The MistleTote
I really enjoy working mosaic crochet to relax in the evenings. I love crocheting from charts so it’s perfect for me. It has just the right balance of focused and low focus stitching, plus I find it so motivating to see the pattern develop.
I do like to try different designs rather than working multiple repeats of the same design like you do for a blanket, so I was a little stuck for what to make with the panels. They’re so pretty; I didn’t want to waste them.
The Mistletote is a deep, soft and roomy crocheted bag that is well shaped and comfortable to use. Its pockets are designed to feature a 48+3 st mosaic panel, so you can pick one of your favourites that you’ve already made or make a new one that will make it special to the user.
The Kiss Under the Mistletoe Pocket Panel included in this pattern is just one example of a suitable pocket panel. In fact, you can use any Mosaic crochet panel with a repeat of 48 sts plus 3 end sts. There so many other panels that you can choose from to match your bag to the season, its use, or its user’s interests. Find a list of some [suitable mosaic panel patterns on my blog][2].
Sizes: one size, easy to extend.
Tension: 15 sts x 20 rows = 10cm x 10cm / 4” x 4” measured over waistcoat stitch using 6 mm hook, after blocking.
Working method: Pocket Panels are worked first and edged to enclose yarn tails. The bag base is worked flat in turned rows and sides are worked in the round using the spiral method. Handles and straps are crocheted and attached along with the pockets.
Finished measurements
a. Bag Height (exc. handles) 28 cm/11”
b. Bag Width: 31 cm/12”
c. Bag Depth: 18 cm/7”
d. Handle Length: 44 cm/17”
Requirements
Drops Muskat DK (100% cotton; 100m/109yd per 50g/1.8 oz) or similar yarn (Sample worked in Colour A Light Sea Green 89 and Colour B White 18)
Colour A: 9 balls/850m/925yds
Colour B: 2 balls/150m/175yds
3.75mm (US F/5) hook
6mm (US J/10) hook
Yarn needle and scissors
Optional: Locking stitch markers to help with stitch counting and secure pieces during assembly
This pattern is available in both UK terminology and US terminology. Please be sure you are using a copy in your preferred terminology. I recommend that you read through the pattern before starting.
I sometimes add extra resources for my patterns, e.g. yarn substitutions, adaptations, styling suggestions or helpful video clips as updates on my original blog post for the release, so consider checking it out here.