Enchanted Orchard Market Bag Free Pattern – A Knitted Fruit Basket Tote

Carry your farmers' market finds in this charming knitted tote, featuring a textured basketweave stitch and a cheerful apple appliqué. It's a sturdy, stylish accessory that brings a touch of orchard charm to everyday errands. This free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners looking to expand their skills while creating a beautiful, eco-friendly reusable bag.

Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting your yarn journey, this market bag pattern offers a satisfying project that combines classic knitting techniques with a delightful crochet embellishment. The rustic red color and textured weave evoke images of autumn orchards and cozy farmhouse kitchens, making it a wonderful gift or a treat for yourself.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience:

Yarn

• Main Color (MC) – Rustic Red: Worsted weight cotton yarn, approximately 300g (about 600 yards). This forms the body of the bag and handles.
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1) – Cream: Worsted weight cotton yarn, approximately 50g (about 100 yards). Used for the apple appliqué body and stem.
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2) – Leaf Green: Worsted weight cotton yarn, approximately 20g (about 40 yards). Used for the apple leaf.

Needles & Hooks

• Knitting Needles: US Size 7 (4.5mm) – straight or circular, whichever you prefer for flat knitting.
• Crochet Hook: US Size G/6 (4.0mm) – for creating the apple appliqué.

Additional Supplies

• Yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful)
• Fiberfill stuffing (small amount for the apple)
• Measuring tape or ruler

Gauge

20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in basketweave stitch (knit) with MC yarn. Always check your gauge before starting to ensure your bag turns out the correct size. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully to create your Enchanted Orchard Market Bag. The pattern is broken down into manageable sections: the bag body, handles, and the adorable apple appliqué.

Bag Body (Knit in one piece, then seamed)

The bag is knitted flat as a single rectangle, then folded and seamed at the sides. This creates a seamless bottom and a clean, professional finish.

Foundation

With MC yarn and your size 7 knitting needles, cast on 60 stitches. Take your time to ensure an even cast-on edge, as this will become the bottom of your bag.

Garter Stitch Border

Rows 1-4: Knit all stitches. This creates a neat, sturdy garter stitch border at the bottom of the bag that will help it hold its shape.

Begin Basketweave Pattern

The basketweave stitch is created by alternating blocks of knit and purl stitches. This creates a beautiful, textured fabric that resembles woven baskets – perfect for a market bag!

Row 5 (RS - Right Side): Knit 4 (this is your garter border), *K6, P6; repeat from * to the last 4 stitches, Knit 4.

Row 6 (WS - Wrong Side): Knit 4, *P6, K6; repeat from * to the last 4 stitches, Knit 4.

Rows 7-10: Repeat Rows 5 and 6 two more times. You will now have four rows of the first basketweave block.

Row 11 (RS): Knit 4, *P6, K6; repeat from * to the last 4 stitches, Knit 4. Notice how the pattern is now offset – you're creating the opposite weave.

Row 12 (WS): Knit 4, *K6, P6; repeat from * to the last 4 stitches, Knit 4.

Rows 13-16: Repeat Rows 11 and 12 two more times. You've now completed the second block of the basketweave pattern.

Repeat Rows 5-16 until the piece measures 14 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong side row. This will give you a bag that's approximately 14 inches deep. The basketweave pattern will naturally create a beautiful, woven texture.

Top Border

Rows 1-4: Knit all stitches. This mirrors the bottom border and creates a clean, finished edge at the top of the bag.

Bind off all stitches loosely. A loose bind-off is essential here so the top of the bag doesn't pucker. You can use a larger needle to bind off if needed, or simply keep your tension relaxed.

Seaming

Fold the knitted piece in half with right sides together, matching the cast-on and bind-off edges. The fold will be the bottom of your bag. Using your yarn needle and MC yarn, sew the side seams, leaving the top open. Use a mattress stitch or whip stitch for a sturdy seam. Turn the bag right side out.

Handles (Make 2)

These sturdy handles are knitted in a simple garter stitch, making them strong and comfortable to hold.

With MC yarn, cast on 8 stitches.

Row 1: Knit all stitches.

Repeat Row 1 until the handle measures 12 inches long. This length is perfect for carrying over your shoulder or in your hand. Bind off all stitches.

Repeat to create the second handle. Sew each handle to the inside of the bag, placing them about 2 inches from the top edge and 3 inches apart. Make sure they're evenly spaced and securely attached. Reinforce the handles with a few extra stitches for durability.

Apple Appliqué (Crochet)

This adorable apple adds the perfect finishing touch to your market bag. It's crocheted in the round and then assembled with a leaf and stem.

Apple Body (with CC1 - Cream)

Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the ring tight to close.

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

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

Round 4: *Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch; repeat from * around (24 sc).

Rounds 5-7: Sc in each stitch around (24 sc). This creates the straight sides of the apple.

Round 8: *Sc in next 2 stitches, sc2tog (single crochet two together); repeat from * around (18 sc). This begins the shaping of the top of the apple.

Round 9: *Sc in next stitch, sc2tog; repeat from * around (12 sc).

Round 10: Sc2tog around (6 sc). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly with fiberfill to give the apple a plump shape, then sew the opening closed using the tail.

Leaf (with CC2 - Leaf Green)

Chain 6. Sc in 2nd chain from hook, hdc (half double crochet) in next, dc (double crochet) in next, hdc in next, sc in last. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. This creates a simple, elegant leaf shape.

Stem (with CC1 - Cream)

Chain 5. Sc in 2nd chain from hook and in each remaining chain. Fasten off. This creates a small, curled stem.

Assembly

Sew the leaf and stem to the top of the apple, positioning them to look natural. Then, sew the apple appliqué to the front center of the bag, just below the top garter stitch border. Make sure it's securely attached and centered.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all loose ends with your yarn needle. Give your bag a gentle blocking if desired – simply mist with water and lay flat to dry. This will help even out the stitches and give your bag a professional finish.

Your Enchanted Orchard Market Bag is now complete! This beautiful, eco-friendly tote is perfect for farmers' market trips, beach days, or as a stylish everyday bag. The combination of the textured basketweave stitch and the charming apple appliqué makes it a truly unique handmade creation.

We'd love to see your finished bags! Share your photos on social media using the hashtag #EnchantedOrchardBag and tag us. Happy crafting!