How to: Crochet an officially endorsed by Lorde 'Solar Power' bag.

"Firstly, we need to give SCWWTS Kyra props for this INCREDIBLE crocheted SP bag! Like what Kyra!! I’m so impressed," enthused Lorde recently during an email newsletter to fans.

The praised bag:

And now you can make your own if you so wish! Read on from instructions from SCWWTS Kyra herself:

Solar Power Crochet Tote Bag - as approved by the Lorde herself!

You will need:
- White, orange, and brown yarn (I used I Love This Cotton, but any 4 weight cotton yarn will do! Keep in mind that you’ll need lots of white - I probably used about 900 yards/825 meters, or around 5 skeins in my particular brand. One skein each of orange and brown was plenty for me!).
- 3.5 mm crochet hook.
- Needle for sewing.
- Patience and determination <3

*Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Step 1: Chain 76. Single crochet in second chain from hook and continue to single crochet in each stitch until the end of the row. [Chain 1, turn, and single crochet across.] Repeat directions in brackets until you have 75 total rows. This will create the backside of your bag.

Step 2: Chain 76. Then, using single crochet stitches as before, crochet the front side of the bag using this chart. Always remember to chain 1 and turn at the end of each row, just as you did for the back of the bag.

(If you’re relatively new to crocheting, I recommend doing some research before starting this part - I had never made something like this before when I started! I found this article from Jo to the World to be really helpful for learning how to do colour changes, and this article from Crochet Spot is good for understanding how to read colour charts.)

Step 3: Chain 9. Single crochet in second chain from hook. Continue to single crochet in each stitch until the end of the row. [Chain 1, turn, and single crochet across.] Repeat directions in brackets until desired strap length is reached. Mine are about 28 inches (71 cm), but you can make them longer or shorter depending on your preference. Repeat to create your second strap.

You can stop here and skip to step 6, but if you’d like to add depth to your bag with side and/or bottom panels, keep reading!

Step 4: Chain 13. Single crochet in second chain from hook. Continue to single crochet in each stitch until the end of the row. [Chain 1, turn, and single crochet across.] Repeat directions in brackets until you have 75 total rows. You now have one side panel. Repeat to create panel for other side.

Step 5: Chain 76. Single crochet in second chain from hook. Continue to single crochet in each stitch until the end of the row. [Chain 1, turn, and single crochet across.] Repeat directions in brackets until you have 12 total rows. This will be your bottom panel.

Step 6: Sew all pieces together, using pins or stitch markers to hold pieces in place as you go.

You now have a completed Solar Power Tote Bag!