I think it is impossible to consider a summer without an additional all-around tote. From extra water bottles to sunscreen, to that perfect novel you're still finishing, summer totes are a seasonal necessity for me. This tote is extra roomy -- perfect for the beach, the farmer's market ... or just carrying around in the car.
This tote is subtly striped, using four colors. The pattern calls for twice as much yarn as I actually used, and I did use the suggested colors. I love the cotton yarn woven into the 2-strand knitting.
It's not too late to spend a couple of hours knitting your own perfect summer tote.
Lion Brand All-About-Town Tote
YARN: (Pattern calls for 2 balls of each -- I only used 1)
• 860-145 Vanna's Choice Yarn: Eggplant balls (A)
• 860-141 Vanna's Choice Yarn: Wild Berry (B)
• 830-113 Cotton-Ease: Cherry (C)
• 830-145 Cotton-Ease: Plum (D)
GAUGE:
14 sts = 4 in. (10 cm) in Seed st with 1 strand each of A and C held together. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you fewer stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.
STITCH EXPLANATION:
Seed Stitch (over an odd number of sts)
Row 1: K1, *p1, k1; rep from * across.
Row 2: K the purl sts and p the knit sts.
Rep Row 2 for Seed st.
STRIPE SEQUENCE
Stripe I Work in Seed st with 1 strand each of A and C held tog.
Stripe II Work in Seed st with 1 strand each of B and C held tog.
Stripe III Work in Seed st with 1 strand each of A and D held tog.
Stripe IV Work in Seed st with 1 strand each of B and D held tog.
TOTE FRONT
With 1 strand each of A and C held tog, cast on 15 sts.
Row 1: Work Row 1 of Seed st across.
Row 2: Work Row 2 of Seed st to last st, k into front and back of st (inc made) – 16 sts.
Rep Row 2 until piece measures 3 1/2 in. (9 cm) from beg.
Change to 1 strand each of B and C held tog and rep Row 2 until you have 51 sts, then work even in Seed st until piece measures 7 in. (18 cm) from beg.
Change to 1 strand each of A and D, and work in Stripe III until piece measures 10 1/2 in. (27 cm) from beg.
Change to 1 strand each of B and D, and work in Stripe IV until piece measures 14 in. (35.5 cm) from beg.
Change to 1 strand each of A and C, and work in Stripe I until piece measures 15 1/2 in. (39.5 cm) from beg.
Shape Strap
Next Row: Continuing in Stripe I, work 8 sts and place onto holder, bind off next 35 sts, finish row.
Work in Seed st as established on remaining 8 sts until Strap measures 2 in. (5 cm), then change to 1 strand each of B and C.
Work in Stripe Sequence as follows:
Work in Stripe II until Strap measures 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm), work in Stripe III until Strap measures 10 in. (25.5 cm), then continue in Stripe IV until Strap measures 12 in. (30.5 cm), AT THE SAME TIME, dec 1 st at outer edge of Strap every 3 in. (7.5 cm), 3 times – 5 sts.
When Strap measures 12 in. (30.5 cm), bind off.
For second half of Strap, place sts from holder back onto needle, rejoin A and C, and work as for first half of Strap.
BACK
Work as for Front.
FINISHING
Sew Front and Back together along lower edge. Sew sides, continuing side seam along edge of Straps (seam will run along center of finished Straps). Sew ends of Straps together. Weave in ends.
MY NOTE: This pattern could easily be knit in the round. I will do this if I knit the pattern again. Simply cast on 30 sts instead of 15, use double-pointed needles, join the round. Place a marker at the beginning of the round and another one after st 15. Increase as pattern indicates. Switch to a circular needle to finish the bag.
Download Pattern pdf
Source: Lion Brand Yarn
