What’s old is new again, and we’re so excited to crochet our way through the National Library of Australia’s latest book, Vintage Crochet, which contains this lovely crochet tote bag pattern and so many more across homewares, clothing and more. This tote bag is just one of the designs that have been lifted from as early as 1888, and reworked to modern-day instructions. We simply love it, and think it would be great for carrying around your latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens.
Melody Lord, who dived into a treasure of craft patterns held by the National Library of Australia to edit the Vintage Crochet book and its companion volume, Vintage Knits, says, “The rhythm of making crochet stitches – in, over, through – is a kind of meditation for me. Following the same patterns that have been used for generations evokes a sweet nostalgia as I stitch.”
What you’ll need:
- 8-ply machine-washable wool yarn, 50g balls: 5 x main colour (MC), 3 x each of 2 contrast colours (CC1, CC2)
- 4.50 mm crochet hook
- 50 cm hessian for lining.
Before you start
- Quantities and project measurements are approximate. These projects have been designed for the yarns specified in the patterns. Other yarns may produce different results.
- Check ball bands to ensure all yarn of same colour is from the same dye lot, and for care instructions.
Measurements
- 36cm x 26cm, 5cm gusset.
Tension
- 9 dc and 11 rows to 5 cm.
Front and back
Using MC, make 19 ch loosely.
Method
1st round:
Miss 1 ch, 1 dc in each ch to last ch, 4 dc in last ch; working along other side of foundation ch, work 1 dc in each of next 16 ch, 2 dc in next ch, join with a sl-st in ch at beginning of round.
2nd round:
Using CC1, 1 ch, 3 dc in next dc (corner dc), 1 dc in each of next 16 dc, 3 dc in next dc (corner dc), 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 3 dc in next dc (corner dc), 1 dc in each of next 16 dc, 3 dc in next dc (corner dc), 1 dc in next dc, join with a sl-st in ch at beg of round.
3rd round:
Using CC2, 1 ch, 1 dc in next dc, 3 dc in next dc (corner), 1 dc in each of next 18 dc, 3 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, 3 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 18 dc, 3 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, join with a sl-st inch at beg of round. Cont in dc in stripes of 1 round MC, 1 round CC1, 1 round CC2, working 3 dc in each corner dc in every round until 28 rounds have been worked from beg, ending with a round of MC. Fasten off. Repeat for other side.
Gusset
Using MC, make 172 ch loosely.
- 1st row: Miss 1 ch, 1 dc in each ch to end (171 dc).
- 2nd row: 1 ch, 1 dc in each dc to end.
- Rep 2nd row 9 times.
- Fasten off.
Straps
Using MC, make 61 ch loosely.
- 1st row: Miss 1 ch, 1 dc in each ch to end (60 dc).
- 2nd row: 1 ch, 1 dc in each dc to end.
- Rep 2nd row 3 times.
- Fasten off.
- Repeat to make the second strap.
To make up
Hessian is used to line this bag, which gives it a great square shape. If you’re after something less coarse, you could use canvas or a heavy cotton
Crafty tip
Using crocheted pieces as pattern, cut lining fabric to fit all the pieces. Turn in a small hem on the fabric and stitch the lining to the crochet pieces with wrong sides together.
Use a flat seam to join the gusset to the front, base and back of the bag, leaving the top open.
Sew straps to the front and back of the bag.
Want more crochet and knitting inspiration?
This is an excerpt from Vintage Crochet, $39.99 from the National Library of Australia. Love knitting too? Check out the companion volume, Vintage Knits, $29.99.
You can find more free patterns in Trove’s knitting and crochet collection. There, you can find lists of community-made vintage knitting patterns and digitised knitting pattern books. Alternatively, find more vintage inspiration by following the National Library of Australia on Instagram.
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