Crochet Market Bag

Crochet market bags are not only practical but they add a touch of charm to your shopping routine! These versatile and eco-friendly bags are perfect for carrying your fresh produce, groceries, or even your beach essentials. The beauty of crochet market bags lies in their durability and ability to stretch to accommodate all your goodies. Plus, you can find them in a variety of colors and patterns to match your personal style. Next time you head out for some shopping, don't forget to grab your trusty crochet market bag; it's sure to bring a smile to your face!

Materials Needed

• Macrame rope cord (or any chunky 4 to 5 weight cotton yarn)
• Crochet hook: 12mm

Important Note on Yarn Selection

For my market bag, I used macrame rope cord, which produced a beautiful bag but posed some challenges. The macrame cord twisted up on itself because the twist of the rope conflicted with how my yarn naturally twists while crocheting. Because of this, I don’t recommend macrame cord unless you don’t mind a little twisty struggle. Any worsted to chunky weight cotton yarn will also work just fine.

Step-by-Step Pattern

Foundation: Start with a chain of 21 (or 20 if using a long tail foundation chain).

Base: Work 3 rows of single crochet.

Mesh Section

Begin with a setup row: chain 4, skip first stitch, *1 sc in next stitch, chain 3. Repeat from * to end, finishing with 1 dc in last stitch.

For subsequent rows: chain 4, turn, skip first chain space, *1 sc in next chain space, chain 3. Repeat from * to end, finishing with chain 1 and 1 dc in first chain of previous row’s starting chain 4.

Continue the mesh pattern until your section measures about 18-20 inches (approximately 21 rows).

Then, Work 3 more rows of single crochet to match the base.

Shaping the Bag: Fold the piece in half, matching the single crochet sections at the corners.

Adding Straps: Chain 20 for each strap, attaching at opposite corners.

Finishing: Work single crochet around the entire edge of the bag, including the straps, for 2 rounds.

Tips for Success

• When working the mesh pattern, remember to crochet into the chain spaces, not the individual chains.
• Take care not to twist your chains when creating the straps.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of this pattern lies in its adaptability. Here are a few ways you can make it uniquely yours:

• Experiment with different stitch patterns for the mesh section.
• Try variegated yarn for a multi-colored effect.
• Adjust the size by increasing or decreasing the number of mesh rows.