The graphic design of our cosmopolitan tote was inspired by a crossword puzzle. It’s knit using the puzzle grid as a chart.

One size

SIZE

Approximately 13” wide x 12” high (Not including handles)

MATERIALS

2 hanks BERROCO ULTRA WOOL (100 grs), #3300 Snow (A) and 1 hank #33113 Black Pepper (B)

1 Ball BERROCO SUEDE (50 grs), #3729 Zorro (C)

24” Length circular knitting needles, sizes 6 and 8 OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE

Straight knitting needles, size 6

1 St marker

2 Black plastic handles 6” wide x 5” high, #AP-107 from UMX

Originally knit with Berroco Softwist—Berroco Ultra Wool has been substituted

GAUGE

20 sts = 4”;  25 rows = 4” in St st with A and B following chart

Note:  Knit test swatch, then steam with hot steam iron and a pressing cloth to achieve gauge.

TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE

NOTE 1

Crossword puzzle grid is the chart.  One repeat = 13 sts worked for 13 rows.  There will be 10 repeats of chart around bag.  Use A for white squares and B for grey.

BAG BASE (Make 2)

Note:  Base of bag is worked sideways in 2 pieces, then seamed.

With smaller needles, using C, cast on 4 sts.  Purl 1 row.

Inc Row (RS):  K to last 2 sts, M1k, k2 – 5 sts.  Rep this inc every RS row 7 times more – 12 sts.  Work even until piece measures 11” from beg, end on WS.

Dec Row (RS):  K to last 4 sts, k2 tog, k2 – 11 sts.  Rep this dec every RS row 7 times more, end on WS – 4 sts.  Bind off.  Sew 2 bases tog along cast-on, shaped side and bound-off edges.

BAG TOP

With RS facing, using larger circular needle and B, pick up and k130 sts along straight side edges of base.  Mark for beg of rnd and carry marker up.  Join A and work in St st (k EVERY rnd) while following chart until 6 repeats of chart have been completed (78 rows).  Drop A and k 1 rnd with B, decreasing 2 sts across the top of each chart repeat (26 sts dec’d) – 104 sts.  Change to smaller circular needle and C.  Knit 1 rnd, purl 1 rnd, knit 1 rnd.  Bind off purlwise.

FINISHING

Steam bag top with hot steam iron and a pressing cloth.  Turn top edge down to inside 1 1/2”.  Sew handles to back and front of bag as in photo.