Happy Valentine's Day! Hope you enjoy this free pattern! The final tote bag will measure approximately 15"x15" if you use the recommended hook size and yarn weight. Be sure to tag me on instagram or tiktok and use the hashtag # FlirtyFelineTote if you decide to make it! The color charts are included this post. If you like this pattern, feel free to support me on my ko-fi!
DIFFICULTY LEVEL/SKILLS REQUIRED
Difficulty: Intermediate
(maker should be comfortable with color changes and handling multiple colors of yarn at once)
You will need to know the following techniques:
Color Change
Reading a color chart
Foundation SC
GAUGE
16 stitches and 16 rows of single crochet using a 4.5 mm hook = 4”x4” swatch
GENERAL NOTES
This pattern is the property of Aidan Wells. Do not modify, resell, distribute or share this pattern in any way Finished products created using the “Flirty Feline Tote” pattern can be sold. Please credit Aidan Wells (@aidanwellscrochet) as the pattern designer in the description. If you post your finished work, please use # FlirtyFelineTote
MATERIALS
YARN
Weight 4, Any Brand
HOOK
4.50 mm
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Scissors
Tapestry Needle
Fabric for lining the bag (optional)
SHORT TUTORIALS
METHOD
ABBREVIATIONS
CH - Chain
SC - Single Crochet
ST(s) - Stitches
PATTERN NOTES
The pattern uses US terminology
Each box in grid pattern represents one single crochet
The pattern is worked in rows.
The pattern is worked from the bottom up.
The turning chain does not count as the 1st stitch of the row.
READING A GRAPH
CREATING THE PANELS
Front Panel (x1)
Using a 4.5 mm hook and your background color yarn, CH 57
Starting in the second chain from the hook, work a SC in each in the back bump of each ST across (56).
Work rows 2 to 57 in SC, changing colors where indicated by the color charts below.
Once you have finished row 57, CH 1 and turn.
Using the background color, add a SC border all the way around by placing one SC in each stitch on the top and bottom and 1 SC in each row on the sides.
Back Panel (x1)
Using a 4.5 mm hook work row 1 in foundation single crochet, changing colors where indicated by the chart below.
Work rows 2 to 57 in SC, changing colors where indicated by the color charts below.
Once you have finished row 57, CH 1 and turn.
Using the background color, add a SC border all the way around by placing one SC in each stitch on the top and bottom and 1 SC in each row on the sides.
CREATING THE STRAPS
To create the straps, you will need a 4.5mm hook and worsted weight yarn in your preferred accent color.
Using your preferred accent color and a 4.5mm hook, CH 111.
SC in the back bump of the second chain from the hook, then SC 1 in the back bump of each chain until the end of the row.
CH 1 and turn. SC 1 in each stitch in the row.
Repeat step 3 until you have 5 rows total. Cut and tie off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
BLOCKING
For a clean final look with even stitches, blocking your piece is recommended before seaming the two panels together. For acrylic fibers, steam blocking is recommended. For natural fibers (cotton, wool, etc.) wet blocking is recommended.
SEAMING THE PANELS TOGETHER
With the wrong sides of the front and back panels together, using a 4.5 mm hook and your preferred accent color, SC the two panels together all the way around the left, bottom, and right sides, leaving the top open.
ATTACHING THE STRAPS
If you plan to add a lining to your bag, the straps should be attached before adding a lining.
Pin both ends of one of the straps to the inside of the top edge of the tote bag. There should be an overlap of approximately 1 inch (see reference photos below)
Using the long tail and a tapestry needle, sew the strap to the inside of the bag by stitching along the dotted lines indicated in the diagram below
Repeat this process for the second strap on the other side of the tote bag
ADDING A LINING (OPTIONAL)
Place one of your panels onto the wrong side of your lining fabric and trace around it, leaving a ¼ inch seam allowance
Cut out two copies of the shape that you traced
With the right sides facing together, sew these two pieces together along three sides, leaving one side open
Pin this lining to the inside of the tote back and use a back stitch around the open edge to attach to the bag.