The Koi Pond Market Tote Free Pattern – Knit a Textured Japanese-Inspired Carryall

Dive into the serene art of Japanese design with this knitted market bag, featuring a subtle wave stitch and a vibrant koi fish motif. This sturdy, stylish tote is perfect for farmers' markets or beach days, blending traditional aesthetics with modern functionality. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this pattern offers a beautiful way to create a handmade carryall that's as practical as it is artistic. The deep indigo base, rippling wave texture, and the graceful koi swimming upward make this bag a true conversation piece.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience. All materials are readily available at most yarn shops or online retailers.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in the following colors:
  • Indigo (main color) – approximately 400-450 yards
  • Coral – approximately 50 yards (for koi body)
  • White – approximately 20 yards (for koi spots and fin details)
  • Black – approximately 15 yards (for koi outline)
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needles (24-inch length) for the bag body, and a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size for small sections like the koi motif if you prefer working in the round without a circular needle.
• Notions: Stitch markers (at least 2), a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a tape measure.
• Optional: Fabric for lining (about 1/2 yard) and sewing supplies if you choose to line the bag for extra durability.

Gauge

20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit every round). Always knit a gauge swatch before starting to ensure your finished bag matches the intended dimensions. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bag Body (Worked in the Round)

Step 1: Cast On and Join
With Indigo yarn, cast on 120 stitches onto your circular needle. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round, then join in the round, being extremely careful not to twist the stitches. Knit one round to secure the join.

Step 2: Create the Base
Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 10 rounds. This creates a solid, sturdy base for your tote, giving it structure at the bottom.

Step 3: Begin the Wave Stitch Pattern
Now you'll start the beautiful wave stitch that mimics rippling water. Follow this 8-row repeat:

• Rounds 1-4: Knit all stitches.
• Round 5: *K2tog (knit two together), K4, YO (yarn over), K1, YO, K4, K2tog* – repeat from * to * to the end of the round. (This creates the wave peaks and valleys.)
• Rounds 6-8: Knit all stitches.

Repeat this 8-row pattern until the bag measures 12 inches from the cast-on edge. Keep your tension even, and count your stitches after Round 5 to ensure you haven't lost or gained any – you should still have 120 stitches.

Step 4: Koi Motif (Intarsia in the Round)
On the next round, you'll begin the koi fish motif. This is worked using an intarsia technique within the round, meaning you'll use separate balls of yarn for each color section and twist them at color changes to avoid holes.

• Positioning: The koi will be worked over a 30-stitch section, centered on the front of the bag. To find the center, place a marker 45 stitches from the beginning of the round. The koi section will be the next 30 stitches, followed by 45 stitches to the end of the round.
• Rows 1-10 (Koi Body): Work the main body of the koi in Coral. Use White for the spots and Black for the outline, following this simple chart:
  • Row 1: K30 in Coral (start of koi section).
  • Row 2: K5 Black, K20 Coral, K5 Black (outline the body).
  • Row 3: K5 Black, K4 Coral, K2 White, K8 Coral, K2 White, K4 Coral, K5 Black.
  • Row 4: K5 Black, K3 Coral, K3 White, K6 Coral, K3 White, K3 Coral, K5 Black.
  • Row 5: K5 Black, K2 Coral, K4 White, K4 Coral, K4 White, K2 Coral, K5 Black.
  • Row 6: K5 Black, K2 Coral, K4 White, K4 Coral, K4 White, K2 Coral, K5 Black.
  • Row 7: K5 Black, K3 Coral, K3 White, K6 Coral, K3 White, K3 Coral, K5 Black.
  • Row 8: K5 Black, K4 Coral, K2 White, K8 Coral, K2 White, K4 Coral, K5 Black.
  • Row 9: K5 Black, K20 Coral, K5 Black.
  • Row 10: K30 Coral.
• Rows 11-20 (Koi Tail and Fin Details): Continue with the tail section, which tapers downward:
  • Row 11: K5 Black, K15 Coral, K5 Black, K5 Coral (start of tail).
  • Row 12: K5 Black, K10 Coral, K5 Black, K10 Coral.
  • Row 13: K5 Black, K5 Coral, K5 Black, K15 Coral.
  • Row 14: K5 Black, K5 Coral, K5 Black, K15 Coral.
  • Row 15: K5 Black, K5 Coral, K5 Black, K10 Coral, K5 White (fin detail).
  • Row 16: K5 Black, K5 Coral, K5 Black, K5 Coral, K5 White, K5 Coral.
  • Row 17: K5 Black, K5 Coral, K5 Black, K5 Coral, K5 White, K5 Coral.
  • Row 18: K5 Black, K5 Coral, K5 Black, K10 Coral, K5 White.
  • Row 19: K5 Black, K5 Coral, K5 Black, K15 Coral.
  • Row 20: K30 Coral (finish the motif).

Important: When changing colors, twist the old and new yarns together on the wrong side of the work to prevent gaps. Carry the Indigo yarn along the back of the koi section, or use separate small balls for each color block. After completing the motif, continue in the wave stitch pattern (Rounds 1-8) for another 4 inches, working all stitches in Indigo.

Step 5: Create Handle Openings
Now you'll shape the openings for the handles. This creates two gaps in the knitting where you'll later attach the straps.

• Next Round: K30, bind off 10 stitches loosely, K40, bind off 10 stitches loosely, K30. (You'll have 100 stitches on your needle, with two 10-stitch gaps.)
• Following Round: K30, cast on 10 stitches (using the backward loop method or cable cast-on), K40, cast on 10 stitches, K30. (You're back to 120 stitches, with the handle openings now formed.)

Continue working in the wave stitch pattern for 2 more inches, knitting all stitches across the cast-on sections as part of the pattern.

Step 6: Top Border
To finish the top edge neatly, work in garter stitch (knit 1 round, purl 1 round) for 6 rounds. This creates a sturdy, non-curling border. Bind off all stitches loosely – use a larger needle or a stretchy bind-off method to keep the edge flexible.

Handles (Worked Flat)

Step 7: Knit the Handles
Using your circular needle or DPNs, pick up 10 stitches along one edge of a handle opening (the bound-off/cast-on section). Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 12 inches. Bind off all stitches. Repeat this process for the other handle opening.

Step 8: Attach the Handles
Sew the ends of each handle to the opposite side of the bag, aligning them with the corresponding opening. Use a tapestry needle and the yarn tails to whip-stitch the handles securely in place, creating a sturdy strap that can hold heavy items. Weave in all loose ends.

Finishing

Step 9: Block and Shape
Weave in all remaining ends with your tapestry needle. Block the bag to shape: wet it thoroughly, gently squeeze out excess water (don't wring), and lay it flat on a towel. Gently stretch the wave pattern to open it up and shape the bag into a roomy rectangle. Allow it to dry completely.

Step 10: Optional Lining
For extra durability and to prevent small items from slipping through the stitches, you can line the bag with fabric. Cut a piece of cotton fabric to fit the interior, sew it into a bag shape, and hand-stitch it inside the knitted tote, just below the top border.

Your Koi Pond Market Tote is now complete! This beautiful, textured bag is perfect for carrying groceries, beach essentials, or your latest knitting project. The wave stitch and koi motif make it a unique, handmade piece that reflects the tranquility of a Japanese garden pond. Enjoy your new favorite carryall!