Tote

Materials: yarn Schachenmayr, quality Ecologico Color, 250 g #01726 Esprit color. All measurements are in centimeters (cm). For approximate inch sizes simply multiply by 0.4 (or divide by 2.54). 4-5 mm [size 6-10] needles, and same size [size G/6-H/8] crochet hook, or size to obtain gauge, and 2 buttons.
Stockinet stitch (st-st): K RS rows; P WS rows.
Crochet pattern: sc (UK = dc). Start each row with 1 ch for turning.
Gauge: before felting 20 sts. and 24 rows st-st, and about 15 sts. and 15-16 rows sc, each to 10 cm [4”].
METHOD
For side panels cast on 2 x 60 sts. = about 30 cm wide, and cont in st-st. When work measures 30 cm bind off all sts. For base and side panel crochet 15 ch + 1 ch for turning, then work sc (UK = dc). When work measures about 80 cm end work. For handles crochet 2 x 10 ch + 1 ch for turning, then work sc. When work measures about 40 cm end work. For the side bars work 4 x 5 ch + 1 ch for turning, then work sc. When work measures about 15 cm end work.
Finishing: turn bound-off edges of tote about 5 cm in and sew in position. Sew base and side panels in position, catching side bands at center of side edges. Sew handles in position to outside of each half of tote, on either side of 15 cm at center, starting about 4 cm below upper edge. Fold and sew about 20 cm at center of handles tog, forming a small roll.
To felt the tote wash in the washing machine at 60°C with detergent (not for woolens). To increase the effect of the felting, place 2-3 tennis balls into the machine while washing, or wash the tote with hardwearing items. Block tote to measurements while drying. Overlap bars and sew tog at center with a button.
Size after felting: about 22 cm x 14 cm x 7 cm.