Project Ideas

Kid's Recycled Cotton Tote

Tote bags are the perfect way to reduce plastic and paper bag waste. This knitted Kids' Tote can be used to carry books, toys, games, and more (groceries)! It's even made out of Recycled Cotton, an Earth-friendly yarn made of recycled tee-shirts.

Materials List

  • Lion Brand Recycled Cotton– Color A– 2 Balls
  • Lion Brand Recycled Cotton– Color B—1 Ball
  • Lion Brand Recycled Cotton– Color C—1 Ball
  • Knitting Needles– Size 8 (5mm)
  • Large Eye Blunt Needle

Gauge:

18 stitches = 4 in. (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) with 2 strands of A held together. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you fewer stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

Notes:

  1. Tote is knit with 2 strands of yarn held together throughout.
  2. Wind B and C into 2 separate balls each before beginning.

Instructions

TOTE
With 2 strands of A held together, cast on 40 stitches.
Knit 2 rows.
Next Row (Right Side): Knit.
Continue in Stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) until piece measures about 9 in. (23 cm) from beginning, end with a knit row.
Next Row (Wrong Side): Knit.
Next Row (Right Side): Purl.
Repeat last 2 rows until piece measures about 10 in. (25 cm) from beginning, end with a knit row.
Next Row (Right Side): Knit.
Continue in Stockinette stitch until piece measures about 19 in. (48.5 cm) from beginning.
Knit 1 row.
Bind off.

STRAPS (make 2)
With 2 strands of B held together, cast on 6 stitches.
Work in Stockinette stitch until piece measures about 33 in. (84 cm) from beginning.
Bind off.

POCKET
With 2 strands of A held together, cast on 18 stitches.
Row 1: With 2 strands of A held together, knit.
Row 2: With 2 strands of A held together, purl.
Continue to work in Stockinette stitch with 2 strands held together, working in stripe sequence as follows:
Work 2 rows with 2 strands of A.
Work 2 rows with 2 strands of C.
Work 2 rows with 2 strands of A.
Work 2 rows with 2 strands of B.
Work 2 rows with 2 strands of C.
Work 2 rows with 2 strands of A.
Work 2 rows with 2 strands of C.
Work 2 rows with 2 strands of B.
Work 2 rows with 2 strands of A.
Work 2 rows with 2 strands of C.
Work 2 rows with 2 strands of A.
With 2 strands of A held together, knit 2 rows.
Bind off.

FINISHING
Fold Tote in half, matching first row to last, and mark one side for front. Working through one layer of Tote only, sew Pocket, centered, to front.
Sew one Strap to front of Tote, with ends of Strap at lower edge of Tote and sides of Strap even with Pocket. Sew second Strap to back of Tote. Seam sides. Weave in ends.

  • phone: (802) 862.0646 / (800) 371.0646
  • address: Shelburne Road at I-189, So. Burlington
  • hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30 to 9:30 • Sun: 10 to 6