A stylish market tote perfect for outdoor markets

This post contains affiliate links. That means, if you purchase something using the link, I receive a small commission. You don’t pay any extra and your information is safe. Thanks for supporting my small business.

This market tote will quickly become your go-to favorite when heading out to the farmer’s markets. Read on to see why!

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions I hear every year is the desire to reduce waste and save the environment. For most of us, that means getting rid of plastic bags and disposable items that won’t break down in landfills.

Market totes and bags have become a popular choice for replacing plastic bags. It’s a stylish way to do your part to reduce unnecessary waste.

The Pathways Market Tote ticks all the boxes. It’s reusable, easy care and durable for repeated uses. It’s fashionable AND functional at the same time. It’s perfect for farmer’s markets because you can be confident it will bear the weight of all that precious produce!

Design + Inspiration

The Pathways Market Tote is designed to be easily slung over one shoulder, freeing your hands for other things. Its generous size and sturdy construction mean you can carry heavy produce with confidence. Plus, I designed it to be stylish and fashionable – turn some heads!

The construction of the tote is pretty straightforward.

The flat circle bottom is worked in continuous rounds without joining.
The body of the market tote is worked in alternating sections of solid single crochet and the crossed double crochet, one of my all-time favorite stitches.
The single strap is worked from both sides of the top of the body and joined in one seam at the center of the strap.
The edges of the strap are finished off in a row of single crochet to prevent the strap from stretching.

Closeup of the crossed double crochet stitch — The crossed double crochet stitch

About the yarn

Typically, I choose a mercerized cotton for a tote like this because it’s sturdy, it doesn’t stretch with repeated use, and it retains its beautiful color and definition with repeated washing.

However, for this one I wanted to try Lion Brand’s “Re-Tweed” because the colors were just so beautiful. Instead of being cotton, this yarn is 40% wool, 40% polyester and 20% acrylic. The wool gives it a bit of a scratchy feel but that shouldn’t be a problem because this isn’t a garment. And, each skein comes in a generous 3.5oz size.

The medium to large size of the tote means you’ll need 3 skeins of this yarn. But, it won’t feel like you have a massive bag on your shoulder even though you’ll be able to carry plenty of groceries.

Pinterest image with pictures of market tote

What’s included in the crochet pattern?

Detailed written instructions
A handy schematic for getting just the right measurements
A crochet chart that shows stitch placement in the body section

Here’s everything you need to know about the Pathways Market Tote crochet pattern!

Written in English using US crochet terminology
Skill level: Advanced beginner (because of various construction techniques and finishing details)

Finished size: Approx. 15″ (width laid flat) x 10″ (height of body) x 14.25″ (strap length to center seam)

Yarn: Lion Brand “Re-Tweed” – 3 skeins in Grapefruit (#104)
Hook: You’ll need 2 hooks – US H-8 (5mm) for the bottom and US I-9 (5.5mm) for the rest of the tote