The Dune Drifter Market Bag: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Bohemian Mesh Drawstring Bag

Escape the Ordinary: Knit Your Own Dune Drifter Market Bag

Are you ready to create a stylish, sustainable accessory that turns heads? The Dune Drifter Market Bag is the perfect project for knitters looking for a quick, satisfying make with a boho-chic edge. This free pattern combines an airy, textured mesh with earthy tones, making it ideal for farmers' market hauls or beach day essentials. Designed with beginners in mind, this bag is worked flat in two simple panels, then seamed together. The open lace stitch is easy to master, and the contrasting drawstrings add a pop of color. Let's dive into creating your new favorite summer bag!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact yarn and needle size will ensure your bag matches the intended gauge and look.

• Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (or any worsted weight cotton yarn) in 'Linen' (MC) - approx 250 yds, and 'Terracotta' (CC) - approx 100 yds. This cotton yarn provides excellent stitch definition and durability.
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge). For the I-cord drawstrings, you will also need a double-pointed needle (DPN) in the same size.
• Gauge: 18 stitches x 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge before starting to ensure the correct finished size.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, scissors, stitch markers (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps carefully. The pattern uses standard abbreviations, which are listed below for your convenience.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• yo: Yarn over
• k2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk: Slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
• st(s): Stitch(es)
• rep: Repeat
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side

Panel (Make 2)

You will knit two identical panels. Once seamed, they form the front and back of the bag.

1. Cast On: With MC, CO 40 stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches. (40 sts)
3. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches. (40 sts)
4. Row 3 (RS): K1, *yo, k2tog; rep from * to last stitch, K1. (40 sts - stitch count remains the same because each yo adds a stitch and each k2tog removes one).
5. Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches. (40 sts)
6. Repeat Rows 1-4 until the piece measures 12 inches from the cast-on edge, ending after completing a WS row (Row 2 or Row 4).
7. Begin Drawstring Casing: This section creates the channel for the drawstrings.
   • Next Row (RS): K1, *ssk, yo; rep from * to last stitch, K1. (40 sts - note the decrease is now ssk instead of k2tog to keep the mesh pattern balanced).
   • Next Row (WS): Purl all stitches. (40 sts)
   • Repeat these last two rows for 2 more inches. The casing should be about 2 inches deep.
8. Bind Off Loosely: Bind off all stitches loosely. A loose bind-off is crucial so the drawstring can slide easily. You can use a larger needle to bind off if needed.

Finishing

1. Seam the Panels: Place the two panels with right sides together. Using mattress stitch (or your preferred invisible seaming method), sew the side seams and bottom seam. Leave the top 2 inches (the casing section) open on both sides. This opening is where the drawstrings will enter and exit.
2. Turn Right Side Out: Carefully turn the bag right side out, pushing out the corners gently.
3. Make the Drawstrings (Make 2): With CC, CO 3 stitches onto a double-pointed needle. Work I-cord as follows: *Slide the stitches to the right end of the needle (do not turn the work), K3; rep from * until the cord measures 30 inches. Bind off. Repeat for the second drawstring.
4. Thread the Drawstrings: Thread one drawstring through the casing from one side, entering through the left opening and exiting through the right opening. Thread the second drawstring from the opposite side (entering right, exiting left). This allows the bag to close evenly when pulled.
5. Secure the Ends: Tie a knot at each end of both drawstrings to prevent them from slipping back through the casing.
6. Weave in Ends: Using a tapestry needle, weave in all loose yarn ends on the inside of the bag. Trim any excess.

Your Dune Drifter Market Bag is now complete! Enjoy your stylish, handmade accessory that's perfect for carrying your treasures. Happy knitting!