Aurora Bloom Market Tote Free Pattern – Knit a Radiant Floral Carryall

Carry a piece of the garden with you wherever you go with this stunning Aurora Bloom Market Tote. This free knitting pattern creates a vibrant, textured carryall featuring a breathtaking gradient of sunflower yellows, sky blues, and leaf greens, all topped with raised cream-colored floral motifs. Whether you're heading to the farmer's market, the beach, or just around town, this handmade tote is as practical as it is beautiful. The sturdy garter stitch base and smooth stockinette middle make it durable for everyday use, while the intricate flower details add a touch of handmade charm. Perfect for intermediate knitters looking for a rewarding project, this pattern is designed to be both functional and a true statement piece.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in 4 colors:
  • Color A: Sunflower Yellow (for top and strap)
  • Color B: Sky Blue (for middle section)
  • Color C: Cream (for floral motifs)
  • Color D: Leaf Green (for bottom)
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (important for correct sizing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bag is knitted flat in two identical panels and then seamed together, with a knitted i-cord strap. Follow these detailed instructions carefully to create your Aurora Bloom Market Tote.

Panel 1 (Front)

Foundation:

1. With Color A (Sunflower Yellow), cast on 40 stitches.
2. Rows 1-10: Work in garter stitch (knit every row). This creates the sturdy top border of the bag.

Sky Blue Stockinette Section:

3. Row 11: Switch to Color B (Sky Blue), knit across all 40 stitches.
4. Row 12: Purl across all stitches.
5. Repeat Rows 11-12 for a total of 20 rows (ending after a purl row). This creates the smooth stockinette middle section.

Floral Motif Section:

6. Row 31: With Color C (Cream), knit the first 10 stitches. Now, work the flower pattern over the next 20 stitches as follows:
   • Flower Pattern (repeat 4 times):
     1. (K1, yo, k1, yo, k1) all into the same stitch – this increases 1 stitch into 5 stitches.
     2. Turn your work, purl 5 stitches.
     3. Turn, knit 5 stitches.
     4. Turn, purl 5 stitches.
     5. Turn, k2tog, k1, k2tog (decrease from 5 stitches to 3), then pass the first stitch over the second, then over the third (pass first over second, then pass that over the remaining stitch) – this closes the flower. You should be back to 1 stitch.
   After completing 4 flowers, knit the last 10 stitches with Color C.
7. Rows 32-40: Switch back to Color B (Sky Blue) and work in stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) for 9 rows.

Leaf Green Garter Section:

8. Row 41: Switch to Color D (Leaf Green), knit across all stitches.
9. Rows 42-50: Continue in garter stitch (knit every row) with Color D for 9 more rows.
10. Bind off all stitches loosely. Set Panel 1 aside.

Panel 2 (Back)

1. Repeat Panel 1 exactly as written above. This ensures both sides of your tote match perfectly.

Seaming the Panels

1. Place the two panels with right sides together (the sides with the flowers and smooth stockinette facing each other).
2. Using a tapestry needle and a length of Color B yarn, sew the side seams and the bottom seam using the mattress stitch. This creates an invisible seam.
3. Leave the top edge open – this is the opening of your bag.
4. Turn the bag right side out.

Knitting the I-Cord Strap

1. With Color A (Sunflower Yellow), cast on 5 stitches onto a double-pointed needle (or use the magic loop method on your circular needle).
2. I-Cord Technique: *Knit 5 stitches. Do not turn your work. Slide the stitches to the other end of the needle. Repeat from * until the strap measures 24 inches (or your desired length).
3. Bind off all stitches.

Attaching the Strap

1. Using a yarn needle and the tail from the i-cord, securely sew one end of the strap to the inside top corner of the bag.
2. Repeat on the other side, ensuring the strap is not twisted.

Finishing Touches

1. Weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle, being careful to hide them within the seams or on the inside of the bag.
2. Blocking: Lightly block the bag to shape. Spray with water and gently pat into shape, allowing it to dry flat. This helps the floral motifs pop and the seams to lay flat.

Your Aurora Bloom Market Tote is now complete! This beautiful, gradient bag is ready for its first adventure. The combination of sturdy garter stitch, smooth stockinette, and textured flowers makes it a unique and eye-catching accessory. Enjoy your handmade creation, and don't forget to share your finished tote with the knitting community!