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.
Congratulations on baby boy Henry. Born two days after me.
I’m at the handles part now. Love this pattern and instructions are great for me. Normally I give up after I get lost but this is great. I used leftover yarn can’t wait till tomorrow to get another skin to finish. Thanks so much!
Thanks for sharing this tote pattern. I’m working several more for best friends Christmas gifts! Never had gifts prepared this early. I am enjoying adding more color to highlight the handles. It also makes a great place to use some of the nifty old buttons my mother left me.
Again, thank you and best wishes with Henry James. ?
Can’t wait to make a few of these
Thanks for pattern. A learner to crochet and looking forward to many more articles that I can try. Thanks
Hi Little Monkeys,
Lovely of you to continue to make available your ‘free’ patterns and designs, with very few “strings attached”. Not everybody on FB is willing to do that.
Thanks again for your kindness in sharing
Thanx for this sweet pattern littlemonkey? I am not quite done with my first one and may make a couple alterations? The way the handles connect on the inside side makes me feel like I want to add more rows in between?? Looks like if u carry a lot it will stress them? Mine turns out beautifully and I can’t wait to add my appliqués ?
Thank you for sharing your skills ,knowledge and experience with the world. It is very appreciated. Bless you and yours.
Just finished your market bag and I love it! I’m new to crocheting and your pattern was so easy to follow – thank you!
Plan on making several of these for shipping.
This was a fun and easy bag to make. I haven’t crocheted in years and this was the first one after a long break,
Love this pattern. Will be making it for my daughter to carry her Bible to church. Thank you for the pattern.
Hello there. Thanks so much for generously sharing your patterns. may i ask for some clarification pls:
1. “Round 30: Working in top loops again, (1 SC in each St) around.”
why “again”? with top loop, are you referring to front loops only or both front and back as is usual?
2. I only have 2 sizes of hook (one on each end) . one end indicates the number 7 while the other end is 8. I neglected to fully understand the instruction before i started so i used the 8 for my base. can i use it too for the body of the bag?
3. i added two more rounds to my base because i want it bigger. will that be okay? thanks so much. i hope you dont find my questions silly as Im a beginner. hoping to hear from you. Happy New Year!
Hi Anne! This pattern was one of my earliest and needs some serious updating, so I’m sorry for any confusion 🙂
1. In the pattern I recommended working in the spaces created by the SC/DC combos. That’s why I directed you specifically to begin working in the top loops (meaning both loops… instead of the space below them). When I rewrite the pattern I will probably take that whole first part out and just direct people to work in the top loops as normal because it’s less confusing and doesn’t make that much difference visually.
2. You’ll be fine, this pattern will work with any size hook as long as the yarn is an appropriate match for it.
3. You’ll be fine!
Thank you. i added two more rounds to my base. can i still follow the pattern for the strap as is? Thanks
Yes, you’ll be fine!
Very beautiful. I am looking for the pattern of your GREY totebag please. Asked several times
My Wildflower Shoulder Bag is here: http://littlemonkeyscrochet.com/wildflower-shoulder-bag-cal-july-2015/
I’m sorry, I was unaware that you had asked several times. All of my patterns can be found easily by clicking “patterns” in the main menu under my logo.
Love your market tote bag but I am a little confused once I start straps. Icompleted row 38 and now I am not sure what to do.
How do I SC in each ST around when the chains for the straps are joined on?
Not sure of 38 or 39. Can u help me?
Thanks.
The CHs count as stitches. So when it tells you to SC in each ST around, that includes going up and down the straps, putting one SC in each CH.
I made this bag using garden twine in neutral and green. It’s very sturdy and perfect for grocery shopping. .
Thanks for the pattern