The Harvest Basket Market Bag: A Chunky Knitted Tote with Woven Texture & Leather Handles

There is something deeply satisfying about knitting your own market bag—especially one that is as beautiful as it is functional. The Harvest Basket Market Bag is a sturdy, stylish tote knitted in a gorgeous honeycomb stitch that creates a dense, durable fabric. Whether you are hauling groceries, carrying farmers' market finds, or simply looking for an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags, this pattern delivers both form and function. The natural cotton yarn paired with warm terracotta leather handles gives this bag a rustic, artisan feel that elevates any shopping trip. Best of all, this pattern is beginner-friendly, using only knit, purl, and slip stitches to create a stunning textured fabric.

In this post, I will walk you through everything you need to know—from the materials and gauge to the step-by-step instructions for knitting the body, shaping the base, and adding the handles. By the end, you will have a beautiful, handcrafted tote that you will be proud to carry everywhere.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All materials are readily available at most craft stores or online.

Yarn

• Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (100% mercerized cotton, 100g/180yds)
• Color A (Natural): 3 skeins
• Color B (Terracotta): 1 skein

This mercerized cotton yarn is an excellent choice for market bags—it is strong, washable, and has a lovely sheen that enhances the honeycomb stitch definition. The natural cream color is versatile, while the terracotta adds a warm, earthy pop of color.

Needles

• US 8 (5mm) circular needles, 24-inch length (for the body)
• US 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles (for the I-cord handles)

Other Supplies

• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and assembly
• Stitch marker
• Warm iron (for pressing the top casing)
• Optional: Leather handles for a polished finish

Gauge

18 stitches x 24 rows = 4 inches in honeycomb stitch (blocked)

Be sure to check your gauge before starting. If your gauge is off, the bag may end up too large or too small. Adjust your needle size as needed to match the gauge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round from the top down. The honeycomb stitch creates a dense, textured fabric that is both sturdy and beautiful. Follow along carefully, and you will have a gorgeous market bag in no time.

Size & Abbreviations

Finished Size: Approximately 14 inches wide x 16 inches tall (excluding handles)

Abbreviations:

• CO – cast on
• K – knit
• P – purl
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• Rnd – round
• K2tog – knit two together
• P2tog – purl two together
• Sl – slip
• WYIF – with yarn in front

Special Stitch – Honeycomb Pattern (Worked in the Round)

This stitch pattern creates the beautiful woven texture of the bag. It is a simple 4-round repeat that uses slipped stitches to create the honeycomb effect.

• Rnd 1: *Sl 1 WYIF, K1* repeat to end
• Rnd 2: *P1, K1* repeat to end
• Rnd 3: *K1, Sl 1 WYIF* repeat to end
• Rnd 4: *K1, P1* repeat to end

Note: When slipping stitches with yarn in front (WYIF), simply move the yarn to the front of the work, slip the stitch purlwise, then move the yarn back to the back before knitting the next stitch. This is what creates the elongated, woven look of the honeycomb pattern.

Body of the Bag

With Color A (Natural), CO 96 stitches onto your circular needle. Place a stitch marker and join in the round, being very careful not to twist the stitches.

Work in the honeycomb pattern for 12 inches, ending after Rnd 4 of the pattern. This will give you a nice, tall bag body. The dense fabric will hold its shape well, even when filled with heavy groceries.

Base Shaping

Now it is time to shape the bottom of the bag. This is done by working a series of decrease rounds that gather the base into a flat, sturdy bottom.

• Rnd 1: *K6, K2tog* repeat to end (84 sts)
• Rnd 2: *K5, K2tog* repeat to end (72 sts)
• Rnd 3: *K4, K2tog* repeat to end (60 sts)
• Rnd 4: *K3, K2tog* repeat to end (48 sts)
• Rnd 5: *K2, K2tog* repeat to end (36 sts)
• Rnd 6: *K1, K2tog* repeat to end (24 sts)
• Rnd 7: *K2tog* repeat to end (12 sts)

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 12 stitches. Pull tight to close the hole, and weave in the end securely.

Handles (Make 2)

The handles are knitted in a simple I-cord, which creates a sturdy, round cord that is perfect for carrying heavy loads. You will make two identical handles.

With Color B (Terracotta), CO 8 stitches onto double-pointed needles. Work in I-cord for 18 inches. To work an I-cord:

1. Knit across the 8 stitches.
2. Slide the stitches to the other end of the needle (do not turn the work).
3. Pull the yarn tightly across the back and knit across again.
4. Repeat until the cord measures 18 inches.

Bind off all stitches. Repeat to make the second handle.

Assembly

Now it is time to assemble your bag. This step creates a clean, professional finish and securely attaches the handles.

1. Fold the top edge: Fold the top edge of the bag over 1 inch and press with a warm iron to create a sharp crease. This will form the casing for the handles.
2. Whipstitch the casing: Using Color B (Terracotta) and a tapestry needle, whipstitch the folded edge down to create a casing. Be sure to sew through both layers of fabric to secure it firmly.
3. Thread the handles: Thread each I-cord handle through the casing, positioning them opposite each other. You can use a safety pin or a large tapestry needle to help pull the cords through.
4. Sew the handles: Sew the ends of each I-cord securely to the inside of the bag. Make sure they are firmly attached, as they will bear the weight of your groceries.
5. Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in any remaining yarn ends.

Finishing Touches

Block the bag lightly to even out the stitches and give it a polished look. To block, dampen the bag with water and lay it flat to dry, shaping it as needed.

If you want an even more refined look, you can attach leather handles over the I-cord handles. Simply sew them in place using a strong thread or yarn. This adds a touch of elegance and makes the bag feel even more luxurious.

Final Thoughts

The Harvest Basket Market Bag is a wonderful project for knitters of all skill levels. The honeycomb stitch is easy to master, and the result is a dense, textured fabric that is both beautiful and practical. Whether you are knitting it for yourself or as a gift, this bag is sure to be a favorite. It is eco-friendly, reusable, and handmade with love—what more could you want?

I hope you enjoy knitting this pattern as much as I enjoyed writing it. Happy knitting, and happy farmers' market shopping!