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.)
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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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.