Mercato Tote: Detailed Overview

I was recently asked to make some eco-friendly shopping bags by a family member. To be honest, I don’t really like making shopping bags and wanted an easy to make, yet long lasting bag design that I can sew up quickly. So, I came up with a design that requires minimal cutting, magically creates boxed corners without actually having to cut and sew the corners 😉 and has enclosed seams which is great for an unlined version! I’ve made quite a few of these tote bags and I really love making them.

The Mercato Tote is an eco-friendly, reusable and sturdy market tote bag that makes a great go-to bag for the Farmers Market, grocery store or for running other errands. The Mercato Tote is a beginner friendly sewing pattern that can be made in three different sizes: Large, medium and small.

Large: 17” H x 17” W x 6” D
Medium: 12” H x 14” W x 4” D
Small: 10.5” H x 10.5” W x 3” D

With its extra-secure handles and large capacity, the large and medium Mercato Totes are perfect to carry groceries, library books, art supplies, etc. The small Mercato Tote made with kid friendly fabrics will make a cute lunch or picnic bag for your little one. Here is a vlog by Amita of SeWonders showcasing the small size.

Fabric Recommendations: Medium to heavy weight fabrics such as décor weight fabrics, cotton canvas, duck cloth, waxed canvas, oil cloth, etc., are recommended. Such fabrics are sturdy, stand up on their own, last long and do not require any interfacing. Choose fabrics that don’t fray easily. Quilting weight cotton can be used for exterior and lining as well; however, it will result in a floppy bag. Fuse a layer of woven interfacing to the wrong side of the cut fabrics if using quilting weight cotton. Use waterproof fabrics for the lining for an easy to clean option. One of my testers made the unlined version using vinyl! I would say choose fabrics that you are sure your machine will be able to handle.

Features: The Mercato Tote bag pattern features a handy slip pocket, a magnetic snap closure, sturdy handles and durable utility construction using French seams with a unique boxing technique.

Instructions to create a slip pocket, on the interior lining side of the tote, is provided in the pattern. However, this section is optional and you can choose not to add the pocket to your tote. The slip pocket is convenient for carrying your mobile phone, car or house keys, a credit/debit card or even some cash for a quick impromptu trip to the market.

Detailed instructions on adding a magnetic snap closure are also provided in the pattern. This is an optional section as well and you can choose not to add the magnetic snap button.

A very basic requirement for a market or a grocery tote bag is a good sturdy handle that will remain intact and hold a lot of weight. Handle construction on the Mercato Tote has been designed keeping this in mind. The Mercato Tote pattern has fabric handles with webbing/strapping within for sturdiness. Alternately, one can use just cotton or nylon webbing for the handles or even use ready-made handles instead. An old leather belt affixed with rivets would work as a handle as well, although, it might not be a very sturdy option. The straps are cut 20″ long and these make short hand carry handles. However, you can choose to cut them longer (don’t go shorter) based on your preferred carry option while making your tote.

Considering the fact that certain domestic machines might not be able to handle sewing through a lot of bulky layers, alternate strap construction methods are also provided in the pattern.

The side seams of the Mercato Tote are finished using French seams for durability which is a popular technique among garment makers. French seams are a type of seam finishing where the raw edges on the inside are totally encased in an extra row of stitching. Hence, this seaming technique is perfect for making an unlined version which is included in the pattern instructions. So, based on your fabric choice you can make a lined or an unlined Mercato Tote bag.

The base of the Mercato Tote has a triangle boxed corner which is fully enclosed on the inside of the tote. The method to make this type of boxed corner is slightly different when compared to the normal boxed corner tutorials. Here the boxed corner is automatically formed by a simple folding step when sewing the side seams using the french seam technique.

If you are a visual learner and would like to see how the tote comes together, Di Scarrott of Bags of Love by Diane has a lovely instruction video of the making of the Mercato Tote.

The Mercato Tote bag is a simple tote bag pattern that can be made in under an hour with only a few seams and is well worth the little time you need to make it. Use some eye-catching outdoor fabric for a sturdy tote bag that also looks great. The Mercato Tote is a fabulous inexpensive alternative to disposable plastic grocery bags and helps create a positive environmental impact due to its re-usability. Go green and avoid using plastic bags!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a small commission if you buy the products from these links, at no extra cost to you. But I only recommend products I would use myself.