Meadow Breeze Market Tote Free Pattern – Textured Crochet Summer Bag
Meadow Breeze Market Tote Free Pattern – Textured Crochet Summer Bag
Carry a piece of summer with this airy, textured market tote, perfect for farmers' markets or beach days. The unique stitch pattern creates a sturdy yet soft fabric that holds its shape beautifully. This free crochet pattern is designed with beginners in mind, featuring clear instructions and a rhythmic stitch repeat that is both relaxing and rewarding. The harmonious palette of sage green, cream, and terracotta evokes a boho-chic vibe that pairs perfectly with sundresses and sandals. Let's dive in and create your new favorite summer accessory!
Materials Needed
Before we begin, gather the following supplies. This project is wonderfully portable and requires minimal tools, making it perfect for on-the-go crafting.
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in 3 colors:
- Main Color (MC) – Sage Green
- Color A – Cream
- Color B – Terracotta
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Notions: Stitch markers, yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors
Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 x 4 inches. Be sure to check your gauge to ensure your bag comes out the correct size.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. The ch 1 at the beginning of a round does not count as a stitch. Use stitch markers to keep track of your rounds, especially when working the base increases.
Base
The base is worked in a flat oval shape, increasing evenly each round. This creates a sturdy foundation for your tote.
- R1: With MC, ch 2, work 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (8)
- R2: 2 sc in each st around. (16)
- R3: (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around. (24)
- R4: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (32)
- R5: (Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (40)
- R6: (Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (48)
- R7: (Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (56)
- R8: (Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (64)
- R9: (Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (72)
- R10: (Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (80)
- R11: (Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (88)
- R12: (Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (96)
Body
Now we'll build the textured body of the bag. The pattern alternates between solid single crochet rows and openwork mesh rows, creating a beautiful, airy fabric. Pay close attention to the color changes and stitch counts.
- R13: With MC, sc in each st around. (96)
- R14: With Color A, sc in each st around. (96)
- R15: With Color A, *sc in next st, ch 1, skip next st* repeat from * to * around. (96 sts + 48 ch spaces)
- R16: With Color A, sc in each sc and in each ch-1 space. (96)
- R17: With MC, sc in each st around. (96)
- R18: With MC, *sc in next 3 sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts* repeat from * to * around. (72 sc + 24 ch-2 spaces)
- R19: With MC, sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 space. (96)
- R20: With Color B, sc in each st around. (96)
- R21: With Color B, *sc in next 2 sts, ch 1, skip next st* repeat from * to * around. (64 sc + 32 ch spaces)
- R22: With Color B, sc in each sc and in each ch-1 space. (96)
- R23: With MC, sc in each st around. (96)
- R24: With MC, *sc in next 4 sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts* repeat from * to * around. (64 sc + 16 ch-2 spaces)
- R25: With MC, sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 space. (96)
- R26: With Color A, sc in each st around. (96)
- R27: With Color A, *sc in next st, ch 1, skip next st* repeat from * to * around. (48 sc + 48 ch spaces)
- R28: With Color A, sc in each sc and in each ch-1 space. (96)
- R29: With MC, sc in each st around. (96)
- R30: With MC, *sc in next 5 sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts* repeat from * to * around. (64 sc + 16 ch-2 spaces)
- R31: With MC, sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 space. (96)
- R32: With Color B, sc in each st around. (96)
- R33: With Color B, *sc in next 2 sts, ch 1, skip next st* repeat from * to * around. (64 sc + 32 ch spaces)
- R34: With Color B, sc in each sc and in each ch-1 space. (96)
- R35: With MC, sc in each st around. (96)
- R36: With MC, *sc in next 6 sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts* repeat from * to * around. (72 sc + 12 ch-2 spaces)
- R37: With MC, sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 space. (96)
- R38: With Color A, sc in each st around. (96)
- R39: With Color A, *sc in next st, ch 1, skip next st* repeat from * to * around. (48 sc + 48 ch spaces)
- R40: With Color A, sc in each sc and in each ch-1 space. (96)
- R41: With MC, sc in each st around. (96)
- R42: With MC, *sc in next 7 sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts* repeat from * to * around. (72 sc + 12 ch-2 spaces)
- R43: With MC, sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 space. (96)
- R44: With Color B, sc in each st around. (96)
- R45: With Color B, *sc in next 2 sts, ch 1, skip next st* repeat from * to * around. (64 sc + 32 ch spaces)
- R46: With Color B, sc in each sc and in each ch-1 space. (96)
- R47: With MC, sc in each st around. (96)
Handle Openings
This is where we create the integrated handles. The chain spaces will form sturdy loops for carrying your tote.
- R48: With MC, sc in next 20 sts, ch 30, skip 20 sts, sc in next 36 sts, ch 30, skip 20 sts, sc in next 16 sts. (96 sts + 60 ch)
- R49: With MC, sc in each st and in each ch around. (156)
- R50: With MC, sc in each st around. (156)
- R51: With Color A, sc in each st around. (156)
- R52: With Color A, *sc in next st, ch 1, skip next st* repeat from * to * around. (78 sc + 78 ch spaces)
- R53: With Color A, sc in each sc and in each ch-1 space. (156)
- R54: With MC, sc in each st around. (156)
- R55: With MC, sc in each st around. (156)
Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.
Finishing
Your Meadow Breeze Market Tote is almost complete! Follow these final steps for a polished, professional look.
- Fold and Align: Fold the bag flat with the handles aligned on top of each other. This will help you see the shape and ensure everything is even.
- Optional Lining: For extra durability and to prevent small items from slipping through the mesh, consider adding a fabric lining. Cut a piece of cotton fabric to fit the interior, sew the sides, and hand-stitch it to the top edge of the bag.
- Blocking: Lightly block the bag to shape. This helps even out the stitches and gives the bag a crisp, professional finish. Spray with water and lay flat to dry, shaping as needed.
And there you have it—a beautiful, handmade Meadow Breeze Market Tote ready for all your summer adventures! This bag is not only stylish but also incredibly functional, perfect for carrying everything from fresh produce to beach essentials. Happy crocheting!
