Waaaaaay back when I started writing patterns, I wrote a pattern for a Market Tote Bag. The pattern was not especially well-written (hey, I’ve come a long way in 4 years), and was missing some information. I’d always meant to go back and rewrite it, but kept putting it off because it wasn’t a popular pattern. Well, all that changed when some of the girls in my super awesome Facebook group discovered it and started showing off their finished bags, inspiring many others to find and make the pattern as well. I figured I had better get it fixed up!
So what’s different?
Besides updated language that better matches my current easy-to-understand pattern lingo, I also changed the yarn I used for a couple different reasons. First of all, the original pattern called for acrylic yarn, which is fine, but since those days I’ve discovered that cotton is so much better for a bag like this. Also, the original pattern called for a #4 weight yarn, but when I went to remake it, I couldn’t get the base as large as it needed to be, no matter what I did. Yup, that’s right – same yarn, same hook, same crocheter, and a completely different tension from 4 years ago! (This is why I’m always saying check your gauge, people!) Anyways, I had to decide whether to stay true to the stitch counts or the yarn weight, and I chose the stitch counts. I switched to a #5 bulky weight yarn called Bernat Maker Home Dec, which is a wonderful, easy yarn to work with. I also upped the hook sizes to accommodate the yarn change.
So, if you happened to be right in the middle of making the Market Tote Bag from the previous pattern, don’t worry – the pattern, as far as stitch counts go, is the same as it was before.
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MARKET TOTE BAG
View on Ravelry
Difficulty: Easy
Finished Size: 14″ wide x 16″ tall; straps add an additional 14″ (and they will stretch a bit)
Yarn: Approx. 435 yards of Bernat Maker Home Dec, a #5 bulky weight cotton/nylon blend. I used 310 yards of COLOR A (“Cream”) and 125 yards of COLOR B (“Clay”).
Hooks: N (9.00 mm) and K (6.5mm)
Gauge: With N (9mm) hook, your first 3 rounds should measure 4.5″ across.
You’ll also need: Yarn needle, stitch marker
Terms and Abbreviations:
MC (magic circle – view tutorial here)
ST/STS (stitch/stitches)
SL ST (slip stitch)
SK (skip)
CH (chain)
SC (single crochet)
DC (double crochet)
SC+DC (put an SC and a DC in the same stitch)
Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
(2) This bag, including its handles, is worked in a continuous, seamless round. Do not join or turn unless specifically instructed. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of your rounds.
(3) To make this pattern with a different yarn weight, continue to increase the base until it measures about 8.5″ across. You will need to refigure the placement of the straps.
(4) If you use two colors as I did, your first color will require almost all of the skein. If you run out of yarn too soon, you can remove a round in the body of the bag to accommodate.
INSTRUCTIONS
To Begin: With larger hook and COLOR A, make a magic circle; CH1 (does not count as a stitch).
Round 1: In magic circle: 1SC, 1HDC, 10DC. (12)
Round 2: 2DC in each ST around. (24)
Round 3: (2DC in next ST, DC in next ST) around. (36)
Round 4: (2DC in next ST, DC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (48)
Round 5: (2DC in next ST, DC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (60)
Round 6: (2DC in next ST, DC in each of the next 4 STS) around. (72)
Rounds 7-28: (SC+DC in next ST, SK next ST) around. (72)
Round 29: (SC+DC in next ST, SK next ST) 35 times; 2 STS remain. 2SC in next ST; SK final ST. (72)
Switch to smaller hook.
Round 30: SC in each ST around. (72)
Switch to COLOR B (optional); fasten off COLOR A.
Rounds 31-36: SC in each ST around. (72)
Round 37 (creating the handles): CH90. SK 20 STS; SC in each of the next 16 STS. CH90. SK 20 STS; SC in each of the next 16 STS. (32SC + 180CH)
Round 38: SC in each of the 90 chains. SC in each of the next 16 STS along the top. SC in each of the next 90 chains. SC in each of the next 16 STS along the top. (212)
Rounds 39-41: SC in each ST around (continuing to go up and down the handles). (212)
To finish: SL ST to the first SC of the final round. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Edging the Handles
We’re going to add an SC edging to give the handles just a little bit more strength. With bag right side out, reattach yarn in the bottom left corner of one of the handles and CH1. SC in same ST, and continue to SC in each chain stitch going up and down the handle. Continue to SC in each ST across the top of the bag (the area between the beginning and the ending of the handle). Join with a SL ST to the first SC. Fasten off yarn, then repeat the process on the other handle. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Hi. Would this pattern still work with #4 yarn? If so what size hook should I use?
It would come out smaller with a #4 yarn. If you’re ok with that, I’d just use whatever hook is recommended with that yarn.
Hi Rebecca,
Should this bag be lined?
That’s totally up to you. Most market bags aren’t, but lining it would prevent stretching. It’s personal preference 🙂
I can’t figure how to create the handle. Is there a video
There isn’t, sorry. 🙂 Don’t overthink it; just do exactly what the instructions say. Make a chain of 90. Then count over 20 stitches from the last stitch you completed before you made the chain; continue to follow the instructions.
For the handle, when you say CH90. SK 20 STS; SC in each of the next 16 STS. CH90. SK 20 STS; SC in each of the next 16 STS, does that mean skip 20 stitches in the chain you just made? or you go back to the bag and skip 20 stiches from the body of the bag where your chains start? This is very confusing to me. I ended up with an L with two loops.
After CH90 and SK 20, it looks like you’re going to attach that end of the handle to the body of the bag, continue around the rim of the bag, make another handle of CH90 and attach the 2nd handle. The SK 20 is on the body of the bag beginning from where you started the CH90.
Your explanation for the handles makes sense. It would have helped to incorporate it into the pattern. I just finished the bag, using this pattern (not the original one), but using #4 cotton yarn and J and H hooks. It came out 18″ long (bag only) x 13″ wide. The handles are 18″ long. I like the bag–I had looked at many other market bag patterns, but they all had more open mesh. I prefer this stitch–just enough stretch. Thanks!
I’m making this market tote bag but I don’t see in the instructions the joining of each round. I don’t see like slip stitch and chain …..
Am I not getting or missed something?
Hi Chris! This bag is worked in a seamless spiral, so there is no joining or chaining. After you finish the last stitch of a round, the first stitch of the next round goes right into the top loops of the first stitch from the previous round.
Are there different types of N crochet hooks? My Boye brand hook says N/15, 10.00 mm, but your directions indicate an N hook as being 9.00 mm. Is this a mistake?
Yes, there are discrepancies between brands. The most common are G and M/N hooks. 🙂
Hi Rebecca wow I’m so glad I found your patterns I’m working on the beach bag now. I would love to make the market bag I have a lot of Caron Cotton Cakes do you think it will we pork and what size hook would you use. Thanks again for sharing.
Your pattern does not say how many stitches to cast on…. what am I missing ??
Hi Charlotte! “Cast On” is a knitting term and this is a crochet pattern. If that’s what you meant, though, then the first instructions are as follows:
“To Begin: With larger hook and COLOR A, make a magic circle; CH1 (does not count as a stitch).
Round 1: In magic circle: 1SC, 1HDC, 10DC. (12)”
I am confused. i have the All Access pass but don’t understand how to use it. What do I download and do I have to download some new pdf program each time? Please help.. Thanks
I have worsted weight cotton yarn I would like to try this with (like you used for the original pattern). Which hook sizes did you use for the smaller weight yarn? Will the updated pattern still work? Please and thank you! You have lovely patterns!
I have all access pass as well and cannot pick up the PDF, please send link. Thanks Fay
Hi Elaine! You just need to log in to your Yarn + Chai account, then click “Passholder Area” (up in the very top menu). You’ll see images of all of my patterns, and when you click one, the link will open. Please email me at rebecca@yarnandchai.com if you have any trouble.
I am having the same problem…I have an all access pattern but don’t see how to download the PDF.
Hi Elaine! You just need to log in to your Yarn + Chai account, then click “Passholder Area” (up in the very top menu). You’ll see images of all of my patterns, and when you click one, the link will open. Please email me at rebecca@yarnandchai.com if you have any trouble.
Hi Rebecca, this pattern was how I “found” you over two years ago. I made this bag for a special friend and loved the stitch so much that I’ve gone on to make many many more of your beautiful patterns. I loved the bag back then and I look forward to making it again now. I love the colours you’ve chosen. I love your work, always beautiful. Michelle (Australia)
Aww thank you! 🙂 🙂
I have an All Access Pass, but cannot find the PDF? I am logged in and clicked on the All Access Passholder Area, but only see the pattern step information listed. Made a pdf from this page, but it is not without flaws of the webpage inserted in middle of text, etc. Do I need to utilize a specific browser to find the passholder pdf?
Hi Marla! I emailed you privately with instructions!
Hi, I love your pattern & plan on making it. As far as your all-access pass, is that monthly or yearly? Please let me know at goofydidi53@hotmail.com. Thanks & have a great day. Didi
One-time cost! 🙂
I love your patterns! I am a visual learner and was wondering if you do youtube videos for all your patterns! I loved the one for the bag
I don’t, but I am hoping to do them more often! With 3 boys (including a toddler) it’s always hard to find quiet time to film, but I do enjoy making them 🙂
I am also a visual learner > For the life of me I could not understand round 37 . .But someone helped me. I actually did the famous Malia bag.and lined it via video. I love your work.
Thanks so much for this update, it’s awesome. Looking forward to making one
I Love it. and can’t wait to make it. Thank you for the pattern all your patterns are awesome.
Thank you
Annie
Thank you for sharing Rebecca! I haven’t used the recommended yarn yet, but I do have a couple cones of tee-shirt yarn…. would that be too stretchy? This bag will be on my to make list after a couple other projects!! ?
It’s probably not all that different from the Bernat Maker Home Dec. Crocheted market bags inevitably stretch some, no matter what you use 🙂
Woo hoo! Thank you for the pattern.
Love the pattern and the colors, can’t wait to try it!
Thanks for sharing.
I have an All Access Pass but for some reason can’t get the PDF copy to print. Any suggestions?
I have been having trouble printing Rebecca’s newer patterns too. I’m not sure if something changed in the printing parameters. So finally my daughter suggested to use Google Chrome browser to excess the web site and then print, instead of using Internet Explorer or Internet Extra browser. It worked. I’ve been trying for the last 4 months to print the Malia bag pattern, and I finally got to print it this pass weekend.