Violet Market Tote Free Pattern – A Knitted Farmer's Market Carryall

Introducing the Violet Market Tote: A Knitted Farmer's Market Carryall

There is something deeply satisfying about knitting a bag that is as beautiful as it is useful. The Violet Market Tote is exactly that—a sturdy, textured carryall knitted in a rich ombre of violet hues, from deep purple to light lavender. Designed for the modern maker, this tote is perfect for carrying fresh produce from the farmer's market, a stack of library books, or your daily essentials. The dense stockinette stitch and reinforced garter stitch base ensure durability, while the gradient color transition adds a touch of elegance to your everyday carry.

This free knitting pattern is beginner-friendly, using basic knit and purl stitches, and is worked flat in two identical panels before being seamed together. The result is a simple, rectangular tote with a flat bottom and sturdy handles that will quickly become your go-to bag. Let's dive into the materials and step-by-step instructions to create your own handmade masterpiece.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. The quality of your yarn will greatly affect the final look and durability of your tote, so choose a sturdy, worsted-weight cotton yarn for best results.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in three shades of violet (e.g., light lavender, medium violet, deep purple) – approximately 400g total. You will need roughly 150g of deep purple, 150g of medium violet, and 100g of light lavender.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles. If you prefer circular needles for comfort, a 24-inch circular needle works well for flat knitting.
• Notions: A tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, a stitch marker (optional), and scissors.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished bag matches the intended dimensions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This tote is knitted flat in two identical panels and then seamed together. The base is reinforced with a double-thickness garter stitch border, and the top features optional handle openings for a professional finish. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful bag in no time.

Panel 1 (Make 2)

You will knit two identical panels. Each panel consists of a reinforced base, a striped body, and a garter stitch top border.

Base

1. With deep purple yarn, cast on 40 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast on is recommended for a sturdy edge).
2. Knit 10 rows in garter stitch (knit every row). This forms the reinforced, bumpy base of the tote. The garter stitch creates a dense, durable fabric that will hold the shape of your bag.

Body

1. Switch to stockinette stitch. This means you will knit on the right side (RS) and purl on the wrong side (WS).
2. Work the following stripe sequence, changing colors at the end of a row. To avoid holes, twist the new yarn around the old yarn when changing colors.
3. Stripe sequence:
   • 10 rows deep purple
   • 10 rows medium violet
   • 10 rows light lavender
   • 10 rows medium violet
   • 10 rows deep purple
   • 10 rows medium violet
   • 10 rows light lavender
   • 10 rows medium violet
   • 10 rows deep purple
4. After completing the stripe sequence, knit 10 more rows in deep purple. This creates a solid section before the top border.

Top Border

1. Knit 8 rows in garter stitch (knit every row) with deep purple yarn. This mirrors the base and provides a clean, finished edge.
2. Bind off loosely. A loose bind-off ensures the top edge of the bag stretches comfortably. Use a larger needle or a stretchy bind-off method if needed.

Handle Openings (Optional but Recommended)

To create integrated handle openings, work the following on the last 4 rows of the top border. This is done before binding off.

1. On the first of these 4 rows, knit 8 stitches, bind off 4 stitches, knit 16 stitches, bind off 4 stitches, knit 8 stitches. You will have 32 stitches on your needle with two gaps.
2. On the next row, knit across, casting on 4 stitches over each bound-off section. This closes the gaps and creates two openings for your handles.
3. Knit the remaining 2 rows in garter stitch, then bind off loosely.

Seaming

1. Place the two panels together with right sides facing out (or in, depending on your preference for seam visibility). For a cleaner look, place right sides together and turn the bag right side out after seaming.
2. Using a tapestry needle and deep purple yarn, whip stitch the side seams together. Start from the bottom and work your way up.
3. Leave the top 2 inches open for the bag opening. If you created handle openings, ensure they align on both sides of the bag.
4. Weave in all loose ends securely using the tapestry needle.

Handles (Optional)

If you prefer longer handles than the integrated openings provide, knit two separate straps and sew them on.

1. Cast on 8 stitches with deep purple yarn.
2. Knit in garter stitch (knit every row) until the strap measures 18 inches.
3. Bind off loosely.
4. Repeat for the second strap.
5. Sew each strap to the inside of the bag at the top edge, centered over the handle openings. Use a sturdy whip stitch and reinforce with a few extra stitches for durability.

Finishing

1. Block the bag gently to even out the stitches and set the shape. Wet block by soaking the bag in lukewarm water, gently squeezing out excess water, and laying it flat to dry in the desired shape. Do not wring or twist.
2. Once dry, your Violet Market Tote is ready to use. Fill it with fresh produce, flowers, or your latest knitting project, and enjoy the compliments!

This pattern is a wonderful way to practice color changes and seaming while creating a practical, beautiful accessory. The dense cotton yarn ensures your tote will withstand heavy loads, and the ombre effect makes it a standout piece. Happy knitting!