Sunlit Meadow Market Tote Free Pattern – Crochet a Breezy Boho Carryall

There's something magical about a handmade market bag—it carries not just your groceries or beach essentials, but also the warmth of your own creativity. The Sunlit Meadow Market Tote is designed to be your go-to summer companion, blending airy mesh stitches with sturdy single crochet for a bag that's both breathable and durable. The warm terracotta and cream stripes evoke sun-drenched fields and golden afternoons, making every trip to the farmers' market feel like a mini vacation.

This pattern is beginner-friendly, worked in simple rounds and rows, and uses just two colors of worsted weight cotton yarn. Whether you're new to crochet or a seasoned maker looking for a quick weekend project, this tote will become a staple in your handmade collection. Let's dive in and create something beautiful together!

Materials Needed

Before we begin, gather your supplies. Here's everything you'll need to bring your Sunlit Meadow Market Tote to life:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in two colors:
  • Terracotta (MC - Main Color): Approximately 250g (about 5 skeins)
  • Cream (CC - Contrast Color): Approximately 150g (about 3 skeins)
• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Other Tools: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional but helpful)

Gauge: 16 single crochet (sc) x 18 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) in single crochet. Always check your gauge to ensure your bag turns out the right size!

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in three main parts: the bag body (bottom-up in rounds), the mesh pattern (joined rounds), and the top border with handles. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful tote in no time.

Part 1: Bag Body (Worked in Rounds, Bottom-Up)

We'll start by creating a flat, oval base using single crochet increases. This gives the bag a sturdy foundation that can hold plenty of goodies.

Round 1: With MC, chain (ch) 2, work 6 single crochet (sc) in the 2nd ch from the hook. (6 sc)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each sc around. (12 sc)

Round 3: *Sc in the next sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (18 sc)

Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (24 sc)

Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (30 sc)

Round 6: *Sc in the next 4 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (36 sc)

Round 7: *Sc in the next 5 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (42 sc)

Round 8: *Sc in the next 6 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (48 sc)

Round 9: *Sc in the next 7 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (54 sc)

Round 10: *Sc in the next 8 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (60 sc)

Round 11: *Sc in the next 9 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (66 sc)

Round 12: *Sc in the next 10 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (72 sc)

Round 13: *Sc in the next 11 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (78 sc)

Round 14: *Sc in the next 12 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (84 sc)

Round 15: *Sc in the next 13 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (90 sc)

Round 16: *Sc in the next 14 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (96 sc)

Round 17: *Sc in the next 15 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (102 sc)

Round 18: *Sc in the next 16 sc, 2 sc in the next sc* repeat around. (108 sc)

Great job! Your base is complete. Now we'll move on to the beautiful mesh pattern that gives this tote its airy, boho look.

Part 2: Mesh Pattern (Worked in Joined Rounds with Ch-1 Turning Chain)

This section creates the open, diamond-shaped gaps that make the bag breathable and stylish. We'll alternate colors every round to create the sun-kissed stripes.

Round 19 (CC): Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, *ch 3, skip 2 sc, sc in the next sc* repeat around, ending with ch 3, skip 2 sc, slip stitch (sl st) to the first sc. (36 ch-3 spaces)

Round 20 (MC): Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, *ch 3, sc in the next sc (the sc from the previous round)* repeat around, sl st to the first sc.

Round 21 (CC): Repeat Round 20.

Round 22 (MC): Repeat Round 20.

Round 23 (CC): Repeat Round 20.

Round 24 (MC): Repeat Round 20.

Round 25 (CC): Repeat Round 20.

Round 26 (MC): Repeat Round 20.

Round 27 (CC): Repeat Round 20.

Round 28 (MC): Repeat Round 20.

Round 29 (CC): Repeat Round 20.

Round 30 (MC): Repeat Round 20.

Tip: When working the mesh pattern, make sure your ch-3 spaces are consistent. The sc stitches should stack on top of each other vertically, creating neat columns.

Part 3: Top Border (Worked in Rows, Back and Forth)

Now we'll create a solid, dense border at the top of the bag to give it structure and a finished look.

Row 1 (CC): Ch 1, sc in each sc and in each ch-3 space across the top edge. Work 1 sc in each sc and 3 sc in each ch-3 space. Turn. (108 sc)

Row 2 (MC): Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn.

Row 3 (CC): Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Fasten off.

Part 4: Handles (Make 2)

These sturdy handles are worked in simple rows and will be sewn to the inside of the bag.

Row 1: With MC, ch 10, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (9 sc) Turn.

Rows 2-30: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing.

Part 5: Assembly

Now it's time to bring all the pieces together!

1. Fold the top border: Fold the top border down about 1 inch (2.5 cm) to create a casing. This will give the bag a neat, finished edge and add extra strength.
2. Attach the handles: Using the long tails left on the handles, sew each handle to the inside of the bag. Place them about 3 inches (7.5 cm) apart from each other on each side. Make sure they're securely attached by sewing through both the handle and the folded border.
3. Weave in all ends: Use your yarn needle to weave in any loose ends from color changes and the beginning/end of rounds. This will keep your bag looking clean and professional.

And there you have it—your very own Sunlit Meadow Market Tote! Give it a gentle stretch to shape it, and it's ready for its first adventure.

Final Thoughts

This tote is as versatile as it is beautiful. Use it for grocery runs, beach days, library trips, or as a stylish everyday carryall. The cotton yarn makes it machine-washable (gentle cycle, lay flat to dry), so it's as practical as it is pretty.

I'd love to see your finished Sunlit Meadow Market Tote! Share your photos on social media with the hashtag #SunlitMeadowTote and tag me so I can admire your handiwork. Happy crocheting, and may your days be filled with sunshine and beautiful yarn!