In Circles Tote
Summer prep has me running in circles which perhaps, is why I’ve been drawn to knitting them so much lately. Thanks to Clover’s new Knitting & Crochet Jumbo Wonder Clips, now there’s an easy way to hold them in place while piecing these curvy cuties together. This week’s project plays with this handy tool –along with a few other of my Clover favorites — to create a great tote for the well-rounded gal. Enjoy! xx, Vickie
Materials
Bernat Cotton-ish by Vickie Howell (55% cotton /45 % Acrylic; 282 yds/252 m), in colors: (A) 2 Balls Cotton Ball, and (B) 1 ball Cotton Club.
Size U.S. 9 (5.5 mm) Clover Takumi Knitting Needles
CloverJumbo Tapestry Needle
Set, Clover Knitting & Crochet Jumbo Clips
1/2 yd. canvas fabric
Sewing needle & thread
Set of leather handles (with punched holes for sewing)
Sharp, Large-eyed Needle
Sewing machine (optional)
Finished Measurements
Approx 14″x 13″h/ 35 cm x 33 cm, excluding handles
Gauge
14 sts x 8 rows = 4″/10 cm in Garter Stitch
NOTE: This project is worked with a TRIPLE strand of yarn throughout. Wind each color of yarn into three separate balls ahead of time.
Instructions
Circle Motifs (Make 12):
With a TRIPLE STRAND of A, CO 8 sts.
*Short row 1 (RS): K7, sl 1, bring yarn to front, return sl st to LH needle, turn (sl st is wrapped), k to end on WS.
Short row 2 (RS): K5, sl 1, bring yarn to front, return sl st to LH needle, turn, k to end on WS.
Short row 3 (RS: K3, sl 1, bring yarn to front, return sl st to LH needle, turn, k to end on WS.
Short row 4: (RS) K1, sl 1, bring yarn to front, return sl st to LH needle, turn, k to end on WS.**
Repeat from * 5 times more. Cut A, join B.
Repeat from * 6 times more.
BO, leaving tail for seaming.
Using tapestry needle, seam together CO and BO edges to complete circle.
Watch my short-row circle demo from this week’s, Ask Me Monday video!
Semi-circle Motifs (make 12):
Work as for Circle Motifs from * to **.
Next row: Knit.
BO.
Weave in ends on all motifs.
Assembly
Using main photo as guide, lay out 6 circles sandwiched by 6 (total) semi-circles out for FRONT of tote. Using ONE strand of yarn, tapestry needle & Jumbo Wonder Clips to hold in place, seam motifs together.
Repeat for BACK piece.
Once you have FRONT & BACK pieces assembled, use Jumbo Wonder Clips to hold them together (with wrong sides facing). Seam together sides, and rounded sections of the bottom motifs.
Finishing
Make lining:
Cut canvas to measurements of finished tote, adding seam allowance for sides and bottom, and hem allowance for top.
Pro tip: Painter’s drop cloths work great for tote bag lining. Bonus: they’re already hemmed!
With wrong sides facing, hem top; sew sides and bottom seams.
Turn right-sides out; press. Insert lining into bag; hand-tack to top, side seams of bag and along top motifs.
Using ONE strand of yarn and Sharp Tapestry Needle, sew handles to tote and lining.
Hooked on knitting circles now? Try making the Round Peg Blanket from my book, Wee Garter Stitch: Must-have Knits for Modern babies & Toddlers!
