The June Market Tote: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Bohemian Summer Bag

Introducing the June Market Tote: Your New Favorite Summer Knit

Carry your farmers' market finds or beach day essentials in this generously sized, textured tote. The June Market Tote is knitted in a soft cotton-linen blend and features a beautiful woven-like stitch pattern that creates a subtle, basket-weave grid. With sturdy leather-look handles and a bohemian, rustic aesthetic, this bag is perfect for summer. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner, this free pattern will guide you through creating a stylish, functional accessory that's as practical as it is beautiful.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All measurements and yarn amounts are based on the original design.

• Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (or any worsted weight cotton/linen blend)
  • Color A (Main Body): 3 skeins in 'Terracotta'
  • Color B (Handles): 1 skein in 'Ecru'
• Needles & Tools:
  • US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
  • Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
  • Stitch markers (optional, for keeping track of pattern repeats)
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the finished size matches.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side
• Rep: Repeat

Pattern Notes

• The bag is worked flat in two pieces (front and back) and seamed together.
• The textured stitch pattern creates a woven, basket-like effect.
• Handles are added after seaming.

Front Panel (Make 1)

1. Cast On: With Color A, CO 64 sts.
2. Row 1 (RS): K4, *P4, K4; rep from * to end.
3. Row 2 (WS): P4, *K4, P4; rep from * to end.
4. Row 3: K4, *P4, K4; rep from * to end.
5. Row 4: P4, *K4, P4; rep from * to end.
6. Row 5: P4, *K4, P4; rep from * to end.
7. Row 6: K4, *P4, K4; rep from * to end.
8. Row 7: P4, *K4, P4; rep from * to end.
9. Row 8: K4, *P4, K4; rep from * to end.
10. Repeat: Repeat Rows 1-8 for pattern until piece measures 15 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
11. Bind Off: On the next RS row, bind off all sts loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls as you bind off).

Back Panel (Make 1)

Work exactly as Front Panel.

Finishing the Bag Body

1. Seam the Sides and Bottom: With RS together, sew side and bottom seams using mattress stitch or a whip stitch. Leave the top open. Tip: Use a tapestry needle and matching Color A yarn for invisible seams.
2. Turn Right Side Out: Carefully turn the bag so the RS faces outward.

Handles (Make 2)

1. Cast On: With Color B, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 (RS): K1, P1, K4, P1, K1.
3. Row 2 (WS): P1, K1, P4, K1, P1.
4. Repeat: Repeat Rows 1-2 until handle measures 18 inches (or desired length). Bind off loosely.

Attach Handles

1. Position: Fold each handle in half to find the center. Place handles on the inside of the bag, about 4 inches from each side seam. The handles should be parallel and evenly spaced.
2. Sew Securely: Using Color B yarn and a tapestry needle, sew each handle end to the inside of the bag. Reinforce with a few extra stitches to ensure durability.
3. Optional: Line the bag with fabric for added strength and to prevent items from slipping through the stitches.

Weave in all ends, and your June Market Tote is ready for its first adventure! Enjoy the compliments and the satisfaction of carrying a handmade, bohemian treasure.