Get excited to create this modern, fun accessory using raffia! Fun to wear and easy to pack for your next vacation, this tote is created using the granny square technique; however, we will learn not only how to make them in the round but also how to use short rows, which contribute to the tote’s shaping. Grab a pair of your favorite leather handles, or you can crochet a set to match. Olga has customized the stitch patterning to give this bag design a better structure, while the tote’s bottom instructions offer various options to suit your level of adventure and wonder!
Skills needed
Students must know how to crochet, cast on, and understand US crochet terminology
Skills learned
- Introduction to all things raffia: how to treat it, troubleshoot it, join it, and adapt its use to your liking
- Working granny squares in the round and flat.
- Working several types of custom stitch patterns
- Flat seaming
- Blocking raffia
- Treatments to make your finished tote last
Materials
Available tote sizes: Extra Small (Small, Medium, Large)
- 237 (539, 818, 990) yards / 217 (493, 748, 905) meters of raffia yarn. We recommend 2 (3, 4, 5) hanks ISPIE®️ Hank Pack Raffia (100% viscose, 250 yards/229 meters per 100 grams/3.53 ounce hank).
- Crochet hook Size D/3.0 (3.25 mm)
- Crochet hook Size E/4.0 (3.5 mm) (optional) for slipped hdc pattern only
- Removable stitch marker or pin
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Glue stick/school glue
- A set of 24” / 60 cm (or your preferred length) handles (optional, if making matching raffia handles instead)
- Please purchase PLEAT tote pattern and bring to class
Homework
Following the example in this video, pre-steam, dry, then wind back onto the roll approximately 10 yards of your raffia yarn. Do not cut it from the roll/hank.
