Blue Sky Fibers Market Tote Bag Crochet Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Market Tote in Skinny Cotton

What Is Being Made

The Market Tote is a sturdy, structured crochet bag designed by Valerie Teppo. This tote combines functionality with visual interest through its unique front and back panel finishing texture. The bag is sized at 15¼" in length and is constructed to handle everyday carrying needs. An optional fabric lining can be added for increased durability and shape retention, or scrap pieces of lining fabric can be used to cover the magnetic snap closure.

Crochet Techniques Used

This Advanced Beginner level project employs several fundamental and intermediate crochet techniques to create its structured appearance and textured surface. The construction method involves creating separate panel pieces that are then joined together using single crochet and slip stitch seaming with right sides together.

• Front and Back Panels: Built using single crochet (sc) as the primary stitch for most rows, creating a dense, stable fabric base
• Textured Finishing: Front post double crochet (fpdc) stitches are strategically incorporated in alternating rows to create the unique textured appearance that distinguishes this tote
• Double Crochet Sections: Double crochet (dc) stitches are introduced in row 17 and used in combination with fpdc stitches to build dimensional texture
• Reverse Single Crochet Edge: The final row features reverse single crochet (rev sc), a finishing technique that creates a polished, corded edge detail
• Panel Assembly: Pieces are joined using single crochet seaming with right sides together, then the bottom is attached to the lower edges of all panels
• Handle Attachment: Handles are sewn to the tote using whip stitch, positioned 2" from side seams and 2½" from the top edge

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes a focused selection of crochet stitches to achieve both structure and texture:

• Single Crochet (sc) – the foundation stitch for dense, stable fabric
• Double Crochet (dc) – used to add height and create textured sections
• Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) – creates dimensional texture by working around the post of stitches from previous rows
• Reverse Single Crochet (rev sc) – finishing stitch for a decorative corded edge
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – used for joining panels together
• Chain (ch) – foundation and turning chains throughout

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The tote is worked in Blue Sky Fibers Skinny Cotton, a lightweight cotton yarn. The pattern requires 7 hanks of Skinny Cotton (each hank is 65g/150 yards), providing ample yardage for the complete project. The photo shown features the Zinc colorway (#304).

Hook and Notions: A Size G/6 (4mm) crochet hook is used throughout the project. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, a magnetic snap for closure, a sewing needle with matching thread for attaching the lining and handles, and optional 5" x 14" (12.5 x 35.5 cm) cardboard for reinforcing the bottom. Optional lining fabric requires .75 yard (.75 meter) of material.

Construction Overview

The Market Tote is constructed in separate pieces that are assembled together. Two bottom panels are crocheted first, establishing the base of the bag. The front and back panels are then worked, incorporating the textured fpdc pattern that gives the tote its distinctive appearance. Two handles are crocheted separately using single crochet in the round. All pieces are blocked to finished measurements before assembly. The bottom panels are joined to the front and back panels using single crochet seaming, and the side panels are attached in the same manner. The handles are then sewn to the interior sides of the tote using whip stitch, positioned to distribute weight evenly. The magnetic snap closure and optional lining complete the finished tote.