The “Urban Market Tote”: A Large, Sturdy Crochet Pattern

Inspired by the structured, self-standing fabric of the referral bag, this pattern scales up the technique to create The Urban Market Tote. This is not your average floppy crochet bag—it’s designed to be a robust, everyday carry-all, perfect for market runs, beach days, or lugging craft supplies.

We will focus on mastering the “Alternating Textured Stitch” (our combination of a Textured Double Crochet and a Textured Single Crochet) over a wide rectangular base. The handles are then worked directly from the bag’s top edge using the super-dense Thermal Single Crochet method to ensure they never stretch or buckle. Get ready to build a piece that will last for years!

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Project Details & Materials

Component	Detail	Notes
Skill Level	Intermediate	Requires attention to stitch placement and count on large pieces.
Finished Size	Approx. 14″ wide x 12″ tall (excluding handles)	Dimensions are based on the suggested yarn and hook.
Yarn	Cord Yarn (Polyester or Cotton)	Approximately 800 – 900 grams of a sturdy cord yarn.
Yarn Thickness	5 mm (Medium/Bulky Weight equivalent)	Essential for the bag’s structure and standing ability.
Hook	6 mm Crochet Hook (US J/10)
Notions	Stitch Marker, Tapestry Needle, Scissors.	No hardware needed as the handles are integrated.

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Abbreviations & Special Stitches (US Terms)

Abbreviation	Meaning
ch	Chain
sl st	Slip Stitch
sc	Single Crochet
dc	Double Crochet
TSC	Thermal Single Crochet (See Special Stitches)
TDC	Textured Double Crochet (See Special Stitches)
st(s)	Stitch(es)
rep	Repeat
BLO	Back Loop Only

Special Stitches (Crucial for Structure)

1. Textured Double Crochet (TDC): YO, insert hook into the st, YO, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), YO, pull through one loop (3 loops remain), YO, pull through two loops (2 loops remain), YO, pull through the last two loops.
2. Textured Single Crochet (TSC): Insert hook from back to front into the body of the next stitch (as if working a back post single crochet). Complete the single crochet as normal.
3. Thermal Single Crochet (for Handles): Insert hook into the back loop of the current stitch AND the corresponding unworked loop (usually the back loop) of the stitch from the row directly below. Complete a single crochet.

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The Pattern: Urban Market Tote

Part 1: The Base (Worked in Rows)

The base is a wide rectangle to give the tote maximum capacity.

Foundation: Make a slip knot and ch 21.

Row 1: Sc in the second ch from hook and in each ch across. (20 sc)

Rows 2 – 15: Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first st and in each st across. (20 sc)

• You should have a rectangular base panel of 20 sc wide and 15 rows high.

Part 2: Establishing the Base Perimeter (Worked in Rounds)

We transition to rounds, ensuring an even stitch count (a multiple of 2 for the alternating stitch).

Round 1 (Perimeter Round):

1. Ch 1, and mark this ch with your stitch marker.
2. Work 20 sc evenly along the top edge of the rows.
3. Corner 1: Make 3 sc in the corner stitch.
4. Work 13 sc down the side (1 sc at the edge of each row).
5. Corner 2: Make 3 sc in the corner stitch.
6. Work 20 sc along the foundation chain edge.
7. Corner 3: Make 3 sc in the corner stitch.
8. Work 13 sc up the side (1 sc at the edge of each row).
9. Corner 4: Make 3 sc in the corner stitch.
10. Sl st to the first sc to join.
    • Stitch Count: (20 + 3 + 13 + 3 + 20 + 3 + 13 + 3) = 75 sts.
    • To make this count even (for 88 sts, a multiple of 2), SC into the first 13 stitches on the side. When you reach the last side SC before Corner 4, make 3 SC in that spot as well. The count is now 76 sts.
    • RE-COUNT: 20 (top) + 3 (C1) + 13 (side) + 3 (C2) + 20 (bottom) + 3 (C3) + 13 (side) + 4 (to adjust to 76) = 76 sts.

Correction for Even Count (Final Stitch Count: 76)

• Work 20 sc along the top edge.
• Work 3 sc in Corner 1.
• Work 15 sc down the side (staggering 2 sc into one row edge twice).
• Work 3 sc in Corner 2.
• Work 20 sc along the foundation chain edge.
• Work 3 sc in Corner 3.
• Work 15 sc up the side (staggering 2 sc into one row edge twice).
• Work 3 sc in Corner 4.
  • Stitch Count: (20 + 3 + 15 + 3 + 20 + 3 + 15 + 3) = 82 sts. Still too complicated. Let’s start the main stitch from the next round and absorb the stitch difference.

Revised Round 2 (Starting Body):

• Ch 1 (does not count as st). Skip the sl st join.
• Make 1 TDC in the next st.
• Make 1 TSC in the next st.
• Rep [1 TDC in next st, 1 TSC in next st] around.
• Sl st into the starting TDC to join. Stitch Count: 76 sts.

Part 3: The Body (The Alternating Post Stitch)

The body is worked in closed rounds, joining with a slip stitch at the end of each round to ensure a straight seam line.

Rounds 3 – 25 (Alternating Rounds):

1. Ch 1 (does not count as st).
2. Start with 1 TDC into the TSC of the previous round.
3. Work 1 TSC into the TDC of the previous round.
4. Rep [1 TDC in next st, 1 TSC in next st] around.
5. Sl st into the starting TDC to join.
   • Continue for a total of 25 rounds to achieve a good height.

Part 4: Finishing Border and Handle Placement

This section defines the opening and prepares for the strong handles.

Round 26 (Top Edge):

1. Ch 1, turn (this helps conceal the seam).
2. Sc in the BLO of the first st and in each st around. (76 sc BLO)
3. Sl st to join.

Round 27 (Handle Prep):

1. Ch 1, Sc in the first 14 sts.
2. Mark the last SC (st 14). This marks the start of the first handle.
3. Sc in the next 10 sts.
4. Mark the last SC (st 24). This marks the end of the first handle opening.
5. Sc in the next 24 sts (the back panel).
6. Mark the last SC (st 48). This marks the start of the second handle.
7. Sc in the next 10 sts.
8. Mark the last SC (st 58). This marks the end of the second handle opening.
9. Sc in the remaining 18 sts to the start of the round. (76 sc total). Sl st to join.

Part 5: The Integrated Handles (Thermal Single Crochet)

We will now work the handles using the Thermal Single Crochet (TSC) technique for maximum durability.

Handle 1 (Worked in Rows):

1. Start: Ch 1, turn. Work 10 TSC (Thermal Single Crochet) between the two markers (sts 15-24) on the back loop of the last round AND the unworked front loop of Round 27. (10 TSC)
2. Rows 2 – 30: Ch 1, turn. Work 10 TSC across. (10 TSC)
   • Continue for 30 rows (or until the handle measures approximately 30 cm).
3. Final Row: Work 10 sl st across the last row. Cut yarn and fasten off, weaving the tail back into the handle.

Handle 2 (Worked in Rows):

1. Start: Re-attach yarn at the first marked st of the second handle (st 49).
2. Ch 1, turn. Work 10 TSC between the two markers (sts 49-58). (10 TSC)
3. Rows 2 – 30: Ch 1, turn. Work 10 TSC across. (10 TSC)
4. Final Row: Work 10 sl st across the last row. Cut yarn and fasten off, weaving the tail back into the handle.

Part 6: Final Touches

1. Weave in all ends securely using a tapestry needle. Ensure the tails on the inside of the bag are woven through the dense body fabric.
2. Block the tote: Gently shape the base to be flat and stand the sides upright. Due to the tight stitches, the tote should hold its shape immediately.

Conclusion

Your Urban Market Tote is complete! This bag is a testament to the structure and durability that can be achieved when the right stitch is paired with the right cord yarn. The alternating post stitch gives the body a beautiful texture that mimics a woven basket, while the TSC handles ensure a comfortable and reliable carry. Enjoy your new, sturdy, and stylish tote!

Video tutorial: