The Desert Bloom Market Tote: A Free Boho Crochet Pattern with Woven Suede Accents

Carry a piece of sun-drenched desert charm with this generously sized market tote. Featuring a rich tapestry of textured stitches and earthy, warm tones, this crocheted boho shoulder bag is as functional as it is beautiful. The woven suede handles and playful fringe add a tactile, artisanal finish that elevates everyday errands into a style statement. Whether you're heading to the farmer's market or a weekend getaway, this bag is your perfect companion.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in four colors:
  • Color A (Sand) – approx. 150g
  • Color B (Terracotta) – approx. 120g
  • Color C (Sage) – approx. 120g
  • Color D (Cream) – approx. 110g
  Total: approx. 500g
• Faux Suede Cord: 2 yards (for handles)
• Crochet Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9)
• Yarn Needle (for weaving in ends and attaching fringe)
• Stitch Markers (optional, but helpful for keeping track of rounds)

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bag Body (Worked in Continuous Rounds)

Note: Do not join rounds unless specified. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.

Base of the Bag (Increasing Rounds)

Round 1: With color A, make a magic ring, work 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)

Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Round 19: *Sc in next 17 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (114 sts)

Round 20: *Sc in next 18 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (120 sts)

Body of the Bag (Patterned Rounds)

Round 21-24: With color A, sc in each st around. (120 sts)

Round 25-28: Switch to color B, work *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat around. (120 sts) – This creates a beautiful ribbed texture.

Round 29-32: Switch to color C, work *sc in next st, dc in next st* repeat around. (120 sts) – A subtle alternating stitch pattern adds visual interest.

Round 33-36: Switch to color D, work *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (160 sts) – This increase flares the bag slightly for a relaxed silhouette.

Round 37-40: Switch to color A, work sc in each st around. (160 sts)

Round 41-44: Switch to color B, work *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat around. (160 sts)

Round 45-48: Switch to color C, work *sc in next st, dc in next st* repeat around. (160 sts)

Round 49-52: Switch to color D, work sc in each st around. (160 sts)

Round 53-56: Switch to color A, work *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat around. (160 sts)

Round 57-60: Switch to color B, work sc in each st around. (160 sts)

Round 61-64: Switch to color C, work *sc in next st, dc in next st* repeat around. (160 sts)

Round 65-68: Switch to color D, work *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat around. (160 sts)

Round 69-72: Switch to color A, work sc in each st around. (160 sts)

Top Edge and Handle Openings

Round 73: With color A, sc in each st around, but skip 20 sts for the first handle opening, ch 25, skip 20 sts, sc in next 60 sts, skip 20 sts for second handle opening, ch 25, skip 20 sts, sc in remaining 40 sts. (160 sts + 50 ch)

Round 74: Sc in each st and ch from previous round. (210 sts)

Round 75: Sc in each st around. (210 sts)

Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.

Woven Suede Handles

Cut two 1-yard lengths of faux suede cord. Thread one through the ch-25 spaces on each side, weaving in and out to create a braided effect. To achieve a beautiful woven look:

1. Start at one end of the chain space, insert the cord through the first chain loop.
2. Pull the cord through, leaving a 4-inch tail.
3. Continue weaving the cord in and out of each chain stitch, alternating over and under.
4. When you reach the other end, pull the cord taut and tie a secure knot.
5. Repeat for the second handle opening.
6. Tie knots at the ends to secure and trim excess cord.

Fringe (Optional but Recommended)

Cut 6-inch lengths of colors A, B, C, and D. Attach fringe evenly along the bottom edge of the bag using a lark's head knot, alternating colors. Here's how:

1. Fold a yarn strand in half to create a loop.
2. Insert your hook through the bottom edge stitch of the bag.
3. Catch the folded loop and pull it through the stitch.
4. Thread the two loose ends through the loop and pull tight.
5. Repeat across the bottom, alternating colors for a vibrant, bohemian look.
6. Trim fringe to your desired length, typically 3-4 inches.

Final Touches

Once all pieces are complete, give your bag a gentle steam block to even out the stitches and enhance the texture. Weave in any remaining ends, and your Desert Bloom Market Tote is ready to accompany you on all your adventures!

Happy crocheting, and enjoy your handmade boho masterpiece!