DIY Network

Asymmetrical Tote With its plastic-reinforced handle, this bag is strong enough for all your heavy-duty toting! From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-128

Gwendolyn Faye uses two strands of yarn and alternates single and double crochet stitches to create a large asymmetrical tote. Because such a large bag requires a big handle, she uses plastic tubing covered in crochet to form the handle.

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Materials:

Gwendolyn Faye's Asymmetrical Tote

8 skeins Red Heart Light and Lofty (Salt and Pepper)
crochet hook, U.S. size P
plastic tubing
darning needle

Abbreviations:
Ch chain
Dc double crochet
Sl st slip stitch

Forming the back and front pieces:
Working with 2 strands at a time, ch 32.

Row 1: * Sc in the second ch from the hook, dc in the next ch, * repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: * Dc in first sc, sc in next dc, * repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Yo, insert hook in sc, yo, draw through, insert hook in next dc, yo, draw through two loops, yo, draw through remaining loops on the hook (equals 1 dc dec). * Sc in next dc, dc in next sc * repeat from * across to two stitches before the end. Dec one stitch at end of row. Ch 1, turn.
Repeat rows 1-3 seven times for a total of 21 rows.

Forming the side and bottom piece:
Working with 2 strands at a time, ch 12, and repeat the same sc/dc stitch from above for a total of 66 rows.

Forming the straps:
Working with 1 strand, ch 6, and repeat the same sc/dc stitch from above for a total of 66 rows.

Assembly:
Attach back piece to the side/bottom piece with a sc all the way around. When you reach the end, ch 1, turn, and work sl st in each sc around. (Repeat for the front piece.)

Handle:
Cut a piece of plastic tubing to the desired length for the handle. Using a needlepoint needle, sew the tubing into the center of the handle (figure A), being careful to leave a ridge (to match the ridge left by the sc/sl st ridge left when attaching the back, front and side/bottom pieces).

Sew the flat end of the handles to the sides of the tote (again, being careful to leave a ridge).

Finishing:
Give the sides of your tote a paper-bag-fold detail by folding each side in half and sewing the top inch or two together (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

RESOURCES :

Coats and Clark yarn
Website: www.coatsandclark.com

GUESTS :

Gwendolyn Faye
Website: www.crochetnation.org
Blog: www.gwendolynfaye.com