crochet): [e.g., 3 single crochets and 3 rows = 2 inches (5 cm) using a [Hook Size] hook.] (Achieving the correct gauge is crucial for your bag to turn out the intended size and shape, especially with colorwork!)
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- ch – chain
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- FO – fasten off
- rep – repeat
- BLO – back loop only
- FLO – front loop only
- MC – Main Color
- CC – Contrasting Color
- Tapestry Crochet Technique: When working with two colors, carry the unused color loosely behind your work, crocheting over it as you go. This creates a denser fabric and hides the carried yarn.
Let’s Get Crocheting!
Notes:
- The main body of the bag is worked in continuous rounds, from the bottom up. Do not join rounds unless specified. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your first stitch.
- The geometric pattern is created using the tapestry crochet technique. When changing colors, pull through the new color on the final step of the stitch just before the color change.
- [Add any other important notes about tension, stitch placement, or specific techniques for working with your chosen yarn type.]
Pattern:
1. Base of the Bag (Worked in MC)
The base appears to be a flat oval or rectangle.
- Chain: Ch [e.g., 20]
- Round 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next [e.g., 17] chs, 3 sc in last ch. Turn your work and continue on the other side of the chain: sc in next [e.g., 17] chs, 2 sc in last ch. (Total stitches: [e.g., 40])
- Round 2: 1 sc in first st, inc in next st, sc in next [e.g., 17] sts, inc in next 3 sts, sc in next [e.g., 17] sts, inc in last 2 sts. (Total stitches: [e.g., 46])
- Round 3: [e.g., Sc around, working 2sc in each of the 6 corner stitches from the previous round.] (Total stitches: [e.g., 52])
- Continue increasing in the corners as needed until your base reaches the desired length and width (e.g., 3-4 rounds). Ensure the final stitch count is suitable for the body.
- Last Base Round: Sc in the back loop only (BLO) around. This creates a neat ridge for the sides of the bag to build upon. (Total stitches: [Final stitch count from base])
2. Body of the Bag (Main Colorwork Section – Single Crochet)
This is where you’ll introduce your Contrasting Color (CC) and start the geometric pattern using tapestry crochet. You’ll carry the unused color behind your work.
- Diagram/Chart: To truly replicate the geometric pattern, you’ll need a stitch chart. Since I cannot generate images, I will describe the general principle. The pattern appears to be a repeating diagonal chevron or diamond pattern. You’ll need to figure out the stitch repeat count (e.g., 4 stitches, 6 stitches) for your chosen pattern.
Example of how a section might look (assuming a 6-stitch repeat):
- Round [e.g., 5] (Start colorwork):
- Work (MC) sc in first [e.g., 3] sts, (CC) sc in next [e.g., 3] sts. Repeat around.
- Round [e.g., 6]:
- Work (MC) sc in first [e.g., 2] sts, (CC) sc in next [e.g., 3] sts, (MC) sc in next [e.g., 1] st. Repeat around.
- Round [e.g., 7]:
- Work (MC) sc in first [e.g., 1] st, (CC) sc in next [e.g., 3] sts, (MC) sc in next [e.g., 2] sts. Repeat around.
- Round [e.g., 8]:
- Work (CC) sc in first [e.g., 3] sts, (MC) sc in next [e.g., 3] sts. Repeat around.
Continue following your chosen geometric chart for approx. [e.g., 15-20] rounds or until the main body of the bag reaches your desired height. Ensure your last colorwork round ends cleanly with your MC.
3. Top Edging (Worked in MC)
After completing the colorwork, finish the top edge.
- Round [e.g., 25]: Switch entirely to MC. Sc in each st around.
- Round [e.g., 26]: Ch 1, sl st in each st around for a neat, sturdy top edge. FO.
4. Handles (Make 2)
The handles appear to be simple, sturdy crocheted straps.
- Chain: Ch [e.g., 40] (or desired length for your handle).
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. (39 sts)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (39 sts)
- Repeat Row 2 for 2-3 more rows to achieve the desired thickness and sturdiness. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
- Attachment: Using your yarn needle, securely sew each end of the handles to the inside top edge of the bag, approximately [e.g., 3-4 inches / 7.5-10 cm] from the side seams. Reinforce all sewing points well.
Finishing Touches:
- Weave in all remaining loose ends securely on the inside of the bag. Pay extra attention to color changes if any ends popped out.
- Consider adding a fabric lining to your bag for extra durability, to prevent small items from slipping through stitches, and to give it a more finished, professional look.
