The Cascading Calla Lily Market Bag: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Floral Tote

Introducing the Cascading Calla Lily Market Bag

Carry your market finds in style with this unique knitted tote, featuring a sculptural calla lily motif that cascades from the center. The soft, textured yarn and sturdy construction make it both beautiful and practical for everyday use. This free, intermediate-level pattern combines a classic stockinette stitch bag body with a stunning three-dimensional floral accent, creating a rustic, elegant, and botanical accessory that stands out. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge or an adventurous beginner ready to expand your skills, this pattern will guide you through every step to create a gorgeous, functional tote.

Materials Needed

Yarn

• Main Color (MC): Approximately 400 yards of worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lily Sugar'n Cream) in cream.
• Contrasting Color (CC): Approximately 100 yards of worsted weight cotton yarn in deep burgundy for the lily.

Needles & Notions

• US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles (straight or circular for the body).
• US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles for the lily motif.
• Tapestry needle for sewing and weaving ends.
• Scissors.
• Stitch markers (optional, for counting).

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch with larger needles. Always check your gauge for best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bag Body (Make 2 identical pieces)

With MC and larger needles (US 7), cast on 40 stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): Knit across.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl across.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until piece measures 12 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Shape Bottom

• Row 1 (RS): Knit 2, k2tog (knit two together), knit to last 4 stitches, ssk (slip, slip, knit), knit 2. (38 stitches)
• Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
• Row 3 (RS): Knit 2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, ssk, knit 2. (36 stitches)
• Row 4 (WS): Purl across.
• Row 5 (RS): Knit 2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, ssk, knit 2. (34 stitches)
• Row 6 (WS): Purl across.

Bind off all stitches loosely. Repeat for the second piece.

Calla Lily Motif (Make 1)

With CC and smaller needles (US 6), cast on 3 stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): Knit 1, yarn over (yo), knit to end. (4 stitches)
• Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
• Row 3 (RS): Knit 1, yo, knit to end. (5 stitches)
• Row 4 (WS): Purl across.

Repeat Rows 3-4 until you have 15 stitches.

Shape the Spadix (center spike)

• Next Row (RS): Knit 1, yo, knit 1, yo, knit 1, yo, knit to end. (18 stitches)
• Next Row (WS): Purl across.
• Next Row (RS): Knit 1, yo, knit 1, yo, knit 1, yo, knit to end. (21 stitches)
• Next Row (WS): Purl across.
• Next Row (RS): Knit 1, yo, knit 1, yo, knit 1, yo, knit to end. (24 stitches)
• Next Row (WS): Purl across.

Shape the Spathe (petal)

• Row 1 (RS): Knit 1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1. (22 stitches)
• Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
• Row 3 (RS): Knit 1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1. (20 stitches)
• Row 4 (WS): Purl across.

Repeat Rows 3-4 until 4 stitches remain.

• Next Row (RS): Knit 1, ssk, knit 1. (3 stitches)
• Next Row (WS): Purl across.

Bind off.

Assembly

1. Sew the Bag Body: With MC, sew the two bag pieces together along the sides and bottom using a mattress stitch or whip stitch, leaving the top open. Ensure the right sides are facing out for a neat finish.
2. Create the Hem: Fold the top edge of the bag down about 1 inch to create a hem. Sew in place using MC yarn, leaving a small opening (about 1/2 inch) for the drawstring to pass through.
3. Make the Drawstring: Cut two 40-inch lengths of MC. Twist them together tightly, then fold in half and let them twist around each other to form a cord. Knot the ends to prevent unraveling.
4. Insert Drawstring: Thread the drawstring through the hem casing using a safety pin or bodkin. Adjust so both ends are even.
5. Attach the Lily Motif: Position the calla lily motif on the front of the bag, centered about 3 inches from the top edge. Sew it securely using CC yarn, stitching through the base of the motif and the bag fabric.
6. Finish: Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Trim any excess yarn.

Your Cascading Calla Lily Market Bag is now complete! Enjoy your beautiful, handmade tote.