When you're out and about, you'll need a tote to take everything to the beach or the boat, or back from the grocery store. This naturally beautiful bag will help you carry it off in style. The soft crocheted cotton makes it comfortable to hold. The flexible fabric lets you pack it full, then fold it small when it's empty.

Cotton Tote designed by Classic Elite Yarns Inc. One-size tote is crocheted in the round with single-crochet stitches. Recommended for beginners.

ABBREVIATIONS:

beg = begin(ning)
ch = chain
cm = centimetre(s)
g = gram(s)
in(s) = inch(es)
inc = increase(s)(d)(ing)
rem = remain(s)(ing)
rep = repeat(s)(ing)
rnd(s) = round(s)
sc = single crochet
sl st = slipstitch
st(s) = stitch(es)

You need:
• 8 hanks (300 g) pure cotton yarn such as Classic Elite Newport (available at Beehive Wool Shop or Village Yarns)
• 5 mm crochet hook OR whichever hook you require to produce the tension given below
•Stitch markers

TENSION:
16 sts and 16 rows = 10 cm/4 ins in sc using specified yarn and hook. Work to exact tension with specified yarn to obtain satisfactory results.

To save time, take time to check tension.

To make:
Note: Work with 1 strand of yarn. Place st marker at beg of each rnd. Work succeeding rnds spiral-fashion.

TO SHAPE BOTTOM:
Ch 5, join with sl st to form ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, work 10 sc in ring.

Rnds 2 to 16: 1 sc in each sc, inc 6 sc evenly on rnd. 100 sc now in rnd.

TO SHAPE SIDES:
Rnds 17 to 47: 1 sc in each sc.

Rnd 48: [1 sc in next 9 sc, skip 1 sc] 10 times. 90 sc now in rnd.

Rnds 49 to 69: 1 sc in each sc.

TO SHAPE ONE SIDE OF HANDLE:
Ch 1.
*Row 1: Turn, [1 sc in each sc] 31 times, ch 1.

Row 2: Turn, skip first sc of previous row, then work 1 sc in each sc, ch 1.

Rep row 2 until 8 sc rem in row. Continue even until handle from beg measures 35.5 cm (14 ins).* Fasten off.

TO SHAPE SECOND SIDE OF HANDLE:
With right side facing, join yarn to 14th st from left-hand edge of first handle, then work from * to * once.

With right side facing, sl st second handle end to first. Fasten off.

TO FINISH:
Join yarn to 2 loops of any sc on handle edge, 1 sc in each sc, sl st to first sc. Fasten off. Repeat for rem bag and handle edges.

Weave in ends on wrong side of work.

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