This market bag folds small but opens generously when filled. The solid double-crochet base protects smaller items, while chain mesh keeps the body light. Handles grow directly from the top band so there are no separate straps to sew on.
Pattern overview
- Skill level: Easy
- Finished size: About 12 in / 30.5 cm wide laid flat × 14 in / 35.5 cm tall, excluding handles
- Construction: Joined circular base, mesh rounds and integrated handles
- Terminology: US crochet terms
Materials
- 350 yd / 320 m worsted-weight cotton
- 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- One stitch marker
- Yarn needle and scissors
Gauge
The first six base rounds should measure about 6 in / 15 cm across. Exact stitch gauge is less important than producing a flat base and a mesh that springs back after stretching.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- sp: space
- st(s): stitch(es)
Notes before you begin
- Ch 3 at the start of a base round counts as the first dc.
- Mesh rounds are worked in a spiral. Mark the first ch-space.
- Do not tighten the chains; evenly sized loops make the bag hang smoothly.
Free market bag pattern
Make the solid base
Make a magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 3, work 11 dc into the ring. Join to the top of ch 3. 12 dc.
Round 2: Ch 3, dc in the same st, 2 dc in every remaining st. Join. 24 dc.
Round 3: Ch 3, dc in the same st, dc in next st; repeat 2 dc in next st, dc in next st around. Join. 36 dc.
Continue increasing 12 stitches per round:
- Round 4: Repeat 2 dc, dc in next 2 sts. 48 dc.
- Round 5: Repeat 2 dc, dc in next 3 sts. 60 dc.
- Round 6: Repeat 2 dc, dc in next 4 sts. 72 dc.
The base should lie flat.
Begin the mesh
Round 7: Ch 1, sc in same st, ch 5, skip 2 dc, sc in next dc around. After the final ch 5, skip 2 dc and continue directly into the first ch-space. 24 loops.
Rounds 8–27: Ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp around. Keep a marker in the first loop of each round. 24 loops.
Add the top band
Round 28: Work 3 sc in each ch-5 sp. Join with a sl st. 72 sc.
Rounds 29–32: Ch 1, sc in every st. Join. 72 sc.
Form the handles
Lay the bag flat and mark 18 stitches at the center front and center back. There should be 18 side stitches between the marked sections.
Round 33: Ch 1, sc to the first marker, ch 45, skip the 18 marked front sts, sc across the side to the next marker, ch 45, skip the 18 marked back sts, sc to the end. Join.
Round 34: Ch 1, sc in each sc and work 50 sc around each ch-45 handle. Join.
Rounds 35–37: Ch 1, sc evenly around the bag and handles. Join. Fasten off after Round 37.
Finishing
Weave in the ends through solid stitches, changing direction at least twice. Wash or soak the bag, squeeze out water in a towel and lay flat to dry. Do not hang it while wet.
Customize your market bag
Work fewer mesh rounds for a compact produce bag or more for a deeper beach bag. For shorter hand-carry handles, chain 30 instead of 45. Add a removable fabric pouch for keys or small produce that could slip through the mesh.
Pattern check
- The base has 72 stitches and lies flat.
- Every mesh round contains 24 loops.
- Front and back handle openings each skip 18 stitches.
- Both handles contain the same number of single crochet stitches.
Common questions
Why does the bag look narrow before use?
Mesh expands when filled. The resting width is smaller than the working capacity, which is why cotton is recommended.
Can I use a cotton blend?
Yes. Choose a blend with limited stretch and avoid very fuzzy yarn that hides the chain spaces.
