Meadow Breeze Market Tote Free Pattern

Introducing the Meadow Breeze Market Tote

Carry your essentials in style with this airy, textured market tote, perfect for farmers' market hauls or beach days. The combination of shell stitches and a sturdy base creates a beautiful, functional accessory that you'll reach for all summer long. This pattern is designed with beginners in mind—if you know basic single and double crochet, you're ready to create this boho-chic bag. The openwork texture is not only visually stunning but also gives the bag a lightweight feel, making it ideal for carrying produce, towels, or your latest library finds.

The Meadow Breeze Market Tote features a sage green main body with cream handles, creating a natural, earthy aesthetic that pairs beautifully with any outfit. The structured flat base ensures your belongings stay secure, while the wide, comfortable handles make it easy to carry even the heaviest loads. Let's dive into this rewarding project!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC) – Sage Green (approximately 400 yards)
  • Contrast Color (CC) – Cream (approximately 120 yards)
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch marker (optional)

Gauge: 14 sc x 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. Always check your gauge to ensure your bag turns out the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes Before You Start

• Worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated.
• Ch 1 at the beginning of rounds does not count as a stitch.
• Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round.

Base

The base is worked in a spiral, increasing evenly each round to create a flat circle. Follow these rounds carefully:

1. R1: With MC, make a magic ring, ch 1, 8 sc into ring. (8)
2. R2: 2 sc in each st around. (16)
3. R3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24)
4. R4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (32)
5. R5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (40)
6. R6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48)
7. R7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (56)
8. R8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (64)
9. R9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (72)
10. R10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (80)
11. R11: *Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (88)
12. R12: *Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (96)

Your base should now measure approximately 8-9 inches in diameter. If it's curling, your tension may be too tight; if it's ruffling, too loose.

Body

Now we'll create the beautiful openwork pattern. This section is worked in joined rounds.

13. R13: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (96)
14. R14: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 2 sts, *ch 1, skip 1 st, dc in next 3 sts* repeat from * to * around, ending with ch 1, skip last st, join with sl st to top of ch 3. (72 dc, 24 ch-1 spaces)
15. R15: Ch 1, sc in each dc and in each ch-1 space around, join with sl st. (96)
16. R16: Repeat R14.
17. R17: Repeat R15.
18. R18: Repeat R14.
19. R19: Repeat R15.
20. R20: Repeat R14.
21. R21: Repeat R15.
22. R22: Repeat R14.
23. R23: Repeat R15.
24. R24: Repeat R14.
25. R25: Repeat R15.
26. R26: Repeat R14.
27. R27: Repeat R15.

Pro tip: When working R14 and its repeats, make sure your ch-1 spaces align vertically. This creates the lovely vertical stripe effect in the openwork pattern.

Top Edge

These two rounds stabilize the top of the bag and prepare it for the handles.

28. R28: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st. (96)
29. R29: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st. (96)

Fasten off MC and weave in the end.

Handles (Make 2)

Switch to your Contrast Color (CC) cream yarn for the handles.

1. Row 1: With CC, ch 60, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (59)
2. Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (59)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches) for sewing.

Assembly

This is where your bag comes together!

1. Fold the top edge: Fold the top edge of the bag down about 1 inch (2.5 cm) to create a casing. This reinforces the top and gives it a clean, finished look.
2. Position the handles: Place the handles on the inside of the bag, positioning them about 3 inches (7.5 cm) from the side seams. Make sure they are evenly spaced on both sides.
3. Sew the handles: Using the long tail from each handle, sew the handles securely to the inside of the bag. Use a whip stitch or mattress stitch, going through both the handle and the folded top edge of the bag. Sew back and forth a few times for extra durability.
4. Weave in all ends: Use your yarn needle to weave in any remaining loose ends, hiding them between stitches.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You've just completed your very own Meadow Breeze Market Tote. This bag is as practical as it is beautiful—the cotton yarn is machine washable (lay flat to dry), and the openwork design means it folds flat for easy storage. Whether you're heading to the farmers' market, the beach, or just running errands, this tote will quickly become your go-to accessory.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different color combinations. A terracotta body with cream handles would be stunning for autumn, while a navy blue with white handles would be perfect for a nautical vibe. The possibilities are endless!

Happy crocheting, and enjoy your new favorite bag!