An Autumn Tote

Get ready for the fall season with Bernat Harvest Colors. With this free crochet bag pattern from Bernat Yarns you can make a tote perfect for autumn. Bamboo straight handles are used for the perfect addition to this bag.

MEASUREMENTS: Approx 15 x 12 ins [38 x 30.5 cm].

MATERIALS

• Bernat® Super Value Harvest Colors (197 g / 7 oz)
  OR Bernat® Worsted Harvest Colors (400 g / 14 oz) 1 ball: (Redwood Heather).
• Size 5 mm (U.S. H or 8) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Purchased Bamboo straight handles 12 ins [30.5 cm] long.

GAUGE: 14 hdc and 9 rows = 4 ins [10 cm].

STITCH GLOSSARY
Dcbp = Yoh and draw up a loop around post of next st at back of work 1 row below inserting hook from right to left. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice.
Dcfp = Yoh and draw up a loop around post of next st at front of work 1 row below inserting hook from right to left. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice.

INSTRUCTIONS
FRONT and BACK (make alike).
Ch 67.
Foundation row: (WS). 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook (counts as 2 hdc). 1 hdc in each ch to end of ch. Turn. 66 hdc.
1st row: Ch 2 (counts as hdc). 1 hdc in next hdc. *1 dcfp in each of next 2 sts. 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. Rep from * to end of row. Turn.
2nd row: Ch 2 (counts as hdc). 1 hdc in next hdc. *1 dcbp in each of next 2 sts. 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. Rep from * to end of row. Turn.
Rep last 2 rows until work from beg measures 11 ins [28 cm], ending with a WS row.
Next row: (Eyelet row). Ch 2 (counts as hdc). 1 hdc in next hdc. *1 dcfp in each of next 2 sts. Ch 2. Miss next 2 hdc. Rep from * to last 4 sts. 1 dcfp in each of next 2 sts. 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. Turn.
Next row: Ch 2 (counts as hdc). 1 hdc in next hdc. *1 dcbp in each of next 2 sts. 2 hdc in next ch-2 sp. Rep from * to last 4 sts. 1 dcbp in each of next 2 sts. 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. Turn.
Next row: Ch 2 (counts as hdc). 1 hdc in next hdc. *1 dcfp in each of next 2 sts. 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. Rep from * to end of row. Turn.
Next row: Ch 2 (counts as hdc). 1 hdc in each st to end of row. Fasten off.

FINISHING: Place markers along side edges of Front and Back pieces, 2 ins [5 cm] down from last row. With WS tog, sew sides and bottom between markers.

Straps (make 2). Push straight handles through Eyelets. Cut 66 strands of yarn 35 ins [89 cm] long. Divide into 3 groups 22 strands in each group. Braid 3 groups, leaving both ends 4 ins [10 cm] unworked.

With RS of work facing, fold ends of Strap under straight handles to WS. Bring halves of ends tog and taking 2 strands of yarn tog, wrap 1¼ ins [3 cm] of Handle as close to straight handle as possible (see photo). Fasten ends securely. Rep for other end of Strap.