The Woven Willow Market Bag: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Eco-Friendly Tote

Carry Your Treasures in Style: The Woven Willow Market Bag

Looking for a stylish, eco-friendly tote that’s as functional as it is beautiful? The Woven Willow Market Bag is the perfect project for you. Crocheted in a sustainable cotton blend, this modern bag features a unique woven stitch pattern that creates a sturdy yet soft fabric—ideal for everyday trips to the farmer’s market, the beach, or just around town. The textured checkerboard design, made with alternating front and back post double crochets, gives the bag a rich, artisanal look that’s both boho and contemporary. Whether you’re a confident beginner or an intermediate crocheter, this free pattern will guide you through every step to create a bag you’ll be proud to carry.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All measurements are based on the pattern’s technical specifications to ensure your bag turns out perfectly.

• Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (100% mercerized cotton; 100g/186 yds) in 2 colors:
  • Color A (Natural) – 2 skeins
  • Color B (Terracotta) – 1 skein
• Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional)
• Gauge: 14 sts x 8 rows = 4 inches in woven stitch pattern (after blocking). Tip: Always check your gauge to ensure the bag is the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Notes: The bag is worked in the round from the bottom up. The woven stitch is created by alternating front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet (bpdc) in a checkerboard pattern. Ch 2 counts as the first double crochet (dc) throughout the pattern. For the body, you will turn your work at the end of each round to maintain the stitch pattern’s texture.

Bottom of Bag (Worked in Continuous Rounds)

Do not join at the end of these rounds; work in a spiral. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.

1. Rnd 1: With Color A, make a magic ring. Ch 2 (counts as dc), then work 11 dc into the ring. Pull the ring tight to close. Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the top of the ch 2. (12 dc)
2. Rnd 2: Ch 2, then work 2 dc in each stitch around. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. (24 dc)
3. Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in next stitch, dc in next stitch; repeat from * around. Join. (36 dc)
4. Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 2 stitches; repeat from * around. Join. (48 dc)
5. Rnd 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 3 stitches; repeat from * around. Join. (60 dc)
6. Rnd 6: Ch 2, *2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 4 stitches; repeat from * around. Join. (72 dc)
7. Fasten off Color A. Weave in the end securely.

Body of Bag (Worked in Joined Rounds, Turning Each Round)

From now on, you will join each round with a sl st and then turn your work. This keeps the post stitches aligned correctly.

7. Rnd 7: Join Color B with a sl st in any dc. Ch 2 (counts as dc), then work 1 dc in the same stitch (this creates a 2-dc cluster). *Skip the next stitch, work 2 dc in the next stitch; repeat from * around. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. (72 dc, but grouped in 36 pairs)
8. Rnd 8: Ch 2, *fpdc around the next dc, bpdc around the next dc; repeat from * around. Join. (72 sts)
9. Rnd 9: Ch 2, *bpdc around the next stitch, fpdc around the next stitch; repeat from * around. Join. (72 sts)
10. Rnd 10-11: Repeat Rnds 8 and 9. (This completes the first color block with Color B.)
11. Rnd 12: Change to Color A. Ch 2, *fpdc around the next stitch, bpdc around the next stitch; repeat from * around. Join.
12. Rnd 13: Ch 2, *bpdc around the next stitch, fpdc around the next stitch; repeat from * around. Join.
13. Rnd 14-15: Repeat Rnds 12 and 13. (Color A block complete.)
14. Rnd 16-17: With Color B, repeat Rnds 8 and 9.
15. Rnd 18-19: With Color A, repeat Rnds 12 and 13.
16. Rnd 20-21: With Color B, repeat Rnds 8 and 9.
17. Rnd 22-23: With Color A, repeat Rnds 12 and 13.
18. Rnd 24-25: With Color B, repeat Rnds 8 and 9.
19. Rnd 26: With Color A, ch 2, then work 1 dc in each stitch around. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. (72 dc) Fasten off Color A.

Top Edging and Handles

20. Rnd 27: Join Color B with a sl st in any dc. Ch 1, then work 1 single crochet (sc) in the same stitch and in each stitch around. Join with sl st to the first sc. (72 sc)
21. Rnd 28: Ch 1, sc in the first 12 sc. Then, chain 40 (this forms the first handle). Skip the next 12 sc. Sc in the next 12 sc. Chain 40 (second handle). Skip the last 12 sc. Join with sl st to the first sc. (24 sc + 2 handle chains)
22. Rnd 29: Ch 1, sc in each sc and in each chain stitch across the handle. When you reach the handle chain, work 1 sc in each of the 40 chain stitches. Continue around, working sc in the next 12 sc, then 40 sc in the second handle chain, and finally sc in the last 12 sc. Join with sl st to the first sc. (24 sc + 40 sc per handle = 104 sc total)
23. Fasten off. Weave in all ends securely using a yarn needle. Block your bag gently to even out the stitches and enhance the texture.

Your Woven Willow Market Bag is now complete! The dense, textured fabric and sturdy handles make it perfect for carrying everything from fresh produce to your favorite book. Enjoy your new eco-friendly accessory, and don’t forget to share your creation with the crochet community!