Rainbow Saver Tote Crochet Pattern

I had been looking for a really great rainbow yarn pallette for a while to create a free crochet tote bag pattern when I came across the Chiffon Rainbow Ombre Pack from Darn Good Yarn. I am a sucker for ombre pallettes but when I saw the rainbow pack, I was sold. I knew I had to design something with it. The Rainbow Saver Tote and this free crochet tote bag pattern is the result.

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What drew me to this product (other than the lovely colours) was the fact that Chiffon Ombre Packs are made from recycled Saris. I love getting to crochet with different fibres and textures. Additionally, using this stuff keeps it out of landfills. Honestly, I was hooked.

Get an inexpensive ad-free PDF version of this pattern in my Etsy or Ravelry shops.

If you haven’t checked out Darn Good Yarn yet, I recommend that you do. They have some really cool products that are unique and environmentally friendly. Most of the products are ethically sourced, recycled materials in a variety of gorgeous colours. The Chiffon Rainbow Ombre Pack that was used to make this bag is a size 5 bulky yarn and I used an 8mm crochet hook.

Free Crochet Tote Bag Pattern: The Rainbow Saver Tote

Skill Level:

• Beginner
  

Supplies:

• 1 Chiffon Ribbon Ombre Pack in Ribbon from Darn Good Yarn
  
  
• 8 mm crochet hook
  
  
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  
  
• 4 – 11.1 mm Eyelets or Grommets
  
  
• 11.1 mm Eyelet/Grommet Application kit
  
  
• Hammer
  
  
• Approximately 6 feet of 3/8” 3 strand cotton rope for handles (I got mine from mapleleafropes.com)
  
  
• Optional: Tim Holtz Idea-ology Word Band
  
  
• Optional: Sewing thread and needle if using the word band

Abbreviations:

• CH = Chain
  
  
• SC = Single Crochet
  
  
• SCINC = Single Crochet Increase
  
  
• SL ST = Slip Stitch
  
  
• BLO = Back Loops Only
  
  
• FO = Finish Off

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Finished size:

• Approximately 13 inches tall (when standing) x 16.75 inches wide.

Gauge:

• 9 sts across x 11 rows = 4” square

NOTES:

• This pattern is written in American standard terms
  
  
• This bag is worked in the round.  Do not join at the end of each round unless indicated otherwise.
  
  
• When changing colours, I use the invisible join method to minimize the look of the colour changes and to avoid having a visible seam.  Check out my invisible join tutorial here.  Alternatively, you can join each round with a slip stitch but you will have a visible seam.
  
  
• You can make this pattern without the eyelets/grommets but they add strength and longevity to the bag.  Since the Chiffon Ribbon is chiffon, it may not hold up as long without the eyelets/grommets acting as a shield from the friction of your handle.

Pattern:

Using Indigo, CH 21. 

Row 1: 3 SC in the 2^nd CH from the hook.  SC 18, 5 SC in the last CH. 
Working on the other side of the chain, SC 18, 2 SC in the last CH (46)

Row 2: (SCINC) x 3, SC 18, (SCINC) x 5, SC 18, (SCINC) x 2 (56)

Row 3: (SC 1, SCINC) x 3, SC 18, (SC 1, SCINC) x 5, SC 18, (SC 1, SCINC) x 2 (66)

Row 4: (SC 2, SCINC) x 3, SC 18 , (SC 2, SCINC) x 5, SC 18, (SC 2, SCINC) x 2 (76)

Row 5: In BLO, SC in each stitch around (76)

Rows 6 – 8: SC in each stitch around (76)

Change to Blue

Rows 9 – 14: SC in each stitch around (76)

Change to Green

Rows 15 – 20: SC in each stitch around (76)

Change to Yellow

Rows 21 – 26: SC in each stitch around (76)

Change to Orange

Rows 27 – 32: SC in each stitch around (76)

Change to Red

Rows 33 – 34: SC in each stitch around (76)

Row 35: SC 19, CH 1, SK 1, SC 14, CH1, SK1, SC 22, CH 1, SK 1, SC 14, CH 1, SK 1, SC 3 (76)

Rows 36 – 38: SC in each stitch around (76)
Join to the first stitch with a SL ST and FO.  Weave in ends.

How to Add Eyelets/Grommets To Your Crochet Bag

You will need a solid surface that can handle the force of a hammer being using on it to apply the grommets. 

Add eyelets/grommets to each of the CH 1 spaces.  The side with the “stem” is the grommet so insert it through the CH 1 space from the outside. It will be a snug fit. There will be a solid metal circle that comes with the grommet kit.  This is the base.  Place the base underneath your grommet (it protects it from being damaged).

This picture shows the outside facing part of the grommet on top of the grommet application kit.

This is what it looks like after the grommet has been inserted through the chain space.

This is the back of the grommet (washer) that should be facing the inside of your bag.

Place the washer over top of the stem portion of the grommet.

Place the flaring tool inside the hole of the grommet.

Hit the flaring tool with the grommet until the washer and grommet are fastened securely together.

Adding the Handles:

Cut rope into two 38” lengths.  Insert the end of one of the rope lengths through an eyelet going from the inside to the outside of the bag.  Tie a knot in the end of the rope that you just pulled to the outside of the bag and pull taut.  Repeat with the other end of the same handle, ensuring that you are inserting it through the eyelet on the same side of the bag that you used the first time.  Once complete, repeat to create the handle on the other side of the bag.  I picked cotton rope because it frays a bit when cut and it gives a cool weathered look to the rope.  If you don’t like the fraying, you could try using a nylon rope or polyester blend rope. I prefer the cotton because it is softer on your hands and I prefer the twisted look rather to braided.

Attaching the Word Band

If using the word band, using a sewing needle and thread, sew the word band onto your bag.  I placed mine in the center point between the knots of one of the handles.

Disclaimer:

Feel free to sell the item created by this pattern but please provide pattern credit back to me when posting online, and please provide a link to my blog: www.theloopylamb.com. Please do not resell, distribute, duplicate, or share this pattern in any printed or digital form, claiming this pattern as your own original design.  Please do not use my photos when selling your finished items.   

Want more free crochet bag patterns? Check out my patterns for the Bobblelicious Bag, Colourblock Makeup Bag and the Elgin Tote Bag.

I’d love to see your finished items!  Please share your finished makes by tagging the pattern on Ravelry, sharing it to our Facebook page or Instagram.  Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest 

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