Ready to go to your favorite patriotic celebration, like Fourth of July, or Memorial Day? Or maybe you just want to show your pride in your country!

When you make this pattern you’ll be able to show off the colors of the good ole red, white and blue. This knitted tote bag has exactly 13 stripes and 50 stars, true to the grand old flag itself.

Have fun learning some new stitches, like the seed stitch, the star stitch, and the crochet crab stitch as you work your way round and round and up this tote!

The pattern includes plenty of colorful photos throughout so you know exactly what to do each step of the way.

Are you wanting some extra guidance in making your project?
Would you like to make this as a special gift for a friend, but you’re unsure where to begin?

I’m here to help! Contact me through my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/knittingknicely and book an online class with me. I’ll guide you through and answer all your questions, and before you know it you’ll be happily knitting your way to your finished project!

Project Details:

Finished Size: 12” wide x 16” tall (not including handles)

150 yds each (red, white and blue) (#4) medium weight yarn (I used “I Love This Yarn”)
0.5 yds cotton fabric for lining in color of your choice
1 yd cotton sewing thread in color of your choice

Knitting Needles Size US 10 (5mm) circular needles
Crochet Hook Size G (4mm)
Yarn Needle for sewing in ends
Sewing Needle and Thread

Gauge: 16 stitches x 24 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch

Pattern notes:
The tote bag is knit in the round. It is started by knitting the bottom flat and then picking up stitches all the way around the bottom edge and knitting in rounds alternating between red and white until you have 13 total stripes.
The blue is added and the stitch is changed to Star stitch. You will still be knitting in the round, but carrying the white yarn around with the blue in order to alternate between white and blue for the stars, for a total of 50 stars.
You will add a border around the top edge and bottom edge using a crochet Crab stitch.
The handles are then made and sewn to the top using the crochet hook.
You may choose to add a cotton fabric liner to the inside of the bag at this point, since knit fabric tends to be very stretchy. The cotton liner is sewn on near the top edge of the bag using the sewing needle and thread and a Blind stitch.

Let’s stay in touch! Enjoy an extra 10% off when you sign up for my free Knitting Knicely Newsletter!