MICROCKNIT CREATIONS: HIGHLANDER TOTE BAG

Thursday, 9 April 2015

HIGHLANDER TOTE BAG - Scottish Inspiration

crochet tote bag, market bag, afghans, square motifs,

HIGHLANDER Tote Bag has been inspired by ancient Scottish designs and symbols which are steeped in Celtic history.

LARGE CROCHET BAG

The design in the squares in this crochet tote bag is my interpretation of the various Celtic knot designs I came across whilst travelling in Scotland. I love how different each square looks when you change the colours.

I have named this tote bag pattern Highlander to commemorate my Scottish travels.

Did you know that the Celtic knot is called Icovellavna?

AND THAT artistic use of interlaced knot patterns are found in Byzantine architecture and book illumination, Coptic art, Celtic art, Islamic art, Medieval Russian book illumination, Ethiopian art, and European architecture and book illumination. ALSO Interlaced and/or knot patterns were used in 4th and 5th century Roman floor mosaics.

CROCHET TOTE BAG DESIGN

My design focus for this tote bag was that it be colourful and fun to make. Not to mention the perfect size for farmer's market shopping, and ideal for spring/summer day trips to the country, or the beach. I love the way my unique Celtic-based design turned out, and this HIGHLANDER Tote Bag is simply the right size for my outings.

Highlander Tote Bag crochet PATTERN includes written instructions for a bag with approximate circumference 37in (94cm) and 13in (33cm) deep; handles 23in (58cm). Bag is made using crochet square motifs measuring approximately 5in (12.5cm) x 5in (12.5cm). The pattern includes accompanying photographs at the end of the written instructions.

HIGHLANDER Tote Bag has been inspired by ancient Scottish designs and symbols which are steeped in Celtic history.

FINISHING TOUCH

To finish the bag I attached these large flower buttons which I found in my local Haberdashery, I think they add a bit of fun to the bag.

SO MANY CROCHET BAGS

I know there are many CROCHET patterns for market bags and tote bags out there, which is why you can choose to use the square motif design to make an afghan, blanket, throw or cushion cover.

YOUR CHOICE make whatever you like, the pattern gives instructions for assembling a tote bag but you can make whatever you like. You can have some fun, use different yarns, make varying sizes.

HOW TO FIND YARN SUBSTITUTES

I recommend going to YarnSub for replacement yarns, when the yarn in the pattern is no longer available, or if you prefer to use a yarn which is more suitable to your budget, or to find a yarn which is available in your country. This website is absolutely amazing, it is definitely the best resource on yarn substitutes, I love it!

PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY: Easy

SIZE: One size

YARN USED: Debbie Bliss Cotton Cashmere ● 85% Cotton 15% Cashmere ● 50g = 94m (103 yds) ● 6 colours

TOTAL YARDAGE: 310g = 583m (638yds)

SUBSTITUTE YARN: Any DK / Light / Worsted weight yarn OR King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK ● 50% Bamboo 50% Cotton ●100gr = 251yd (230m)

TENSION: Not critical to this pattern

NOTIONS: G-6 (4mm) and E-4 (3.5mm) Hook, Yarn needle

PATTERN NOTES: Instructions in this pattern are for a three colour motif. Motif can be made using one, two or three colours. The tote bag in this pattern is made using six colours. This bag can be lined.