The Perfect Crochet Market Bag: Jasmine Pattern Guide

The Jasmine Market Bag is a popular crochet pattern, with its flower stitches and durable design. It is a stylish accessory that can complement any summer outfit. The bag is worked from the bottom up and all as one piece, with a unique tribal and vintage feel that sets it apart from store-bought items. The pattern is available for free on the Rich Textures Crochet website, with a video tutorial on their YouTube channel. The bag is approximately 16 x 14.5 inches in size (excluding handles) and is crocheted using 100% cotton yarn, with a recommended hook size of H/8 (5 mm). The pattern is written in American English and involves basic stitches such as single crochet and double crochet. The Jasmine Market Bag is a fun and quick project for intermediate crocheters, making it a great gift idea for loved ones or a cute accessory for yourself.

The best materials for the Jasmine Market Bag

The Jasmine Market Bag is a stylish accessory that can complement any summer outfit. Here are some of the best materials to make this bag:

Yarn

The type of yarn you choose for your Jasmine Market Bag is important, as it will affect the overall look, feel, and durability of the bag. A popular choice for this bag is 100% cotton yarn, specifically Lion Brand's Pima Cotton in worsted weight. Cotton yarn is durable, holds its shape well, and comes in a wide range of colours. You will need approximately 186 yards of yarn for this project.

Hook

A size H/8 (5 mm) hook is recommended for the Jasmine Market Bag pattern. However, you can adjust the hook size based on your desired gauge and the thickness of your yarn.

Notions

Basic notions required for this project include a yarn needle and scissors for weaving in ends.

Other Materials

Depending on the style of your bag, you may also need additional materials such as purse hardware (e.g., gate rings, magnetic snaps), purse chains, and a darning needle for attaching the chain to the bag.

Colours

The Jasmine stitch pattern stands out with light and vibrant colours. You can also create a "tribal and vintage" feel with alternating shades of blues or tropical colours like oranges, yellows, and greens.

How to crochet the Jasmine stitch

The Jasmine stitch is a type of crochet stitch that creates a thick, warm fabric with a beautiful flower pattern. It is made up of puff stitches and puff cluster stitches, which are connected in a way that forms a tessellated flower or star shape. While it may look complicated, it is actually quite simple to create, as it is just a one-row pattern repeat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to crochet the Jasmine stitch:

Materials:

• Any type of yarn in one or multiple colours. (Wool and cotton work well for this stitch as they create a bouncy, puffy effect.)
• A crochet hook in any size. (A smaller hook may help with tension control.)
• A yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Stitches and Abbreviations:

• Ch – Chain
• Yo – Yarn over
• Sc – Single crochet
• St – Stitch
• Dc – Double crochet
• Sk – Skip
• Sl st – Slip stitch
• Fps – Foundation puff stitch
• Js – Jasmine stitch

Instructions:

• Start by making a foundation row of puff stitches in the desired length of your project, plus one extra puff stitch. The number of puff stitches is not set and can be chosen based on your preferred length.
• For the first row, yarn over and pull up loops three times so that you have seven loops on your hook. Do not finish the stitch; instead, move to the next space between the puff stitches and repeat the process, creating another puff stitch.
• Repeat the above step two more times, so you have a total of three puff stitches with eight loops each on your hook (24 loops in total).
• Yarn over, hold the working yarn strand, and pull the loop through all 24 loops on your hook. Go through the strand that you held onto, pull up a loop, yarn over, and go through both loops like a single crochet. Tighten the loop to make it smaller, and chain one to lock it down.
• Make another puff stitch in the top of the previous puff stitch. Repeat the process of making three petals at once (each with eight loops) and joining them together.
• Continue this process until you reach the end of the row. The full flower should have six petals, with one side of the row having five petals and the other having three.
• Turn your work and make a puff stitch in the last hole you made.
• Repeat the process of making three petals at once and joining them together for the rest of the row.
• For the next row, turn your work, make a puff stitch, and then start another puff stitch without completing it.
• Make two more petals on the hook (so you have three puff stitches with 19 loops on your hook), yarn over, hold the strand, and pull through all the loops on your hook.
• Go into the strand you held onto, pull up a loop, yarn over, and go through both loops like a single crochet. Tighten the loop, yarn over, pull through both loops, and chain one to lock it down.
• Repeat this process for the rest of the row.
• Continue working in rows, repeating the above steps until you reach your desired length.

The Jasmine stitch can be used to create a variety of projects, such as scarves, cowls, bags, shawls, hot plates, pot holders, and washcloths. It is a unique and stylish stitch that will add a special touch to any handmade item.

The Jasmine stitch vs other stitches

The Jasmine stitch is a type of crochet stitch that creates a thick, puffy, and textured fabric with a flower-like pattern. It is created by connecting multiple puff stitches to form a tessellated flower or star shape. While it may look complicated, it is relatively easy to execute and is suitable for beginner crocheters. Compared to crochet cables, which involve multiple steps, the Jasmine stitch is a one-row pattern repeat that is simple to memorise.

The Jasmine stitch is a variation of the puff stitch, which is the base for the former. It involves crocheting three puff stitches together, forming the bottom three "petals" of the flower. The next row of puff stitches creates the remaining petals. This process is repeated to form a continuous pattern. The stitch can be worked in any size and type of yarn, with the recommended hook size specified on the yarn label. However, some crocheters prefer using a smaller hook to achieve even tension.

When compared to other stitches, the Jasmine stitch stands out for its unique and memorable appearance. Its puffy texture and flower blossoms create a solid, warm, and drapey fabric. It is perfect for projects like cowls, bags, and shawls, providing both style and functionality.

Additionally, the Jasmine stitch is a versatile stitch that can be worked in rows or in the round. It is a great choice for stash-busting as it uses a continuous combination of puff stitches, single crochets, and chains, making it a bit of a yarn eater. The stitch works well with variegated or self-striping yarns, adding visual interest to the project.

While the Jasmine stitch is relatively beginner-friendly, it is important to note that it may not be suitable for projects that may catch on something. The long loops of the puff stitches can easily pull out if they snag. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using this stitch for projects like blankets, especially if you have pets with claws that could damage the fabric.

How to make the flower blossoms

To make the flower blossoms for the Jasmine Market Bag, you will need to follow a specific crochet pattern. This pattern is worked in rounds, as one piece, from the bottom up to the handles, using the specified stitches and abbreviations. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create the flower blossoms:

Round 1: Start by chaining 1 and working a single crochet stitch in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet.

Round 2: Chain 1, then work a half double crochet in the first stitch and in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first half double crochet.

Round 3: Chain 1, and work this round in the third loop of each stitch. This means you will be working in the back loop of the half double crochet stitch from the previous round. Join with a slip stitch to the first stitch.

Round 4: This is where the flower pattern begins. Chain 1, then work a puff cluster stitch over the next 3 stitches. To make a puff cluster stitch, you will need to repeat the following sequence 3 times: yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop. After completing this sequence 3 times, yarn over and draw through all loops on your hook. Chain 1 to close the puff cluster. Skip the next stitch, and then work a puff stitch in the top of the puff cluster you just made. To make a puff stitch, repeat the sequence from the puff cluster stitch twice instead of three times.

Round 5: Chain 1, then work a half double crochet in the top of each puff stitch and in each chain-1 space around. Join with a slip stitch to the first stitch.

Rounds 6-11: Repeat Rounds 2-5, changing colours as desired.

Rounds 12-21: Repeat Rounds 2-5 twice more, then change colours and repeat Round 2 once more.

Rounds 22-26: Repeat Rounds 2-6, staying with the same colour for Round 5.

By following these rounds and the specified stitches, you will create the beautiful flower blossoms that characterise the Jasmine Market Bag.

The best colours for the Jasmine Market Bag

The Jasmine Market Bag is a stylish accessory that can complement any outfit. When choosing colours for your Jasmine Market Bag, consider the following:

Light and Vibrant Colours

Light and vibrant colours are ideal for the Jasmine Market Bag as they make the jasmine stitch pattern stand out. The jasmine stitch is unique and will look lovely in any colour, but light and vibrant colours will make the stitch pattern pop.

"Inspired by the Sea" Design

For a nautical-themed bag, consider using navy-coloured yarn for the base and alternating shades of lighter blues for the rest of the bag. This colour scheme will give your bag a stylish, seaside-inspired look.

Tropical Colours

If you're looking for a more tropical feel, try using colours such as oranges, yellows, and a hint of green. These colours will give your bag a bright and cheerful appearance, perfect for summer days.

Neutral Colours

Neutral colours such as beige, grey, or black can also work well for the Jasmine Market Bag. These colours are versatile and can complement any outfit. For example, a beige bag with a hint of green will give a subtle, elegant touch to your accessory.

Seasonal Colours

You can also choose colours that reflect the current season. For example, use pastel colours for a springtime bag or warm, earthy tones for an autumnal accessory.

When selecting colours for your Jasmine Market Bag, feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations. You can also add embellishments, such as beads or buttons, to enhance the overall design.

Frequently asked questions