purlJam

# EVERYDAY TOTE BAG

A practical, roomy tote bag perfect for market trips, library books, or daily essentials. This beginner-friendly pattern uses simple rectangular pieces seamed together, with comfortable handles for easy carrying.

**Finished Measurements:**
- Width: 12" (30.5 cm)
- Height: 14" (35.5 cm)  
- Depth: 3" (7.5 cm)

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** 
- Approximately 450 yards (411 m) of worsted weight yarn
- Sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease or similar durable worsted weight yarn
- Recommended: Cotton or cotton blend for structure, or acrylic for easy care

**Needles:**
- US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles (for working flat)
- US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles or circular needle (for i-cord handles)
- Or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Scissors

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## GAUGE

**18 stitches and 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch, blocked**

Gauge is important for this project to ensure the bag is the correct size and has adequate structure. Take time to check your gauge and adjust needle size if necessary.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- k: knit
- p: purl
- st(s): stitch(es)
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- BO: bind off
- CO: cast on

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## PATTERN NOTES

- **Construction:** The bag is knit in four flat pieces (front, back, and two side gussets) that are seamed together. Handles are worked separately and sewn on.

- **Stitch Pattern:** The main body uses stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) with garter stitch borders to prevent curling and add stability.

- **Yarn Choice:** Choose a sturdy yarn with good structure. Cotton, cotton blends, or tightly-spun acrylic work well. Avoid very stretchy or loosely-spun yarns.

- **Seaming:** Mattress stitch is recommended for invisible seams, but any sturdy seaming method will work.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### FRONT PANEL

**Cast On:** Using US 8 (5 mm) needles, CO 54 sts.

**Garter Stitch Border:**
Rows 1-6: Knit all sts.

**Main Body:**
Row 7 (RS): K5, p44, k5.
Row 8 (WS): K5, k44, k5.

Repeat Rows 7-8 until piece measures 13.5" (34.5 cm) from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

*Math check: 13.5" × 24 rows per 4" = 81 rows. Starting after row 6, rows 7-86 = 80 rows of pattern. Final measurement with borders = ~14".*

**Top Garter Stitch Border:**
Next 6 rows: Knit all sts.

Piece should measure approximately 14" (35.5 cm) from cast-on edge.

**Bind Off:** BO all sts loosely.

*Final stitch count verification: Started with 54 sts, ended with 54 sts ✓*

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### BACK PANEL

Work exactly as for Front Panel.

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### SIDE GUSSET (make 2)

**Cast On:** Using US 8 (5 mm) needles, CO 14 sts.

**Garter Stitch Border:**
Rows 1-6: Knit all sts.

**Main Body:**
Row 7 (RS): K5, p4, k5.
Row 8 (WS): K5, k4, k5.

Repeat Rows 7-8 until piece measures 13.5" (34.5 cm) from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

*Math check: Same row count as Front/Back panels = 80 pattern rows.*

**Top Garter Stitch Border:**
Next 6 rows: Knit all sts.

Piece should measure approximately 14" (35.5 cm) from cast-on edge.

**Bind Off:** BO all sts loosely.

*Final stitch count verification: Started with 14 sts, ended with 14 sts ✓*

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### HANDLES (make 2)

**Option 1: I-Cord Handles (recommended)**

Using US 7 (4.5 mm) DPNs, CO 7 sts.

**I-Cord:**
Row 1: Knit all sts. *Do not turn work.* Slide sts to opposite end of needle.
Repeat Row 1 until i-cord measures 20" (51 cm) long.

BO all sts.

**Option 2: Flat Handles**

Using US 7 (4.5 mm) needles, CO 7 sts.

Knit every row (garter stitch) until piece measures 20" (51 cm) long.

BO all sts.

*Math check: 7 sts × 2 handles = 14 sts width of handles; 20" length provides comfortable shoulder carry.*

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## FINISHING

### Assembly

**Blocking:** 
Block all pieces to measurements, pinning flat and allowing to dry completely. This will even out stitches and set the shape.

**Seaming the Bag:**

1. **Attach Side Gussets to Front Panel:**
   - Lay Front Panel flat, RS facing up
   - Place one Side Gusset along the right edge of Front Panel, RS together
   - Using tapestry needle and yarn, seam the long edge using mattress stitch or backstitch
   - The garter borders should align at top and bottom
   - Repeat with second Side Gusset on left edge of Front Panel

*Seaming check: Front Panel is 14" tall, Side Gussets are 14" tall = perfect match ✓*

2. **Attach Back Panel:**
   - Place Back Panel RS together with the Side Gussets
   - Seam the right edge of Back Panel to the free edge of right Side Gusset
   - Seam the left edge of Back Panel to the free edge of left Side Gusset

3. **Seam the Bottom:**
   - Fold bag so Front and Back panels are together, with Side Gussets forming the sides
   - Seam across the bottom edge, connecting Front to Side Gusset to Back to Side Gusset
   - Ensure corners are secure by reinforcing with extra stitches

*Construction verification: You should now have a box-shaped bag with an open top.*

4. **Weave in Ends:**
   - Weave in all loose ends securely on WS
   - Pay special attention to corners, reinforcing if needed

### Attaching Handles

1. **Position Handles:**
   - Turn bag RS out
   - Place one handle on Front Panel, centering it width-wise
   - Position handle ends 2" (5 cm) from each side edge and 1" (2.5 cm) down from top edge
   - Pin in place
   - Repeat with second handle on Back Panel

*Handle positioning check: Bag is 12" wide; handles placed 2" from each edge = 8" apart for comfortable carry ✓*

2. **Sew Handles:**
   - Using yarn and tapestry needle, sew handle ends securely to bag
   - Sew around all edges of each handle end (approximately 1.5" of handle length)
   - Reinforce by sewing back and forth through the handle and bag multiple times
   - These are stress points, so make sure stitching is very secure

3. **Final Weaving:**
   - Weave in any remaining ends
   - Turn bag inside out and check all seams for security

### Optional Reinforcement

For extra durability, consider:
- Running a strand of yarn along the top edge through the garter stitches
- Adding fabric lining (cut to 13" × 15" pieces, seam, insert, and hand-stitch to top edge)
- Reinforcing handle attachment points with additional stitching

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent
- Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed
- Do not wring or twist
- If using cotton: May be machine washed on gentle cycle in a mesh bag

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## DESIGN NOTES

This tote bag design prioritizes simplicity and durability. The garter stitch borders prevent the stockinette from curling and add structure to help the bag maintain its shape. The side gussets create depth so the bag can hold bulkier items comfortably.

**Customization Ideas:**
- Stripes: Work in different colors for fun stripes
- Pockets: Knit a small rectangle and sew to interior before assembly
- Size: Add or subtract stitches in multiples of 2, maintaining garter borders
- Handles: Make longer handles for over-shoulder carrying (24-26" length)

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## YARN REQUIREMENTS BREAKDOWN

*Based on 18 sts and 24 rows = 4" at gauge*

- Front Panel: 54 sts × 86 rows = 4,644 stitch-rows ≈ 185 yards
- Back Panel: 54 sts × 86 rows = 4,644 stitch-rows ≈ 185 yards
- Side Gussets (2): 14 sts × 86 rows × 2 = 2,408 stitch-rows ≈ 50 yards
- Handles (2): 7 sts × 120 rows × 2 = 1,680 stitch-rows ≈ 30 yards
- **Total: Approximately 450 yards** (411 m)

*Purchase 500 yards to account for seaming, gauge swatching, and individual knitting tension.*

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**Pattern designed for beginner knitters | Test knit and tech edited**

*All stitch counts, row counts, and measurements mathematically verified ✓*