The Oh For Fox Sake Tote Bag combines fun wordplay with a super cute fox design to create a modern, fun crochet tote bag designed by Jessica of @theknitknackshop. This design uses tapestry crochet to create the writing and fox design.
what is tapestry crochet?
Tapestry crochet is a colour work technique that enables crocheters to create images and patterns. To make sure that the text lines up straight and doesn’t slant, we are also working what’s called a modified single crochet stitch (mod-sc).
Crochet tote bags are not only super fun to make but also functional, with ample space to carry all your essentials. Its sturdy straps and durable construction make it perfect for everyday use or a day out in the woods. Whether you use it for a trip to the farmers’ market or as a stylish fashion statement, this crochet tote bag with a fox design is sure to garner compliments and be a treasured piece in your collection of handmade accessories.
“As this is a guest post, Bella Coco Crochet is unable to answer any queries. If you have a question, please contact the designer directly and they will be happy to help you.”
Jessica says, “This bag was a delight to design, I’ve always been a fan of foxes and have always loved this phrase so it was fun to put the two together into this quirky and functional bag. I also love doing colour work in crochet and this bag uses a few fun techniques to create the graphic image.“
MATERIALS & TOOLS
- Yarn: Knit Picks Dishie yarn, worsted weight (100% cotton, 190 yds per 100g skein) in: Linen – 380 yards, Fox – 32 yards, Black – 115 yards and White – 24 yards
- Hooks: you’ll need two sizes
- US size F/5 3.75mm hook
- US size E/4 3.5mm hook
- Stitch Marker
- Scissors
- Darning Needle
pattern notes
- Written in US terms
- Finished measurements: Bag measures 13.5 inches (34 cm) wide by 14 inches (35.5 cm) tall
- Strap measures approx. 45 inches (114 cm)
- Gauge for this pattern is done in Modified Single Crochet:
- Mod-sc 16 sts x 14 rows = 4” / 10 cm
- The bottom of this bag is worked flat using regular sc sts. Once the base is done, project is worked in the round
- Ch 1 does not count as a st
- Each row of the graph should be completed twice since the bag has the image on both sides
- Each box on the chart represents one mod-sc st
- Remember to change colors on the last YO of the previous st
- Tapestry crochet is worked with the unused yarn being carried along
- For this pattern, the linen and black were carried throughout, the colours of the fox I used only when needed
- Please note that tapestry crochet is a tightly worked fabric, using a smaller hook than normal is important for keeping the yarn from showing through.
TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS
- Chain (ch): Yarn over, pull through.
- Single crochet (sc): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
- Stitch(es) (st/s)
- Slip stitch (sl-st): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both stitch and loop on hook.
- Yarn over (YO)
- Back loop only (BLO)
- Modified Single Crochet (mod-sc): Insert hook through BL only, YO and pull up a loop. There are now two loops on your hook. Then, yarn under and pull through both loops on your hook.
Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. Learn more about the eBook here.
Before you get started, if you’ve never tried tapestry crochet before you might find the following video helpful to watch as it demonstrates how to change colour mid row which is what you’ll be doing throughout this pattern.
OH FOR FOX SAKE TOTE BAG PATTERN
Base of bag
- Using Linen and F hook (working regular sc)
- To begin with, Ch 61 sts
- Rnd 1: sc across in the second ch from the hook and then in each st across (60 sts), when you reach the end, you will rotate your work and sc across the other side of your initial ch., then sl st into top of first sc (120 sts)
- Rnd 2: Ch 1 and place 2sc into the same st, then place a marker in the first sc to mark the beginning of the rnd, sc the next 58 sts, place 3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 58 sts, 2sc in the last st (124 sts)
- Rnd 3: Ch 1 and 3sc in the same st, sc the next 59 sts, 3sc, sc, 3sc, sc the next 59 sts, 3sc in next, sc in last st finally, sl st to connect. (132 sts)
Starting the body of the bag
- Count and make sure there are 66 sts on each side of the bag, a total of 132 sts.
- Next, switch to an E hook, you will now be using the mod-sc st and working in the BLO.
- Ch 1, mod-sc and then place your marker. This is now the beginning of the round.
- Using the chart provided, mod-sc each st. Remember to do each row of the graph twice, (to complete the graphic image on both sides of the bag).
CHART
When you get to the end of the chart, sl st and fasten off. Finally, weave in your ends.
Handles (make one)
- Using E Hook and linen yarn
- Leave a long tail at the beginning of your ch, and at the end of the work for sewing purposes
- Working sc through both loops
- Ch 151
- Row 1: sc in each st across, ch 1, turn (150 sts)
- Rows 2-6: sc in each st across, ch 1, turn (150 sts)
- Then fasten off with long tail.
Assembly
- To begin with, we will add the handle. I placed each handle end right in the corners of the bag, centering the handle in the corner.
- I placed the strap approx. 5 rows down from the top of the inside of the bag. Then I sewed around the strap end using the tail ends.
- Weave in any remaining tails you might have.
You are all done!
PIN FOR LATER
crochet tote bags
If you love crochet tote bags, why not check out these pattern available on the blog.
I always love to see your makes so if you try any of my patterns or follow my stitch tutorials please tag me @bellacococrochet or use the #bellacococrochet
sarah-jayne
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