Crochet a Hemp Tote - free pattern

This bag cost only about P80 for the yarn. It is hemp rope made in China and its available in Daiso or Japan Home shops here in Metro Manila. The hemp rope is rather coarse and hard on the hands, but I still like it for its natural qualities ;)

Hemp Tote
by Mimi Alelis

Materials 
Hemp rope, 60m/ball, 3 1/2 balls 
Crochet hook size 4.5mm 
Imitation leather handles 
magnetic snaps, one pair 
yarn needle 
stitch markers 
lining fabric (optional) 
Finished measurement: 15” L x 10” H (when laid flat and unwashed) Note: after washing, it shrank by about 3% and became less stiff. 
Gauge: 15 sts and 7 rows in dc = 4”

Bag
Note: Increase or decrease length, by adding or subtracting from the beginning chain. Increase or decrease height, by adding or subtracting dc rows on the main body. 
Rnd 1: Starting at the bottom, ch 34, sc in 2nd ch from hook and on each ch across, 3 more sc on the last ch, turn to work on opposite side of ch, sc in each ch across, 3 more sc on last ch, join with sl st on the 1st sc of this rnd (note: there are 5 scs in each ch at both ends, the 3 scs in the middle and the succeeding sts thereon will be refered to as the corner; place a marker at the 1st st of each corner and move the marker up as you go) -- 74 sc 
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, 2 sc in each of the 3 sc at the corner, sc in each sc across, 2 sc in each of the 3 sc at the corner, join with sl st on the 1st sc of this rnd -- 80 sc 
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in each sc around with increase at the corners as follows: 2 sc on next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in each of the next 2 sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc; join -- 88 sc 
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in each sc around with increase at the corners as follows: 2 sc on next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc; join -- 96 sc 
Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc in each sc around with increase at the corners as follows: 2 sc on next sc, sc in next sc, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) 3 times, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc; join -- 108 sc 
Rnd 6: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each sc around, sl st on top of beg ch 3 to join, turn -- 108 dc 
Rnd 7: (WS) Ch 3, dc in each dc around, sl st on top of beg ch 3, turn -- 108 dc 
Rnds 8 to 19: Repeat rnd 7. (Note: Add more repeat rnds to increase height). 
Rnd 20: (RS) Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each dc around, sl st on 1st sc to join -- 108 sc 
Rnds 21 to 25: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each sc around, sl st on 1st sc to join -- 108 sc 
Edging rnd: Sl st on back loop only of each sc around, join. Fasten off and weave in ends. 

Finishing: Attach or sew handles. Line bag with fabric if desired. Attach magnetic snaps.
Tip: Crochet handles can be made using same yarn. 
Step 1: Measure the length of desired handles. 
Step 2: Make a starting chain in the measured length, less 4 chains. 
Step 3: Follow rounds 1 and 2 of bag. Fasten off.
Step 4: Sew handles in place.


Pattern and photos copyright by Mimi Alelis, 2013

My latest published design on Interweave Crochet

Have you seen the projects on Interweave Crochet Summer 2013? Its packed with lots of lace designs and one of it is my own creation, yay! :)

I started to work on this design about two years ago...using size 8 cotton thread, and I wasn't able to finish the sample since it was a bit big and I realized I had to change some design features. I saved it for submission to Interweave.

I guess it really had to be in the summer issue, not just because its lacy, and lightweight...but also because its pretty and relatively simple to make. Only a bit more patience is needed compared to making a lace shawl ;)
Initially I was going to make the sample using Bamboo thread size 10...but I couldn't work as fast with the softer material so I was sent the cotton thread. They chose a nice peach color for the model.

Interweave Crochet Summer 2013

This beach cover-up or tunic is made from Aunt Lydia's classic cotton thread, size 10. This can also be made using any brand of size 10 thread (or our local Monaco or Cannon size 8 thread), or any similar thread.

For those who are used to making shawls and a bit intimidated with bigger projects or those with shaping - this might just be the project for you to start making wearables. This is worked straight (with no shaping), and the resulting design includes horizontal mesh bands and vertical rows of small flowers. This is worked continuously from bottom going up, and is split evenly to form the neck opening, then it is joined again at the back and worked straight to the bottom. Only the sides are seamed, and there's no need to crochet edgings, since it is built-in on the main pattern :)