Looking for a beginner-friendly and functional project? This free pattern for a crochet market bag is perfect for everyday use! The pattern uses only basic crochet stitches and is incredibly easy to make.
It consists of two panels attached together with a single crochet seam, and you’ll then add two crochet handles.
You will have a stylish, reusable grocery bag that’s perfect for all your shopping needs. These crochet bags are easy to make and will last you for years!
More Crochet Bags? You may also enjoy these free patterns for bag crochet projects on my blog:
- Daisy Granny Bag – uses worsted weight cotton yarn for a quick and trendy bag!
- Granny Squares Beach Bag – perfect project to use up your stash yarn
- Crochet Tote Bag – This colorful, boho tote bag will be your new favorite accessory
Why Crochet a Market Bag?
I don’t know why it took me so long to get around to crocheting a market bag! I’ve been using store-bought recycled bags for my grocery store shopping for years and keep them in the boot of my car.
But a light, foldable mesh tote bag is perfect for popping in my shoulder bag when out and about. It’s so convenient to have a bag ready whenever I nip into the shops. Plus, I can just sling it over my shoulder and never need plastic bags again.
A crochet market bag is not only eco-friendly but also stylish and practical. It’s the perfect bag for my weekly visits to my local organic farm – I can throw in the veggies, and the bag can be washed easily when needed.
These bags are also incredibly versatile; you can use them for a trip to the beach, carrying books, or even as a gym bag. The airy mesh design allows the bag to stretch and accommodate a surprising amount of items.
Construction
The construction of this easy crochet market bag could not be easier! I designed it to be so simple that even a beginner could make it. If you know your basic crochet simple stitches, you can totally have a go.
The grocery tote bag is constructed with two rectangular panels, which you will join by working single crochet stitches around three sides. To make the bag, you only need to know how to make single crochet and double crochet stitches.
The skill level required is very basic, making it an excellent project for new crocheters, or more experienced who want a fast easy make! Two handles are then made and attached by stitching to the top edging of the bag.
Yarn for a Crochet Bag
For my bag, I used a 4-ply yarn and a 3mm crochet hook. You will need approximately 400 meters of fingering or sportsweight yarn. I used Hobbii Olivin yarn, a cotton/linen mix. Any similar 4-ply cotton yarn will work – Scheepjes Catona or Hobbii Cotton Yarn 8/4 are great alternatives.
You can use any weight yarn and a matching hook, but be aware that the size of your bag will differ. A DK weight cotton yarn and a 4mm hook would work great too. Cotton yarn works best as it provides sturdiness and stability to your bag.
Crochet Market Bag Pattern
Materials
- Hobbii Olivin – Fine – 50% cotton/ 50% linen/ 136yds/125m/50g
- Bag A – (MC) 2 balls Rose (08), (CC) 1 ball Magenta (09)
- Bag B – (MC) 2 balls Sky Blue (11), (CC) 1 ball Olive (16)
- 3 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
Measurements
- Bag measures 12.5 x 14.5in [33 x 37cm]
- Straps – 18in [48cm]
Abbreviations
- sl st slip stitch
- sc single crochet
- dc double crochet
- ch chain
- st stitch
- sp space
- beg beginning
- rep repeat
- MC main color
- CC contrast color
Notes
- The pattern is written in US crochet terms.
- Gauge is not important for this project.
- Ch 3 at beginning of a row counts as 1 dc.
- Ch 1 at beginning of a row does not count as a stitch.
- You will make two pieces for the bag and join both with a single crochet seam.
- You can use any weight yarn and matching hook. Be aware your size may differ.
Printable PDF: Adfree printable PDF pattern with 6 pages including all details. Thank you for your support! – Purchase on Ravelry and on Etsy
Instructions for Market Bag (make 2)
Using MC, chain 71
Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next ch, * ch 2, skip 2 ch, 1 sc in each of the next 2 ch; rep from * across, turn – 36 sc, 34 x ch-2 sp
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc here and throughout), skip the 1st st at base of ch 3, 1 dc in the next st, * ch 2, skip next ch-2 sp, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts; rep from * across, turn – 36 dc, 34 x ch-2 sp
Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), 1 sc in each of the first 2 sts, * ch 2, skip next ch-2 sp, 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts; rep from * across, turn.
Row 4: Ch 3, skip the 1st st at base of ch 3, 1 dc in the next st, * ch 2, skip next ch-2 sp, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts; rep from * across, turn.
Rows 5 – 32: Repeat rows 3 & 4. Fasten off MC.
Join in CC
Rows 33 – 44: Repeat rows 3 & 4
Top Border Edging
Row 45: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each st across, working 2 sc in each ch-2 sp, turn – 70 sc
Row 46: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each st across, turn – 70 sc
Row 47: Ch 1, sl st into each st across. Fasten off yarn and weave in all threads.
Assembly
You will crochet around 3 sides of the bag joining both sides together as you go. Try to maintain an even tension. If your seam is too loose, you can use a smaller hook.
Holding the 2 sides together, with the edging at the top, join with a sc seam in both sides as follows:
Side 1 (left side)
- Using MC, insert hook in both sts of top left corner, ch 1
- Work 1 sc in the end of each sc row
- Work 2 sc around the end of each dc row
- Work 3 sc in corner
Bottom of bag
- Work 1 sc in both sts of each piece along the bottom row, matching stitches as you go
- Work 3 sc in next corner
Side 2 (right side)
- Work 1 sc in the end of each sc row
- Work 2 sc around the end of each dc row
- Fasten off yarn
Bag Handles (make 2)
Using MC chain 90
Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, work 1 sc in each ch across, turn – 89 sc
Row 2: Ch 1, miss 1st st, sl st in each st across. Fasten off yarn.
Attaching the Bag Handles
Position the bag handles by placing them on the border of the bag, using the pictures below for guidance. Pin in place and using a yarn needle and a piece of your MC yarn, stitch in place making sure the handles are secure. Weave in all threads.
PIN FOR LATER
