• Cart
  • Sign In
  • Passholder Area

Yarn + Chai

By Rebecca Langford

  • Home
  • Find a Pattern
    • Written Patterns
    • Video Tutorials
  • All Access Pass
  • Shop
  • Blog
All Posts, Bags + Purses, Crochet Patterns

Market Tote Bag

June 28, 2018

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links which help me cover the cost of publishing my blog. Should you choose to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I will be given a small percentage of the sale. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


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.

Prefer a PDF?

This pattern is also available as an ad-free, printable PDF! And if you love PDFs, you might want to check out my All Access Pass. It’s an awesome deal! (Or, scroll down for the free version!)

  • Sale!

    | All-Access Pass |

    $24.99 $19.99
    Add to cart
  • Market Tote Bag (ad-free PDF)

    $1.99
    Add to cart

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.

by rebecca 
74 Comments

About rebecca

View all posts by rebecca

Related Posts

  • Classic Easter Basket
  • Easy Herringbone Earwarmer
  • Buffalo Check Potholders
  • Market Tote Bag

Copyright Notice

All pattern text and photos are ©Rebecca Langford and may not be copied for purposes of redistribution online or in print. If you wish to share a pattern, please provide recipient with a link to the pattern instead. If you wish to use one or more of my patterns in a round-up on your own blog, you may use one (1) photo per pattern. You may sell your finished products made from Yarn + Chai patterns; a link to https://yarnandchai.com in your online listings is appreciated. For all other uses, please contact me directly. Your adherence to these guidelines is appreciated and ensures that I can continue providing quality patterns for free.
previous post: Summer Boardwalk Baby Blanket
next post: Nautical Basket

Comments

  1. Jackie says: April 29, 2022 at 4:03 pm

    I love this bag. I am working on it. The handle directions are not working for me. Can you please help?

    Reply
  2. LeClare Nance says: June 26, 2021 at 10:58 pm

    Hello, I am currently working on making this bag, but I am a little confused on rounds 3 and up. It says 2DC in the next st and then DC in the next stitch around. Does this mean I alternate 2DC and DC for each stitch all the way around?

    LeClare Nance
    Florida

    Reply
  3. Donna Ewing says: March 27, 2021 at 11:09 pm

    So the pattern says make a magic circle. Do we follow the tutorial doing 12 DC stitches into the magic circle and then do a slip stitch to join it. The pattern also says to jot join unless specifically noted. I’m a very beginner here and just want to get it right. Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Kaia says: January 24, 2021 at 5:49 pm

    I just started making the handles and i just did the 90 chains. The next step says to skip 20 stitches and then sc in the next 16 stitches. I was wondering were these stitches go. Are they part of the handle or are they being attached to the bag. Thanks so much!!! This pattern has been really fun and cute!!

    Reply
  5. Constance Adams says: January 6, 2021 at 6:35 pm

    I just completed this bag and it turned out AMAZING!!! My daughter loved it and asked if I would make one for her. Of course, I gave it to her because that’s what mom’s do!! Thank you for the pattern and I will make another one soon!

    Reply
    • Sharon Maydet says: April 17, 2021 at 8:50 pm

      Hello I have a question each round crochetting this bag do you do a slip stitch after each round thanks Sharon

      Reply
  6. Beatrix Murphy says: October 19, 2020 at 7:02 pm

    I’m referring to Round 7-28…how can the number of stitches (72) not increase if I put two (SC+DC) in one stitch? Wouldn’t that double a stitch? What am I missing? Sorry, if this is a dumb question.

    Reply
    • Beatrix says: October 19, 2020 at 7:06 pm

      Nevermind…just answered my own question. The second part is not SC, but SKIP a stitch. Ugh. Love the look of your market bag!!

      Reply
  7. Karen Anderson says: September 20, 2020 at 2:06 am

    Hi
    Just wanted to say I love your pattern. I will make the next ones a little longer as we will use the for grocery shopping.
    Thank You

    Reply
  8. Diane N says: September 13, 2020 at 6:45 pm

    I’ve just made two of these bags using #4 cotton, 5mm hook for the base and 4mm for the top (change color) handle section.
    Worked out perfectly!

    Reply
    • Danielle says: July 1, 2021 at 1:32 am

      Did you keep all the same stitch counts? Mine is turning out a good deal smaller.

      Reply
  9. Carol B says: August 7, 2020 at 11:27 am

    I have completed 4 of these bags since the beginning of July. Just love it. I made some longer in length and some of the handles were shorter. What a lovely pattern.

    Reply
  10. Nancy says: July 22, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    Hi Rebecca,
    Thank you so much for your wonderful patterns! Can you tell me how tall this bag should be before you get to the part where you switch hooks to make the top (after Round 30). Thank you so much.
    Nancy in New Jersey

    Reply
    • yarnandchai says: August 1, 2020 at 11:57 am

      I don’t have that written down, but judging by the gauge, probably 9″.

      Reply
  11. Carol Belluz says: July 13, 2020 at 2:59 pm

    When doing the top part of the bag (over the base) do I crochet in the skip st part or in the sc DC part?

    Reply
    • yarnandchai says: July 15, 2020 at 7:58 am

      You’ll put your hook under the top loops created by the SC stitch.

      Reply
  12. Elaine says: June 4, 2020 at 3:51 pm

    I just love this bag! The pattern came out beautifully! I used Lily Sugar ‘N cream cotton yarn in red with a cream color on top. Because it is a medium weight yarn, I followed the instructions by measuring the base until it reached 8.5 inches. I love it so much that I think I will whip up a mini version.

    Reply
    • Elaine says: June 4, 2020 at 7:30 pm

      Also I used a size 6 crochet hook for most of the bag, and then a size 5 for the single crochet at the top.

      Reply
  13. Gillian says: March 18, 2020 at 11:00 am

    I love this bag and the basket patterns, but I have been unable to find the Bernat Maker yarn you used. Any suggestions on where to find it, or what yarn to substitute to get the same look?

    Reply
    • yarnandchai says: March 18, 2020 at 11:28 am

      Hi Gillian! It’s been harder and harder to find, though the word fro Yarnspirations is that it will start showing up again soon. My Walmart still carries it. There really is no substitute for that yarn :/ but you could double- or triple-strand some thinner cotton yarn to make the baskets.

      Reply
  14. Amy Bell says: February 18, 2020 at 11:31 am

    Hello, I love this patter so much and have been looking for quite some time to find the “perfect” bag! I started this project last night and just want to make sure things are going the way they should be. As my circle gets larger, it isn’t laying flat. Is it supposed to be like that?
    Thank you!
    Amy

    Reply
    • yarnandchai says: February 18, 2020 at 11:49 am

      Hi Amy! It’s not going to matter for a slouchy bag like this. As long as your counts are right, you should be ok!

      Reply
      • Sharon Maydet says: April 17, 2021 at 8:53 pm

        I have a question with this crochet bag after each round do you do a slip stitch or just keep going around and around thanks

        Reply
  15. Kim Overby says: January 18, 2020 at 1:37 pm

    I really like this market bag but I’m having g a difficult time trying to figure out how to do the handles. Do you have a tutorial showing how to make the entire bag.

    Reply
  16. Dana h payne says: October 13, 2019 at 10:48 pm

    I just finished this pattern with yarn bee dyeworks I got on clearance at hobby lobby. It turned out really great. This is my favorite market bag pattern.

    Reply
  17. Angela says: September 10, 2019 at 1:38 pm

    Rebecca, first of all, thank you so much for publishing the recipe for the delicious Market Tote Bag! I have searched for a long time to find this one, particularly because it doesn’t have so many “holes” throughout and I won’t lose my smaller items. I have a question regarding the size of the crochet hooks: you specify size N or 9.00 mm. Looking at my crochet hooks I find the following sizes: J/10 = 5.75 mm; G/7 = 4.5 mm; L/11 = 8.00 mm. This last one is very large and I have never actually used it. I actually can’t imagine using a hook that is 9 mm!!!
    Would you be able to get back to me and help me find the correct size, please? I have more hooks than the ones I mentioned; however, I thought it might be closer to the G/7 or the bag will be HUGE.
    Thank you so much! Angela

    Reply
    • yarnandchai says: September 10, 2019 at 3:11 pm

      Hi Angela! I really did use a 9mm hook. You’d probably be fine using the 8mm, but I wouldn’t go down more than that; this calls for #5 chunky yarn.

      Reply
      • Angela says: September 13, 2019 at 1:16 pm

        Rebecca, thank you so much for your reply. Meanwhile, I realized that a 9mm hook would be appropriate, since the pattern looks so much better with larger holes and “nobs(?)”. I did not undo all my work, but gradually increased the hook size, and am presently using 9mm. It gives the bag a little different shape which is actually a good thing. Thanks again for your help!

        Reply
  18. Tameka says: August 4, 2019 at 6:58 pm

    Are you suppose to do the handles before turning it, the right side out?

    Reply
    • yarnandchai says: August 6, 2019 at 11:03 am

      Do you mean edging them? It wouldn’t really matter. I turned mine right side out.

      Reply
      • Tameka says: August 10, 2019 at 9:01 pm

        Before the edging.

        Reply
        • yarnandchai says: August 10, 2019 at 9:10 pm

          It doesn’t matter. It’s all worked in one piece, so whether you happen to hold it right side out or inside out while you crochet it, it doesn’t make a difference. You can even go back and forth from one to the other and you’ll still be crocheting in the correct direction. 🙂

          Reply
  19. Carlene says: July 15, 2019 at 5:06 pm

    Was in the store and Home Dec was on sale had seen it before and found it interesting. Did a google to find a market bag and came across yours. Almost finished my first and am so glad I bought enough to make 3! Love this pattern, thank you so much.

    Reply
    • yarnandchai says: July 15, 2019 at 6:04 pm

      I’m so glad you like it! This is one of my favorite yarns. Have you seen my baskets? https://YARNANDCHAI.COM/BASKETS ?

      Reply
« Older Comments

Leave Your Comments Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Me

I'm so glad you're here! I'm Rebecca, the designer behind Yarn + Chai, and I can teach you how to find the right combination of pattern, yarn and color to produce modern, wearable crochet.

Let’s Be Social

Never miss a pattern.

We'll email you so you don't miss out.

I value your privacy!

Search

  • Privacy Policy

Instagram

Unable to communicate with Instagram.

Follow Me @yarnandchai.design

Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

  • Coffee Cup Cozy
    Accessories, All Free Patterns, All Posts, Crochet Patterns, Miscellaneous
  • Mosaic Pumpkin
    All Free Patterns, All Posts, Crochet Patterns, Home Decor

Never Miss a Pattern.

We'll email you so you don't miss out.

Copyright © 2023 · Prima Donna theme by Georgia Lou Studios

Copyright © 2023 · Prima Donna on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in