Rika's College Tote Bag Crochet Pattern

(this crochet pattern was inspired by the film “Ju-on”)

Downloadable PDF

Ever seen the movie Ju-on? The American version is known as "The Grudge," but I prefer the original Japanese film by far. The staircase scene is unforgettable!

In the first part of the film, the character Rika sports a tote bag that looks rather handy. I decided to create my own version, following the film's example as closely as possible. Since Rika seems to be a student (at least in the first part of the film), I decided to call it the "college" tote bag and created it to be a size that will fit at least a few useful items like sketchbooks, notepads and binders. I figure this way, it will suit those looking for a functional back to school project. So, here is my interpretation of Rika's college tote bag. I hope you all enjoy this pattern as much as I enjoy a good horror film. ;)

Materials:

- 4 skeins of Lily Sugar 'n Cream Denim “Indigo”

- 4 skeins of Lily Sugar 'n Cream “Jute”

- 2 skeins each of Lily Sugar 'n Cream “Soft Ecru” and “Warm Brown”

- size I crochet hook

- yarn needle

Finished size = 16 inches wide, 12 inches tall plus straps

Instructions:

Whenever possible, work in the loose ends of yarn as you go.

Main Bag:

Holding two strands of “Indigo” together, ch 52.

Round 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across, work 3 hdc in last ch. Hdc in back of each ch across, work 3 hdc in last st. Join to top of beginning ch 2 with a sl st.

Rounds 2-4 (3 rounds): Ch 2, hdc in each hdc around, working an increase of 4 sts per round. Join to top of beginning ch 2 with a sl st.

Rounds 5-14 (10 rounds): Ch 2, hdc in each hdc around. Join to top of beginning ch 2 with a sl st. Fasten off “Indigo.”

Round 15: Holding two strands together, attach “Jute.” Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join to top of beginning ch 2 with a sl st. Fasten off “Jute.”

Round 16: Holding two strands together, attach “Warm Brown.” Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join to top of beginning ch 1 with a sl st. Fasten off “Warm Brown.”

Round 17: Holding two strands together, attach “Soft Ecru.” Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join to top of beginning ch 2 with a sl st. Fasten off “Soft Ecru.”

Round 18: Repeat rounds 15 and 16.

Round 19: Holding two strands together, attach “Soft Ecru.” Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join to top of beginning ch 1 with a sl st. Fasten off “Soft Ecru.”

Repeat rounds 15-19 three more times.

Repeat rounds 15 and 16.

Sl st in each st around.

Fasten off and weave in end.

Loops (for Straps):

Make 4.

Holding two strands of “Indigo” together, ch 26.

Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch.

Fasten off “Indigo.”

Attach one strand of “Soft Ecru” by pulling up a loop through the last 2 loops of the last st worked.

Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. Sl st in each st across.

Sl st approx. 3 sts down side (to get the yarn the other side of the piece).

Ch 1, sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. Sl st in each st across.

Fasten off, leaving a length of yarn for sewing.

Straps:

Make 4.

Holding two strands of “Jute” together, ch 8.

Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn.

Work “Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.” until strap measures approx. 22 inches (Approx. 86 rows total).

Fasten off, leaving a length of yarn for sewing.

Assembly:

Sew strap loops in place on main bag, 2 per side.

Take one strap and thread the end through one of the strap loops, then fold it over and sew the strap securely to itself. Repeat for each strap loop.

Secure and weave in all loose ends of yarn.
Line bag with fabric for extra support if desired.

Enjoy your new bag! (Note: This bag will hold a sketchbook that measures up to 11x14 inches.)

"Stay tuned" for an upcoming knitting pattern designed to use up the leftover yarn from this project! :)

UPDATE 10/26/14: And here it is - the pattern designed to use up the leftovers from this project.

Rorikstead Farmer's Sling