Crochet raffia yarn tote bag

The tote bag is made up of two crochet squares worked in treble stitches. The pattern alternates between 4 treble crochet stitches worked in colour 1 and 4 treble crochet stitches worked in colour 2. You work the bag sides and strap along the edges of one square. The other square is sewn on.

Using crochet hook size 6 mm and Col 1, make 30 chain stitches (ch), turn. Row (r) 1: Using Col 1, work 3 ch (corresponding to 1 treble crochet stitch (tr)), 3 tr, switch to Col 2, work 4 tr leaving Col 1 lying along the underlying ch, i.e. the strand of Col 1 is concealed as you work in Col 2. Continue, repeatedly working 4 tr in Col 1 and then 4 tr in Col 2. As you work, take care to conceal the strand of the colour yarn that you are not using. Work 15 rs in all. Remember that the pattern requires you to alternate the yarn colours (see image).

Crochet an identical square.

Using crochet hook size 6 mm and Col 1, work 40 ch (or as long as you want your strap). Work 1 slip stitch (sl st) into the corner of one square, 3 ch (corresponding to 1 tr) and then 2 tr into each of the 13 stitches (sts) along the edge of the square. Work 3 tr into the next corner. Then work 1 tr into each of the 29 sts along the base of the square. Work 3 tr into the next corner and then work 2 tr into each of the 14 sts along the opposite edge. Now work 1 tr into each ch of the strap, end with 1 sl st where the strap meets the side edge. Work 3 ch. Work 3 rds of tr.

Sew the other square along the sides and base. Weave in ends.