Mood:  caffeinated

Materials

Desired colors of worsted weight, great for using up scrap yarn!
size F hook
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
4 stitch markers or yarn or what ever you chose to mark stitches.

Abbreviations Used:

sc = single crochet
ch = chain
st = stitch
sk = skip
FLO = front loop only
sl st = slip stitch
dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dec = decrease
repeat from * to * = repeat the instructions between the *'s for the remaining stitches of the row.
rsc = reverse single crochet

Special stitches used:
Alternative reverse single crochet or Alternative rsc = (I read about this method on the Crochet Partners group, and love it as an alternative to reverse single crochet, which can be difficult to master at times.) Insert hook into stitch as if you were doing a regular single crochet, yarn over and draw through, with the two loops on the hook, rotate the whole hook 360 degrees, yarn over and draw through.

Ch 31, sc in second ch from hook, and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (30 sc)
Row 1: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (30 sc)
Row 2 - 6: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (30 sc)
Row 7: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, DO NOT TURN
Row 8: Begin working across the ends of the rows, *2 sc in the end of the row you just finished, sc in each row, work 2 sc in the end of beginning row*, then sc in free loop of foundation chain, and repeat from * to *, join with a sl st. (79 sc) Ch 1. Do not turn. NOTE: You will not be turning the work from this point on.
Row 9: Working in FLO, sc in same st as joining st and in each st around, join with a sl st. Ch 1. Do not turn
Row 10: (Working in both loops) Sc in same st as joining, and in each st around. Ch 1
Row 11: Sc in same st as ch 1, skip 2 sc, work 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sc, *sc in next st, sk 2 sc, work 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sc*, repeat from * to * around, join with a sl st in the first sc. Fasten off.
Row 12: Join yarn with a sl st, ch 2, work a dc dec in next two st, dc in next st, work 3 dc in next st, dc in next st, *dc dec over next 3 st, dc in next, work 3 dc in next st, dc in next st*, repeat from * to * around, end with a sl st in the top of the first dec. Fasten off.
Row 13 - 22: Repeat Row 12.
Row 23:Join yarn with a sl st, ch 2, work a dc dec in next two st, hdc in next st, work 3 sc in next st, hdc in next st, *dc dec over next 3 st, hdc in next, work 3 sc in next st, hdc in next st*, dc dec over next 3 st, repeat from * to * around, end with a sl st in the top of the first dec. Ch 1.
Row 24: Sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. Ch 1.
Row 25: Sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. Ch 1.
At this point, we begin the handles construction. You may want to locate the center of the bag by folding the bag flat, then folding it in half, marking the center stitches. Count 8 stitches to each side of the center stitch, and mark with a stitch marker or small piece of yarn or thread. This will mark the handle opening. For my bag, as follows:
Row 26: Sc in first 17 st, ch 16, skip next 17 st, sc in next 22, ch 16, sk next 17 st, sc in last 5 st, join with a sl st, ch 1.
Row 27: Sc in each st and ch around, join with a sl st. Ch 1. (76 sc)
Row 28: Sc in each st and ch around, join with a sl st. Ch 1. (76 sc)
Row 29: Sc in each st and ch around, join with a sl st. Ch 1. (76 sc)
Row 30: Alternative rsc or rsc in each st around. Join with a sl st. Fasten off.

Finishing: Alternative rsc or rsc in each st of inside edge of handles. Fasten off. Weave in all ends. Line purse if desired.

Enjoy your new tote!