An easy crochet tote bag with a fun, thick stitch – my Fraîche Crochet Tote Bag – is a free pattern here on the blog! Read through my inspiration, design process, and lots of info on the perfect yarn I chose.

Grab the inexpensive PDF pattern here or scroll all the way down for the free pattern.

The Inspiration + Design

The Fraîche Crochet Tote Bag is one I’ve had on my list to make since late last summer. I’ve seen so many gorgeous crochet tote bags over the years but they’re usually stretchy and open. I wondered what a more structured tote might be like (one that could pass my laptop test! And it did, no sagging or stretching!). After making my thermal stitch potholders last fall I knew this stitch would make an incredibly durable crochet tote bag.

Fraîche is french for “fresh” in the feminine distinction and translates also to “dewy, crisp, youthful” and I feel like those concepts perfectly describe this bag design. It’s fresh and new in concept yet somehow classic and crisp. It’s the perfect mixture of new, on-trend elements while still being timeless. My favorite kind of design!

The straps are my favorite part – they’re all crochet so you don’t need to purchase hard-to-find purse straps and they’re easy to make. A simple tiny tube actually makes for a fairly durable and rigid strap – especially if you thread some macrame or parachute cord through the center to prevent against stretching even more (this part is optional). Threading the strap through simple eyelet holes in the body of the bag make assembly simple and the crochet tote bag is easy to use. One could even add rivets to the eyelet strap holes for even easier strap movement as you load and unload your crochet tote bag with goodies.

One crochet tote bag, so many uses!

In designing this crochet tote bag I wanted to make sure it could pass my “laptop test” – would it stretch out or sag with a heavy laptop inside? NOPE! It passed with flying colors! The rigid thermal stitch and the sturdy side seams supported the weight of my laptop perfectly. (Full disclosure: I have a 13″ Macbook air – so not the largest or heaviest laptop ever but I believe this bag would hold up well no matter what you load up inside!).

This crochet tote bag would also make an excellent farmer’s market companion. Filling with fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers is easy with its accessible body and incredibly thick structure. There is also quite a bit of privacy with this bag because the body isn’t see-through! Because let’s be honest – we all love to stop at the local bakery table at the farmer’s market and load up on chocolate croissants. Is that just me??

Simple and stunning construction

I wanted to make sure that this crochet tote bag design wasn’t too complicated. That’s why it’s made from one big rectangle! I believe that adventurous beginners can make this project – if you’ve already learned the thermal stitch by making my potholders or coasters, this bag is no more tricky than that!

We start by making one large thermal stitch rectangle with two eyelet holes at each end (don’t worry these are really just chain 1, skip 1 spaces). Then we fold it up and seam the sides, leaving a thermal stitch folded bottom for extra strength. Then the strap is made and threaded through the eyelet holes to be seamed into one continuous tube. That’s it!

I’ve also made sure to include lots of photos on the assembly of the bag, just to take care of my beginner crocheters out there!

The Thermal Stitch

I love love LOVE the thermal stitch. It’s become my favorite stitch for durable, rigid projects. Combine the stitch with a cotton blend yarn and you’ve got a recipe for heirloom projects that can handle regular use! Wahoo!

I have a full stitch tutorial with video here for those that are unfamiliar. I’ve also included a photo tutorial for this stitch below the written pattern at the end of this blog post.

Yarn + Substitution

I used Lion Brand’s Re-Up yarn in ecru, which is a worsted weight yarn. It’s a cotton polyester blend yarn that’s made from recycled water bottles! It’s a very unique yarn that comes in a lot of gorgeous, vintage-inspired colors and is extremely sturdy for projects like crochet tote bags, potholders, and coasters (all of which are free patterns here on the blog using the thermal stitch!). It’s also only $1.99 per skein so it makes for a great, affordable option. Or grab the kit in any color by clicking here!

A note on substituting yarns for this project: there is a lot of variation in the yarn industry within the world of worsted weight category 4 weight yarn. The best way I know to compare yarns of different origins, fiber contents, and brand are to look at the yardage per gram. On the yarn label for any yarn (from a big box store or from an independent dyer), the yardage for the ball or skein is listed.

The Re-Up yarn I used from Lion Brand is a 70 gram ball with 114 yards. 114/70=1.63 yards per gram.

I try to make sure any yarns I’m substituting are absolutely no more than 0.5 yards per gram difference from the yarn originally used in the pattern. The lower this number is, the closer these comparative yarns will be in gauge, resulting in a seamless finished project!

I do however recommend going with a cotton or cotton blend worsted weight yarn for this project, even if you don’t use Re-Up. The cotton is more stiff and rigid than other kinds of fiber meaning that your crochet tote bag won’t stretch very much when you fill it with goodies!

PATTERN

• Get the ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern HERE.
• Grab the Ultimate Pattern Bundle that includes 150+ patterns just like this one on sale for $20 today HERE.
• PIN this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later HERE.
• Save to your Ravelry queue HERE.

Description

The ultimate crochet tote bag – simply classic in design with utilitarian functionality. Made-from-a-rectangle construction means adventurous beginners can make this crochet tote bag with ease. The thick thermal stitch offers rigidity and combats stretching. Make one for toting to the farmer’s market or a coffeeshop!

Yarn

–Lion Brand – Re-Up
(weight 4 / medium, 2.5oz/70g, 114 yds/105 m)
Color: ECRU – 8 skeins or 850 yds/778 m

Grab the kit in any color from Lion Brand here!

Notions

–Size 7mm Crochet Hook

–Size F 3.75mm Crochet Hook

–Darning needle

Gauge

12 sts x 12 rows = 4″ in pattern (thermal stitch, yarn held double)

Finished Size

12 x 14″ (excluding straps)

Notes

-Chain stitches throughout the pattern do no count as a stitch, nor are they included in total stitch counts.

-Substitute other yarns of any weight by using it’s recommended hook size and following the same stitch pattern with a foundation chain that’s the width of your desired bag size and working row repeats until you’ve reached the length you desire. Alterations may affect yardage.

-Yarn is held double throughout the pattern unless otherwise stated.

FRAÎCHE CROCHET TOTE BAG

With yard held double and 7mm crochet hook, ch 37, skip 1 stitch

Row 1: 3rd loop sc across, turn <36>

Row 2: Ch 1, BLO sc across, turn

Row 3: Ch 1, thermal sc across, turn

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ashleigh Kiser (@sewrella) on May 4, 2020 at 12:44pm PDT

Row 4: Rep row 3

Row 5: Ch 1, thermal sc next 6 stitches, ch 1, skip 1 stitch, thermal sc next 22 stitches, ch 1, skip 1 stitch, thermal sc last 6 stitches, turn <34>

Row 6: Ch 1, thermal sc next 6 stitches, regular sc in skipped space, thermal sc next 22 stitches, regular sc in skipped space, thermal sc last 6 stitches, turn <36>

Row 7: Ch 1, thermal sc next 6 stitches, BLO sc in regular sc, thermal sc next 22 stitches, BLO sc in regular sc, thermal sc in last 6 stitches, turn

Note: Eyelet hole made by ch 1, skip 1 may look somewhat hidden. Place a stitch marker near the hole in case you’re worried you won’t be able to find it later.

Rows 8-80: Rep Row 3

Rows 81-83: Rep Rows 5-7

Rows 84-86: Rep Row 3

Row 87: Slip stitch through both top loops of the stitch and the stitch we work into from the row below, rep across

Finish off, weave ends.

Strap

With a single strand of yarn and F 3.75mm crochet hook, ch 6, skip 1 stitch

Row 1: Sc across <5>

Row 2: Wrap strip of sc into a loop and sc into the first stitch from Row 1, work sc in the round

Continue working sc in the round until your strap measures 50″ long or the desired length of your entire strap piece.

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing, do not weave ends.

Assembly

Fold large rectangle with right sides together to seam up sides. Take care to align foundation chain and last slip stitch row. With a long piece of scrap yarn (held double) seam selvedge edges with a mattress stitch, pulling each stitch tight as you sew to create a strong seam. Weave ends to secure. Turn inside out (optional).

Thread unfinished strap through the eyelet holes created (these should match up) as pictured. You may thread a bit of macrame cord through the strap for added structure to prevent stretch but it’s not necessary. With a tapestry needle, sew two ends of the strap together with a whip stitch to form one continuous tube strap. Weave ends to secure.

Abbreviations (US terms):

BLO – back loop only
ch – chain
rep – repeat
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
<> – stitch count

OTHER FREE THERMAL STITCH PATTERNS

1. Crochet Double Thick Potholders /2. Textured Crochet Coasters/ 3. Fraîche Crochet Tote Bag

The post FRAÎCHE Crochet Tote Bag appeared first on Sewrella.

Read below about the inspiration, the perfect yarn I chose, and this beautiful stitch or scroll on down for the free pattern, video and photo tutorial.

Crochet Coasters that are perfect for every table!

I recently discovered a stitch called the thermal stitch and I’m in love! In playing with it I figured out an easy way to crochet this stitch simply and easily – check out the video tutorial here! I loved the texture and thickness of the stitch and immediately wanted to figure out a way to bring this woven look into my home with it’s own pattern.

We all have that end table or coffee table that we set our coffee, tea, lemonade, (or if we’re being responsible adults) water down on right? My favorite end table has a glass top and I can’t stand when a glass sweats and makes a ring of moisture on the table, yuck! NOT TO MENTION IF A MUG WERE TO SCRATCH MY GORGEOUS WEST ELM END TABLE. Good grief, that stresses me out just thinking about it.

So when I thought about how to bring the thermal stitch to life and what my home could use – a crochet coaster pattern felt just right!

Crochet Coasters make the best gifts

These crochet coasters make great holiday or hostess gifts (they take about 20 minutes per coaster to make!) – I’ll be giving sets of these along with my favorite tea tied up with a fluffy piece of scrap yarn. Gift giving season never looked so good – or was so utilitarian!

Think of what a happy neighbor gift that would make!

The Yarn

I had quite a few skeins of Lion Brand’s new cotton blend yarn Re-Up lying around the house and I loved them for these crochet coasters. The color lineup has some great neutrals to go with my home decor – that rustic grey has a bit of heather to it and is so pretty in person!

I held two strands of yarn together for this pattern to make the crochet coasters EVEN thicker – I love the texure it gives! I held together two strands of the Ecru color but you could hold together a strand each of two different colors to get a marled effect. That’s actually what I did with my crochet potholders pattern that matches this set and they turned out gorgeous!

I highly recommend using cotton yarn for this pattern – Re-Up is a wonderful option due to the color choice and the price point ($1.99 per skein, 2 skeins make 4 crochet coasters!) but other cotton yarns would work too. Just make sure to stay away from acrylic or primarily polyester yarns to be sure hot beverages don’t melt the fibers. Cotton also performs better than other fibers when wet should you encounter a spill!

PATTERN

• Get the ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern HERE.
• Grab the Ultimate Pattern Bundle that includes 150+ patterns just like this one on sale for $20 today HERE.
• PIN this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later HERE.
• Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue HERE.

DESCRIPTION

The most versatile, necessary kitchen pattern to add to your library. A simple textured stitch makes these crochet coasters thick and durable. Pro tip: gift alongside tea or a homemade batch of lemonade!

YARN

-Lion Brand Re-Up Cotton Yarn
(weight 4 / worsted, 70g, 114yds/105m)
2 skeins = 5 coasters
held double stranded throughout

NOTIONS

–Size k 6.5mm crochet hook
–Darning needle
–Optional – 6.5mm knitting needle

GAUGE

12 sts x 12 rows = 4” in thermal stitch
(see pattern)

NOTES

Finished size: 4 x 4″

Solid – two strands same color
Marled – one strand each of two colors

Scroll to the bottom of the pattern for photo tutorial.

Textured Crochet Coasters

Ch 13

Row 1 : 3rd loop sc in 2nd st and across, turn <12>

Row 2 : Ch 1, BLO sc across, turn <12>

Row 3 : Ch 1, thermal sc across, turn <12>

Rep row 3 until you’ve finished 12 rows.

Finish off, weave ends.

PHOTO TUTORIAL

Row 1

Row 2

Thermal Stitch

Abbreviations (US terms):

blo – back loop only
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
st(s) – stitch(es)
<> – stitch count

Other Free Crochet Patterns for the Kitchen

1. Crochet Ruffled Trivet / 2. Crochet Double Thick Potholders / 3. Crochet Betty’s Coasters

The post Textured Crochet Coasters appeared first on Sewrella.

Read below about the stitch details and the yarn I use to practice stitches or scroll on down for the free video tutorial.

Stitch Details

The thermal stitch is one of the thickest stitches I’ve come across – so much so that it looks woven! A variation on a simple single crochet, I still can’t believe how basic and mindless this stitch is to work – and with such stunning results.

I love using this stitch for my Double Thick Potholder pattern (find it by clicking here) but you could also get creative and use it for blankets, scarves, or other projects that need a little extra thickness.

The Yarn

I love practicing new stitches (and if you’re here reading this, I bet you do too!) but not just any yarn is great for trying out a new technique.

My secret to successful swatch practice? Using super bulky yarn! I always use Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick for stitch practice for a few reasons.

• The category 6 super bulky yarn creates super bulky stitches – it’s easier to visualize how the stitch behaves and where I need to place my hook when I’m a little outside my comfort zone.
• This yarn is very accessible. If you don’t already have some in your stash, it’s sold at almost every yarn store that sells Lion Brand yarn. I often find it on sale too!
• It has great stitch definition. It’s harder to get familiar with a new stitch when you use yarn that’s super fuzzy or has too much texture to it. This one is perfect.

So grab your Wool Ease Thick and Quick yarn and settle in with the video tutorial to learn to crochet the thermal stitch.

Note: In this video I’m using the gorgeous color Succulent.

OTHER EASY FREE CROCHET PATTERNS YOU MIGHT LOVE

1. Crochet Vanilla Wrap Scarf / 2. Crochet Avery Hat / 3. Crochet Collar Topper

The post Crochet Thermal Stitch Tutorial appeared first on Sewrella.

Read below about the inspiration, the perfect yarn I chose, and this beautiful stitch or scroll on down for the free pattern, video and photo tutorial.

Crochet Potholders that are perfect for every kitchen!

I recently discovered a stitch called the thermal stitch and I’m in love! In playing with it I figured out an easy way to crochet this stitch simply and easily – check out the video tutorial here! I loved the texture and thickness of the stitch and immediately wanted to figure out a way to bring this woven look into my home with it’s own pattern.

After designing a WHOLE bunch of wearable pieces over the last couple of years I’ve been itching to work on some smaller projects as a creative palate cleanse. My little family also recently moved into a new house with a big gorgeous kitchen that was desperately lacking some warmth and texture. I love cozy spaces with layers of decor and this kitchen was looking a little… hallow.

So when I thought about how to bring the thermal stitch to life and what my home could use – a crochet potholder felt just right!

Crochet Potholders make the best gifts

These crochet potholders make great holiday or hostess gifts (they take about an hour to whip up!) – I’ll be giving sets of these along with my favorite cookbook tied up with a fluffy piece of scrap yarn. Gift giving season never looked so good – or was so utilitarian!

The Yarn

I had quite a few skeins of Lion Brand’s new cotton blend yarn Re-Up lying around the house and I loved them for these crochet potholders. The color lineup has some great neutrals to go with my home decor – that rustic grey has a bit of heather to it and is so pretty in person!

I held two strands of yarn together for this pattern to make the crochet potholders EVEN thicker – no way was I going to burn my hands on those hot pots coming out of the oven! I made one potholder each in the grey and cream colors and then made a third potholder holding one strand of each color together to achieve a marled look. I love the way all three look as a set.

I highly recommend using cotton yarn for this pattern – Re-Up is a wonderful option due to the color choice and the price point ($1.99 per skein!) but other cotton yarns would work too. Just make sure to stay away from acrylic or primarily polyester yarns to be sure hot pots and pans don’t melt the fibers. Cotton also performs better than other fibers when wet should you encounter a spill!

PATTERN

• Get the ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern HERE.
• Grab the Ultimate Pattern Bundle that includes 150+ patterns just like this one on sale for $20 today HERE.
• PIN this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later HERE.
• Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue HERE.

DESCRIPTION

The most versatile, necessary kitchen pattern to add to your library. A simple textured stitch makes these crochet potholders thick and durable – with a simpler version of an I-cord loop for hanging within reach.

Pro tip: gift alongside cookbooks and utensils!

YARN

-Lion Brand Re-Up Cotton Yarn
weight 4 / worsted
2 skeins = 1 potholder
held double stranded throughout

NOTIONS

–Size k 6.5mm crochet hook
–Darning needle
–Optional – 6.5mm knitting needle

GAUGE

12 sts x 12 rows = 4” in thermal stitch
(see pattern)

NOTES

Finished size: 7 x 7″ (excluding I-cord loop)

Solid – two strands same color
Marled – one strand each of two colors

Scroll to the bottom of the pattern for photo tutorial or see video tutorial below

THICK CROCHET POTHOLDERS

Ch 21

Row 1 : 3rd loop sc in 2nd st and across, turn <20>

Row 2 : Ch 1, BLO sc across, turn <20>

Row 3 : Ch 1, thermal sc across, turn <20>

Rep row 3 until you’ve finished 34 rows.

Do not finish off.

Modified i-cord loop

Row 1 : ch 2, skip first ch, pull up a loop from 2nd ch, remove hook holding the loop in place (optional – hold dropped loop on knitting needle), ch 1, reinsert hook in dropped loop, ch 1

Row 2 : skip first ch, pull up a loop from 2nd ch, remove hook holding the loop in place (optional – hold dropped loop on knitting needle), ch 1, reinsert hook in dropped loop, ch 1

Rep two 2 until you’ve finished 12 rows.

yarn over, pull through two loops.

Finish off leaving a tail for sewing.

Sew I-cord tail to the last st of the potholder to secure. Weave all ends.

PHOTO TUTORIAL

Row 1

Row 2

Thermal Stitch

abbreviations

blo – back loop only
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
st(s) – stitch(es)
<> – stitch count

OTHER FREE CROCHET ACCESSORY PATTERNS YOU MIGHT LOVE

1. Crochet Vanilla Wrap Scarf / 2. Crochet Avery Hat / 3. Crochet Collar Topper

The post Crochet Potholders – Double Thick! appeared first on Sewrella.

Who’s ready for all things pumpkin spice?! I know I am. Bring on the cool autumn weather filled with changing leaves, boot wearing, and a hot latte in hand (not into lattes? that’s okay, I can hang with a nice cup of tea any day).

While I enjoy the journey of making a more involved garment like a cardigan or sweater, I love the nice and quick makes of a pretty wrap or scarf. So that’s just what I have for you here!

Scroll on down for some super simple, fun crochet and knit projects that I think you’re going to fall in love with (ha!). There’s even an as-easy-as-it-gets DIY tutorial that you just have to see…

PATTERNS

Click the photo or link below to check out these patterns & kits! Don’t forget to shop my favorite tools and materials HERE!

1. Crochet Le Nuage Wrap – This shawl is one of my most popular, and for good reason! It features bobble stitches for fun texture and other beginner techniques for ease – it’s the best of both worlds! It’s such a great pattern for gift giving, or just as your new go-to make. It would be super simple to customize to your liking and make a brand new wrap all your own!
2. Knit Thermal Twist Headwrap from Two of Wands – I love a good headband and this is checks all the boxes for me: easy beginner stitches, a nice focal point detail (that twist!), and something I can finish in one sitting. This is one of those pieces you need one in every color you can find! You’ll be coming back to this Netflix-binge-watch-worthy-project again and again for gifts, craft fairs, and just about any occasion where you can find an excuse to cast on.
3. DIY Blanket Scarf from Debrosse – Yep, this tutorial is just what it sounds like – how to take a square of fabric and make it into a scarf. We’re talking no sew here, you guys. Now this is something I can get behind. Sweet Teresa included her favorite sources for materials too! If you’re looking for a customizable pattern (a.k.a. something you can make duplicates of, and no one will know), this is it. Prepare to be amazed!
4. Jumbo Alpaca Crochet Scarf by All About Ami  – If this isn’t the cozy, snuggly scarf you were looking for, I’m not sure you’ll ever find it. I’m all about comfort, but it’s a bonus when I look put together and stylish too, which is exactly this pattern! Plus, I’m a sucker for a nice button accent. Say goodbye to those super chilly mornings because this pretty accessory is the cure!
5. Crochet University Scarf – This unisex pattern is another quick make that would be cute in any color combo. It’s thick and chunky, and the perfect piece to tie together a fall outfit! Pair it with your favorite solid tee and cardigan for the ultimate simply chic garment.
6. Crochet Snowfall on the Bowery by Two of Wands – Do you want an eye-catching, lacy wraparound scarf that you never want to take off? Bingo! You found it. I love Alexi’s variation of open window stitching, creating a truly unique pattern that is so easy to make! There are infinite ways to wrap and wear this kind of scarf, which allows you to be creative and try a new style each time you wear it. You’ll have so much fun experimenting with this beauty!
7. Easy Crochet Brooklyn Ridge Hat – This beginner level beanie is so easy, and worked up in only a couple hours. This would be an ideal project for craft fairs or if you’re wanting to make one pattern in bulk – you could crank out several of these in a day! I used one of my favorite bulky yarns that is a must use for this hat (peek it here!).
8. Crochet Dottie Infinity Scarf by The Hook Nook – Another wonderfully fun texture! I love when pieces have a variety of stitches without looking overwhelming, don’t you? I’m so glad we agree, because this is the next scarf you need to add to your to-do list. Not only does it provide a warm and comfy feel, but it will be such an exhilarating make!
9. Knit Summit Cowl and Beanie by All About Ami – A squishy warm hat is all I’ve ever wanted, and this one speaks for itself. Plus a matching cowl? Sign me up! 
10. Crochet At First Blush Triangle Scarf by Make & Do Crew – This scarf is nice and airy for a not-too-hot scarf that’s perfect for autumn! And who doesn’t love a good puff stitch tassel combo?

I hope you found a new accessory to love!

OTHER FREE CROCHET PATTERNS YOU MIGHT LOVE

1. Crochet Vanilla Wrap Scarf / 2. Crochet Avery Hat / 3. Crochet Collar Topper

The post Crochet & Knit Autumn Accessories appeared first on Sewrella.