Crochet Farmers Market Bag - Free Pattern
Learn how to crochet a farmers market bag for your groceries with this free pattern! This easy crochet tote bag is made in one piece and comes in 2 sizes.
It's the perfect bag to bring to your local farmers market, and it also makes a great lunch tote!
Scroll down for the free crochet pattern and guided video tutorial, or click here to purchase the ad-free printable PDF pattern.
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Easy Crochet Market Bag
My latest free crochet pattern is a crochet farmers market bag! This easy versatile crochet bag is made in 1 piece and comes in 2 sizes. It's made using basic crochet stitches and features an adorable shell stitch border.
So if you need a cute bag for the summertime or just need an extra grocery bag that has a lot of space, I think you'll enjoy making this crochet pattern.
It's a fun easy pattern that can be worked up in just a few days.
Crochet a Market Bag in 2 Sizes
This crochet farmers market bag comes in 2 sizes - small or large. The small size works great when you want to bring something for lunch and the bigger size works great for groceries.
I like to bring the small version with me to work to put all my snacks in and I bring the bigger size one with me when grocery shopping.
And let me tell you, a lot can fit into these crochet bags (super expandable). I like to call them my 2-for-1 bags because it carries so much, yet the bag itself doesn't take up a lot of space.
So I just love these types of crochet bags. I hope you do too!
How to Crochet a Market Bag for Beginners
Crocheting your own bag is fun and easy! This farmer's market bag is great for beginners as it's worked in one piece. So no seaming is required for this pattern.
You'll first start by making the top portion of your crochet bag using single crochets, then you will make the body portion of your bag using the mesh stitch. And then you will finish creating the top portion again using single crochets.
All that's left to do after this is to make the handles and the border which are crocheted directly onto the bag.
So I would say it's a pretty simple pattern and there's also a helpful video tutorial included.
What Yarn is Best to Use for a Crochet Market Bag?
I highly recommend using cotton yarn (or cotton blend yarn) for a crochet market bag. I find cotton yarn to be super durable and sturdy.
For this crochet bag pattern, I used one of my favorite mercerized cotton yarns, which is Lion Brand 24/7 cotton yarn. I'm a huge fan of this yarn because it holds up really well.
I've used it for many crochet home decor projects and I can't recommend it enough. This line also comes in 37 different colors, so you really have a ton of color options to choose from.
As always though, if you can't get a hold of this yarn, any number 4 worsted-weight yarn will work. You can also check yarnsub.com for some yarn substitutions.
Alright, let's start our pattern!
Other Free Crochet Bag Patterns
1. Crossbody Bag Pattern. / 2. Granny Square Bag Pattern
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Description:
Learn how to crochet a farmers market bag with this free crochet pattern and step-by-step video tutorial. This versatile bag can be made in two different sizes - small or large.
Materials:
- Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn in the color Camel (Weight 4/3.5 oz, 186 yds), or you can use another worsted weight yarn. You will need 1 skein (186 yds) for the small size, and 3 skeins (558 yds) for the large size.
- Size 4.0 mm (G) crochet hook.
- Darning Needle.
- Stitch Markers.
- Scissors.
Bag Size:
Small: diameter/width - 8 ½" inch, height (including strap) - 10 ¼" inch.
Large; diameter/width - 16 ½" inch, height (including strap) - 22 ½" inch.
Gauge:
20 stitches x 20 rows = 4" inch square in single crochet.
Abbreviations:
ch – chain: Yarn over, pull through loop on hook.
ss - slip stitch: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
sc – single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through last two loops on hook.
dc - double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch and pull through, yarn over and pull through first two loops on hook, yarn over and pull through last two loops on hook.
shell stitch - Make 4 double crochets in the same stitch to create a shell stitch.
Pattern Notes:
- Pattern written in U.S. terms.
- This crochet market bag can be made in 2 sizes: small and large. The sizing guide follows S(L). Example: ch 16 (31) means chain 16 for the small size, and chain 31 for the large size.
- Ch 1 at the beginning of each row does not count as a stitch.
- Pattern is explained in 5 different sections: 1-Top Portion of Bag, 2-Mesh Portion of Bag, 3-Other Top Portion of Bag, 4-Strap Portion of Bag, 5-Shell Stitch Border.
- Total stitches for row are indicated between ( ).
Pattern
Section 1: Top Portion of Bag
Ch 16 (31)
Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, and in each chain across. Ch 1, turn. 15 (30).
Row 2: Sc in first stitch, and in each stitch across. Ch 1, turn. 15 (30).
Row 3 - Row 6: Repeat row 2. 15 (30).
Now you will start working the mesh portion of your bag.
Section 2: Mesh Portion of Bag
For both sizes:
Row 1: ch 5, turn, and ss into the first stitch. * ch 5, and ss into the next stitch. Continue to repeat from * till the end of the row. 15 (30) mesh stitches.
Now follow the pattern according to the size you’re making.
Small Size: Repeat row 1 until you have 44 rows total. (15 mesh stitches per row).
Large Size: Repeat row 1 until you have 80 rows total. (30 mesh stitches per row).
Now you will start working the other top portion of the bag.
Section 3: Top Portion of Bag
For both sizes:
Row 1: ch 1, turn, and make a sc in the first mesh stitch. Then continue by making a sc in each mesh stitch until the end of the row. Ch 1, turn. 15 (30).
Row 2: Sc in first stitch, and in each stitch across. Ch 1, turn. 15 (30).
Row 3 - Row 6: Repeat row 2. 15 (30).
Now you will make single crochets on the side of your bag and make chains to create the strap of your bag.
Section 4: Strap Portion of Bag
Follow the pattern according to the size you’re making.
Small Size: ch 1, and make 1 sc in each single crochet row on the side of your bag (6). Now make 1 sc in each mesh stitch row (22). Then make 1 sc in each single crochet row again on the side of your bag (6). (34 sc total).
Then ch 40, and attach your long chain to the last stitch on the other side of your bag with a ss.
Then ch 1, and make 1 sc in each single crochet row on the side of your bag (6). Now make 1 sc in each mesh stitch row. (22). Then make 1 sc in each single crochet row again on the side of your bag (6). (34 sc total).
Then ch 40, and attach your long chain to the last stitch on the other side of your bag with a ss.
You should have a total of 148 stitches.
Large Size: ch 1, and make 1 sc in each single crochet row on the side of your bag (6). Now make 1 sc in each mesh stitch row. (40) Then make 1 sc in each single crochet row again on the side of your bag (6). (52 sc total).
Then ch 90, and attach your long chain to the last stitch on the other side of your bag with a ss.
Then ch 1, and make 1 sc in each single crochet row on the side of your bag (6). Now make 1 sc in each mesh stitch row. (40). Then make 1 sc in each single crochet row again on the side of your bag (6). (52 sc total).
Then ch 90, and attach your long chain to the last stitch on the other side of your bag with a ss.
You should have a total of 284 stitches.
For both sizes:
Ch 1, and make a sc in the same stitch you placed your ss. Place a stitch marker, and make a sc in each stitch across your bag until you reach the beginning of your stitch marker. 148 (284).
Now you will work the shell stitch border around your bag.
Section 5: Shell Stitch Border
Follow the pattern according to the size you’re making.
Small Size: Make 1 sc in the first stitch, skip 2 stitches, and make a shell stitch in the next stitch. * Skip 2 stitches, make 1 sc in the following stitch, skip 2 stitches, and make a shell stitch in the next stitch. Continue to repeat from * till last 3 stitches, skip 2 stitches, make a shell stitch in the following stitch, and ss to first sc stitch.
Large Size: Make 1 sc in the first stitch, skip 2 stitches, and make a shell stitch in the next stitch. * Skip 2 stitches, make 1 sc in the following stitch, skip 2 stitches, and make a shell stitch in the next stitch. Continue to repeat from * till last 4 stitches, skip 2 stitches, make a sc in the following stitch, skip next stitch, and ss to first sc stitch.
Finish off and weave in ends for both sizes.
Ooh, your email came at the right time. Flustered about next project and then watched your hook do the magic..What would you say to use Lion Bran their Cotton Blend of
50% cotton , 50%polyester 392 yds. in hefty 7 oz. cake. Thinking way to use few cakes
all different colors, given to me in holiday bag. I can turn a bag and give back to lady who gifted them to me! I cannot let this project get away from me now....
Hi there, yes you can definitely use a cotton blend yarn for this pattern. My mom actually made this pattern as well in a cotton blend version and it turned out so good! It really made the shell stitch border stand out. I love Lion Brands Comfy Cotton yarn, so it'll definitely work!
I just finished the small bag and found stitch markers to be so helpful! Love it! I wonder if you have directions for a Medium size bag. Please share if you do. Thank you 🙂
Thank you for sharing! 😊 Stitch markers are lifesavers. I love using them as well in my crochet projects. I don't have a medium size yet for the bag, but all make sure to make one in the future.
This bag is awesome to make, but please know that the Large size is GIANT! I made it thinking it wouldn't stretch, and boy was I wrong! I am able to fit about 20 spools of yarn in the bag I made lol. But overall this bag is great!
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying the bag 😊. Oh yeah, they definitely stretch. I love it though, because so much fits in them. Also, just a quick tip, but if you find that your bag has stretched out to much after a few uses. Just put it in the wash machine and then the dryer, and your bag goes back to it's original shape. I love doing this to my bags. Plus, it's gets a little refresh! ✨
I'm making the larger size bag and when I get to part 2, I have only 29 mesh loops. I did not chain one after my final row 6. Was I supposed to? The directions were unclear.
Hi there, thank you for your question. I'm thinking you missed a stitch in the first part. So when you make your first six single crochet rows, you should have a total of 30 stitches for the large size. Then when you start the second part, you have to chain 5 to start your mesh stitches.
So good to see someone who holds their yarn the same way I do. I have tried all different ways but is the most comfortable.
This is a great bag thank you for this great tutorial. I'm going to make lots for Christmas gifts this year.
Thank you
Jocelyn
You're welcome! They would make such cute Christmas gifts.😊Oh yeah, I know what you mean. I've tried a few different ways, but I always come back to this way of holding my yarn.
Nice video and great directions. I made the little bag this afternoon and love how the shell stitch really finishes it off nicely and gives it some body. It also makes it very fun to use up leftover cotton yarns. You don’t need very much to make a couple rows of color during making the mesh with the main one. thanks!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed making the pattern. 😊
For the single crochet around, do you single crochet into the chain that makes the handle or around it?
Hi there, yes, so you want to make a single crochet in each chain.
If I were to make the mesh one color and the top, handles and border a different color, would the yarn needed be 50/50 in quantity? or would one or the other take more of that color?
Hi there, the mesh and the top part make up the bulk of the pattern. So you would need more yarn for the mesh and top part. I would say you need a little less than one ball of yarn for the border and the handles.
I made a medium size. Twenty-one chain, six rows of sc for the band - all with a 3.5mm hook with white packaging cotton string (equivalent to a light worsted). Changed hook to 4.00 and made 20 mesh loops. I repeated for 50 rows and then changed to 3.5mm hook and followed the pattern instruction for the rest of the bands, just with the reduced number of initial stitches and mesh rows. It isn't hard to adjust the size as the pattern is simple to follow, particularly with the excellent video provided for those of us who are more visual. I made a 50 ch strap so I could carry the bag over my shoulder and that is perfect. The strap has four rows of sc which I felt was wide enough but can be wider if preferred. This is a good medium size and you can carry it by the handles if you wish and it won't drag on the ground yet it will accommodate a nice lot of groceries as it expands widthwise. Maybe this will help someone who wanted that mid size.
Thank you so much Julie for the extra advice. I think it'll be very helpful for others who may want to adjust the size as well. 😊
@Nicky,
You're welcome Nicky. I am on my third bag at the moment. Soon all my market bags will be handmade. It really is a great pattern!!
Hi, after starting the large bag & then going through all the comments, I’m thinking the large bag is way too big. I was wondering if I stopped at 60 rows, instead of the 80 rows would my bag turn out alright?
My cotton yarn is a little difficult to undo once I continue trying to complete my bag that’s why I will wait for a reply.
I should have started with the small size bag 1st, before the large 1. But I do plan to complete a small bag too. Thank you
Hi there, I think it will be ok because the yarn does stretch a bit. As long as you don't mind the size being a bit smaller than the original size, I think it'll be ok.
@Nicky, thank you, I tried it & it came out perfect. I love it.
Amazing! You explain things in such a clear and concise way.
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying the pattern. 😊
The strap for the small bag is a little small so I made it a bit longer but other than that I absolutely LOVE your pattern for this bag ❤️❤️❤️
Hi! I was wondering if you had any advice on how to switch skeins of yarn while you're in the mesh part of the pattern.
Thanks!
Hi there, I would recommend making the change at the end of the row. I find it easier than switching in the middle of the row.
I want to make this bag but wanted to know how much weight it can hold?
Hi there, I'm not sure on the exact weight, but I know it can hold a ton of things. I use mine for groceries all the time and I definitely stuff it full of food. So weight wise, it can hold a lot.
I have two skeins of one color of Lion Brand 24/7 cotton. If I buy another skein of a contrasting color, do you think there will be enough in the two skeins to make the top portion and mesh of the bag? I would then use the other skein for the remainder.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Hi there, yes, I think that should work. I love how you're going to use two colors for this pattern. 😊
I am currently making the large size - i feel like its WAY more fanned out than your sample above (I know yours is the small). Im just wondering how wide 80 total rows before part 3 is. It just doesnt look right to me but I am following your video to a t.
Hi there, how did your bag turn out?
If you wanted a simple straight handle what would you do instead of the shell stitch? Thanks!
Hi there, I would make a basic single crochet border around the whole entire bag. 😊