Patchwork Tote by Katherine Vaughan

Patchwork Tote

Knitting
July 2007
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
US 9 - 5.5 mm
15" wide by 11" tall
English
This pattern is available from payhip.com for $5.00.

This pattern is available via LoveCrafts!

Everybody needs a nice roomy tote to carry around projects, patterns, supplies, and the odd snack. Felted totes are particularly appealing, as they use all natural materials and are solid enough not to need a lining.

Unfortunately, creating a large tote in one piece has drawbacks - particularly in the summer months when it’s just way too hot to carry around a large project. If you want to incorporate colorwork, you’ve got to organize all those skeins at once. And it’s difficult to feel like you’re making any progress until the very end.

This bag solves those problems. Since each square is knit individually and seamed together at the very end (before felting), you’ll only need to carry one skein of yarn at a time. Each time you finish a square you’ll feel like you’ve accomplished something - and you can leave the finished squares at home until ready to block and sew.

Materials needed are five skeins of coordinating worsted-weight wool (I suggest Patons Classic Merino Wool), US 9 (5.5mm) needles, US I-9 (5.5mm) crochet hook, a yarn needle, and a washing machine (or your favorite felting method). Skills are basic; stockinette and garter stitch, mattress stitch for the seaming; felting.

You are the master of your destiny with this tote - pick your favorite colors, maybe even throw in some fancy stitchwork to give it extra texture. Please reference my original pattern if you post photos/modifications.