Functional, washable, reusable, and cute—what’s not to love about a crochet market bag?
I’m excited to share how you can create your very own market bag in a slouchy, boho style. Once you grasp the construction of this bag, you can experiment with various meshy or drapey stitch patterns to truly make it your own. In this post, I’ll guide you through making this specific mesh pattern.
Materials Needed
- Macrame rope cord (or any chunky 4 to 5 weight cotton yarn)
- Crochet hook: 12mm
Important Note on Yarn Selection
For my market bag, I used macrame rope cord, which produced a beautiful bag but posed some challenges. The macrame cord twisted up on itself because the twist of the rope conflicted with how my yarn naturally twists while crocheting. Because of this, I don’t recommend macrame cord unless you don’t mind a little twisty struggle. Any worsted to chunky weight cotton yarn will also work just fine.
Visual Learner? Check out the video tutorial!
Step-by-Step Pattern
Foundation: Start with a chain of 21 (or 20 if using a long tail foundation chain).
Base: Work 3 rows of single crochet.
Mesh Section
Begin with a setup row: chain 4, skip first stitch, *1 sc in next stitch, chain 3. Repeat from * to end, finishing with 1 dc in last stitch.
For subsequent rows: chain 4, turn, skip first chain space, *1 sc in next chain space, chain 3. Repeat from * to end, finishing with chain 1 and 1 dc in first chain of previous row’s starting chain 4.
Continue the mesh pattern until your section measures about 18-20 inches (approximately 21 rows).
Then, Work 3 more rows of single crochet to match the base.
Shaping the Bag: Fold the piece in half, matching the single crochet sections at the corners.
Adding Straps: Chain 20 for each strap, attaching at opposite corners.
Finishing: Work single crochet around the entire edge of the bag, including the straps, for 2 rounds.
Tips for Success
- When working the mesh pattern, remember to crochet into the chain spaces, not the individual chains.
- Take care not to twist your chains when creating the straps.
Customization Ideas
The beauty of this pattern lies in its adaptability. Here are a few ways you can make it uniquely yours:
- Experiment with different stitch patterns for the mesh section.
- Try variegated yarn for a multi-colored effect.
- Adjust the size by increasing or decreasing the number of mesh rows.
There you have it!
Creating your own crochet market bag is not only a fun project but also a step towards more sustainable living. It’s perfect for farmers’ markets, beach trips, or even as a stylish everyday bag. Plus, the satisfaction of using something you’ve made with your own hands is unbeatable!
Remember, practice makes perfect. If you’re new to crochet or this particular pattern, don’t get discouraged. Take it one stitch at a time, and soon you’ll have a beautiful, handmade market bag to show off.
Happy crocheting, and don’t forget to share your creations online – I’d love to see what you come up with!
