Penrose Tote

This clever bag is a prime example of the designer’s fertile imagination. Simple knits and purls worked to a firm gauge become an embossed field of triangles and diamonds.

For the small bag, 2 yarns from Neighborhood Fiber Company are held together: Organic Studio Sock wool and, for structure and shine, Chromium, a stainless steel-silk blend. To close this small bag, a shorter handle loops over a longer one.

For the larger bag, the yarn is Creative Linen by Rowan, a smooth and sturdy blend of cotton and linen. In this case, the 2 handles are the same length, a more practical choice at this size.

Bag is worked in one piece from one bottom edge over top of handles to second bottom edge. First bottom edge begins with provisional CO; when ready, bottom edges are joined using 3-needle BO. Sides are joined with slip stitch crochet or preferred method.

Materials
Size Small
Organic Studio Sock by Neighborhood Fiber Co. 4 oz (114 g) skeins, each approx 400 yds (366 m), 100% organic merino wool: 1 skein Palisades (A)
Chromium by Neighborhood Fiber Co. 1 oz (28.5 g) skein, each approx 440 yds (402 m), 69% silk noil/31% stainless steel: 1 skein Palisades (B)
Size Large
Creative Linen by Rowan 100 g skeins, each approx 218 yds (200 m), 50% linen/50% cotton: 3 skeins #624 Foggy (C)
Both Sizes
Size US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 24″ (60 cm) long, or size needed to achieve gauge
Size US 4 (3.5 mm) needle in any style, for 3-needle BO
Crochet hook size US D-3 (3.25 mm)
Removable stitch marker
Stitch holders (optional)
Waste yarn

Gauge
Size Small
26 sts and 38 rows = 4″ (10 cm) over Pleated St, using 1 strand each of A and B held tog, blocked
Size Large
25 sts and 32 rows = 4″ (10 cm) over Pleated St, using 1 strand of C, blocked

Sizes
Small (Large)

Knitted Measurements
Approx 11 (13)” wide x 7.25 (11.75)” long 28 (33.5) x 18.5 (30) cm excluding handles.