Enchanted Fern Market Tote Free Pattern – Crochet a Forest Floor Carryall

Enchanted Fern Market Tote Free Pattern – Crochet a Forest Floor Carryall

Carry your world in a woven woodland wonder with this textured market tote, inspired by the layered greens of a mossy forest floor. The sturdy, squishy fabric and earthy palette make it a cozy companion for farmers' markets or library hauls. This beginner-friendly pattern uses basic stitches and a repeating shell stitch to create a stunning, organic texture that mimics overlapping fern fronds. Whether you're an experienced crocheter or just starting your yarn journey, this bag is a rewarding project that combines functionality with natural beauty.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in 4 shades:
  • Deep Forest (A) – approx 250g
  • Fern Green (B) – approx 250g
  • Moss (C) – approx 250g
  • Cream (D) – approx 150g
• Hook: 5.5 mm crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Gauge: 14 sc x 16 rows = 4 x 4 inches
• Notions: Stitch markers, yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bag is worked in continuous rounds from the bottom up, with a textured stitch pattern that mimics overlapping fern fronds. Use a stitch marker to track rounds. The pattern is divided into sections for clarity: the base, the body, the top edging, and the handles.

Base (Worked in Spiral)

Start with color A (Deep Forest). Work in continuous rounds without joining; place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round.

• Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 8 sc into ring. (8 sts)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (16 sts)
• Round 3: (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (24 sts)
• Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (32 sts)
• Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (40 sts)
• Round 6: (Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (48 sts)
• Round 7: (Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (56 sts)
• Round 8: (Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (64 sts)
• Round 9: (Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (72 sts)
• Round 10: (Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (80 sts)
• Round 11: (Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (88 sts)
• Round 12: (Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (96 sts)
• Round 13: (Sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (104 sts)
• Round 14: (Sc in next 12 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (112 sts)
• Round 15: (Sc in next 13 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (120 sts)
• Round 16: (Sc in next 14 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (128 sts)
• Round 17: (Sc in next 15 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (136 sts)
• Round 18: (Sc in next 16 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (144 sts)
• Round 19: (Sc in next 17 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (152 sts)
• Round 20: (Sc in next 18 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (160 sts)

Fasten off color A. Your circular base should measure approximately 12 inches in diameter.

Body (Worked in Joined Rounds, Turning Each Round)

Now we'll build the textured body. Note that each round is joined with a slip stitch and you will turn your work at the end of each round to create the beautiful fern-like texture.

Section 1 – Color B (Fern Green):

• Round 21: Join color B with a sl st in any st. Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, sl st to first sc. (160 sts)
• Round 22: Ch 1, sc in same st, *skip 2 sts, work 5 dc in next st (shell made), skip 2 sts, sc in next st* repeat from * to * around, ending with a sl st to first sc. (32 shells)
• Round 23: Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 2 dc in same st (half shell), *sc in center dc of next shell, work 5 dc in next sc* repeat from * to * around, ending with 2 dc in last sc, sl st to top of ch-3. (32 shells)
• Round 24: Ch 1, sc in same st, *work 5 dc in next sc, sc in center dc of next shell* repeat from * to * around, sl st to first sc.
• Rounds 25-26: Repeat Rounds 23-24.
• Round 27: Repeat Round 23.

Fasten off color B.

Section 2 – Color C (Moss):

• Round 28: Join color C with a sl st in any sc. Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, sl st to first sc. (160 sts)
• Rounds 29-34: Repeat Rounds 22-27 using color C.

Fasten off color C.

Section 3 – Color D (Cream):

• Rounds 35-40: Repeat Rounds 21-26 using color D.

Fasten off color D.

Section 4 – Color A (Deep Forest):

• Rounds 41-46: Repeat Rounds 21-26 using color A.

Fasten off color A.

Top Edging

Finish the top of the bag with a delicate scalloped trim.

• Round 47: Join color B with a sl st in any st. Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, sl st to first sc. (160 sts)
• Round 48: Ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 3, skip 3 sts, sc in next st* repeat from * to * around, sl st to first sc. (40 ch-3 loops)
• Round 49: Sl st into first ch-3 loop, ch 1, (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) in each ch-3 loop around, sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Handles (Make 2)

Create sturdy, comfortable handles for your tote.

• With color A, ch 120.
• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (119 sts)
• Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. Fasten off, leaving long tails.

Sew each handle to the inside of the bag, positioning them opposite each other, about 2 inches down from the top edge. Weave in all ends securely.

Finishing Touches

Once all ends are woven in, gently block your bag if desired to even out the stitches. Your Enchanted Fern Market Tote is now ready for its first adventure! The sturdy cotton yarn and dense stitch pattern make it perfect for carrying groceries, books, or beach essentials. The earthy color palette and organic texture will make it a favorite accessory for years to come. Happy crocheting!