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.
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.)
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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.)
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- Fresh off the hook – Not been used
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- Fresh off the hook – Not been used
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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 work.
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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
I cannot understand what to do in row 22. Help will be appreciated! Thanks!
Hi, Ulli ~ Feel free to contact me via email or Facebook with a picture to show me your progress. I can help you from there. Thank you!
require detailed *written pattern* and cannot get it???
Hi, Marilyn!
Make sure to clear cache and cookies so you can access Etsy.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/103406681/sturdiest-ever-market-bag-crochet
Thanks for asking!
Good evening. In round 20 you say hdc3 in each space around. Is this a decrease? You do not show this abbreviation in you list and I am not quite sure how to take it. Would you please explain. Thank you.
Hi, Joan!
That’s half double crochet 3 in each space around. Should you have another other questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
I try to understand what to do in Round 22, but I have no clue. Explanation will be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi, ULLI ~
I recommend writing out the abbreviations so you can see what’s happening more clearly. 🙂
It’s not about the abbreviations. I don’t know where to turn and in which direction to chain, to single crochet and to half double crochet. And where to connect with the rest of the bag.
Hi, Ulli ~
Feel free to contact me via email or Facebook so we can discuss where you are in the pattern and you can send me an image so I can review your progress. Thanks!
I’m sorry, Ulli! I think I understand now.
Do not turn your work. This pattern is worked in a continuous round or spiral depending on which part you are working.
On round 4 is that DC ch DC do you skip a stitch to keep at 27 stitches? Skip one for every chain.
Hi, Ginny ~
Hope you are able to contact me via email or Facebook to discuss the pattern. Thanks!
I started this bag last night and finished it today. I ended up using it as a cotton stash-busting project and even though the colors look crazy, I’m happy with how it turned out. My only issue was with rounds 7-8 with the very first step of a sc. I put it in there and hope I did that part right. Either way, the bag turned out just fine, but I was curious if you could explain exactly where that sc is supposed to go? Was it supposed to be in the second chain from previous round’s starting chain or the ch1 space? Thanks for the pattern, I enjoyed it a lot and think I’ll make some more for friends, but with normal colors :).
Oh, that’s great! I love hearing that. As far as the instruction, feel free to email me or send me a pm on Facebook. I’ll make sure to set things up to get you the answer, but what you did sounds like it worked!
I would love if you would Submit your picture so I could show it off for you.
Love this pattern. I found it easy to follow and easy to alter. Thanks for sharing. The hardest part is finding the time to make more for friends and family 🙂
That’s great, Anna! I would love if you could Submit your completed project if I may show it off.
Hi – Not sure if I missed this…Are the directions written for 2 strands together, or can it be made with 1 strand (and use 2 strands for a sturdier bag)?
Hi, Karen ~ You could use one strand, but the bag will not hold its shape as well and will not be the “Sturdiest Ever” anymore. It might be more of the “Droopy Bag” for lack of a better way to explain it. Hope you enjoy it!
Rnd4 do you skip stitches for the chain 1 to keep at twenty seven? If so do you skip the chain stitches on rnd 5?
Why does my question not get answered?
Hi, Ginny ~ I’m so sorry. I just saw your question a few minutes ago. Would you mind contacting me via email or Facebook and I would be happy to give you some one-on-one attention.
Hi, Ginny~
To be honest, I haven’t made this bag since I finished mine a long, long time ago. Would you mind contacting me via email or Facebook and I would be happy to give you some one-on-one attention.
I figured it out.
Great!
Hello, Celina.
I LOVE it. As I am begginer and I never made bag before I have to say that this pattern was so easy to follow. Thank you soooooo much ;0)
My pleasure, Marzena ~ Thanks for coming by and trying it out! I’d love if you would submit a photo of your finished project. 🙂
I just want to say Thank you for this pattern. I made the first one a couple of months ago after many years of not crocheting. A friend loved it and now I have made 5 for different people. So far all parties have enjoyed getting them.
That is fabulous, Charlotte! Thank you for coming by and sharing your experience. I love these bags so much. If you have pictures, please feel free to submit them and your thoughts using the link in the menu bar, if you like. We’d love to see how they turned out.
I love this pattern! The bags turn out so nice and sturdy! I made myself two, 3 for gifts, and am working on more now! Thank you for sharing!
That’s so cool, Sara! I’m sorry your comment got buried during my move. I’m just now getting through many. If you think of it, I’d love for you to submit a picture of your bags.
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 🙂
I would submit some pics but don’t see where to do that.
Hi, Barb! Sorry for the late response. There is a link in the menu called “Submit Your Picture” and a short form will come up there.
Thank you!
This is wonderful, Barb! (Sorry my reply was delayed.)
I appreciate the feedback!
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 🙂
Oh my goodness, Barb. That’s amazing! Thank you so much for the feedback and sharing the link.
Celina, could you private message me please on FB? Barb Boggs and my profile pic is a pic of purple and pink flowers. Thanks 🙂
Hi, Barb!
I’ll do my best to locate you there. You may also email me: Simplycollectiblecrochet@gmail.com
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 🙂
Wonderful, AG! Thanks for the feedback. I’ll be adding some pictures very soon and would love to add yours.
I really like how made the handles on these bags. They look really strong.
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.