Whisker & Wool Market Tote Free Pattern – A Chunky Crochet Cat Face Carryall

Are you a cat lover looking for your next cozy crochet project? This Whisker & Wool Market Tote is the perfect blend of function and whimsy. Featuring a minimalist cat face motif on a sturdy, chunky base, this bag is ideal for carrying your yarn stash, groceries, or library books. The dense single crochet stitch and soft cotton-wool blend create a durable yet cuddly companion for everyday use. Best of all, this pattern is beginner-friendly and works up quickly with super bulky yarn. Let's dive into creating this adorable, handcrafted carryall!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crochet session:

• Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (super bulky, 80% acrylic, 20% wool) – 2 skeins in Oatmeal (MC), 1 skein in Charcoal (CC1), and 1 skein in Gold (CC2)
• Hook: US Size N/P (10 mm) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends and sewing pieces, stitch markers to track rounds
• Gauge: 8 sc x 9 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) with MC and N hook. Always check your gauge to ensure the bag comes out the right size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Notes: This pattern is worked in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round. The bag is constructed from the bottom up, and the cat face is added afterward using surface crochet and embroidery techniques.

Bottom of Bag (Worked in Rounds)

Start with the base of your tote, which will form a flat, sturdy circle.

• Round 1: With MC, make a magic ring, ch 1, work 8 sc into ring. (8 sts)
• Round 2: Work 2 sc in each st around. (16 sts)
• Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (32 sts)
• Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (40 sts)
• Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48 sts)
• Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (56 sts)
• Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (64 sts)
• Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (72 sts)
• Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (80 sts) – This completes the base, which should measure about 10 inches in diameter.

Body of Bag (Worked in Rounds)

Now we'll build the height of the tote. This section is simple and repetitive, perfect for relaxing crochet.

• Rounds 11-30: Sc in each st around. (80 sts each round) – Continue working even until the bag measures about 12 inches from the center of the base.
• Round 31: Ch 1, turn work inside out (so the right side is facing out). Sc in each st around. (80 sts) – This turning creates a neat, defined edge at the top of the bag.
• Rounds 32-34: Sc in each st around. (80 sts) – Fasten off and weave in all loose ends securely.

Cat Face Motif (Worked Flat, Then Sewn On)

This is where the personality comes in! Create the ears, eyes, and nose separately, then attach them to the bag.

Ears (Make 2)

• With CC1 (Charcoal), ch 2.
• Row 1: 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (3 sts)
• Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in each st. (6 sts)
• Row 3: Ch 1, turn, *sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat 3 times. (9 sts)
• Row 4: Ch 1, turn, *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat 3 times. (12 sts) – Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Eyes (Make 2)

• With CC2 (Gold), ch 2.
• Round 1: Work 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st. (6 sts) – Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Nose

• With CC2 (Gold), ch 2.
• Row 1: 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (3 sts) – Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Assembly

Time to bring your cat to life! Follow these steps to position and attach all the facial features.

1. Position the Ears: Place the ears on the top edge of the bag, about 4 inches apart, centered on one side. Sew them on securely using the long tails and your tapestry needle.
2. Attach the Eyes: Position the eyes about 2 inches below the top edge, spaced 2 inches apart from each other. Sew them on firmly.
3. Sew the Nose: Place the nose between the eyes, slightly lower. Sew it in place.
4. Embroider the Whiskers and Mouth: Using CC1 (Charcoal), embroider a simple whisker on each side. Starting from the nose, make three straight stitches outward, about 1 inch long. Also, embroider a small mouth line from the nose downward to complete the face.

Handles (Make 2)

Finish your tote with sturdy, comfortable handles.

• With MC, ch 60.
• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (59 sts)
• Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (59 sts) – Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Attach the Handles: Sew each handle to the inside of the bag, on opposite sides, about 2 inches from the top edge. Make sure they are securely attached to support the weight of your items. Weave in all remaining ends.

Congratulations! Your Whisker & Wool Market Tote is complete. This charming bag is not only a practical accessory but also a delightful conversation starter. The chunky texture and adorable cat face make it a joy to carry and a wonderful gift for any feline enthusiast. Happy crocheting!