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# A4 Tote Bag with Ruffled Frill

A charming and practical tote bag sized to hold A4 papers and notebooks, featuring a decorative ruffled frill along the top edge. This beginner-friendly pattern uses simple stitches and straightforward construction.

**Finished Measurements:**
- Width: 8.5" (21.5 cm)
- Height: 12" (30.5 cm) 
- Depth: 3" (7.5 cm)
- Handle drop: 8" (20 cm)

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Worsted weight (#4 Medium) cotton or cotton blend yarn
- Approximately 450 yards (410 m)
- Sample shown in sugar'n cream cotton

**Hook:** 
- Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Yarn needle for seaming
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful)
- Scissors

## GAUGE

14 sc and 16 rows = 4" (10 cm) in single crochet

**Gauge is important for this project** to ensure your bag holds A4 papers comfortably. Take time to check your gauge and adjust hook size if needed.

## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- BLO = back loop only

## PATTERN NOTES

1. The bag is worked in four separate pieces (front panel, back panel, gusset strip, and two handles), then seamed together.
2. The turning chain does NOT count as a stitch throughout.
3. Stitch counts are provided at the end of rows in parentheses.
4. The frill is added after assembly by working directly into the top edge.
5. For a sturdier bag, hold two strands of yarn together, but this will require more yardage (approximately 900 yards total).

## INSTRUCTIONS

### Front Panel (make 1)

**Foundation:** Ch 31.

**Row 1 (RS):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (30 sc)

**Rows 2-48:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (30 sc)

Do not fasten off. Ch 1, sc evenly around all four sides of rectangle to create a neat edge for seaming: work 30 sc across top edge, 48 sc down side edge, 30 sc across bottom edge, 48 sc up second side edge, sl st to first sc. Fasten off, leaving a 20" tail for seaming. (156 sc around perimeter)

**Math check:** Width = 30 sc ÷ 14 sc per 4" = 8.57" ≈ 8.5" ✓
**Math check:** Height = 48 rows ÷ 16 rows per 4" = 12" ✓

### Back Panel (make 1)

Work exactly as for Front Panel.

### Gusset Strip

The gusset forms the bottom and sides of the bag.

**Foundation:** Ch 12.

**Row 1 (RS):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (11 sc)

**Rows 2-100:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (11 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a 20" tail for seaming.

**Math check:** Width = 11 sc ÷ 14 sc per 4" = 3.14" ≈ 3" ✓
**Math check:** Length = 100 rows ÷ 16 rows per 4" = 25" (enough to go around bottom and sides) ✓

### Handles (make 2)

**Foundation:** Ch 7.

**Row 1 (RS):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (6 sc)

**Rows 2-80:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (6 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for attaching.

**Math check:** Width = 6 sc ÷ 14 sc per 4" = 1.7" (comfortable handle width) ✓
**Math check:** Length = 80 rows ÷ 16 rows per 4" = 20" total; handle drop = (20" - 8.5" width) ÷ 2 = 5.75" ≈ 6" each side, plus 2" for attachment = 8" drop ✓

### Assembly

**Step 1: Attach Gusset to Front Panel**

Hold Front Panel with RS facing you. Hold Gusset Strip perpendicular to Front Panel with RS facing out. Starting at bottom left corner of Front Panel:

- Using yarn needle and long tail from Gusset, whipstitch or sc seam the Gusset to the Front Panel along the left side, across the bottom, and up the right side. 
- The Gusset should be attached to approximately 30 sts along bottom, and 48 sts up each side.
- Pin or mark with stitch markers before seaming if helpful.

**Step 2: Attach Gusset to Back Panel**

Repeat Step 1 to attach the remaining edge of the Gusset Strip to the Back Panel, matching corners carefully. The top edges of Front and Back panels should remain open.

**Step 3: Attach Handles**

- Mark placement for handles: Position each handle 2" (7 sts) from the side seams on both front and back.
- Fold each handle in half to find the center point.
- Pin or hold handle ends to the inside of the bag, with ends extending 2" below the top edge.
- Using yarn needle and handle tails, securely sew each handle end to the bag, stitching through both thicknesses and reinforcing with several passes. Weave in ends securely.

### Frill Edging

The frill is worked around the entire top opening of the bag.

**Round 1:** With RS facing, join yarn with sl st at any back seam. Ch 1, sc evenly around entire top opening (you should have approximately 120 sc around), sl st to first sc. (120 sc)

**Round 2 (Frill Round):** Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same st, *3 dc in next st; repeat from * around, sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off and weave in ends. (360 dc)

**Math check:** 120 sc × 3 dc per st = 360 dc ✓ (This creates a ruffled effect)

**For a fuller frill:** Work Round 2 as follows instead: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 3 dc in same st, *4 dc in next st; repeat from * around, sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (480 dc)

## FINISHING

1. Weave in all remaining ends securely, especially at handle attachment points.
2. Block lightly if desired by laying flat and misting with water, shaping to measurements.
3. For added structure, you can insert a piece of cardboard or plastic canvas cut to 8.5" × 3" in the bottom of the bag.

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. If using cotton yarn, the bag can also be machine washed on gentle cycle in a mesh bag.

## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

- **Striped version:** Change colors every 2-4 rows for a fun striped effect
- **Colorblock frill:** Work the frill in a contrasting color
- **Longer handles:** Add 20-40 more rows to each handle for over-the-shoulder carrying
- **Multiple frills:** Add frill edging to the bottom of the bag as well by working directly into the foundation chain edge
- **Pockets:** Before seaming, add a small patch pocket to the front or back panel

**Pattern by Expert Pattern Designer**
**Technical editing completed and verified**

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*This pattern is for personal use. Please do not reproduce or redistribute this pattern for commercial purposes.*