Easy Crochet Market Bag
This easy crochet market bag pattern is a budget-friendly and beginner-friendly way to whip up a gorgeous and useful tote. Whether you're heading to the farmer’s market, beach, or yarn store, this bag folds flat yet stretches to fit a shocking amount of stuff.
Materials
- 240 yds cotton yarn
- 5 mm crochet hook or 5.5mm for looser mesh
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch marker
Abbreviations (US terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- sk – skip
- sp – space
- st – stitch
Instructions
Base of Bag
- Worked in Rounds
- Round 1: Ch 25. In the second chain from the hook, work 2 single crochets (sc). Work 1 sc in each of the next 22 chains.
- In the last chain, work 4 sc. This curves your work to the opposite side.
- Continue down the other side, working 1 sc in the next 22 stitches.
- In the final stitch, work 2 sc, then slip stitch (sl st) to join. (52 stitches total)
- Round 2: Ch 1. Work 2 sc in the first stitch, then 1 sc in each of the next 22 stitches.
- At the curved end, work 2 sc in each of the next 4 stitches. Continue with 1 sc in the next 22 stitches, then 2 sc in each of the last 2 stitches. Sl st to join. (60 stitches total)
- Round 3: Ch 1. Work 1 sc, then 2 sc in the next stitch around the curved ends. Sc evenly across the straight edges. Adjust spacing slightly if needed to end evenly. Sl st to join. (You should have approximately 68–72 stitches, depending on tension.)
- Continuing Rounds: Repeat this pattern, adding 8 stitches per round (4 on each curved end) by working increases at the ends and regular sc across the straight sides, until you reach a total of 94 stitches.
Sides of Bag
- Round 4: Ch 4 (counts as 1 double crochet + ch 1). *Skip the next stitch, dc in the following stitch, ch 1. Repeat from * around. At the end of the round, sl st into the 3rd chain of your starting ch-4 to join.
- Rounds 5–20 (or to desired height): Sl st into the next chain space. Ch 4, dc in the next chain space, ch 1, repeat around. Sl st to the 3rd chain of the beginning ch-4 to join each round. Continue this mesh pattern until your bag reaches the height you want.
- Tip: Want a sturdier or more decorative finish? Try adding 2–3 rounds of plain single crochet (sc) or double crochet (dc) somewhere in the middle of the mesh section. It not only strengthens the structure but also adds a nice visual break.
Top Edge
- Rounds 21–22: Ch 1. Work 1 single crochet (sc) in each double crochet and chain space around the top edge. Sl st to join each round. You should have 94 sc in total at the end of Round 22. (Same sc count as base).
Handles
- Round 23: Sl st to the first stitch of the round.
- Then:Sc in the next 25 stitches.Ch 40 for short handles (or ch 70 for long handles).Skip the next 20 stitches, then sc in the next 27 stitches. Skip 20 stitches, then sc in the last 2 stitches to complete the round.Sl st to the first stitch to join.
- Rounds 24–25: Sc in every stitch and chain around, including over the handles. This reinforces the handles and strengthens the bag opening.
- Finishing: Fasten off and weave in all ends securely. Weave in any loose ends and it's done. Enjoy!
Notes
Pattern Tips
- Use 100% cotton yarn – Strong, washable, and holds shape better than acrylic.
- Wash & block – Softens cotton and evens out tension.
- Base matters – Keep early increases even so the base stays flat.
- Count stitches – Easy to miss in mesh; use a marker to track rounds.
- Test handle stretch – Hang with weight before final rows.
- It stretches! – Mesh expands more than you think—trust the process.
- Uneven mesh? – Likely tension. Washing and blocking helps smooth it.
- Wider base: Add 8 sts per round.
- Handle balance: Skip same sts between handles.
Tried this pattern?Mention @beeyondcereal on Instagram and hashtag it #beeyondcereal!
