Spiral stow away shopper

Spiral Stow Away Shopper by Itchy Crochet Designs

Project Overview

The Spiral Stow Away Shopper is a crocheted tote bag designed by Itchy Crochet Designs. This intermediate-level crochet project creates a practical, collapsible shopping bag that features a distinctive two-color spiral construction. The bag is worked in a continuous spiral pattern using two active stitches throughout, allowing for seamless color transitions and a modern aesthetic.

What is Being Made

This pattern produces a functional shopper tote bag with a handle. The design incorporates a compact base that expands into a larger body, making it ideal for carrying groceries or everyday items. The "stow away" aspect of the design suggests the bag's ability to fold or compress for convenient storage when not in use.

Yarn and Materials

The Spiral Stow Away Shopper accommodates two yarn weight options:

• 4 Ply Option: Yarn A requires 230 meters, and Yarn B requires 30 meters. A 17mm button is needed for closure.
• DK Weight Option: Yarn A requires 240 meters, and Yarn B requires 40 meters. A 17mm button is also required for this version.

The two-yarn construction creates visual interest through color blocking, with Yarn A forming the primary sections and Yarn B providing accent details.

Crochet Hooks and Gauge

Hook sizes vary by yarn weight to maintain consistent fabric density:

• 4 Ply Version: Uses a 3.5mm hook for the main body and a 5.5mm hook for specific sections. Gauge is 24 double crochet stitches plus 24 rows equaling 4 inches.
• DK Weight Version: Uses a 4mm hook for the main body and a 6mm hook for specific sections. Gauge is 20 double crochet stitches plus 20 rows equaling 4 inches.

Techniques and Construction Method

The Spiral Stow Away Shopper is worked in a continuous spiral using two active stitches, eliminating the need for traditional joining rounds. This technique creates a seamless, modern finish and allows for efficient color changes. The pattern begins with a small foundation and expands through strategic increases.

The construction starts with a chain foundation and builds outward in circular rounds. The base measures 4 inches for the 4 ply version and 5 inches for the DK version, establishing the bag's foundation. The handle extends to 12 inches in 4 ply or 13 inches in DK weight, providing comfortable carrying capacity.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental crochet stitches suited to intermediate crafters:

• Double Crochet (DC): The primary stitch forming the bag's structure and body.
• Increases (INC): Created by working 2 double crochet stitches in the same stitch, used to expand the circular base and body shaping.
• Slip Stitch (Sl st): Used for joining and finishing techniques.
• Chain (Ch): Forms the foundation of the pattern.

The pattern also references working into back loops (BL) and front loops (FL) only, techniques that create textural variation and definition in the finished fabric.

Pattern Difficulty and Skill Level

Classified as an intermediate project, the Spiral Stow Away Shopper requires familiarity with basic crochet stitches and the ability to work in continuous rounds. The two-color spiral technique and the management of two active stitches simultaneously demand moderate attention to stitch placement and color changes, making it suitable for crocheters with some experience beyond absolute beginners.