{"id":2396,"date":"2025-10-06T09:20:50","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T09:20:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.khflix.asia\/?p=2396"},"modified":"2025-10-06T09:20:51","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T09:20:51","slug":"the-urban-market-tote-a-large-sturdy-crochet-pattern","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.khflix.asia\/?p=2396","title":{"rendered":"The “Urban Market Tote”: A Large, Sturdy Crochet Pattern"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Inspired by the structured, self-standing fabric of the referral bag, this pattern scales up the technique to create The Urban Market Tote<\/strong>. This is not your average floppy crochet bag\u2014it\u2019s designed to be a robust, everyday carry-all, perfect for market runs, beach days, or lugging craft supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Project Details & Materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Component<\/td>Detail<\/td>Notes<\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Skill Level<\/strong><\/td>Intermediate<\/td>Requires attention to stitch placement and count on large pieces.<\/td><\/tr>
Finished Size<\/strong><\/td>Approx. 14″ wide x 12″ tall (excluding handles)<\/td>Dimensions are based on the suggested yarn and hook.<\/td><\/tr>
Yarn<\/strong><\/td>Cord Yarn (Polyester or Cotton)<\/td>Approximately 800 – 900 grams<\/strong> of a sturdy cord yarn.<\/td><\/tr>
Yarn Thickness<\/strong><\/td>5 mm (Medium\/Bulky Weight equivalent)<\/td>Essential for the bag’s structure and standing ability.<\/td><\/tr>
Hook<\/strong><\/td>6 mm Crochet Hook (US J\/10)<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Notions<\/strong><\/td>Stitch Marker, Tapestry Needle, Scissors.<\/td>No hardware needed as the handles are integrated.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Abbreviations & Special Stitches (US Terms)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Abbreviation<\/td>Meaning<\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
ch<\/strong><\/td>Chain<\/td><\/tr>
sl st<\/strong><\/td>Slip Stitch<\/td><\/tr>
sc<\/strong><\/td>Single Crochet<\/td><\/tr>
dc<\/strong><\/td>Double Crochet<\/td><\/tr>
TSC<\/strong><\/td>Thermal Single Crochet (See Special Stitches)<\/td><\/tr>
TDC<\/strong><\/td>Textured Double Crochet (See Special Stitches)<\/td><\/tr>
st(s)<\/strong><\/td>Stitch(es)<\/td><\/tr>
rep<\/strong><\/td>Repeat<\/td><\/tr>
BLO<\/strong><\/td>Back Loop Only<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Special Stitches (Crucial for Structure)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Textured Double Crochet (TDC):<\/strong> YO, insert hook into the st, YO, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), YO, pull through one<\/strong> loop (3 loops remain), YO, pull through two<\/strong> loops (2 loops remain), YO, pull through the last two loops.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Textured Single Crochet (TSC):<\/strong> Insert hook from back to front<\/strong> into the body<\/strong> of the next stitch (as if working a back post single crochet). Complete the single crochet as normal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Thermal Single Crochet (for Handles):<\/strong> Insert hook into the back loop<\/strong> of the current stitch AND<\/strong> the corresponding unworked loop (usually the back loop) of the stitch from the row directly below. Complete a single crochet.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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    The Pattern: Urban Market Tote<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Part 1: The Base (Worked in Rows)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The base is a wide rectangle to give the tote maximum capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Foundation:<\/strong> Make a slip knot and ch 21<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Row 1:<\/strong> Sc in the second ch from hook and in each ch across. (20 sc)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rows 2 \u2013 15:<\/strong> Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first st and in each st across. (20 sc)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • You should have a rectangular base panel of 20 sc wide and 15 rows high.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Part 2: Establishing the Base Perimeter (Worked in Rounds)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      We transition to rounds, ensuring an even stitch count (a multiple of 2 for the alternating stitch).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Round 1 (Perimeter Round):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Ch 1, and mark this ch<\/strong> with your stitch marker.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Work 20 sc<\/strong> evenly along the top edge of the rows.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Corner 1:<\/strong> Make 3 sc<\/strong> in the corner stitch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Work 13 sc<\/strong> down the side (1 sc at the edge of each row).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      5. Corner 2:<\/strong> Make 3 sc<\/strong> in the corner stitch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      6. Work 20 sc<\/strong> along the foundation chain edge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      7. Corner 3:<\/strong> Make 3 sc<\/strong> in the corner stitch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      8. Work 13 sc<\/strong> up the side (1 sc at the edge of each row).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      9. Corner 4:<\/strong> Make 3 sc<\/strong> in the corner stitch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      10. Sl st to the first sc to join.\n
          \n
        • Stitch Count:<\/strong> (20 + 3 + 13 + 3 + 20 + 3 + 13 + 3) = 75 sts<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • To make this count even<\/strong> (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<\/strong> in that spot as well. The count is now 76 sts.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • RE-COUNT:<\/strong> 20 (top) + 3 (C1) + 13 (side) + 3 (C2) + 20 (bottom) + 3 (C3) + 13 (side) + 4<\/strong> (to adjust to 76) = 76 sts<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Correction for Even Count (Final Stitch Count: 76)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

              Revised Round 2 (Starting Body):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Ch 1 (does not count as st). Skip<\/strong> the sl st join.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Make 1 TDC<\/strong> in the next st.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Make 1 TSC<\/strong> in the next st.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Rep [1 TDC in next st, 1 TSC in next st]<\/strong> around.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Sl st into the starting TDC to join. Stitch Count: 76 sts.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Part 3: The Body (The Alternating Post Stitch)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

                Rounds 3 \u2013 25 (Alternating Rounds):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

                    Part 4: Finishing Border and Handle Placement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    This section defines the opening and prepares for the strong handles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Round 26 (Top Edge):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

                      Round 27 (Handle Prep):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

                        Part 5: The Integrated Handles (Thermal Single Crochet)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        We will now work the handles using the Thermal Single Crochet (TSC) technique for maximum durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Handle 1 (Worked in Rows):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        1. Start:<\/strong> Ch 1, turn. Work 10 TSC<\/strong> (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)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        2. Rows 2 \u2013 30:<\/strong> Ch 1, turn. Work 10 TSC across. (10 TSC)\n
                            \n
                          • Continue for 30 rows<\/strong> (or until the handle measures approximately 30 cm).<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Final Row:<\/strong> Work 10 sl st across the last row. Cut yarn and fasten off, weaving the tail back into the handle.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                            Handle 2 (Worked in Rows):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            1. Start:<\/strong> Re-attach yarn at the first marked st of the second handle (st 49).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            2. Ch 1, turn. Work 10 TSC<\/strong> between the two markers (sts 49-58). (10 TSC)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            3. Rows 2 \u2013 30:<\/strong> Ch 1, turn. Work 10 TSC across. (10 TSC)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            4. Final Row:<\/strong> Work 10 sl st across the last row. Cut yarn and fasten off, weaving the tail back into the handle.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                              Part 6: Final Touches<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                              1. Weave in all ends<\/strong> securely using a tapestry needle. Ensure the tails on the inside of the bag are woven through the dense body fabric.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              2. Block the tote:<\/strong> Gently shape the base to be flat and stand the sides upright. Due to the tight stitches, the tote should hold its shape immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Video tutorial:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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