Go Green Grocery Tote

Go Green Grocery Tote by Marly Bird

What Is Being Made

The Go Green Grocery Tote is a practical, everyday knitted bag designed by Marly Bird. This project creates a sturdy tote bag suitable for carrying groceries and other items. The bag features a structured construction with a separate pocket component, making it both functional and stylish for eco-conscious shoppers looking for a handmade alternative to single-use bags.

Construction Method

This tote bag uses an innovative two-stage construction technique. The bottom of the bag is worked flat first as a foundation piece. Once the flat bottom section is complete, stitches are picked up from all four sides of the bottom piece to build the body of the bag in the round. A pocket is crafted separately and sewn onto the bag before the felting process, adding both visual interest and functional storage. The entire project is worked holding two strands of yarn together throughout, creating a dense, durable fabric ideal for a grocery tote.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The primary stitch used in this pattern is Stockinette Stitch (St st), worked in the round. Stockinette stitch in the round is created by knitting every round, producing the classic smooth, V-textured fabric on the right side. Additional techniques include:

• Pick up and knit (Pu&k) – used to pick up stitches from the sides of the flat bottom piece to transition into circular knitting
• Double-stranded knitting – holding two strands of yarn together throughout the entire pattern to achieve the required gauge and fabric density
• Circular knitting – working in the round using circular needles to create seamless fabric
• Felting – the finished bag undergoes a felting process to enhance durability and create a more structured, finished appearance

Materials

Yarn: Cascade Yarns "220" (100% Peruvian Wool; 220 yards per 100 grams) in worsted weight. The pattern calls for 6 skeins of color 9429 (main color), 1 skein of color 7813 (contrast A), and 1 skein of color 9464B (contrast B).

Needles: Size 11 (12 mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches in length, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge.

Additional Notions: Stitch marker, stitch holders, and a yarn needle for seaming and finishing.

Gauge and Difficulty

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 12 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch using double-stranded yarn. This is an intermediate-level project, suitable for knitters with experience in circular knitting, gauge work, and basic shaping techniques. The double-stranded construction and felting process add complexity beyond beginner patterns.