The Meadowlark Market Tote: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Striped, and Lined Summer Bag

The Meadowlark Market Tote: Your New Favorite Summer Knit

Carry your farmers' market finds in style with this generously sized, fully lined tote. The textured stitch pattern and vibrant color stripes create a modern, heirloom-quality accessory that’s as functional as it is beautiful. Whether you’re a confident beginner or an intermediate knitter, this pattern is designed to be both rewarding and practical. Let’s get started!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials will help you achieve the look and feel of the sample, but feel free to substitute with similar worsted weight yarns.

Yarn

• Worsted weight cotton or cotton-linen blend (approx 400-500 yds total).
• Color A (Main): 250 yards (e.g., warm cream)
• Color B (Stripe 1): 100 yards (e.g., soft sage green)
• Color C (Stripe 2): 100 yards (e.g., dusty terracotta)

Needles & Notions

• US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, 24-inch (60 cm) length, or size to obtain gauge.
• Tapestry needle for weaving ends.
• Sewing needle and thread to match lining fabric.
• Stitch markers (optional, for counting rows).

Lining (Optional but Recommended)

• ½ yard of cotton or quilting fabric (approx 15” x 17”).
• Coordinating thread.

Gauge & Abbreviations

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, blocked. 22 sts and 30 rows = 4 inches in textured stitch pattern. Take time to check gauge for best results.

Abbreviations:
CO = cast on
K = knit
P = purl
st(s) = stitch(es)
RS = right side
WS = wrong side
k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
ssk = slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
pm = place marker
sm = slip marker
BO = bind off

Step-by-Step Instructions

Finished Dimensions

Approximately 14 inches (36 cm) wide x 16 inches (41 cm) tall (excluding handles).

Textured Stitch Pattern (Multiple of 4 + 2)

This pattern creates a beautiful ribbed texture at the top of the bag. Practice on a swatch if needed.

• Row 1 (RS): K2, *p2, k2; repeat from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): P2, *k2, p2; repeat from * to end.
• Row 3 (RS): P2, *k2, p2; repeat from * to end.
• Row 4 (WS): K2, *p2, k2; repeat from * to end.

Bag Body (Worked Flat in One Piece, Then Seamed)

1. Cast On: With Color A, CO 86 sts.
2. Textured Border: Work in Textured Stitch Pattern for 10 rows (approx 1.5 inches). This creates a sturdy, decorative top edge.
3. Stockinette Body: Continue in Stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) for the remainder of the body, incorporating stripes as follows:
   • Work 12 rows Color A.
   • Work 6 rows Color B.
   • Work 12 rows Color A.
   • Work 6 rows Color C.
   • Repeat from * until piece measures 14 inches (36 cm) from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. Tip: Use a row counter or mark every 12 rows to keep track of stripes.

Shape Bottom (Decrease Section)

This creates a flat, sturdy base for your tote.

1. Row 1 (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (84 sts)
2. Row 2 (WS): Purl.
3. Repeat these 2 rows until 10 sts remain, ending with a WS row. You will have worked 38 decrease rows total (19 RS rows).
4. Next Row (RS): K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. (8 sts)
5. Next Row (WS): Purl.
6. Next Row (RS): K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. (6 sts)
7. Next Row (WS): Purl.
8. BO all sts loosely. Do not cut yarn yet—use it for seaming if desired.

Finishing the Bag Body

1. Fold and Seam: Fold the bag in half with RS together, matching the cast-on edge to the bound-off edge. Seam the side edges using mattress stitch or a whip stitch, leaving the top open. For a neat finish, use the same Color A yarn or a matching thread.
2. Weave in all ends from the body.

Handles (Make 2)

I-cord handles are strong and comfortable to carry.

1. Cast On: With Color A, CO 8 sts onto a double-pointed needle or using the magic loop method.
2. Work I-cord: Knit 8 sts. Slide sts to the other end of the needle, pull yarn tightly across the back, and knit 8 sts again. Repeat until the cord measures 22 inches (56 cm) or your desired length. Tip: Keep tension even for a uniform cord.
3. BO all sts. Weave in ends.
4. Attach Handles: Sew each handle securely to the inside of the bag, approximately 4 inches (10 cm) from the side seams and 1 inch (2.5 cm) down from the top edge. Use a whip stitch and reinforce with a few extra stitches for durability.

Lining (Optional but Recommended)

A lining adds structure and prevents items from slipping through stitches.

1. Cut Fabric: Cut a piece of fabric measuring 15 inches (38 cm) wide x 17 inches (43 cm) tall.
2. Sew Lining: Fold in half with RS together, seam the sides and bottom, leaving a ½-inch seam allowance. Press seams open.
3. Insert Lining: Turn right side out. Insert lining into bag, fold top edge under ½ inch, and hand-stitch to the inside of the bag just below the cast-on edge. Add a small pocket if desired by sewing a rectangle of fabric to the lining before inserting.

Final Steps

• Weave in all remaining ends.
• Block gently to shape. Lay flat, mist with water, and smooth out any wrinkles. Allow to dry completely.

Your Meadowlark Market Tote is now ready for its first adventure! Fill it with fresh produce, books, or beach essentials—it’s as versatile as it is beautiful. Happy knitting!