Whether strolling downtown or on the boardwalk, this vibrant raffia tote will set the mood for fun this summer. Small but durable, this tote will easily hold your wallet, sunglasses, sunscreen, e-reader, sandals, and more summer essentials.

Crocheted raffia takes the shape of a shell in this intriguing design. A ribbed stitch pattern worked in front post and back post stitching creates the shell texture and lends to the tote’s cylindrical shape. A pair of oval black wooden handles are oriented vertically for a unique and dramatic look.

This tote is crocheted in 2 pieces. Each begins by working single crochet stitches around a handle and then the rows work outward from Row 1. The assembly utilizes the JAYGO (join-as-you-go) technique to seam the front and back panels in the final row of the front panel.

Instructions include 20 high-quality photos to walk you step by step from beginning to end. These photos include crocheting around the handle, how to make individual stitches, as well as how to spray block the tote and mold it into a cylindrical shape.

Skill Level
Intermediate

Finished Measurements
14 inches wide x 11 inches tall x 3 inches deep, including handle

Materials

• Premier Home® Raffia Yarn Solids medium (worsted) weight cellulose rayon yarn (1.41 oz/99 yds/40g per ball): 5 balls #94-11 Lime
• Size G/6/4.00mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
• Tapestry needle
• 1 pair oval wooden purse handles, 6½ inches x 4½ inches (sample used handles from Everything Mary: https://everythingmary.com/products/oval-wood-handles-black)
• 5 hand towels
• Spray bottle with water

Note: If you choose to substitute another brand of raffia, I would suggest making a swatch and taking it through the wet-blocking steps I outline in the pattern first, to ensure desired results before you begin the project. (Wet blocking may ruin some types of raffia.)

Gauge
Rows 2–4 = 1¾ inches long

This pattern includes

• 8-page pattern pdf with high-quality photos and detailed instructions.
• List of abbreviations used.
• Step-by-step photo tutorial for crocheting around the handle, JAYGO assembly, and blocking.

Stitches and techniques used
Single crochet join, single crochet, chain(s), double crochet, front post double crochet, back post double crochet, JAYGO (join-as-you-go) assembly in the last row, and spray blocking.

Pattern written in US crochet terms.

Technical editing by Randy Cavaliere