Tasche in Schachenmayr Boston and Brazilia - 5524

Free Crochet Pattern: Tote Bag in Schachenmayr Boston and Brazilia – Model 5524

This free downloadable crochet pattern (Model 5524) from Schachenmayr guides you through creating a stylish, generously sized crocheted tote bag measuring approximately 42 cm wide and 25 cm tall. The design combines two signature Schachenmayr yarns held together for a thick, textured fabric that is both sturdy and eye-catching — ideal for everyday use as a market bag, beach bag, or casual carry-all.

Yarns and Materials

• Schachenmayr Boston – 400 g in colour 99 Schwarz (Black), an aran-to-chunky weight yarn that provides structure and body to the finished bag
• Schachenmayr Brazilia – 250 g in colour 22 Mimose (a warm yellow-gold tone), a chunky-weight yarn that adds texture and a pop of colour
• Milward Crochet Hook – size 12 mm, suitable for working with multiple strands held together at this weight

Yarn Holding Technique

A key feature of this pattern is that the bag is worked four-stranded throughout — specifically, two strands of Boston held together with two strands of Brazilia at all times. This multi-strand approach creates a dense, durable fabric with excellent stitch definition, making the bag robust enough to hold heavy everyday items. Combining the black Boston with the mimose Brazilia produces a visually rich, tweedy effect where both colours interact across the surface of the crocheted fabric.

Stitch and Technique Details

• Primary stitch: Single crochet (known in German patterns as feste Maschen) worked in rows
• Turning chain: One chain stitch (Luftmasche) is used to turn at the end of each row, keeping the edges neat and flat
• Gauge (tension): Approximately 6–7 stitches and 7–8 rows = 10 × 10 cm in the basic single crochet pattern using the four-strand combination and the 12 mm hook

Construction: How the Bag Is Made

The bag is constructed in separate panels that are worked flat and then assembled, a classic approach that gives clean, defined edges and allows each section to be crocheted to precise dimensions.

• Back panel: Begin by chaining 28 foundation chains plus 1 turning chain. Work in single crochet rows. In row 16, the integrated handle opening is formed over the central 10 stitches by replacing those single crochets with 10 chain stitches, creating a neat loop handle. In the following row, single crochets are worked back into those chain stitches to close the loop. The back panel is complete after a total of 19 rows, reaching approximately 25 cm in height.
• Front panel: Worked in exactly the same way as the back panel, including the integrated handle opening at the same position.
• Side panels and base: These are crocheted as a single continuous strip. Starting with 4 foundation chains plus 1 turning chain, the strip is worked in single crochet. Shaping is introduced through increases: in row 6, an increase is made by working 2 single crochets into the 2nd stitch, bringing the count to 5 stitches. A further increase is worked in the following 6th row into the 3rd stitch, continuing the gradual shaping of the gusset and base strip.

Design Highlights

• Integrated crochet handles formed directly within the panel rows — no separate handle construction or hardware required
• Chunky, four-strand construction makes this a relatively quick project despite the bag's substantial size
• The colour combination of black (Schwarz) Boston and golden-yellow (Mimose) Brazilia creates a bold, contemporary look suitable for a wide range of personal styles
• Suitable