BAG

With 24” needles CO 80 stitches. Being careful not to twist stitches, join into round placing marker at beginning of round. Change to 32” needle as needed.
Rnd 1: K
Rnd 2: K 24, PM, (K1, M1, P1) 8 times, PM. Repeat once; 96 st.
Rnd 3: K to next marker, (K2, P1) to next marker, rep once more.
Rnd 4: K to marker, (K1, M1, K1, P1) to next marker; repeat – 112 st.
Rnd 5: K to marker, (K3, P1) to next marker, rep once more.
Rnd 6: K to marker, (K1, M1, K2, P1) to marker, repeat once – 128 st.
Rnd 7: K to marker, (K4, P1) to next marker, repeat once.
Rnd 8: K to marker, (K1, M1, K3, P1) to next marker, repeat once – 144 st.
Rnd 9: K to marker, (K5, P1) to next marker, repeat once.
Rnd 10: K to marker, (K1, M1, K3, P1) to next marker, repeat once – 160 st.
Rnd 11: K to marker, (K5, P1) to next marker, repeat once.

Repeat rnd 11 pattern until piece measures 9” from beginning, then begin decreases:
Rnd 1: K to marker, (K1, K2 tog, K2, P1), repeat once – 144 st.
Rnd 2: K to marker, (K4, P1) to next marker, repeat once.
Rnd 3: K to marker, (K1, K2 tog, K1, P1) to next marker, repeat once – 128 st.
Rnd 4: K to marker, (K3, P1) to marker, repeat once.
Rnd 5: K to marker, (K1, K2 tog, P1), repeat once – 112 st.
Rnd 6: K to marker, (K2, P1) to marker, repeat once.
Rnd 7: K to marker, (K2 tog, P1), repeat once – 96 st.
Rnd 8: K to marker, (K2, P1) to marker, repeat once.
Rnd 9: K to marker, (K2 tog, P1), repeat once – 80 st.
Rnd 10: K to marker, (K1, P1) to marker, repeat once.
Rnd 11: (K1, P1) repeat, around entire row. Stitches should match up with (K1,P1) along side panels. Continue to work in K1, P1 ribbing until this section measures 5”.
Bind off stitches in ribbing pattern.

HANDLES

Make two 5 stitch I-cords as follows:
With double strand of yarn, using DP needles, CO 5 stitches. Slide stitches to end of needle without turning, K across. At end of row, do not turn, slide stitches to end of needle and knit across. Repeat until handle measures 30” in length. BO stitches.

ASSEMBLY
Sew bottom seam of bag using yarn needle and single strand of yarn. Fold top ribbing in half to the outside of bag. Using yarn needle and single strand of yarn sew loosely in place. You want to be able to stretch the top of your bag a little! Again using yarn in needle, attach the handles, placing the ends in about 1” from top edge of bag centering over the center sections.

OPTIONAL LINING
If you choose to line your tote, cut lining fabric as follows:
(2) 11w x 12h” pieces for center front and back
(2) 11w x 8 1/2h” pieces for pockets
(2) 13w x 12h” pieces for sides
bias strip of fabric, or purchased bias tape in matching or contrast color

Make narrow hem on top of both pocket pieces. Pin one on center back, and one on center front, matching bottom edges. Attach side pieces to front, then attach back section. You now have a circular tube shape. Gather top and bottom of side pieces with a basting stitch. Pull the bottom stitches tightly together, then stitch across entire bottom of piece. At this point leave piece with right side as the inside of the bag lining, and set into your knitted tote. You will see how nicely the gathers fit into the stretchy sides of your tote. Now pull the basting threads of the upper side pieces until it fits well to the size of your top. Secure ends of thread with a pin, and remove lining from tote. Take piece of bias tape strip, place right side of strip to wrong side of lining and sew using ¼” seam. Fold tape over to right side of tote and stitch close to edge. Place lining into totebag, using sewing thread and needle, blind stitch into place around top of lining. Enjoy your new bag!