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Sturdiest Ever Market Bag – free crochet market bag pattern

Sturdiest Ever Market Bag – free crochet market bag pattern

Allow me to preface by stating that I designed this crochet market bag pattern 6 years ago and I'm still using my bags quite often. We have a plastic ban bag in Austin and it is strongly encouraged that we carry our own market bags by getting a little discount at the register or purchase bags. I've absolutely loved these bags so very much.

Sturdiest Ever Market Bag crochet pattern in olive on a camping trip by Celina Lane, Simply Collectible

Market Bag Free Crochet Pattern

They've been to farmer's markets, the beach, playgrounds and held everything from cans and juice containers to sand toys or snacks. Honestly, I can't tell you how many times I have taken all three to the post office full of packages.

This bag does not work up quickly and it is not a quick fix. A friend of mine kicked hers out in one day, but this is a project that you will be extremely glad you invested the time to make. It is worth every single stitch. (Technically, it isn't demanding, but working with 2 strands of cotton requires some patience as it can be hard on the hands and wrists. Take your time. It's worth it. I have osteoarthritis and can only work on it for 15 minutes at a time.)

 

Sturdiest Ever Market Bag crochet pattern in hot blue & espresso holding multiple skeins of yarn! by Celina Lane, Simply Collectible

Worked with 2-strands together, this crochet pattern makes a strong Beach Bag or Market Bag that is extremely versatile with integrated straps that will be contoured to your shoulder and don't dig in. It can hold 9 skeins of yarn with a couple of notebooks and my wallet. A soccer ball also fits in there nicely with a towel and water bottle.

The construction is intended to have a solid bottom so small items such as markers or highlighters stay in the bottom without falling out. (Of course, if you tip the bag…. I don't have to tell you stuff will slide out the sides.)

Click the links to purchase supplies.

Yarn

10 oz Sugar n Cream Cotton or other worsted weight cotton

Materials

K (6.5mm) hook
Scissors
Yarn Needle
Stitch Markers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Sizes are approximate
Length including straps: 24″
Width laying flat: 15″

Gauge: Not crucial for this project

Stitch Guide in American Terms

ch- chain
sl st- slip stitch
xs- times
sk- skip
alt- alternate
sc- single crochet
hdc- half double crochet
dc- double crochet
inc- increase (2 of the stitch worked into the same stitch)
dec- decrease (see Special Stitches)
ea- each
st- stitch
sts- stitches
sp- space

Special Stitches

dec – Insert hook into st and draw up a loop. Insert hook into next st and draw up a loop. Yarn over, draw through all 3 loops on hook (also known as “sc2tog”)

Notes

Beginning chain counts as the first stitch in the round throughout this pattern. You will work 2 strands together. Do not turn your

Click HERE for the free flower embellishment.

Instructions

R1: working with 2 strands together, ch4, join into a loop. Sc9, do not join — 9sts

R2: ch3, dc in next st, dc inc around, sl st into top of ch — 18ts

R3: ch3, dc inc, *dc, dc inc. Repeat from * around, sl st into top of chain — 27sts

R4: ch4, *dc, ch1. Repeat from * around, sl st into 3rd ch of starting ch — 27sts

R5: ch2, hdc in 1st st, hdc inc around, sl st into top of chain — 54sts

R6: ch3, sk1, *hdc, ch1, sk1* Repeat from * around, sl st into 2nd ch of starting ch — 27sts, 27 ch-1 spaces

R7-8: sc, ch2, *hdc in ch1 space, ch2. Repeat from * around, sl st into 2nd ch of starting ch — 27sts, 27 ch-2 spaces

R9: sc, *ch3, sc in ch2 sp. Repeat from * around, ending with ch3, sc around beginning ch3 — 27sts, 27 ch-2 spaces

Continue by working in a spiral (do not join). Be sure to use your stitch marker.

R10-16: *ch3, sc into ch space. Repeat from * around, ending with ch3, sc around beginning ch3 — 27sts, 27 ch-3 spaces

R17-18: *ch5, sc. Repeat from * around. –27sts, 27 ch-5 spaces

R19: *ch2, dc into ch space. Repeat from * around -27sts, 27 ch-2 spaces

R20: hdc3 in ea space around — 81sts

R21: hdc around — 81sts

Sometimes I add an extra row of hdc around.

R22: ch43, sk20, hdc20, ch43, sk20, hdc21 (40sts)

R23: hdc43 into chain, hdc20, hdc43 into chain, hdc21 (127sts)

R24: *hdc19, hdc dec, hdc, hdc dec, hdc39*, sc in last (work * to * twice- 127sts)

These decreases may seem excessive but will stretch out with use.

R25: *hdc18, 2 hdc dec, hdc39* sc in last (work * to * twice- 123sts)

To end: sc, sk1, sl st and fasten

Stella Lee @Purfylle

Wednesday 8th of June 2016

I really like how made the handles on these bags. They look really strong.

Celina

Wednesday 8th of June 2016

Thank you so much. They really are strong. I've been using the same bags for 4 years, washed them several times, and have carried books and even canned goods in them multiple times.

Jen Mackenzie

Friday 19th of February 2016

I just finished making one of these and I love it! Such a simple pattern - made it up in an afternoon. Just right for market day tomorrow! Thanks, Celina! Will try to get a pic if I can. AG :)

Celina

Sunday 21st of February 2016

Wonderful, AG! Thanks for the feedback. I'll be adding some pictures very soon and would love to add yours.

barb

Wednesday 20th of January 2016

Celina, could you private message me please on FB? Barb Boggs and my profile pic is a pic of purple and pink flowers. Thanks :)

Celina

Thursday 28th of January 2016

Hi, Barb! I'll do my best to locate you there. You may also email me: Simplycollectiblecrochet@gmail.com

barb

Monday 11th of January 2016

I just completed bag 100 tonight and have the time down to 1 hour and 20 minutes. Absolutely love this pattern and share a link every chance I get :)

Celina

Tuesday 12th of January 2016

Oh my goodness, Barb. That's amazing! Thank you so much for the feedback and sharing the link.

barb

Monday 2nd of November 2015

I have done about 15 of these, so far, for my local Food Bank. But I don't understand your comment that this is not a quick fix. I can now do one in about 3 hours (maybe not all at one time). I have switched to an N hook which gives a bit more of an open weave but is easier to work with the two strands of cotton. The director at the Food Bank said "Everybody LOVED them" so I am doing more. Did 4 over the weekend :) Thank you SO MUCH for this wonderful pattern! I am in love with it :)

Celina

Monday 23rd of November 2015

This is wonderful, Barb! (Sorry my reply was delayed.) I appreciate the feedback!

barb

Monday 2nd of November 2015

I would submit some pics but don't see where to do that.