Even though temperatures here are still dipping below zero, it is March, which in my corner of the world means spring is coming. And while we’re left to keep on guessing as to when we’ll be graced with its presence, I’ve decided I’m ready to start crocheting for warm weather fun now.
One of the goals I’ve set for myself this year is to eat more healthy, whole foods, which starts with buying more healthy produce. And I want to make it a point to buy from local farmers. Not only is it better for you (you can make sure you’re buying real food that hasn’t been doused in chemicals); but supporting your local economy, especially farmers, is just a good thing to do.
I love all the market bags I’ve seen on Pinterest, and I wanted to make one for myself that I could take to the farmers’ markets this spring and summer. I’m hoping that having a cute bag will be motivating, kind of like how new running shoes can give you renewed excitement for exercising. Except this market bag is a whole lot cheaper than running shoes! (With yarn and buttons, plus sales and coupons, I probably put less than $4 into it!)
This bag is also very easy to make larger or smaller, if you’re comfortable with deviating from patterns. Just add a couple of rounds to the base for a bigger tote, or take a couple away for a smaller one!
MARKET TOTE BAG
Hooks: H (5.00mm) and I (5.50mm)
Yarn: Approx. 315 yards of worsted weight yarn in your favorite color (I used Hobby Lobby’s “I Love This Yarn” in Midgreen)
Buttons (optional): Four. I used 1-1/8″ wooden buttons by La Mode (style #3102)
Difficulty: Easy
Dimensions: The bag (not including straps) measures about 12″ wide by 14″ tall. The straps add another 13″ or so.
Notes: For the base of the bag, you will join rounds. Once you get past the base, you’ll start crocheting in a continuous spiral. This is noted within the pattern.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
With H hook, begin with a Magic Circle.
Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first DC here and throughout); 11 DC in Magic Circle. Join. (12)
Round 2: Ch 2; 1 DC in same St. (2 DC in next St) around. Join. (24)
Round 3: Ch 2; 1 DC in same St, 1 DC in next. (2 DC in next; 1 DC in next) around. Join. (36)
Round 4: Ch 2; 1 DC in same St, 1 DC in each of the next 2 St. (2 DC in next; 1 DC in each of the next 2 St) around. Join. (48)
Round 5: Ch 2; 1 DC in same St, 1 DC in each of the next 3 St. (2 DC in next; 1 DC in each of the next 3 St) around. Join. (60)
Round 6: Ch 2; 1 DC in same St, 1 DC in each of the next 4 St. (2 DC in next; 1 DC in each of the next 4 St) around. Join. (72)
Switch to I hook. From this point on, you will no longer join rounds. I use a stitch marker (like a bobby pin) to mark the first stitch of the round I am working on.
Round 7: Ch 1 (does NOT count as first stitch). 1 SC + 1 DC in same St. Skip next St. (1 SC + 1 DC in next; skip next) around.
Round 8: 1 SC + 1 DC in first skipped space from previous round. (1 SC + 1 DC in next skipped space) around. (Note: If you separate the stitches to find the space, you may see two spaces: one to the left, and one a little down and to the right. You’ll want to work your stitches in the space to the left.)
Rounds 9-29: Repeat Round 8.
Switch back to H hook.
Round 30: Working in top loops again, (1 SC in each St) around.
Rounds 31-36: Repeat Round 30.
Next you’ll add the straps, still working in a continuous spiral.
Round 37: Ch 100. Skip 20 St; Sl St into the next St. 1 SC in each of the next 16 St. Ch 100. Skip next 20 St; Sl St into next. 1 SC in each of the next Sts until you reach the first chain.
Round 38: 1 SC in each St around. When you are working on the straps, put your SCs in the BACK LOOP only of each Ch. When working around the base, SC as you normally would, under both loops.
Round 39: 1 SC in each St around (including up and around the straps).
Rounds 40-41: Repeat Round 39.
Optional: Add more rows for thicker straps.
Finishing: Sl St to the next St (you should be at the bottom right base of the first strap you made). Fasten off and weave in ends.
Add your buttons to both sides of the bag, or embellish as desired.
Hello Rebecca,
I just started this after the latest CAL. I am confused about rows 9- 29. When I look at row 9 I do not see any skipped stitches. I have the row from 7 that is an inner row on the bag and then 8. I’m not sure how to continue. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Are you able to separate your rows the take a pic of it to post?
Would this pattern Work doing single, Hdc ??
Sure 🙂
Thank you for sharing this with us.
I am new and teaching myself to crochet. I am in love with the idea of crochet tote bags and market bags.
I will be trying to make this in the near future!
How do you do magic circle
No pattern
How do you do the pattern for magic circle.
I don’t see it
A tutorial can be found here: http://littlemonkeyscrochet.com/how-to-crochet-a-magic-circle/
Its beautiful. Will try this one day. thanks for the tutorial.
Chance upon your blog, love your designs. Thank you. I am new to crochet and now working on this tote bag and has finished the base but bec my yarn size is to thin *sob*, the base seems small even though I added 3 rounds more. It is definitely not anywhere near 12″ wide. May I know how big is your base after finishing round 6?
Hi Rebecca,
Are you able to do a tutorial of this tote bag as I’m still learning to crochet and find it easier to watch a video. It’s beautiful so thank you for providing a free pattern.
Kind Regards Christina 🙂
I just started this beautiful bàg but am a little confused. On row 8, how do you work on the skipped st of previous row? The stitches would wind up in front of row 7 wouldn’t they? Also, for rows 9-29 we repeat row 8, but there wouuld be no skipped stitches to work in. There’s no skipped stitch in row 8. Please help. I’d like to work up this bag. Thanks.
I am a happy I came across this free pattern, I tried it and it turned out great. My daughter now wants one . Thank you very much.
First congratulations on the birth of your new son. Babies are so special. Second thank you for sharing this patter with everyone. I love it. Cant wait to make ohe or 2 for my shopping bags . I miss not having reusable bags for shopping. It’s just a matter of taking the time to get them made. Thank you again for all the wonderful pattern designs that you share with fellow crafters.
Hi congratulations on your son thank you for the lovely pattern and can we get this in. Pdf please? I’m away from the net alot so it’s great to have the patterns for my projects with me, thanks ?
Love this pattern. thank you. I am just a bit confused about the handle instructions. do you crochet up andback on each handle before crocheting the base stitches? Otherwise, I don’t understand how else you would continue around the bag.
Thanks.
Eve
I’m not sure I understand your question. You’re crocheting along the straps every time you go around.
Thanks for this great pattern! They’re going to make great gifts for the extended family??
Congratulations on the birth of your son??
Thank you for the nice pattern, I love it! I will do this next as gift for my daughter. I think she will love the tote bag too!
thanks for sharing this pattern… working on 2017 Christmas box for my daughter… I’m in MO, she’s in TX 🙂