Crochet Patterns, Uncategorized / December 13, 2023

Clifton Tote – Sturdy Granny Square Tote [2 Sizes]

Hi all!

This post includes everything you need to know about the Clifton Tote, a textured tote bag crocheted tightly using two strands of yarn for added strength and durability, featuring granny squares and thick straps. The pattern is both written and charted!

Get the Lion Brand Crochet Kit here (in your desired colourway + size)!

Before we begin, here are some quick links for you:

Find the PDF version on Ravelry, Etsy, and my website.
Add your finished project to Ravelry here!
Shop the sister pattern, the Clifton Granny Cowl, here!
Shop the recommended yarns, Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice, here.
- Shop the full Lion Brand crochet kit here (comes with all yarn required + FREE copy of the PDF pattern)!
For any questions about this pattern, please email knitsnknotswpg@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you asap!

Shop my new book – Modern Crochet Sweaters: 20 Chic Designs for Everyday Wear – here!

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About

Tote around all your essentials (and more!) with the Clifton Tote, crocheted tightly using two strands of yarn for added strength and durability. Use as an everyday bag or load it up for a day trip; the large size is roomy enough for all your beach essentials. Hold it by the handles or wear it over the shoulder. In this pattern, you’ll explore basic stitches and granny squares for some added texture, all in one unifying color for a modern look.

Materials

Yarn: Worsted (held double)—Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Grey Marble

100% Acrylic
145 yds (133 m) per 3 oz (85 g) skein
Find this yarn on lionbrand.com or visit yarnsub.com for a list of substitutes.
Grab the crochet kit here!

Important Yarn Note: Different colorways of this yarn contain varying yardage. Double check you have the correct total yardage before beginning rather than only looking at the number of skeins required.

Yardage Required: 7 (10) skeins or 950 (1430) yds / 869 (1308) m

If substituting Vanna’s Choice, choose any similar, category #4 worsted weight yarn that matches gauge. Note that other fiber contents, like cotton, will work as well. Always swatch before beginning to ensure you are happy with the resulting fabric.

Hook: Size U.S. 7 (4.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Tapestry needle, several locking stitch markers

Gauge

4 x 4″ (10 x 10 cm) = 13 sc and 14 rows (worked in the round)

Completed granny square measures approximately 6.5” (16.5 cm) square.

Measurements

Regular Size

Finished bag measures approximately 38” (97 cm) in circumference or 19” (48 cm) across, measured at the widest point, lying flat and 11” (28 cm) in height, with base of bag standing flat on surface, measured from bottom of bag up to top edge on side of bag (not the handle).

Large Size

Finished bag measures approximately 44” (112 cm) in circumference or 22” (56 cm) across, measured at the widest point, lying flat and 13” (33 cm) in height, with base of bag standing flat on surface, measured from bottom of bag up to top edge on side of bag (not the handle).

Abbreviations

Written in U.S. Crochet terms

ch: chain
ch-sp: chain space
dc: double crochet
dc2tog: double crochet 2 stitches together
dc3tog: double crochet 3 stitches together
fpdc: front post double crochet
fpsc: front post single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
rep: repeat
RS: right side
sc: single crochet
sk: skip
sl st: slip stitch
st(s): stitches
tr: treble crochet
WS: wrong side

Pattern Notes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Sizing: This tote is written in two sizes as follows: regular (large). Make sure to follow the numbers for your size only.

Parentheses: When pattern indicates to work a sequence in parentheses, all instructions within the parentheses will be worked into the same stitch.

For example, “(tr, ch 2, tr) in next st” means to work 1 treble crochet and 2 chains and then 1 more treble crochet all into the same st, a method of increasing.

Turning Chain: On some rnds, the turning chain counts as a stitch while on others it does not. Be sure to pay close attention to the stitch instructions as well as the stitch charts when crocheting your granny squares.

Stitch Counts: Stitch counts are listed after each row/rnd. If no stitch count is given, there has been no change since the previous row/rnd. If only one number is provided, it applies to both sizes.

Right Side (RS): For the base and body of the bag as well as the granny squares, the RS is the side that faces you while you crochet each rnd.

Color: Clifton is a great pattern base to play with color! The sample is shown in one unifying color; however, you could personalize yours by using multiple colors for each round of your granny squares or introduce additional colors anywhere you see fit.