Verdant Vine Market Tote Free Pattern – Knitted Textured Leaf Bag

Verdant Vine Market Tote Free Pattern – Knitted Textured Leaf Bag

Carry your farmers' market finds in this lush, leafy knitted tote that feels like a walk through an evergreen forest. The textured leaf stitch pattern and sturdy cotton yarn make this bag both beautiful and practical for everyday use. Whether you're hauling fresh produce, library books, or beach essentials, this botanical-inspired market tote combines rustic charm with durable construction. Best of all, this free knitting pattern is beginner-friendly, with clear instructions that break down the leaf motif into simple, repeatable steps.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in Forest Green (MC) and Cream (CC) – approximately 400 yards MC, 100 yards CC
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (adjust needle size if needed to match gauge)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bag is knitted flat in two identical panels and seamed together. The leaf motif is created using a combination of yarn overs, decreases, and slipped stitches, producing a dimensional, botanical texture that mimics overlapping evergreen leaves. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a gorgeous, sturdy tote in no time.

Panel 1 (Make 2)

Cast On: With MC, cast on 50 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.

Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 3: K5, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k5; repeat from * to end of row.

Row 4: Purl all stitches.

Row 5: K4, *k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k3; repeat from * to end of row.

Row 6: Purl all stitches.

Row 7: K3, *k2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk, k1; repeat from * to end of row.

Row 8: Purl all stitches.

Row 9: K2, *k2tog, yo, k7, yo, ssk; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.

Row 10: Purl all stitches.

Row 11: K1, *yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k1; repeat from * to last stitch, k1.

Row 12: Purl all stitches.

Row 13: K2, *yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k3; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.

Row 14: Purl all stitches.

Row 15: K3, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k5; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k3.

Row 16: Purl all stitches.

Row 17: K4, *yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k7; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k4.

Row 18: Purl all stitches.

Repeat: Repeat Rows 3–18 until the piece measures 12 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row (a purl row).

Top Border

Switch to CC (Cream). Knit 6 rows in garter stitch (knit every row). Bind off loosely to maintain a flexible edge.

Finishing

With right sides together, sew the side and bottom seams using mattress stitch, leaving the top open. Turn the bag right side out.

Handles (Make 2)

With MC, cast on 8 stitches. Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) until the handle measures 14 inches. Bind off.

Sew each handle to the inside top edge of the bag, spacing them 4 inches apart from the side seams. Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Finish

• Gauge matters: Always check your gauge before starting. If your stitches are too tight or loose, adjust your needle size accordingly to ensure the bag has the right structure and drape.
• Mark your rows: Use a stitch marker or a piece of scrap yarn to track your 16-row repeat. This will help you stay on pattern, especially when you're knitting multiple repeats.
• Cotton yarn behavior: Cotton doesn't have much stretch, so keep your tension even and relaxed. Avoid pulling yarn overs too tightly, as this can distort the leaf pattern.
• Seaming: Use mattress stitch for an invisible seam. Take your time—this step makes a huge difference in the final look of your bag.

This Verdant Vine Market Tote is the perfect weekend project for knitters looking to create something beautiful and functional. The textured leaf pattern is surprisingly simple once you get into the rhythm, and the sturdy cotton yarn ensures your bag will hold up to years of farmers' market adventures. Happy knitting!