It is a brand new year and let me start the year by sharing the crochet pattern and tutorial of this beautiful Star Stitch Tote, crochet from jute twine.
Star Stitch pattern is the recent inspiration I got from a Japanese magazine. On the first glance, I knew I got to crochet a project with this stitch, so I began to design a bag since months ago. I tried a few designs but they never get to the finish line, except this tote which I have gotten it perfected to my liking. I purposely split the rows of star with a row of single crochet in between, this give the star a better definition while create a stripy look on the tote.
I love the rustic presence of jute twine, it is pretty to be crochet into many projects, even a doily for the table. Additionally, crochet with jute twine is relatively cheaper than yarn, I bought the jute twine from a local dollar shop which cost something like US$1.50 each 100 yard (a roll). The project called for 250 yard so I need 3 rolls, the total cost is only about US$4.50. Darn cheap for a crochet tote!!!
However, as you may know, natural jute twine has a light whiff of diesel, if you can’t take the smell please substitute it with other similar material. Likewise, jute twine is rough and hard, you may have some sore fingers if your tension is too tight. Aside from these 2 issue, I find that it is pretty fun to crochet with jute twine.
Thank you for this one.. I found it easier to understand compared to others… Anyway, I made an extended version of this instead of 16, I made it 30… I like big bags…
Hi, Do you have a simplified explanation of row 9. Was going great till this and now cannot get the right number of stitches. I’ve got 86 stitches for row 8 but cannot figure out row 9?
OK. I will try to explain since I do not know your exact problem with it but I could guess. When it says “repeat {}”, you just repeat what is quoted in the {}, then you repeat the whole thing from * when it says “repeat *”. I break down the number of sts as following hopefully it helps to make it clearer on how we obtain the total stitches of 98.
{sc each on next 3 sts, 2sc on next st,} repeat 3 times = 15 sts
sc each on next 17 sts = 17 sts
repeat {} 3 times = 15 sts
sc each on next 2 sts = 2
Before repeat *, we have 15+17+15+2 = 49 sts
repeat * 2 times means that you just repeat the above another time which gives you another 49 sts. That total up the stitches to 98.
Hope I explain well in your question.
Beautiful bag! I’m just attempting to make this. My yarn is Macramé Jute yarn it does not state a ply but I’m using a 5mm hook. I have finished the base but it seems a bit small compared to your photos. What should the base measure? Much appreciated.
Thanks
I measured the base of my tote, it is approx 13.5″ x 6.5″.
Thank you for your prompt reply 🙂
Lovely pattern for a bag. Will try it soon. Thank you very much for sharing the pattern.
Do you have a video tutorial for this tote bag? I find it hard to work with the written instructions.
Just finishing up the handles. Sweet bag! I lined it with some really pretty fabric and I’m really pleased.
I am happy to know this 🙂
Just found your awesome blog. I love your tote bag pattern. Will try this pattern Soon (with different yarn – cause i don’t know where to get jute twine in my place). Anyway Thank you so much for sharing… Hope you’ll happy always and keep inspiring… 🙂
You can get jute twine at a garden centre or online on Amazon
Superb tote and superb explanation…Thank you…
Olá amiga, eu adorei as tuas postagens, já fazia um tempo que eu não passava por aqui, mas já te adianto que gostei de tudo, e eu gostaria de saber se tens interesse em troca de links dos nossos blogs, funciona assim: Eu coloco o link do teu blog no meu menu lateral e vc coloca o link do meu blog no seu menu lateral, caso tenhas interesse deixe um comentário no meu blog, é sempre bom ter parcerias, beijokas!!!
Translation (by Google):
Hello friend, I loved your posts, I have not been here for a while, but I already know that I liked everything, and I would like to know if you are interested in exchanging links from our blogs, it works like this: I put The link of your blog in my side menu and you put the link of my blog in your side menu, if you have interest leave a comment on my blog, it is always good to have partnerships, beijokas !!!
What size rubber tubing and where to get rubber tubing ?
It is about 3mm in diameter. I should be able to find it in hardware shop or aquarium shop.
Totally love it!
Where can I buy jute?
Hobby Lobby has jute.
Also I think there is an error in the paragraph below: where is says “st before the 3 chains at the beginning…” – think it should not be there. 🙂 I might be wrong
Subsequent Star Bottom of the round:
Pull up a total of 5 loops through each of the following st: star center, the last loop of the previous star, the st of the last loop of previous star, each on next 2 sc st, st before the 3 chains at the beginning of the round. Again, you should have 6 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops, ch.
Hi Vivian, Thank for pointing it out. I think the instructions jumbled up after the new web design is implemented. Not sure why. I have got the pattern corrected. Kindly let me know should you find any error again.
Thank you.
I’m still having trouble, thought this was an easy stitch. So where is the revised pattern? Did everyone stop doing chain 1 & sl st? Please repost purse pattern using star stitch.
Perhaps you can design the website to print just the pattern, and not the 48 pages of comments? Also, the print icon said that it would be two pages, but without asking it oriented as landscape and the pattern is fifteen pages long with a two inch margin on the top edge. (Maybe setting it up as a Ravelry download instead of a link to the website?) I will revise my rating after I make the bag – this is purely my reaction after printing the pattern, and wasting 35 sheets of paper.
There is a print button within the pattern for you to print without the comments. It is working well and only print the 9 pages of pattern with pictures, 4 pages without pictures. The printing orientation and setting up of margins are done at your local printer setting, nothing to do with the print button. Perhaps you are using the wrong print button that I don’t know where is it from.
I had the same problem with these instructions until I watched the video. I then realized that there was an error as the first loop should be pulled up through the eye, then the 2nd behind the loop/post of last loop of previous star, next through the stitch then the next 2 stitches. (6 loops)
Hello…thanks for sharing the pattern! I am almost completing the body but wanted to clarify if it is narrower at the top as I seem to be decreasing in stitches as I work upwards from the base. So the side of the bag where I slip stitch before starting the new row seems more angular…am I doing something wrong?
Please help thanks.
Hi Vivian,
The bag should be straight up and the number of stitches remains the same, no decreasing needed. You could be missing some stitches in a row if the stitches is getting any lesser than it should be. Should be you have more question or need to send me a photo of your current work, please feel free to send in via the contact form.
Thank you and happy crochet 🙂
Hi,
Thanks for replying so quickly. I have unravelled the lot and will be trying again. 🙂
Hi. Can you please clarify if the slip stitch at the end of every row should be at the centre back? Mine is always off to the right. It then means that the 2sc in next stitch sc 2sc in next stitch isn’t symmetrical. As the jute is so heavy and thick I can’t tell if it is wonky. This is the second attempt and I don’t want to continue if I have to undo it all again
Many thanks
Ellie
Thank you but I figured it out.
Do you have any suggestions for a knit bag like this one ? I just love it, but only knit- thanks !
Thank you very much for the lovely free pattern, I’ve had a hard time with the base and started over several times, I finally took out the ch1 in the beginning and the slst at the end and it has worked wonderfully. I hope you can help me with row 9, I really don’t understand this row at all. Would you possibly be willing and able to break it down even more for me? Thank you so much for your patience and time.
Hi, did you ever figure row 9 out because I’m completely stuck on this bit.I have 86 stitches for row 8 but cannot get 98 for the next row!
Great bag! 2 ply made bag too small. Ravelry says 12 ply. What is best to use?
I think there is a different between twine and yarn fiber, so 2 ply yarn is way too light to crochet for this pattern. If you are using yarn, the best way is to find a yarn that uses 5mm crochet hook. DK yarn or medium weight yarn would be a good substitute.
Hi, i’m also having the same problem with Tammy.. i really love this bag, i got stuck in 6 & 7 rows (base pattern), the shape become irregular.. please help ?
Hi Poppy,
Please send me a send photo of your problem via the contact form. I will need to see what had happened to yours before I can advice.
Thanks.
Hi.. actually i got a clue from an earlier comment from Donna, my mistake is i repeat SC twice every time you wrote repeat * 2 times :-), so i’m at row 9, it is so exciting can’t wait to expose.. thank you
Hey actually I’m a beginner and I really love this tote but I’m not able to make the base…I’m confused about the slip stitch and the first chain of the new round…and every time I end up doing something wrong and I had to rip the base like a thousand times till now…please could u send a video or some pictures for making the base?
Well constructed with a lovely use of an old stitch pattern – thank you very much for posting
Can anyone tell me the “ply” of twine being used? I am seeing different ones and not sure which ply works best for this project. Thank you!
Hi Charlene, I used 2-ply jute twine to crochet this tote. I will update the info into the material list. Thanks for asking.
Why am I not able to get the pattern? I love this but can’t get it. Please help. Thank you!
Dear Kelly,
The pattern is at the pattern page, which is page 2 of this post. The direct link is http://www.craftpassion.com/2014/01/crochet-star-stitch-tote.html/2.
Thanks so much for sharing. Lovely pattern and great helpful feedback. Going to give it a try!
Hi! I’m trying to make this bag using Lily Sugar and Cream yarn which also calls for a size H hook. After I was done making the bottom of the bag, I noticed it looked considerably small compared to the bag in your pictures. I’d like to double the width of the bag, how do i do this? Do I just double the number of stitches that are in between the increases on the ends? That doesn’t seem to work out for some reason.. I need your help!
Hi Jeannie,
You are right on increasing the stitches in between the rounded ends to double the width of the bag. May I know how can I help you in this if you are still having problem with it.
Happy crochet.
Wow! Did not expect to get such a quick reply. Thanks! I figured it out last night, doubled the number of chains and went from there. It worked out this time! The base is all done and I’m about halfway done with the side of the bag. Thanks for sharing a beautiful pattern, really appreciate it!
Great, Jeannie. I am sure you have finished the tote by now. 🙂
Finished my tote! I had to rip the base out 5 times but finally got it. I love it. My husband said it looked like something I bought. I still need to line it. Thank you! I enjoyed it even though it was hard on my hands. I love how the twine works up!!
Hai…
I don’t understand how to create a basic bag.
After rnd 1, 34sts…why on the rnd 2 only 38sts?
Is that a base made of a pcircular?
Beautiful tote. Want to make it. Is there a video tutorial?
Sorry, no video tutorial for this.
I want to try this beautiful pattern of yours.. i’m just wondering if i can attach a zipper or some other thing for closure?
Sure, you can. Zipper closure, drawstring closure (on the lining) or even just a strap flap, modify in anyway you like.
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing! xxx
hi, i would like to know how i can make the base bigger?:-) sorry for my bad english
Hi Heidi,
You will need to work it out on the increment at the corner of the base, add about 6 stitches at each round side of the base (total 12 stitches for 1 round). You will need to try it out, if it curls up, then probably you need to redo with more stitches, vice versa.
This tote is lovely. Thanks for sharing. My question is do I keep going after I finish the base or is body a seperate piece and sewn together later?
Hi Astrid,
It is in 1 piece, so please keep on crochet it after you have finished with the base.
Hi,
Just finished the bag and it looks great. Used an acrylic DK yarn (two strands together) and a 5.5mm hook. Made it also a bit longer.
The pattern is really clear except maybe the us of the “** repeat” abbreviation.
“*…* repeat 2 times” means “[] 3 times” as “to repeat” means to do something again so the pattern might be a bit confusing.
Thanks very much for this.
Hello, I want to make this in a different size, what is the multiple necessary for the star stitch? Is it multiple of 3 + 2? Thank you.
Never mind,I think it’s just multiples of 2
Sorry for the later reply, you are right, it is the multiple of 2 stitches.
Thanks for the beautiful pattern! I do have one question, when doing the rounds with the Star Stitch, there is a quite a large gap when I sl st(to either chain 2 in the HDC or chain 3 in the Star st) to start a new round. Is that normal? Or if not, what could I be doing wrong?
Try to pull the slst a little tighter to close the gap, there is a gap but it shouldn’t be big gap.
Thank you so much for this wonderful pattern! I am attempting it with a rather thick yarn and a 9mm hook, kinda wanting to create a large beach bag!! Will let you know how it goes!!
Thanks for sharing the pattern. I really love the bag and have gotten many compliments for it!
Soaking the finished bag in a pail of water and baking soda now. Hopefully the petroleum smell goes away.
That’s great and thanks for the feedback. Please do let us know if the petroleum smell does go away yay… thanks 🙂
I just finished this bag and I think it’s beautiful! Also lined it and put a zipper closure and zippered pocket in the lining. I held 2 pieces of twine together through out the entire purse to make it extra strong. Thank you so much for your wonderful pattern. It was very easy to follow and it’s perfect!
Hi and thanks for the pattern. I really appreciate the crafts you do.
You describe round 3 as follows :
Rnd 3 – ch1, *sc on next st, 2sc each on next 2 sts, sc each on next 14 sts, 2sc each on next 2 sts, repeat * 2 times, slst to the ch st at the beginning round. [46 sts]
Wouldn’t that be …, sc each on next 16 sts,… instead ? Since round 2 has 14 sc on both sides and round 4 has 18. Plus, it would make the increments lining up.
Dear Joanne, thanks a lot for your generosity in sharing your patterns and ideas here. This is my first crochet project ever and I finally completed it. I even managed to sew a lining using the guide in your other projects. Had the privilege of giving it to a dear friend who is always blessing my family with her home cooked food. Thanks for your help. Its really a lovely bag and I will definitely make another one when I can afford the time. I managed to take a picture in jpeg format but I am still figuring out how to post or email you.
Hi Ang Nyee Nyee, I have received your picture sent via contact form. I must say that you did a wonderful job and adding the lining just has made your tote prettier. Well done, I hope you will let me share your picture in Craft Passion’s facebook page. Thanks!!!
Hello and thank you for this great pattern!
My question is with the directions for the base. Most rounds give a series of directions and then indicate “repeat * twice” though I’ve been finding that only one repeat of the directions starting at * gets you back full circle to the place where you would slip stitch to the beginning chain 1. Am I supposed to keep going around again because if so I will no longer be where I need to in order to slip stitch to the starting chain 1.
thanks for the help and can’t wait to get advancing with this pattern.
The repeat loop ends at the place just before it asks you to repeat. For example:
“Rnd 2 – ch 1, *sc on next st, 2sc on next st, sc each on next 14 sts, 2sc on next st, repeat * 2 times, slst to the ch st at the beginning round. [38 sts]”
It means the repeat loop is as indicated in bold text.
Thank you for your fast response and I’m sorry to say I still feel my question remains: while I now better understand all the steps a repeat entails I’m still confused as to why it says “repeat * 2 times” instead of repeat * 1 time, as only 1 repeat of the directions you placed in bold gets me back to the place where I can “slst to the ch at the beginning round” If I repeat 2 times as directed I will be half way around again for the second time in the one round.
hope this clarifies my question and thank you again for your help.
Ok, I get your question better this time, sorry for not answering in my previous answer. When ithe pattern says repeat 2 times, it means that you do 2 times in total in that round. This is common instruction in written pattern, at least as what I have been using it all this while. Hope this help.
Oh! I absolutely adore this. It just makes me smile to look at it. The colorus are wonderful, and autumn has always been my favourite season of the year. Really, really lovely. I think I may try my hand at making something similar. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you. I will try again.
I am having trouble with row 9. Is there a mistake in the pattern? I have pulled apart that row 5 times. I only end up with 96 stitches.
The pattern is correct, I have checked a few times to confirm that. Did you get 86 stitches on Round 8? Otherwise, you could have missed out some of the stitches in Round 9. You should get 49 stitches by the time you work half way through round 9.
Yeah,looks I counted the slip,stitch also.
there is still some gap between the 1st and last star stitches. Can I whip stitch the gap closed?
Do you mind to send me a photo so that I can take a closer look? Please send it over from the contact form and attach the photo there. Thanks 🙂
Hi! Do you count slip stitch as part of stitch total? Thanks!
No, the slip stitch is not a stitch, so please don’t count.
Hi, could you tell me what the dimensions of the base of the bag are?
Thanks 🙂
I seem to be having am extra stitch in every bottom round of the star stitch. Cam you please help me out?
Could it be the slip stitch that you made at the very end of the bottom round? If it is, you could just skip it away and don’t count it as a stitch.
Where do I find jute these days? I used to buy it at craft stores when macrame was popular.
What stitch do I use to check the gauge? Because I’m not using jute twine, but 2 strands of regular cotton yarn. Thanks. 🙂
It is the single crochet gauge tension.
Has anyone ever tried using hemp?
Thanks for your reply. My photo is too big to be attached here and I don’t know how to change into JPEG format. So I decided to redo the base using tighter gauge, cos your comments refer to sore fingers, so I figured my stitches must be too loose. Got it right on 2nd attempt. Am trying to work out the body now. Will ask you for help again if I get stuck. Thanks.
Hi Nyee Nyee, glad that you have got it right. Yes, tension does matters a lot!!!!
Hi Joanne, thanks for your wonderful blog, it’s really impressive and inspiring. So proud of you, my fellow country’woman’. I am trying out the star stitch tote bag, finished the based but it curls on one end. I counted the stitches on every row as I went along, would you be able to tell me where I went wrong. Thanks.
I will try to help to see if I can see your problem in this. Please send a clear picture of your base via the contact form. Thanks.
Thank you for this lovely handbag
I had some difficulties at first with base but I surpassed it . I also used different yarn (I m from Egypt and I don’t exactly understand what is jute ) and it looked very nice .Pls if u can put a diagram for base it would be much easier to follow .
Mariamr. From Egypt
Beautiful hand bag
Thank you, Sandeep Dali. Hope to see you crochet it soon!
Where do I get jute? I used to buy it at a craft store when macrame was popular back in the ’70’s.
I bought them from a Japanese Yen shop, Daiso.
I bought my jute at a hardware shop but don’t let on to them what you’re using it for or the price will go up lol
I love this pattern. I think this tote could be very versatile – a grocery bag, a purse, or even something to carry a laptop in. I just started the pattern last night, and I believe that I am having some of the same issues with the base as others have had. I realize the pattern is well written and straightforward, but I could always use more detail in the beginning because I want to make sure that I am doing things correct. Perhaps one clarification could help. On the first round, where there is the 3 sc, does that middle sc (the 2nd of the 3) always end up being at the top of the oval (on the non-joined side)? In other words, in rounds 3 and 4, does the 1 sc that sits between the 2 sets of 2 sc always sit on top of that 2nd of the initial 3 sc? This is how I have started it, but it appears that the join line is not as straight as what is shown in your picture. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again for the lovely pattern.
Once for whatever reason I put hair conditioner on some jute twine. I think I had a shell necklace from the beach, and it was scratching me, so I used conditioner to make it soft. Perhaps you could use conditioner if it hurts your hands. Love the bag, wish I could crochet! I think I’ll show this to my mother-in-law, maybe she could make this awesome bag.
Thanks, Michelle, applying conditioner is a great idea. Will drill down on how to apply it on a ball of twine, perhaps I need to wind the twine into hank so that I have get it soak into the conditioner, wink and hang dry 🙂
Hello, THANK YOU so much for sharing this lovely pattern of yours.!!!
Row No 7 cannot get right though, I have done and undone it for over 3 times but the stitches cannot be done even though I am using a stitch marker. Could you please help? Regards from Greece.
I checked again on the pattern, it is correct. Perhaps the increment stitches “2sc in next sc” is easily confused with “sc in next 2 sts”. Take note of the pattern and do it carefully, you should be able to get through it.
THANK YOU so very much for your time and for sharing this amazing pattern..I will try it till I get it right.!!!
God bless you for all.
Kindest regards from Athens/Greece.
I bought jute from a local craft shop and as I am crocheting the bag the jute smells oily. Is there anything I can do to get rid of the smell?
Ewww…. the jute twine does smell petroleum oil, just the matter of heavy or mild. After crochet, air it outdoor (under the shade) for a few days and see if it goes away. You may soak the bag in baking soda water, rinse out and air-dry. Spraying it with fabric freshener, “Febreze” for instant, to cover the oil smell. I hope this help.
beautiful.
Thanks for great pattern ,It’s really beautiful .
I have just ordered some jute twine to try this as I love making bags! The gardening glove idea is a good one so will use that before I start!
what would be a reasonable yarn to substitute for the jute?
Try linen yarn if you can get, otherwise, you may use yarn that suits hook size of H or 5mm.
I have tried starting this bag four times now and I have to keep ripping it out down to the first round. I simply cannot get the ends to work out and look like the picture. I feel as though I am following the pattern exactly but obviously I am doing something extremely wrong. If I don’t get the base to work, it will throw off the entire bag so I have to get the bottom correct before I can continue with the bag. I am very excited to get it completed but getting really frustrated that I can’t work out the ends. Where I get messed up is with the second row. When I single crochet 14 and then get to the end, my ends to do match up as to where the curve is to begin. I know this is not making any sense to you but I just hate ripping out and starting over again. UGH!
Please send me a photo via contact form, I will try to help.
I’ve never worked with twine before, so this will be interesting! Is it 2 ply or 3 ply twine?
Yes, it is a very interesting project to use unusual material. It is a 3-ply twine, about 3mm (1/8″) diameter.
Thanks! I’m using 2 ply twine this time (just saw your comment). Next time I’ll use 3!
2-ply may give slightly smaller size of tote. Kindly feed back to me the finished size after you have completed. Thanks 🙂
Anyone tried using cotton yarn for this bag? Or is that still too soft for this project?
I just completed the base, and although my hands are sore, I’m excited to complete it! I just wanted to clarify what you mean when you say to work on the right side only. Thank you! I love the bag!
The right side means the front side of the crochet work, no turning. Hope this explanation explained, otherwise, please let me know.
Did you have any problems with the base. Do you have any secrets for the base? I have ripped it out four times now because I can’t seem to get it to work and I feel as though I am following the pattern but obviously something is not clicking with me. Any helpful hints would be awesome! Thanks.
No secret, Tammy, just follow the crochet pattern. Best if you can show me a photo, please send thru contact form and attach the photo in jpg format. I will be away tomorrow for a week plus, email response will be slow, hopefully I can get it solved for you before embarking my trip.
When she says to repeat * 2 times, your really just doing those steps 2xs on that row, not 3. Also, I count out the stitches I’m supposed to end up with and make sure it matches the directions before I crochet it. It’s a little OCD but I’m not tear g out as many stiches.
This would be so nice for summer! Does the jute twine hurt your hands?
Thanks, Megan. Yes, it does hurt a little but I am fine with it, no big deal. My another friend who is new to crochet find it hard to handle, so it really depends how your fingers react to the rough and not-so-soft “yarn”.
Wearing a cheap fabric, close fitting gardening glove on the hand you hold your yarn in helps a ton when working with jute.
Thanks for the tips, Jennifer!
Thanks for sharing, and I can’t wait for trying this new pattern. Thanks so much
Look forward to trying this bag. Thanks for sharing it.
Beautiful bag! Thanks for sharing your pattern.