The Driftwood Dune Tote: A Textured Knit Free Pattern
Introducing the Driftwood Dune Tote
This quick-to-knit tote uses a simple combination of garter and stockinette stitch to create a stunning, modern texture reminiscent of wind-swept sand dunes. It's the perfect project for a beginner looking to try something new or a seasoned knitter needing a last-minute gift. The finished bag measures approximately 14 inches wide and 12 inches tall (excluding handles), making it ideal for a day at the beach, a farmers' market run, or as a stylish everyday carryall.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: 2 skeins (approx 220 yards) of super bulky weight yarn (Category 6). Sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in 'Sand'.
- Needles: US 15 (10mm) straight or circular knitting needles (circular needles recommended for working in the round).
- Gauge: 8 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking).
- Other: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- RS: Right side
- WS: Wrong side
Base (Garter Stitch Square)
CO 28 sts.
- Row 1 (RS): Knit across.
- Row 2 (WS): Knit across.
Repeat these two rows until the piece measures 14 inches from the cast-on edge. This forms a square base. Do not bind off. Leave the stitches on the needle.
Body (Working in the Round)
Now you will pick up stitches along the three remaining edges of the base to begin working in the round. You will have a total of 4 sides.
- Round 1: With the RS facing, pick up and knit 28 sts along the next edge (the side of the base). Place a marker. Pick up and knit 28 sts along the next edge (the cast-on edge). Place a marker. Pick up and knit 28 sts along the final edge (the other side of the base). Place a marker. You now have 84 sts on your needles (28 sts on each of 3 sides).
Note: You will be working in the round on circular needles or using the magic loop method. The base will be at the bottom.
- Round 2 (RS): *Knit 28 sts, slip marker; repeat from * around.
- Round 3 (WS): *Purl 28 sts, slip marker; repeat from * around.
Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 until the body measures 10 inches from the base.
Handle Openings
Next Round: K28, slip marker, K14, bind off 14 sts loosely, K14, slip marker, K28, slip marker, K14, bind off 14 sts loosely, K14. You will now have two gaps for the handles.
Handle Edging
- Round 1: Knit across the 28 sts of the first side. For the gap, pick up and knit 14 sts along the bound-off edge. Knit across the 28 sts of the second side. For the second gap, pick up and knit 14 sts along the bound-off edge. You now have 84 sts again.
- Round 2: Knit all sts.
- Round 3: Knit all sts.
Bind off all sts loosely.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Block the tote by lightly wetting it and laying it flat to dry, shaping it to the desired dimensions. The garter stitch base will naturally curl slightly, creating a sturdy bottom.
Optional Modification
To create longer handles, simply knit the body to a shorter height (e.g., 8 inches) before creating the handle openings. The handle openings will be the same size.
