This snarky tote uses filet crochet to create the image! It’s a bit tricky, but very easy once you understand how to read the graph. This snarky tote features the words “not knit” because this tote is crochet, of course! This post contains affiliate links, which means I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
I don’t knit. I have attempted to learn knitting a couple of times, but I don’t consider myself a knitter by any stretch of the imagination. I think (correct me if I’m wrong) that knitting is the most well-known fiber art. Have you noticed? When I take my crochet projects out, people inquire about my “knitting.” Although I do not get offended by the question, I do take the opportunity to educate the inquirer. Of course I have a spark of snark, I had to add words to this filet crochet bag. This crochet bag will be something most crocheters can appreciate. This snarky crochet tote features the words “It’s not knit” because, well, it isn’t, and you will surely get asked if you knit your bag yourself ;)
Filet Crochet
Have you tried the filet crochet technique? I actually attempted this exact bag last summer using Red Heart Stripes, but quickly realized that variegated yarn is not the right yarn for this technique. Traditionally, this technique is done with finer yarn, but I like to go against the norm.
It can be weird at first to wrap your mind around how to work the graph. Essentially, you are working “empty” and “full” boxes. The colored boxes on the graph represent the “filled” in boxes.
Totally confused? I don’t blame you, which is why I made a video! Watch it:
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SNARKY CROCHET TOTE – FILET CROCHET BAG – FREE PATTERN
Please remember: You are free to use this snarky crochet tote pattern to make and sell, but do not republish or distribute this pattern in any way. DO NOT use my photos in your listings. Please do share my blog links! It’s a quick and FREE way of supporting Whistle and Ivy and more free crochet patterns in the future.
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What you need: (affiliate links)
– 4.00 mm Hook
– 4 balls of Red Heart Scrubby Smoothie
– Darning Needle
Abbreviations: US Terms
Ch – chain
Sc – single crochet
Dc – Double Crochet
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Sl st – Slip Stitch
St – stitch
BLO – Back Loops Only
Gauge: 9 sc = 2″ (Gauge Pattern)
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Ch 73
1. 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc 70. 4 sc in last ch. Working across opposite side, sc 70, 2 sc in last ch (same as first 2 sc). Join with a sl st. (148 sts)
2. Ch 1. 2 sc in next 2 sts. Sc 70. 2 sc in next 4 sts. Sc 70. 2 sc in next 2 sts. Join with a sl st. (156 sts)
3. Ch 1. *Sc in next st. 2 sc in next st* work twice. Sc 70. *Sc in next st. 2 sc in next st* work 4 times. Sc 70. *Sc in next st. 2 sc in next st* work twice. Join with sl st. (164 sts)
4. – 13. Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Join with a sl st.
14. – 38. Work the graph using the filet crochet technique. Please watch the video if you need help.
39. – 42. Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (164 sts)
43. (Handles) Ch 1. Sc in next 27 sts. Ch 60. Sk 28 sts. Sc in next 54 sts. Ch 60. Sk 28 sts. Sc 27. Join with a sl st. (228 sts)
44. – 48. Sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (228 sts)
Tie off.
Now pack pack up your new filet crochet tote with a towel, sunscreen, your favorite book (or current WIP) and head to a relaxing spot!
Hi, I really wanna make this pattern but have a quick question. I am left handed and am wondering if I should reverse the graph or if it will be fine if I do it as is?
Yes you would need to work it backwards! Number 1 square should be last.
Or it could say “It’s crochet” , “This is crochet”
I love this so much 😅🙌
Thank you Crystal!!
Most people I meet have vague ideas about their Mom/Aunt/elderly relative having done some fiber related item and they all get lumped under the generic category of knitting. I generally just explain knitting has two needles, crochet only one hook we are easy to tell apart.
That being said I don’t meet many crocheters. When I’m at a fiber related activity it is almost always knitters. I’m generally online when I meet crocheters.
Cute idea, but when I see it I see “It’s not knii”.
The T really looks more like another I.
Thanks for the feedback!
May I ask if there is a chain in the beginning from round 3-14? I really want to make this because I have so much fun with crochet!
Yes there is!
Be sure to watch the video :)
I just finished mine. Used regular redheart yarn in an aqua color I had leftover from a prior project. It worked fine with the G hook. Thanks for the pattern.
Glad you liked it! You are welcome!
LOVE it! I am making this one for sure! THANK YOU
Thank you! So glad you like it!
What is the color? Aqua? Caribbean?
I used Aqua.
Love this. How about making the other side say “It’s crochet”?
Brilliant idea!
Love the idea! I charted it out and am using “It’s Crochet!” on the back.
Hi Bethany,
This is such a cute design! I can’t hardly wait to give it a try. I have a few WIP’s to finish first but, I’m chomping at the bit here. Lol! Thank you, so very much, for all you do. It’s greatly appreciated.
Hoping to start this bag soon!
Yay! So glad you like it!
Love this pattern! Is the mesh pattern with the words continued on the back or is it just a mesh without the words?
Yes, just mesh on the back :)
Was wondering how much that handle will stretch
If you use cotton Scrubby Smoothie, it won’t stretch much!
Would it be possible to stitch in a second color? How would that be done, if it was possible?
I truly considered it, but I think the color changed would be messy because you would need to carry the yarn through the chains of the “empty boxes.”. Maybe try adding a dark colored liner? I also considered that, but my sewing skills are quite lacking!
I can’t sew either! I will stick with what I know. Thank you!!
Can’t wait to make this. Wish I had this before going to Disney – now I’ll just have to make it on the plane! Thanks Bethany.
So glad you like it! It will be a perfect plane project :)
Hi Bethany,
You crochet is beautiful.
I love to knit and crochet.
I always have people ask me if i have knitted whether It is crocheting or not. I think people who don’t do our fiber art use knitting as a general word.
My opinion is just smile and take your fiber art as a complement.
Thank you for teaching about filet crochet. It was a great video and you are an excellent teacher. I hope you realize that teaching is a gift.
.
Thank you so much Jayne!! <3 <3
“How is your knitting going?” I am so making this! 💝💝💝. Then I can just point at it. Now all we need is a “ONE hook!” wallet to match LOL!
Hahah! Ooo I like it… ;)