Simple Crochet Tote

Simple Crochet Tote

This is a pattern for the bag itself, not the colour pattern as I made that up as I went. You can make this bag in whatever colour pattern you want. For instruction on doing tapestry crochet, please see videos like this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wGsqonucco&t=242s 
This bag works with a multiple of 10 which makes for easy geometric designs.

Materials:

4.5mm crochet hook

Bernat Handicrafter Cotton yarn

Scissors

Yarn Needle

1 large Button

Stitch Markers

Pattern:

Round 1:

Ch 22

Ch 1, sc x 3 in 2nd ch from hook

Sc in next 20 ch

Sc x 4 in last ch, turn

Sc in next 20 ch (on opposite side)

Round 2:
Work directly into next round by doing 2sc in intial ch 1 (mark 1st st of new round with a stitch marker, move it up with every round to keep place)

2sc in next 3 st

Sc in next 20 st

2sc in next 4 st

Sc in next 20 st

Round 3:

(sc, 2sc) x 4

Sc in next 20 st

(sc, 2sc) x 4

Sc in next 20 st

Round 4:

(sc in next 2 st, 2sc) x 4

Sc in next 20 st 

(sc in next 2 st, 2sc) x 4

Sc in next 20 st

Round 5:

(sc in next 3 st, 2sc) x 4

Sc in next 20 st

(sc in next 3 st, 2sc) x 4

Sc in next 20 st

Round 6:
(sc in next 4 st, 2sc) x 4
Sc in next 20 st
(sc in next 4 st, 2sc) x 4
Sc in next 20 st

Round 7:
(sc in next 5 st, 2sc) x 4
Sc in next 20 st 
(sc in next 5 st, 2sc) x 4
Sc in next 20 st

Round 8:
(sc in next 6 st, 2sc) x 4
Sc in next 20 st
(sc in next 6 st, 2sc) x 4
Sc in next 20 st

Round 9:
(sc in next 7 st, 2sc) x 4
Sc in next 20 st
(sc in next 7 st, 2sc) x 4
Sc in next 20 st

Round 10:
(sc in next 8 st, 2sc) x 4
Sc in next 20 st
(sc in next 8 st, 2sc) x 4
Sc in next 20 st

You should have 120 stitches around in total now, and that is the last of the increasing rows, though if you want a larger bag you could continue in the same manner. Now just continually sc around, remembering to keep your stitch marker to mark the beginning of your round so you know where to finish off. Keep going until the bag reaches desired height and change colours as desired to create whatever pattern you want, whether making stripes, solid colour, tapestry patterns, etc.

When at about the height you want, stop.  Lay bag flat and use stitch markers to mark the halfway point on each side of the bag. Count your stitches - you should have 59 stitches between each marker (60 including marker).

On the front side of the bag (not the side your row changed when working up, especially if changing colours), mark the centre 3 stitches.

Sc around again, this time when you get to those middle 3 stitches, chain 3, skip the 3 stitches, and then continue to sc around. This will be a button hole. If you don't want a button you can skip this part.

Sc around again, and this time sc in your 3 chain spaces as you work around. Move your side stitch markers up because you will still need them for the next part. Tie off your yarn.

From your side markers, count over 15 stitches on each side (not including the marked st), and mark the next st (the 16th). This should give you 4 more markers, and you can remove the side markers now.

Start a new row in either the same or a different colour by tying on your yarn next to your stitch marker (not toward the middle, but toward the side on the left). Sc until you get to your next marker, then ch 70 (you can do more or less depending on how long you want your handles to be). Skip the space between that st marker and the next, then on the other side of the next, join with a sc and continue to sc until you get to the next maker. Again, ch 70 (or however many you wanted). Skip the space between markers again and join with a sc where you started this row.

For your next row, sc around, including in each of your chains. For the next row, sc around. 

At this point I like to change colours, and sc around again, making your straps 3 rows wide (not counting the chains). Tie off.

In the last colour, join your yarn on the inside of your handle space and sc around the entire inside space, including along the opposite side of your chains. This is optional, but it makes the straps sturdier.  Sl st when you make it around and tie off. Repeat on other side.

Remember that you have a button space if you included that step, and sew a button to the inside of the bag opposite to the button hole.  This just makes it so you can close the bag if you want to.

Weave in and tie off any loose ends, and you're done!

As for lining the bag with fabric, that is beyond my skill at this point but you can find that info on other sites. 

If you need any clarification, want to point out an error, or if you want to give me any feedback, please leave a comment.

Thick Adult Female Slippers, approx. Size 6 (Part 3)

The Cuff

Attach your second colour.

Row 12
Ch 2
Fpdc all around
Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

Row 13
Ch 2
(fpdc, bpdc) all around
Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

Row 14
Ch 2
(fpdc, bpdc) all around
Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

Change colour (red in example)

Row 15
Ch 2
(fpdc, bpdc) all around
Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

Change colour (white in example)

Row 16
Ch 2
Hdc all around
Sl st to top of ch 2

Row 17
Ch 2
(fpdc, bpdc) all around
Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

I think next time I will do the colours differently, as I don't like how broken up the red appears. You can always do the cuff in one colour and skip the hdc row, and sc a row in a different colour as a finishing accent, or whatever you'd like.

2nd Sole

Repeat rows 1-3 of original sole (see part 1) in different colour (white in example)
Without tying off, line up soles together and sl st all the way around, using the stitches on the new sole and the front loops left around the edge of the 1st sole.
It should go like this:

Tie off and sew in ends with yarn needle. Repeat all steps the same for slipper #2!

Last Step

Enjoy your comfy new slippers or impress someone with your wonderful creative skills! These make a great gift.

Thick Adult Female Slippers, approx. Size 6 (Part 2)

Now we will be moving on to the upper part of the slipper.

The Boot

Row 1

Ch 3

Bldc all around (70 st total inc. ch 3)

Sl st to top of ch 3

Should look like this, with the front loops available for a later step:

It will seem like the upper part is loose at this point but that will start to change with the next row. This view is from the bottom of the slipper.

Row 2
Ch 2
Fpdc over next 33 st
Fpdc2tog x 8
Fpdc over next 20 st

Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

It should now be coming more inward:

Row 3
Ch 2
Fpdc all around

Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

Row 4
Ch 2
Fpdc over next 29 st
Fpdc2tog x 8
Fpdc over next 16 st

Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

Row 5
Ch 2
Fpdc all around

Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

Row 6
Ch 2
Fpdc over next 25 st
Fpdc2tog x 8
Fpdc over next 12 st
Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

Row 7
Ch 2
Fpdc all around
Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

Row 8
Ch 2
Fpdc over next 21 st
Fpdc2tog x 8
Fpdc over next 8 st
Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

Row 9
Ch 2
Fpdc all around 
Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

Row 10
Ch 2
Fpdc over next 21 st
Fpdc2tog x 4
Fpdc over next 8 st
Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

Row 11
Ch 2
Fpdc all around
Sl st to top of 1st fpdc

At the end of this, you can tie off your first colour and switch to colour #2 (white for me). Your slipper should look like this:

Then we can move on to part 3.

Thick Adult Female Slippers, approx. Size 6 (Part 1)

 These slippers were made for a friend, and since patterns rarely turn out how I expect, I just made up my own. Every new pattern takes some trial and error, and for something that involves a pair, I had to write it down. I documented the process in photos as well in hopes of providing guidance.

These slippers are fairly small, about a size 6 in my stitching, made to fit the person they are for. My feet are larger so I can't model them to see what they look like on. Next time I make larger ones I will post those as well.

Getting Started

Materials:

I used Bernat Premium Yarn (available at Walmart), in a light grey, with white and red as accent colours. The red is Red Heart just because that's what I had. You can use whatever colour combo you'd like.
Crochet Hook: 5.5mm
You'll also need scissors and a yarn needle. A measuring tape may also be helpful to determine if your slippers will be a similar size.

Legend:
ch - chain
st - stitch(es)
sl st - slip stitch
sc - single crochet
dc - double crochet
hdc - half double crochet
fpdc - front post double crochet
fpdc2tog - front post double crochet 2 stitches together
bldc - double crochet in back loop

The Sole
Row 1:
ch 22
ch 2, sc x 3 in 3rd st from hook
Sc in next 6 st
Hdc in next 6 st
Dc in next 8 st
Dc x 6 in last st
Working along other side, dc in next 8 st
Hdc in next 6 st
Sc in next 6 st

Sl to top of beginning ch 2

You should have something that looks like this, and for gauge, mine is about 6 and 3/4 inches:

Row 2:

Ch 2, sc in same st

2 sc in next 3 st

Sc in next 6 st

Hdc in next 6 st

Dc in next 8 st

2 dc in next 6 st

Dc in next 8 st

Hdc in next 6 st

Sc in next 6 st

Sl st to top of beginning ch 2

Row 3:

Ch 3

2 dc in next st

(1 dc, 2 dc) x 3

Dc in next 20 st

(1 dc, 2dc) x 6

Dc in next 20 st

Sl st to top of beginning ch 3

The finished sole should look like this:

And now you can move on to part 2!

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog!

I've been crocheting for about 5 months now and I am completely addicted. I've been sharing my new hobby with friends, but I'd like to share it with others as well. My plan is to post some of the patterns I create so others may use them. This will take some time to set up, but hopefully it will be helpful to somebody!

Thanks for stopping by!