The Pretty Picnic Tote by Grace Compton

The Pretty Picnic Tote

Crochet
March 2022
Aran (8 wpi) ?
16 stitches and 9 rows = 4 inches
in 16 dc by 9 rows in color changing pattern (chart included in pattern)
4.5 mm
4.0 mm (G)
495 - 655 yards (453 - 599 m)
Purse size (Tote size)
US
English
This pattern is available for $6.00 USD buy it now

This is a listing for a Digital Crochet Pattern PDF. Not a listing for a physical item.

This pattern is a confident beginner to intermediate level crochet pattern (This is based off of feedback from testers). Use the following info about what stitches you need to know for this pattern to decide if this bag is something you can make (you can also check out the free video tutorials for the color changing techniques on my Instagram page: @made_by_gracexo):

(Pattern is written in US terms)

  • Rnd - round
  • Ch(s) - chain(s)
  • Dc - double crochet
  • Sc - single crochet
  • Sl st - slip stitch
  • YO - yarn over
  • Dc2tog - yo, insert hook in the indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through two loops, yo, insert hook in the next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through two loops, yo, pull through all 3 loops on your hook to complete the stitch (counted as one dc). Slip stitch join - with a slip knot on your hook, insert your hook into the indicated stitch, yo and pull through the stitch as well as the slipknot on your hook.
  • Dc2tog color change to specified color - with starting color: yo, insert hook in the indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through two loops, yo, insert hook in the next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through two loops, with the second color: yo, pull through all 3 loops on your hook to complete the stitch (counted as one dc)
  • Dc color change to specified color - with starting color: yo, insert hook in the indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through two loops, with the second color: yo, pull through the two loops on your hook to complete the stitch (counts as one dc)

Note: Everything is written from the perspective of a right handed crocheter. I tried my best to add modification notes following suggestions from a left handed tester and using my small amount of knowledge about left handed crochet. But I suggest making the modifications you see fit if you are left handed.

Sewn Lining Instructions are included in the form of a short video linked in the pattern. The lining is extremely simple (2 rectangles of fabric sewn together, hemmed and then sewn into bag), a sewing machine is helpful for speed but it is completely possible to hand sew the lining.

MATERIALS:

  • 3 solid colors worsted/aran weight yarn in your preferred fiber type. You will need approximately: Purse size: Color A: 81g/2.9oz/137m/150yds, Color B: 98g/3.5oz/165m/180yds, Color C: 76g/2.7oz/128m/140yds, Tote size: Color A: 98g/3.5oz/165m/180yds, Color B: 170g/6oz/288m/315yds, Color C: 85g/3oz/144m/158yds, NOTE: cotton yarn creates a stable enough fabric to make either size without a lining and I recommend it even if you are lining the bag because it gives the strap extra stability. If you choose to use acrylic yarn, it has a tendency to stretch so I suggest for both sizes that you use a hook at least one size smaller than your main hook for the straps. I strongly suggest lining the tote size, but lining the purse size is not necessary because you don’t typically put heavy items in a purse.
  • 4.5mm hook for the body (or size needed to match gauge)
  • 4mm hook or at least one size smaller than your main hook size
  • Tapestry Needle
  • 2-4 stitch markers (optional)
  • Button closure: 19 to 25mm decorative Button, sewing needle and thread (optional)
  • Lining (optional): 2 pieces of cotton or muslin fabric the width and height of your bag plus .5 in/1.27 cm on all sides for seam allowance, sewing machine (optional), needle and thread, measuring tape/ruler, fabric scissors, pen or pencil and an iron and ironing board (optional)

GAUGE:
With your main hook size: 16 dc by 9 rows in color pattern (specified by chart in the pattern) = 4 by 4 inch/10 cm by 10 cm square (the lining instructions are made to measure so don’t worry if you can’t perfectly match gauge)

A huge shoutout to every who tested the pattern for me! Without their help, releasing this pattern would not be possible! You can view everyone’s bags (If they chose to have their pictures included) in the testers gallery included in the pattern. Or to see their amazing work check out their Instagram accounts:
@olivedoescrochet
@natalie.crochets
@gracemcreative
@areuknittingme
@nae._crochets
@shelby.crochets
@lil.knits
@calicostarstudio
@gracemcreative
@made_by_noraaa
@madimadecrafts
@jbeanmade
@cottage_frogge
@todayiscrochet
@kendallstitches

TERMS OF USE:
This pattern is strictly for personal use
Copying, distributing or commercial use of any kind of this pattern or any parts of this pattern is not allowed. Making a Youtube video showing the process of crocheting this pattern is not allowed, however you can show the final bag in Youtube videos (example video: everything I crocheted this month), provided there is proper credit and a link to my Etsy shop or the pattern in the description of the video.

Always credit me as the designer
Regardless of the platform you are on, always credit me as the designer if you are sharing pictures or videos of the final product. I only have an Instagram account so if you are on another platform please put ‘Designer: made_by_gracexo on Instagram’ in your caption. Why?

  1. I love seeing your beautiful work and want to share it to my Instagram stories!
  2. Giving credit to the designer is a form of respect for their work and the time it took to create the design. Paying for the pattern does not mean you have the right to treat the design as your own.

Selling any bags you make using this pattern is not allowed.

A huge thank you to @hayhaycrochet! Her pattern taught me how to change colors when crocheting and gave me the inspiration for this design. We had a nice conversation over DM and I have her permission to release this pattern.

Pattern Release Date March 26, 2022