The Driftwood & Vine Market Tote: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Eco-Friendly Everyday Bag

Introducing the Driftwood & Vine Market Tote

Carry your essentials in style with this uniquely textured, eco-friendly market tote, knitted in a beautiful blend of recycled cotton and linen. The Driftwood & Vine Tote features a stunning, organic stitch pattern that mimics woven branches, making it a modern and sustainable accessory for any season. This free pattern is designed for beginner to intermediate knitters who want a practical, stylish bag that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your wardrobe.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight recycled cotton/linen blend (approx 350 yds) in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC) - Natural Linen
  • Contrast Color (CC) - Driftwood Gray
• Needles:
  • US 7 (4.5mm) 24-inch circular needle (for working in the round)
  • US 7 (4.5mm) straight needles (for the strap)
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors
• Gauge: 18 sts x 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch (blocked)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations

CO = cast on, k = knit, p = purl, st(s) = stitch(es), rnd(s) = round(s), rep = repeat, MC = Main Color, CC = Contrast Color, k2tog = knit two together, ssk = slip slip knit, yo = yarn over, pm = place marker, sm = slip marker

Pattern Notes

The bag is worked in the round from the bottom up. The stitch pattern creates a dense, textured fabric that is perfect for carrying heavy items. The strap is worked flat and sewn on.

BAG BODY

Base (worked flat):

1. With MC, CO 30 sts.
2. Row 1 (WS): Knit.
3. Row 2 (RS): Knit.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: Knit.
6. Rep Rows 1-4 until piece measures 12 inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row. Do not bind off. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail.

Sides (worked in the round):

1. With RS facing, using circular needle, pick up and knit 1 st in each row along the long side of the base (approx 48 sts). Then, pick up and knit 1 st in each CO st along the short side (30 sts). Then, pick up and knit 1 st in each row along the other long side (48 sts). Finally, pick up and knit 1 st in each bound-off st along the remaining short side (30 sts). You will have 156 sts total. Place marker for beginning of round and join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: Purl.
4. Rnd 3: *K2, p2; rep from * around.
5. Rnd 4: *P2, k2; rep from * around.
6. Rnd 5: Knit.
7. Rnd 6: Purl.
8. Rnd 7: *P2, k2; rep from * around.
9. Rnd 8: *K2, p2; rep from * around.
10. Rep Rnds 1-8 until bag measures 10 inches from base, ending with Rnd 8.

Eyelet Round (for drawstring):

1. Rnd 1: *K2, yo, k2tog; rep from * around.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: Purl.
4. Rnd 4: Knit.
5. Bind off loosely in knit.

STRAP (make 2)

1. With straight needles and CC, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 (RS): K1, *p1, k1; rep from * to end.
3. Row 2: P1, *k1, p1; rep from * to end.
4. Rep Rows 1-2 until strap measures 24 inches from CO edge. Bind off in pattern.

FINISHING

1. Weave in all ends. Block the bag to shape (optional).
2. Sew the ends of each strap to the inside of the bag, approximately 4 inches from the top edge and 3 inches from the side seams. Ensure straps are evenly spaced.

DRAWSTRING (optional)

1. With MC, make a twisted cord or crochet chain approximately 40 inches long.
2. Weave through the eyelet round. Tie ends together.

Enjoy your new Driftwood & Vine Market Tote—a sustainable, stylish companion for all your daily adventures!