Beginner's Guide To Crocheting A Market Bag

Crochet market bags are a fun, eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. They are durable, stylish, and handmade. With a crochet market bag, you can carry your groceries, stroll through the farmer's market, or go on a picnic trip. The best part is that you can crochet them in custom shapes, design textures, and motifs using different crocheting techniques, stitches, and motifs.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to crochet a beginner-friendly market bag. So, grab your yarn and crochet hook, and let's get started!

Choosing the right yarn for your bag

• Yarn Weight: Lighter yarns such as lace weight or fingering weight are generally not suitable for bags as they are not robust enough. Medium weight yarns like DK and worsted weight are commonly used for crochet bags as they are hard-wearing and less prone to sagging. Bulky or super-bulky yarns can also be used for statement purses or bags that require more effort to carry due to their weight.
• Yarn Fibre: Most crochet bags are made with natural fibres such as cotton or linen, as they are less stretchy and more suitable for holding the weight of their contents. Wool and acrylic yarns, on the other hand, are pretty elastic and prone to sagging. However, pure wool can be used for bags that are going to be felted.
• Colourfastness: It is important to choose a yarn that is colourfast, especially if your bag is going to be carried next to your body or rubbed against your clothes. Test the yarn by tying a small bundle and soaking it in warm water for at least 20 minutes to check if any colour bleeds out.
• Pilling: Choose a yarn that is resistant to pilling, as your bag will be subject to friction when carried or rubbed against your clothes. Test the yarn by crocheting a swatch and rubbing it together to see if pills form.
• Durability and Ease of Care: Consider the intended use of your bag and choose a yarn that is durable and easy to care for. For example, a cotton yarn would be a great choice for a market bag with no lining, while a wool or wool-blend yarn would be more suitable for a handbag carried under your arm.
• Price and Availability: Yarn for bags doesn't have to be expensive, as even larger bags usually only require 2-3 skeins. Opt for affordable and easily available options like Lily Sugar'n Cream Worsted or Lion Brand Yarn.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, choosing the right yarn for your bag comes down to your personal preference. Consider factors such as colour, texture, and how the yarn feels to you. Squish it, feel it, and decide if it fits your vision for your bag!

Basic crochet stitches for beginners

To crochet a market bag, you will first need to master the basic crochet stitches. These are the building blocks of crochet and will allow you to create a wide variety of projects.

The first step in crocheting is to master the slip knot, which is the basic starting point before you continue with a foundation chain. The slip knot is a small knot that you build other crochet stitches on.

After the slip knot, you can move on to the six basic stitches in crocheting:

• Chain stitch
• Single crochet stitch
• Double crochet stitch
• Half double crochet stitch
• Treble crochet stitch
• Slip stitch

The chain stitch is the simplest stitch and is used as the starting point for almost all crochet patterns. Most patterns start with a number of chain stitches, which form the foundation for the rest of the project.

The single crochet stitch is the next stitch beginners should learn. It is a quick, easy stitch that is versatile and can be used in many different projects, such as scarves, hats, and baby blankets.

The double crochet stitch is taller than the single crochet stitch and is used in patterns like classic granny squares and afghans.

The half-double crochet stitch builds upon the basic single crochet stitch by adding an extra step. It is halfway between a single and double crochet stitch in height and is used in many projects to create warm and dense fabric quickly.

The treble crochet stitch is taller than the double crochet stitch and follows the same basic steps. Once you know how to double crochet, you can add extra yarn-overs to make even taller stitches.

The slip stitch is a useful technique that can be used in many different ways, such as moving the yarn across a row of stitches without adding height or joining a round of crochet into a circle.

With these basic stitches, you will be well on your way to becoming a proficient crocheter and will be able to create a variety of projects, including a market bag.

How to create a unique design

Now that you know the basics of crocheting a market bag, you can start thinking about how to make your bag unique. Here are some tips to help you create a one-of-a-kind design:

Choose Your Yarn and Colours

The type of yarn you choose will depend on the style you want to achieve and the intended use of the bag. If you want to make a bag that can be used for shopping or carrying heavier items, choose a durable yarn such as cotton or acrylic. On the other hand, if you're making a bag for the beach or a special occasion, you can opt for something lighter and more delicate. Consider the colour palette you want to work with. Do you want to stick to a single colour, or experiment with a rainbow palette? You can also create a unique look by combining different colours and textures of yarn.

Decide on the Style and Shape

The style and shape of your bag will depend on your personal preference and the purpose of the bag. Do you want a simple tote-style bag, or something more structured with a solid bottom? Perhaps you want to experiment with a circular or oval shape instead of a traditional rectangle. You can also add unique details such as tassels, pom-poms, or braided straps to make your bag stand out.

Sketch Your Design

Before you start crocheting, it's a good idea to sketch out your design. This will help you visualise the final product and make any necessary adjustments. You don't have to be an artist, just include key details such as the length, shape, and any unique features you want to include. You can also use online resources such as Google Image Search or Pinterest to gather inspiration and create a mood board for your project.

Experiment with Stitches and Techniques

Don't be afraid to experiment with different stitches and techniques to create a unique look. Try combining basic stitches in new ways, or learn more advanced stitches to add texture and dimension to your bag. You can also play around with increasing and decreasing stitches to create different shapes. The more you experiment, the more you'll learn about how stitches interact and how you can use them to create unique designs.

Add Personal Touches

Think about adding personal touches to your bag to make it truly unique. This could include embroidery, applique, or even adding your initials or a favourite quote. You can also get creative with the handles by using a different colour or type of yarn, or braiding multiple strands together for a unique look.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to designing your own crochet market bag. Let your creativity flow and don't be afraid to make mistakes. The beauty of crocheting is that you can always unravel your work and start again if you're not happy with the results. Happy crafting!

Making your bag eco-friendly

The world is on a mission to reduce the use of plastic bags, which are harmful to the environment and cause serious pollution. Crocheted bags are a great alternative to plastic bags and can be used for shopping, at the beach, or on a picnic. You can make your crocheted bag eco-friendly by following these steps:

Use eco-friendly materials: Opt for natural yarns, such as cotton, or even make your own yarn from old T-shirts or plastic bags. T-shirt yarn is a great option, and there are plenty of patterns suitable for this type of yarn.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Before buying new yarn, ask yourself if you really need it. Can you use materials you already have? You can also frog (undo your crochet work) projects you don't need anymore and reuse the yarn for your bag.

Make your bag reusable: Design your bag to be durable and long-lasting so that it can be used repeatedly. This might include crocheting the bottom and straps of your bag with extra durability so they can hold more weight.

Use eco-friendly patterns: Choose patterns that are designed to be eco-friendly. Some patterns, like the French Market Bag by Alexandra Tavel, are specifically created to be environmentally conscious.

Avoid disposables: Think about any disposable items you use and consider replacing them with something reusable. For example, instead of using plastic bags for produce, you can make small crocheted produce bags to use when shopping for fruit or vegetables.

By following these steps, you can create a stylish, functional, and eco-friendly crocheted bag that will be kind to the environment and help reduce your plastic consumption.

Adding handles to your bag

Planning

Before you start crocheting your handles, it's important to plan ahead. Use stitch markers, scraps of yarn, or whatever you have to mark out where you want the handles to attach to the bag. This will ensure that your handles are placed correctly and securely.

Crocheting the Handles

The length of your handles will depend on your preference and how you intend to use the bag. For example, you may want to make them long enough to wear the bag over your shoulder or as a cross-body bag. To make the handles thicker and more sturdy, simply add more rounds. Using shorter stitches will also make them stronger.

If you don't want the handles to stretch, you can sew a pretty ribbon along the inside. Match the colour to the handles to make it subtle, or choose a contrasting colour to make it stand out.

Attaching the Handles

Once you've crocheted the handles, it's time to attach them to the bag. You can do this by sewing them securely to the bag with a yarn needle, making sure to go through both the bag and the handles several times to ensure they're attached firmly.

Tips

• If you want to add a pop of colour to your bag, try using a bright or contrasting colour for the handles.
• You can also use other materials for the handles, such as leather or thrifted leather belts, to create a unique look and texture.

Frequently asked questions