Olive Tote

Olive Tote by The Queen Stitch

Project Overview

The Olive Tote is a beginner-friendly crochet bag pattern designed by The Queen Stitch as part of their 2021 Tree Collection. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a square tote bag constructed from geometric granny squares, featuring an olive branch motif that runs along two sides of the squares. The design showcases black Tirilye olives through its decorative olive branch pattern and is inspired by the designer's friend Aysegul. The pattern supports charitable giving, with 25% of proceeds donated to the Turkish Foundation for Preventing Soil Erosion (TEMA).

What You'll Make

This project results in a functional square tote bag built using multiple crocheted granny squares joined together. The geometric construction creates a structured bag suitable for everyday use, while the olive branch design elements add visual interest and thematic connection to the Tree Collection series.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Olive Tote employs fundamental crochet techniques appropriate for beginner crafters. The pattern utilizes granny square construction, one of the most foundational and versatile techniques in crochet. Granny squares are worked in the round and then joined together to form the larger tote structure. This modular approach makes the project manageable and allows crafters to build confidence with each completed square.

Stitches and Special Techniques

• 3CL (3-Cluster Stitch): A special cluster stitch worked over 3 separate stitches, created by pushing yarn through the first stitch, pulling through, then working yarn over and pull through 2 of the 3 loops, followed by pushing yarn through the second stitch and completing the cluster. This decorative stitch creates texture and helps define the olive branch motif.
• Standard granny square stitches suitable for DK weight yarn

Materials and Yarn

The Olive Tote pattern calls for Paintbox DK Cotton yarn in three colors:

• Champagne White (C1): 5 skeins (primary color for the tote body)
• Pistachio (C2): 1 skein (accent color)
• Black (C3): 2 skeins (used for the olive details)

The DK weight classification makes this yarn ideal for creating defined stitches and geometric patterns. A 3.5mm crochet hook is used throughout the project, providing the appropriate tension for DK cotton yarn and enabling clear stitch definition in the granny squares and cluster work.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner project, the Olive Tote is accessible to crocheters new to the craft. The granny square foundation is one of the most approachable crochet structures, and the special cluster stitch, while decorative, is clearly explained in the pattern notes. Beginners will gain experience with color work, joining squares, and working decorative elements while completing a practical finished item.