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A tote bag is a really handy item to own; I know I can never have enough of them to store and carry everything I need to and bags are also great fun to knit because you can add all sorts of fun details and relax without worrying if it’ll fit you.

Inspired by carved Indian soapstone “jali” panels combined here with the popular beribboned kitchen tile patterns of my 1980s childhood, there is nothing uncommon in the techniques used so this will be an unthreatening make even for very new knitters yet it has an eye-catching appeal even amongst more complex squares.

It works well as a single square mini-tote or a 4 patch tote bag.

The bag has many customisation options and the block itself is equally suitable to use in a sampler style project with other similar sized blocks or as a repeated motif for a single item.

Sizes: one square Mini Tote (four square Tote Bag). Can be worked in different yarn weights.

Tension:
4ply/fingering/sock yarn: 21 sts x 44 rows = 10cm/4”
Aran/worsted: 17 sts x 24 rows = 10cm/4”

Working method: The square is knitted in the round from the right side with four paired yarn over increases either side of a central stitch forming the corners

Finished measurements in A 4ply/fingering/sock yarn; and B aran/worsted yarn (see schematic)
Square: A 15cm / 6”; B 22cm / 8.5”
a. bag width: A 15 (30)cm / 6 (12)”; B 22 (44)cm / 8.5 (17)”
b. bag height: A 15 (30)cm / 6 (12)”; B 22 (44)cm / 8.5 (17)”
c. bag depth: A 5cm / 2”; B 7cm / 2 ¾”
d. Strap length: A 30 (61)cm / 12 (24)” B 44 (88)cm / 17 (35)”

Requirements

A Scheepjes Metropolis; 4ply/fingering weight: 200m (218 yd) per 50g skein; 75% Wool, 25% Nylon (Sample worked in Kota 024); or

B Lily’s Sugar ‘n Cream aran/worsted weight: 109m (119 yd) per 71g skein; 100% Cotton (Sample worked in Country Yellow; Light Blue and White)

Square: A 60 m / 65 yds; B 80 m / 90 yds
Mini Tote: A 180m / 190 yds; B 220 m / 240 yds
Tote Bag: A 600 m / 660 yds; B 800 m / 880 yds

One pair A 4.5mm/ US size 7; or B 2.5mm / US size 1 DPNs/circular needle
4 markers for corners; 1 contrast marker for start of round
Yarn needle and scissors
Optional base stiffener: a rectangle of card or plastic the size of the base (measurement a by measurement c)
Optional button fastening: a few spare m/yds yarn