Santa Fe Tote Bag

Skill Level: Intermediate

Finished Size: Circumference: 26½", Height: 13½"

Materials:

• 7 oz light beige DROPS Nepal wool
• 7 oz dark gray DROPS Nepal wool
• Crochet hook size E 3.5 mm

Gauge: 18 dc X 10.5 rows = 4"X4"


Notes and Tips:

• See diagrams A.1 and A.2 Diagrams show colors in pattern. 1 square = 1 dc.
• Color Pattern (worked in the round):
  When changing color work as follows: Work last dc with first color but wait with last pull through, switch to next color and work last pull through, then work next dc. When working with two colors place strands for the color not worked over sts from previous round, work around the strands so that they is hidden and follows in the round.
• Crochet Info: Replace first dc at beg of every round with ch 3, finish round with 1 sl st in third ch.

Instructions:
Bag worked in the round.

• Round 1: Work 12 dc in ring � read CROCHET INFO.
• ROUND 2: Work 2 dc in every dc = 24 dc.
• ROUND 3: Work * 1 dc in first dc, 2 dc in next dc *, repeat from *-* the entire round = 36 dc.
• ROUND 4: Work * 1 dc in each of the first 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc *, repeat from *-* the entire round = 48 dc. REMEMBER THE CROCHET GAUGE!
ROUNDS 5-10: Continue with inc and pattern as before, i.e. on every round work 1 more dc between inc = 120 dc.>
• ROUND 11: Continue to work in the round but without inc and work according to A.2 (= 4 repetitions in width). On round with arrow work as follows: * 1 dc in each of the first/next 3 dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc *, repeat from *-*. Continue until A.2 has been worked, fasten off.
• STRAPS:
  Cut 18 lengths of each color of 120 cm / 47 1/4" = 36 strands. Place the strands tog and tie a loose knot, leave approx. 12 cm / 4¾" after knot. Distribute strands in 3 piles with 12 strands in each pile. Plait the three piles tog until plait measures approx. 68 cm / 26 3/4''. Divide strands into 2 piles. Thread the 2 halves through bag, 3 dc apart, in round with holes. Tie the tog into a knot on the front of bag. Take the knot at beg of plait and fasten the end to bag the same way but in the opposite side. Make another plait the same way - see photo.

Diagram:
= light beige
= dark grey