Birds and Beads Summer Tote

Free Bag Crochet Pattern

Finished size: approx. 13" x 13 1/2" (33 cm x 34 cm)

Materials: Jo-Ann Sensations (affiliate link) Boardwalk Cotton aran weight yarn (50% Acrylic, 50% Cotton)
316 yards (289 meters) / 170 grams, color Naturals -  1 skein (A)
Bernat (affiliate link) Handicrafter Cotton Solids worsted weight yarn, 710 yds (650 m)  / 400 gr, color Jute - 1 skein (B)
Clay beads (4 x 6mm) approx 300.
Wooden handles (from Jo-Ann)

Hook: 5.5 mm (I)

Gauge is not important.

Abbreviations:

ch = chain
st(s) = stitch(es)
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
Beaded Single Crochet (bsc): Insert hook in indicated st, slide one bead up to the hook,
yo after the bead, draw yarn through the stitch, yo, draw yarn through both loops on the hook.

Directions

The bag is crocheted in sections.

3 beaded strips:

String beads onto yarn B.

With yarn B, chain 10.
Row 1: sc in the second ch from the hook, sc 8, turn;
Row 2: ch 2 (counts as the first hdc), hdc 8, turn;
Row 3: ch1 for turn, sc 2, bsc 1, *sc 1, bsc 1* 2 times, sc 2
Row 4: ch2, hdc 8
Repeat rows 1-4 16 times (64 rows). Finish with a row of sc. Make 3 strips.

With yarn A, along the long edge of the first beaded strip work 65 sc (row1);
Row 2: ch 1 for turn, sc 65, turn;
Row 3: ch 2 for turn, hdc 64, turn;
Row 4: ch 2 for turn, hdc 64.
Row 5: connect with sc to the second strip.

Repeat along the other long edge of the second strip. Connect with the sc to the third strip.

Along the edge of the first beaded strip work 65 sc; ch 2 for turn, hdc 64. Fold the work in half and with sc connect the edges of the beaded strip.
Repeat on the other side of the bag.

Along the upper edge of the bag work 82 sc. Mark the beginning of the round. Crochet 9 rounds of hdc.

In the beginning of each round, ch2 (counts as the first hdc); in the end of the round connect the first and the last hdc with a slip st.

Finishing:
Weave in the yarn ends.
Attach the handles. Sew in the lining (optional, but recommended).