The Tote that Can Carry the Kitchen Sink!

How much can you carry in one tote bag? Everything with this one!

SIZE: One Size
11 in. high x 18 in. wide x 6 in. deep (28 x 45.5 x 15 cm)

MATERIALS
• 640-147 Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn: Eggplant
4 Balls
• Knitting Needles Size 11 [8 mm]
• Split Ring Stitch Markers
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles
• Additional Materials
2 wood dowels 1/2 in. (13 mm) diameter x 15 in (38 cm) long 3/4 yd. (meter) of fabric for lining
Sewing needle and thread
GAUGE:
10 1/2 sts = 4 in. (10 cm) in Seed stitch. 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 less 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.

STITCH EXPLANATION:
PATTERN STITCH
Seed Stitch (uneven number of sts)
Row 1 (RS): *K1, p1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 2: P the knits and k the purls.
Rep Row 2 for Seed st.

TOTE
Cast on 35 sts. Beginning with a p row, work in St st (k on RS, p on WS) for 9 rows (for casing). Increase 12 sts evenly across next row - 47 sts. Place markers on each side edge. Work in Seed st for 11 in. (28 cm). Place markers on each side edge. Work in Seed st for 6 in. (15 cm) more. Place markers on each side edge. Continue in Seed st for 11 in. (28 cm), end with a WS row. Place markers on each side edge. K 1 row, decreasing 12 sts evenly across row.
Continue in St st, beginning with a p row, for 9 rows (for casing). Bind off.

SIDE PANELS (make 2)
Cast on 15 sts. Work in Seed st for 11 in. (28 cm). Bind off.

FINISHING
Lining
Measure Tote, not including casings. Add 1 in. (2.5 cm) to measurement of length and width. Cut a piece of fabric to this size for body lining.
From remaining fabric, cut 2 pieces, each 6 1/2 x 12 in. (16.5 x 30.5 cm) for sides.
With RS together and using a 1/2 in. (1.5 cm) seam allowance, sew one side to either edge of body lining, to make a bag shape.
Trim top edge evenly, then press 1/2 in. (1.5 cm) along top edge to the WS. Set lining aside.

Assembly
Sew Side Panels to sides of Tote, aligning corners and lower edges of Side Panels with markers. Fold St st casing in half to inside of Tote and sew in place.
Slip lining into Tote. Slipstitch top, pressed edge of lining to inside of Tote. Slide dowels into casings and sew ends closed.

Handles (make 2)
Cast on 5 sts. Work in Seed st for 25 in. (63.5 cm). Bind off. Sew long side edges together. Sew each end of Handle securely to inside edge of casing, about 3 in. (7.5 cm) from end of dowel.