Easy Crochet Market Bag: Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

With plastic bags being phased out across the globe, crochet market bags are a stylish and eco-friendly alternative. Whether you're an experienced crocheter or a beginner, there are plenty of patterns to choose from, including mesh bags, grocery bags, French market bags, tote bags, and more. These bags are perfect for a variety of occasions, from shopping trips to the beach.

Crochet market bags are usually made with an openwork or mesh stitch pattern, making them lightweight and breathable. Most patterns use basic crochet stitches such as single crochet, double crochet, and half double crochet, as well as chains to create gaps. You can also find patterns that use more solid stitch patterns for extra sturdiness.

When choosing yarn for your crochet market bag, consider the strength and durability of the fibres, as well as their ability to hold their shape. Cotton or cotton-blend yarn is a popular choice due to its strength, durability, and ease of care. Other options include jute or burlap yarn for a rustic look, linen yarn for breathability, and recycled yarns for a more sustainable option.

Choosing the right yarn for your crochet market bag

When choosing the right yarn for your crochet market bag, there are a few factors to consider, such as the weight, fibre, and colour of the yarn.

Firstly, for crochet market bags, a medium to bulky yarn weight is often preferred due to its durability and sturdiness. Worsted (medium) to super bulky yarn is ideal for creating bags that can withstand the weight of groceries and daily use. Worsted weight yarn, in particular, offers a good balance between strength and flexibility, resulting in a practical bag. If you're looking for a quicker project, super bulky yarns can provide a chunkier and more robust bag in less time.

Secondly, the choice of fibre depends on your desired look, feel, and functionality. Cotton or cotton-blend yarn is a common choice for market bags due to its strength, ease of washing, and eco-friendly qualities. Cotton yarn will give your bag a natural, breathable feel, making it perfect for carrying fresh produce. Other fibres to consider include linen, acrylic, and wool, each offering unique properties that can enhance the look and functionality of your bag.

Lastly, colour plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic of your crochet market bag. You can choose a single colour for a sleek and elegant look or opt for multiple colours to create a vibrant and playful design. Consider the purpose of your bag and the impression you want to make. Do you want it to blend in with your outfits, or do you want it to be a statement piece?

Remember, the yarn you choose will determine the durability, texture, and overall appearance of your crochet market bag, so take the time to select the right type, weight, and colour that aligns with your vision and intended use.

Basic crochet stitches for beginners

If you're a beginner at crocheting, there are six basic stitches you should learn first. These stitches are used in almost every crochet pattern and are a good foundation for improving your crochet skills.

The first basic technique that all beginners need to know is the chain stitch. Most patterns start with a number of chain stitches, which form the foundation for the rest of the crochet project. To make a starting chain, you need to make a slip knot and insert your hook. Then, yarn over and pull up a new loop. Repeat this process to make the next chain stitch and the rest of the foundation chain.

The next stitch to learn is the single crochet stitch. It's abbreviated as SC and is a quick, easy stitch that's super versatile in crochet patterns. Fabric made from single crochet stitches is smooth and solid, and it can be used for making scarves, hats, baby blankets, and amigurumi.

The double crochet stitch is another beginner-friendly stitch used in various patterns, like classic granny squares and afghans. It's taller than a single crochet stitch and creates a more open and flexible fabric.

The half-double crochet stitch is similar to the single crochet stitch but with an extra yarn-over at the beginning, making it taller. This stitch is perfect for crocheting projects like baby blankets, scarves, or even sweaters.

The treble crochet stitch is the tallest of the basic stitches. It's even taller than the double crochet stitch and is used to quickly add height to a project, creating a looser fabric ideal for open, lacy shawls and light blankets.

Finally, the slip stitch is a useful technique that can be used in many different ways. You can use it to move the yarn across a row of stitches, join a round of crochet, or add flourishes to your project.

With these six basic stitches, you'll be well on your way to becoming a proficient crocheter and will be able to create a wide variety of projects.

How to make a crocheted flat base

To make a flat base for your crochet market bag, you will need to start by crocheting a flat, circular base with double crochet stitches. The number of stitches you use will depend on the size of the bag you want to make. For a small bag, you will need around 200 yards of yarn, and for a larger bag, you will need around 250 yards.

Step 1: Chain 4, slip stitch to join to form a ring.

Step 2: Chain 3 (this counts as a double crochet stitch), then double crochet 11 times into the ring. Slip stitch to join at the top of the chain 3 (12 stitches).

Step 3: Chain 3, turn, double crochet in the same stitch, then 2 double crochet in each stitch around. Slip stitch to join at the top of the chain 3 (24 stitches).

Step 4: Chain 3, turn, double crochet in the same stitch, then 1 double crochet in the next stitch, 2 double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern around, slip stitch to join at the top of the chain 3 (36 stitches).

Step 5: Chain 3, turn, double crochet in the same stitch, then 1 double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern around, adding an additional 3 stitches at the end to make the bag a bit wider (63 stitches).

You can adjust the size of your flat base by crocheting a wider base and ending with a multiple of 3 stitches. Just remember to keep your yarn needs in mind, as the bag can become long and thin when filled with items.

Once you have completed these steps, you will have a flat, circular base for your crochet market bag. You can now continue to crochet the sides of your bag and add any additional features, such as a handle or straps.

How to crochet in the round

To crochet in the round for a market bag, you will first need to create a flat circular base. Using a US Size H 5.0 mm crochet hook, start by chaining 4 and slip stitching to join to form a ring. From there, you will crochet in the round, working with double crochet stitches. The number of stitches in each round will increase gradually to create a circular shape.

For the first round (Rd 1), chain 3 (this counts as a double crochet stitch), then crochet 11 double crochet stitches into the ring. Slip stitch to join at the top of the chain 3, which completes the first round with 12 stitches.

For the second round (Rd 2), chain 3 and turn your work. Crochet a double crochet stitch in the same stitch as the chain 3, then crochet 2 double crochet stitches in each stitch around. Slip stitch to join at the top of the chain 3, completing this round with 24 stitches.

Continue crocheting in this manner, increasing the number of stitches in each round to shape the base of your bag. The pattern provided includes specific instructions for Rounds 3, 4, and 5, gradually increasing the number of double crochet stitches and rounds to create a wider base.

Once you have completed the desired number of rounds and achieved the size you want for your bag's base, you can move on to creating the mesh or sides of the bag. This is achieved by working in continuous rounds and creating a mesh pattern with chain stitches and slip stitches.

After completing the mesh section, you will work on the upper section and handles of the bag. This involves crocheting additional rounds and then working in rows to create the handles. Finally, you will attach the handles to the opposite end of the bag with a slip stitch seam, and your eco-friendly crochet market bag will be complete!

How to make a crocheted mesh bag

Making your own crocheted mesh bag is a fun and sustainable way to avoid using plastic bags. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own.

Materials:

First, you will need to gather your materials. For a standard crocheted mesh bag, you will need:

• Medium to bulky yarn weight, such as worsted weight cotton yarn or a cotton-blend yarn.
• A crochet hook that complements your chosen yarn size.
• Scissors.
• Stitch markers (optional but helpful).
• A tapestry or yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Getting Started:

Now, you are ready to start crocheting!

Begin by making a sliding loop or a magic circle. Then, chain three, which counts as your first treble crochet. After that, crochet 11 treble crochet stitches into the ring and pull the tail tight to close the ring. Join the round with a slip stitch.

Creating the Base:

Chain three again, which will count as your first treble crochet stitch. Then, crochet one treble crochet stitch in the same stitch, and two treble crochet stitches in each stitch around. Join this round with a slip stitch as well.

For the next round, chain one, which counts as your first double crochet. Then, crochet one double crochet in the same stitch, chain two, and skip one treble crochet. Repeat this pattern around, and join with a slip stitch.

In the following rounds, you will be increasing the number of treble crochet stitches and chains to create a base that expands outward. Follow the pattern of trebles and chains, joining each round with a slip stitch.

Forming the Mesh:

To create the mesh body of the bag, you will continue working in rounds. Chain one, then alternate between chaining three and skipping one treble crochet, and double crocheting into the next treble crochet. Repeat this pattern around and join with a slip stitch.

For the next few rounds, you will be increasing the number of chains to create larger spaces in the mesh. Adjust the size of the mesh as needed by changing the number of chains. Join each round with a slip stitch.

Adding the Handles:

Once you have reached your desired bag length, it's time to add the handles. Simply crochet a few more rounds, creating a border around the top of the bag. Then, chain a long handle on each side, anchoring it down a few stitches away from the first chain. Crochet a few rows for each handle to make it sturdy.

Finishing Touches:

Fasten off your work and weave in any loose ends. Congratulations! You have now created your very own crocheted mesh bag. Feel free to add any decorations or embellishments to personalize your bag further.

Frequently asked questions