The Terra Cotta Vine Market Bag Free Pattern – A Chunky Knitted Tote with Woven Leaf Accents

The Terra Cotta Vine Market Bag: A Chunky Knitted Tote with Woven Leaf Accents

There's something deeply satisfying about carrying a handmade bag—especially one that's as beautiful as it is practical. The Terra Cotta Vine Market Bag is a chunky, textured tote that combines a sturdy stockinette body with hand-crocheted leaf motifs in a muted sage green. Whether you're heading to the farmers' market, the beach, or just want a stylish everyday carryall, this bag delivers on both form and function. The thick cotton yarn ensures durability, while the earthy color palette adds a boho touch to any outfit. Best of all, this pattern is beginner-friendly, with clear instructions that will guide you from cast-on to final stitch.

In this post, I'll walk you through everything you need to know—materials, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips—so you can create your own Terra Cotta Vine Market Bag with confidence. Let's dive in!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All items are readily available at your local craft store or online.

Yarn

• Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (worsted weight, 100% cotton) – This is the star of the show. It's durable, machine-washable, and holds its shape beautifully.
• Main Color (MC): Terracotta – 2 skeins (for the bag body and straps)
• Contrast Color (CC): Sage – 1 skein (for the leaf motifs)

Needles & Hooks

• US 8 (5 mm) knitting needles – for the bag body and straps
• US G/6 (4 mm) crochet hook – for the leaf accents

Notions

• Tapestry needle (for seaming and weaving in ends)
• Stitch holders (or scrap yarn) – to hold stitches for the back panel
• Scissors
• Measuring tape (optional, for strap length)

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch with US 8 needles. Be sure to check your gauge before starting—this ensures your bag comes out the right size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in three main parts: the bag body (knit flat), the leaf motifs (crocheted separately), and the assembly. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a gorgeous tote in no time.

Part 1: Bag Body (Knit Flat, Then Seamed)

Base

1. Cast on 40 stitches with MC using your US 8 needles. Leave a long tail (about 6 inches) for seaming later.
2. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 10 rows. This creates a sturdy, ribbed base that will give your bag structure.

Front Panel

3. Switch to stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side).
4. Work even for 40 rows in stockinette. This forms the front panel of your bag. You should have a rectangle that measures approximately 8.5 inches wide and 8 inches tall (including the garter base).
5. Place the stitches on a holder (or a piece of scrap yarn) and set aside.

Back Panel

6. Repeat steps 1–5 to create the back panel. You'll now have two identical rectangles.

Pro Tip: To avoid curling at the edges (common with stockinette), you can add a 2-stitch garter border on each side. Simply knit the first and last 2 stitches of every row, purling the middle stitches on WS rows. This is optional but gives a cleaner finish.

Part 2: Leaf Motif Panel (Crochet, Made Separately)

Now for the fun part—the leaf accents! These are crocheted in sage green and sewn onto the front panel in a vertical column.

Leaf Shape (Make 5)

1. With CC and your G/6 crochet hook, chain 12.
2. Row 1: Single crochet (sc) in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. You'll have 11 sc. Chain 1, turn.
3. Rows 2–10: Sc in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. (11 sc each row)
4. Row 11: Sc2tog (single crochet 2 together), sc in the next 7 stitches, sc2tog. You'll have 9 sc. Chain 1, turn.
5. Row 12: Sc2tog, sc in the next 5 stitches, sc2tog. You'll have 7 sc. Chain 1, turn.
6. Row 13: Sc2tog, sc in the next 3 stitches, sc2tog. You'll have 5 sc. Chain 1, turn.
7. Row 14: Sc2tog, sc in the next 1 stitch, sc2tog. You'll have 3 sc. Chain 1, turn.
8. Row 15: Sc3tog (single crochet 3 together). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

This creates a leaf shape with a rounded bottom and pointed top. Repeat to make 5 leaves total.

Attaching the Leaves

9. Lay your front panel flat with the right side facing up.
10. Arrange the 5 leaves in a vertical line down the center of the panel, overlapping slightly (about 1/4 inch overlap). The pointed tips should face upward.
11. Using a tapestry needle and CC yarn, sew each leaf in place with small, discreet stitches along the edges. Make sure they're secure but not bulky.

Pro Tip: If you want a more dimensional look, stuff a tiny bit of fiberfill under each leaf before sewing it down. This gives a subtle 3D effect.

Part 3: Assembly

Seaming the Bag

1. Place the front and back panels with right sides together, aligning the edges.
2. Using a tapestry needle and MC yarn, sew the side seams and bottom seam using mattress stitch (or whip stitch). Leave the top open.
3. Turn the bag right side out. The leaf motif should be on the front.

Straps (Knit)

4. With MC, cast on 8 stitches using your US 8 needles.
5. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 60 rows, or until the strap reaches your desired length. A good rule of thumb: measure from your shoulder to your hip, then double it. For a standard market bag, 60 rows (about 10 inches) works well.
6. Bind off all stitches. Make a second strap the same way.

Attaching the Straps

7. Fold the top edge of the bag down about 1/2 inch (optional, for a cleaner finish).
8. Position each strap on the inside top edge of the bag, 4 inches from the side seams. Make sure the straps are parallel and not twisted.
9. Sew each strap securely using a tapestry needle and MC yarn. Use a whip stitch or backstitch, going through both the strap and the bag fabric. Reinforce with a second pass for extra durability.

Part 4: Finishing Touches

1. Weave in all loose ends using a tapestry needle. Be thorough—this ensures your bag won't unravel with use.
2. Block lightly to shape. Since this is cotton, you can wet block or steam block. Lay the bag flat, shape it, and let it dry completely. This helps even out the stitches and gives the bag a professional finish.

Pro Tip: If you want a stiffer base, you can sew a piece of plastic canvas or cardboard into the bottom of the bag before seaming. This helps it stand upright when filled.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—your very own Terra Cotta Vine Market Bag! This project is perfect for a weekend afternoon, and the result is a stunning, functional accessory you'll be proud to carry. The combination of chunky knit texture and delicate crocheted leaves makes it a true conversation starter.

I'd love to see your finished bags! Tag me in your photos on social media, and don't forget to share this pattern with a fellow crafter. Happy knitting (and crocheting)!

Looking for more free patterns? Check out our other knitted bag tutorials for more inspiration.