This classic tote shape will carry your things with easy style. It’s designed with the all natural and non-superwash nubby aran weight yarn of Mountain Meadow Wool, called Cheyenne. Gauge, needle size, yardages and finished size are based on holding this yarn double throughout the entire project and then lightly felting to finish the tote. You can felt this tote by hand in your kitchen sink, and the pattern includes instructions for how to do it!

Approximately 385 yards needed of main color and 135 yards of contrast color, in non-superwash wool, if you want to felt it.

The project begins with knitting a base rectangle in rows back and forth. Next you pick up stitches around the edges and proceed to knit the tote in the round. There are a few decreases near the top for shaping.
Have fun with basic stranded colorwork for the middle of this tote. The tree-like motif is called “Ascend” and is from Alterknit Stitch Dictionary by Andrea Rangel.

You can add a touch of personality to this tote by adding handles of your choice. The pattern includes instructions for knitting a single handle to attach with a few sewn stitches and buttons. Alternatively, repurpose or purchase handles to attach any way you like. The pair of red leather handles shown are from Bittersweet Baskets and Homestead Handles.