Preppy and plaid go hand-in-hand in the horse world. This type of plaid knitting is easy and fun. The vertical stripes are done afterwards with a crochet hook, so you’re only every knitting with one color at a time. P.S. Stay tuned for a matching pouch to be featured in the December 2018 issue!

Skill Level: Easy

Size: approximately 12” tall x 16” wide at base x 5” deep

Gauge: 22 sts and 30 rows = 4” 10 cm in St st after wet blocking

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 220 yards (200 meters/100 grams): 8622 Camel (MC, 2 skeins), 8505 White (CC1, 1 skein), 8395 Navy (CC2, 1 skein), 7803 Magenta (CC3, 1 skein)

Needles: US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular

Notions: Markers, tapestry needle, US size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook, 1 set Jul Designs 24” Forager Rolled Screw-In Handles in Truffle, ½ yard quilting cotton for lining, ½ yard heavy-duty interfacing, sewing machine, sewing needle, thread to match lining

This tote is worked in three pieces: two plaid pieces and a gusset/bottom piece.

The plaid pattern is created by purling columns of stitches, then using a crochet hook to slip stitch into the vertical columns.