It’s time for March’s free pattern! With spring and summer markets just around the corner, I thought this market bag would be the perfect quick make to share. Not only is this crocheted cotton bag lightweight and handmade (who doesn’t love handmade?), it is a great reusable alternative to plastic bags whether you are shopping at a Farmers’ Market or the grocery store. Although this tote looks small, the picot mesh allows it to stretch in every direction to hold a much greater capacity than what meets the eye. The short and sturdy handle will help make sure the bag is still usable no matter what you put in it!
This pattern takes approximately 250 yards of worsted weight cotton yarn. I used Peaches & Cream in Panorama (Walmart sells a giant cone for pretty cheap). I used a size I/5.5mm hook to get the measurements below, but since this pattern is almost exclusively made from mesh stitches the gauge does not matter. The market bag is made in two panels with the handle then worked onto the bag.
Size:
- 14” wide by 9.5” deep, 16” tall
Abbreviations:
- SS- slip stitch
- St- stitch
- Ch- chain
- SC- single crochet
- HDC- half double crochet
- DC- double crochet
Special stitches:
- Picot- SS into designated st, Ch 3, SS into same st
- Cluster- [SC, HDC, DC] into same st
Panel (make 2)
Foundation: Ch 38, turn
Row 1: In back hump of chain only, SC in 2nd ch from hook, *Ch 5, sk 3 ch, picot in next ch* repeated until four ch from the end, Ch 5, sk 3 ch, SC in last ch, turn (10 ch spaces)
Row 2: Ch 5, *picot in middle of next chain space, Ch 5* repeated until last chain space, picot in middle of last chain space, Ch 2, DC in last st (SC from previous row), turn (11 ch spaces)
Row 3: Ch 1, SC in first st (DC from previous row), Ch 5, *picot in middle of next chain space, Ch 5* repeated until second to last chain space, picot in middle of second to last chain space, Ch 5, SC in middle of last chain space, turn (10 ch spaces)
Rows 4-26 (23 total rows): Repeat rows 2-3
FO first panel. After completing the second panel, line up the two panels with their foundation chain together and the edges touching. From the corner your yarn is currently, SS the two panels together on one side, the bottom foundation chain, and the other side. FO, weave in ends. Turn the bag right side out.
Handle
Row 1: Join yarn 5 st to the right of one side seam. Ch 1, *cluster in next st, sk next 2 st* repeated for a total of 3 times, SC in next st, turn (10)
Row 2: Ch 1, cluster in first st, sk next 2 st, *cluster in next st, sk next 2 st* repeated for a total of 2 times, SC in last st, turn (10)
Rows 3-45 (43 total rows): Repeat row 2
With the wrong side out, center the working end of the handle along the side seam opposite where you started the handle. SS the last row of the handle to 5 st on either side of the side seam. FO, weave in ends.
Now you have reusable cotton market bag so that you can look cute and eco-friendly while carrying your goods. I would love to hear about your experience with this pattern and see pictures of your market bags. Let me know in the comments below or connect with me through Instagram @crowchetcreations or the hashtags #crowchetcreations and #sweetpeamarketbag about your makes!
XO, Emily
