The Perfect Lacy Crochet Market Bag For Summer

The Lacy Crochet Market Bag is a stylish and eco-friendly alternative to disposable shopping bags. This bag is great for the environment and can be stitched in bright colours or any shade of your choice. It is a simple way to encourage eco-friendly choices and makes for a thoughtful gift. The bag is roomy, reusable, and has a soft sheen. The pattern is free and suitable for beginners.

Beginner-friendly crochet pattern

The Red Heart Lacy Crochet Market Bag is a beginner-friendly pattern that results in a super-roomy, reusable tote, perfect for shopping or travelling. The pattern is free and can be found on the Yarnspirations website.

To make this bag, you will need a 4.00mm crochet hook and Red Heart Luster Sheen yarn. The finished bag measures 41cm wide by 18" long.

The pattern is worked in continuous rounds (a spiral) and uses basic stitches such as single crochet and slip stitch. The bottom section of the bag is made with a solid stitch pattern, while the top section features an openwork lace design.

Bottom Section:

• Chain 128 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
• Round 1: Single crochet in each chain around.
• Rounds 2-20: Single crochet in each stitch around.
• Round 21: Slip stitch in each stitch around.

Top Section:

• Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet), 2 double crochet in the same stitch, skip next 2 stitches, single crochet in next stitch, chain 1, skip next stitch, single crochet in next stitch, skip next 2 stitches, 5 double crochet in next stitch, repeat from to around, join with a slip stitch to top of first chain 3.
• Round 2: Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet), double crochet in each of the next 4 stitches, chain 3, skip next 3 stitches, double crochet in next stitch, chain 3, skip next 3 stitches, double crochet in next 9 stitches, repeat from to around, join with a slip stitch to top of first chain 3.
• Round 3: Chain 1, single crochet in next stitch, chain 5, skip next 5 stitches, single crochet in next stitch, chain 1, skip next stitch, repeat from to around, join with a slip stitch to first single crochet.
• Round 4: Slip stitch in first chain 1, slip stitch in next single crochet, chain 3 (counts as first double crochet), double crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, chain 3, skip next 3 stitches, double crochet in next stitch, chain 3, skip next 3 stitches, double crochet in next 9 stitches, repeat from to around, join with a slip stitch to top of first chain 3.
• Repeat Rounds 1-4 for a further 4 times.

Final Steps:

• Sew in any loose ends.
• Weave in a length of yarn approximately 3 times the width of the bag through the bottom of the bag to close it.
• Turn the bag inside out and position it so that one corner of the seam is at the tip of a triangle.
• Measure and mark 3.5" from the right and left sides of the triangle.
• Sew from one stitch marker to the other, working through both layers of the bag.
• Turn the bag right side out.

Your Red Heart Lacy Crochet Market Bag is now complete! This beginner-friendly pattern is a great introduction to lace crochet and will result in a stylish and eco-friendly bag that you can use for shopping, travelling, or even just as an everyday tote.

Crochet stitches and techniques

A lacy crochet market bag is a great project for a beginner crocheter. You can use a variety of lacy crochet stitches to create a beautiful, lightweight, and airy bag. Here are some crochet stitches and techniques you can use to make a lacy market bag:

Basic Stitches

Single crochet stitches form the base of the bag, creating a solid bottom. You can then transition to an openwork design for the rest of the bag to give it a lacy look. Basic stitches are easy to master and provide a sturdy foundation for your bag.

Openwork Stitch Pattern

The openwork stitch pattern adds a delicate and airy feel to your bag while still being durable. It is created by working in joined and turned rounds, which helps to avoid visible seams. This stitch pattern is a fun challenge for advanced beginners and keeps experienced crocheters engaged.

Shell Stitches

Shell stitches are a classic crochet technique that creates a lacy and textured fabric. The lacy shell stitch, in particular, has an openwork design that adds a subtle texture and drape to your project. It is perfect for creating light and airy projects like market bags.

Paired Double Crochet

The paired double crochet stitch is a simple technique that creates a stunning crochet fabric. It is perfect for making light cardigans or shawls and can add an elegant touch to your market bag.

Diamond Stitch

The diamond stitch is a beginner-friendly lace crochet stitch that creates a beautiful, elegant, and reversible fabric. It is perfect for projects like shawls or scarves, and its airy feel makes it suitable for a summer market bag.

Eiffel Tower Lacy Crochet Stitch

This stitch is created by combining different stitch combinations, resulting in a design that resembles the Eiffel Tower. It is perfect for adding a unique and openwork touch to your market bag, especially if you want to create tunics, bikini cover-ups, or summer ponchos.

Other Techniques

In addition to these stitches, you can also incorporate techniques such as crocheting in rounds, working in continuous rounds (a spiral), and slip stitches to create the desired shape and structure for your bag.

Yarn recommendations

Yarn is an essential component when crafting a lacy crochet market bag, and selecting the right type can ensure your bag is durable, stylish, and functional. Here are some recommendations and factors to consider when choosing yarn for your lacy crochet market bag project:

Yarn Types and Weights

When creating a lacy crochet market bag, it is recommended to use a medium to bulky yarn weight, as this provides durability and sturdiness to the bag. Worsted (medium) or super bulky yarn is ideal as it creates a bag that can withstand the weight of groceries and daily use. Worsted weight yarn, in particular, offers a good balance of strength and flexibility, resulting in a practical and long-lasting bag. Super bulky yarns are excellent for a quicker project and a chunkier, more robust finish.

Yarn Fibers

Cotton or cotton-blend yarn is a popular choice for lacy crochet market bags due to its inherent strength, washability, and eco-friendly nature. Cotton yarn is known for its durability and non-stretch properties, ensuring your bag retains its shape and can hold groceries without breaking. Additionally, cotton yarn is easy to care for, as it can be machine washed, making it a convenient choice for reusable market bags. Other yarn fibers that can be used include hemp, jute, burlap yarn, and even acrylic, depending on your preferences.

Specific Yarn Recommendations

Some specific yarn recommendations for your lacy crochet market bag include:

• Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton: Available in a range of colors, this worsted-weight, mercerized cotton yarn has a beautiful sheen and fantastic stitch definition.
• Lily Sugar'n Cream Solids & Denim: A durable and washable cotton yarn option that is perfect for market bags.
• Red Heart Luster Sheen: A bright and eco-friendly choice for your lacy crochet market bag, adding a soft sheen to your project.
• Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Solids: A worsted-weight cotton yarn that is perfect for shopping or travel bags.
• Knit Picks Dishie: A worsted-weight cotton yarn suitable for elegant and eye-catching lacework designs.

Remember, when choosing yarn for your lacy crochet market bag, consider the desired look, feel, and functionality of the bag. You can select different yarn weights and fibers to create a unique and personalized bag that suits your style and shopping preferences.

Bag size and shape

The Lacy Crochet Market Bag is a stylish and eco-friendly alternative to disposable shopping bags. The bag's size and shape are essential to its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The finished size of the Lacy Crochet Market Bag is typically designed to accommodate groceries and daily essentials comfortably. A common measurement for this bag is 41 cm wide by 18 inches long. This size allows for ample room to carry various items while remaining manageable to carry.

The shape of the bag is often designed with a spacious interior in mind. It usually features an open-top design, with a width that tapers towards the bottom. This shape not only provides easy access to the bag's contents but also ensures that items are secure and won't easily fall out. Some patterns may include additional features such as a solid bottom or a square base, adding structure and stability to the bag.

The bag's handles are an important consideration as well. They can be made of the same crocheted material, leather, or yarn ropes. The length of the handles can vary depending on personal preference, with longer handles allowing the bag to be carried over the shoulder and shorter ones designed for hand-carrying.

The Lacy Crochet Market Bag's size and shape contribute to its functionality, ensuring it can accommodate the intended items while remaining comfortable and stylish to carry.

Eco-friendly alternatives

A lacy crochet market bag is a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. The world is on an adventure to eliminate plastic bags, which are causing serious pollution around the globe. Here are some tips for making your crochet bag even more eco-friendly:

• Use Recycled Yarn: One way to make your crochet project eco-friendly is to use recycled or upcycled yarn. You can find commercially made t-shirt yarn, which is made from remnant jersey fabric that would otherwise be discarded, or you can make your own at home from old t-shirts.
• Choose Natural Fibers: Opting for natural fibers, such as cotton, is another way to make your crochet bag kind to the planet. Natural fibers do not pollute the oceans with synthetic microfibers, and organically grown and sustainably produced fibers are even better.
• Replace Disposable Items: Crochet items can be a great eco-friendly alternative to disposable products. For example, instead of using plastic bags from the grocery store, you can make your own reusable produce bags out of natural fibers.
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: If you do end up with plastic bags, you can upcycle them by turning them into plarn (plastic bag yarn) and using them in your crochet projects.
• Go Thicker: If you're making a crochet bag, consider making it thicker so that it lasts longer and can carry more weight. This will help to reduce waste and the need for multiple bags.
• Make It Multipurpose: Design your crochet bag to be versatile so that it can be used for various purposes, such as shopping, picnics, or the beach. This will reduce the need for multiple single-use bags.
• Add Personal Flair: Make your crochet bag unique by adding tassels, poms, or other decorations. This will encourage you to use it more often and reduce the temptation to buy new bags.
• Choose the Right Yarn: When selecting yarn for your crochet bag, consider the fiber content. Cotton is a great choice for bags as it is durable and has beautiful sheen and stitch definition. If you choose a stretchier yarn, such as acrylic, you may need to make the straps shorter to compensate.

Frequently asked questions