Starboard Tote

Starboard Tote Crochet Bag

Project Overview

The Starboard Tote is an intermediate-level crochet bag designed by Deja Joy and created by Knit and Crochet Ever After. This downloadable PDF pattern provides complete instructions for crafting a colorful, structured tote bag using worsted weight cotton yarn in multiple vibrant hues.

What Is Being Made

This project results in a functional tote bag suitable for everyday use. The design incorporates color changes across multiple rounds, creating a visually striking finished piece that combines practical storage capacity with aesthetic appeal.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Starboard Tote employs several intermediate crochet techniques to achieve its final structure and appearance:

• Linked Double Crochet (Linked DC): A specialized technique where the hook inserts into the horizontal bar of the previous stitch from top to bottom, creating a linked connection between stitches. This method replaces the standard first yarn-over of a double crochet and provides enhanced stitch definition and structural integrity.
• Color Changes: The pattern incorporates strategic color transitions between rounds, with color changes executed during the final stitch of the previous round before fastening off the old color.
• Tall Chain Stitch: A specialized chain technique referenced in the pattern instructions, with a dedicated tutorial provided at the end of the PDF.
• Round-Based Construction: The bag is built in continuous or joined rounds, allowing for seamless color blocking and dimensional shaping.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches combined with the specialized linked double crochet technique:

• Chain (CH): Used for foundation and stitch construction
• Single Crochet (SC): Provides tight, dense fabric
• Double Crochet (DC): Creates medium-height stitches for efficient fabric building
• Linked Double Crochet: The signature stitch that distinguishes this pattern and adds structural definition

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Starboard Tote is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn, specifically Craftsy Sprightly Cotton. The pattern calls for a total of 810 yards distributed across three coordinating colors:

• 280 yards of Dusty Pink (507-012) designated as Color A
• 280 yards of Magenta (507-008) designated as Color B
• 250 yards of Lilac (507-009) designated as Color C

The Craftsy Sprightly Cotton yarn specified yields 525 yards per 300-gram skein. Crafters may substitute any comparable medium worsted weight yarn in similar colors to achieve the intended finished appearance. Cotton yarn provides durability, structure, and a crisp finish ideal for a tote bag that will receive regular use.

Pattern Format and Difficulty

This is an intermediate-level crochet pattern presented as a downloadable PDF. The intermediate skill designation reflects the use of specialized techniques such as linked double crochet and multi-color construction. The pattern includes comprehensive abbreviations, special instructions, and a dedicated tutorial for the tall chain stitch, making it accessible to crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to expand their technical repertoire.

Pattern Preparation

The designer recommends reading through the entire pattern before beginning work. This preparation ensures familiarity with color changes, stitch techniques, and construction method, allowing for smoother execution and fewer interruptions during the crafting process.