Easy Crochet Produce Bag Pattern For Beginners

A crocheted produce bag is a great way to reduce your plastic consumption and be more eco-friendly. You can use them for your groceries, and they are also great for storing toys, beauty products, socks, and underwear. There are many free crochet patterns for small produce bags available online, suitable for beginners and more advanced crocheters. You can make them in any colour and adjust the size to your needs.

Yarn weight and type

For a lightweight and stretchy produce bag, a lightweight yarn such as cotton or a cotton-acrylic blend is a good choice. Premier Cotton Fair, a blend of 52% cotton and 48% acrylic, is a popular option for produce bags as it is soft, squishy, and economical, with over 300 yards per ball. Other lightweight yarn options include Ganxxet and Aunt Lydia's #10 crochet cotton.

If you prefer a thicker bag, you can opt for a worsted weight yarn (#4) or a bulky yarn (#5). Lion Brand Yarn 24/7 Cotton, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn, is a durable and machine-washable option for a thicker produce bag. Biggo Yarn from We Crochet, a blend of 50% superwash merino wool and 50% nylon, is another option for a thicker bag that is also machine washable.

When choosing the yarn type, consider the intended use of the bag. If you plan to use it as a market bag without a lining, cotton or a cotton blend yarn is a good choice as it is durable and breathable. For a handbag that will be carried under your arm, wool or a wool blend is a better option as it is less likely to pill and can withstand friction.

Additionally, consider the care instructions for the yarn. Since crochet bags cannot be easily washed, choose a yarn that is easy to spot clean. Check for colourfastness by soaking a small bundle of the yarn in warm water for 20 minutes to ensure that the dye does not bleed.

Crocheting the base

To crochet the base of a small produce bag, you will need to start by crocheting a flat, circular base with double crochet stitches. The size of the base will depend on how wide you want your bag to be.

Start by making a slip knot and chaining 2. Then, crochet 11 double crochet stitches into the first chain. This will form a circle. Chain 3 and turn your work.

In the next round, crochet 2 double crochet stitches into each stitch from the previous round. This will increase the number of stitches and create a larger circle. Chain 3 and turn your work again.

Continue crocheting rounds in this manner, increasing the number of stitches in each round by crocheting 2 double crochet stitches into each stitch from the previous round. You can make the base as wide as you like by continuing to crochet rounds in this manner.

Once you have reached your desired width, you can move on to crocheting the sides of the bag. This usually involves working sets of chain stitches to create a mesh pattern.

Ch 4, sl st to join to form a ring.

Rd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc st here and throughout), dc 11 times into the ring, sl st to join in the top of ch 3 (12 sts)

Rd 2: Ch 3, turn, dc in the same st, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join in the top of ch 3. (24 sts)

Rd 3: Ch 3, turn, dc in the same st, *1 dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st; repeat * around, sl st to join in the top of ch 3. (36 sts)

Rd 4: Ch 3, turn, dc in the same st, *1 dc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 dc in the next st; repeat * around, sl st to join in the top of ch 3. (48 sts)

Rd 5: Ch 3, turn, dc in the same st, *1 dc in each of the next 3 sts, 2 dc in the next st; repeat * around, add an additional 3 sts over the last 2 stitches of the row to make the stitch count equal 63 sts around, sl st to join in the top of ch 3. (63 sts) (Adding the last 3 stitches will simply make the bag a bit wider and isn’t imperative)

You can also refer to the patterns from My Poppet, Joy of Motion Crochet, Handy Finch, and Sarling for more detailed instructions and variations on crocheting the base of a small produce bag.

Crocheting the sides

To crochet the sides of a small produce bag, you will need to create a flat base first and then work in continuous rounds without turning your work.

The number of rounds you crochet will determine the length of your bag. The more rounds you crochet, the longer your bag will be.

For a simple net-style bag, you will work with chain stitches and slip stitches. For example, you can follow a pattern that repeats the following rounds:

Round 1: *Ch 4, skip 2 sts, sl st into next st; repeat from * around

Round 2: *Ch 4, sl st into next ch4sp; repeat from * around

Repeat Round 2 until your bag is as long as you'd like.

For a sturdier bag with a more intricate pattern, you can work with a combination of chain stitches, slip stitches, double crochets, and treble crochets. Here is an example of a pattern you can follow:

Round 1: *Ch 4, dc ch1 in 1st ch1 space. Dc ch1 x2 in next ch1 space. *Dc in next ch1 space. Dc ch1 x2 in next ch1 space*. Repeat around. Sl st into 3rd ch of beginning ch4.

Round 2: *Ch 4, dc ch1 in each ch1 space around, sl st into 3rd ch of beginning ch1

Repeat Round 2 until your bag reaches your desired length.

Upper Section and Handles:

Once you've reached the desired length for your bag, you can add an upper section and handles. Here is an example of how to do this:

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as st), 2dc in first ch4sp, 3dc in next ch4sp and in each ch4sp around, sl st to join at the top of ch 3.

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as st), turn, dc in each st around, sl st to join at the top of ch 3

Row 1: Ch 2, hdc in each of the next 7 sts

Row 2: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across

Repeat Row 2 until the handle reaches your desired length. Attach the handle to the opposite end of the bag with a slip stitch seam.

Crocheting the handles

Now that the body of your bag is ready, it's time to add the handles. For this, you will need to crochet two identical strips, which will be sewn onto the bag.

Materials

• Yarn: You can use any lightweight yarn for the handles. If you want them to be a little sturdier, go for a worsted weight yarn.
• Crochet Hook: Choose a hook that matches your yarn. If you're using worsted weight yarn, a 5.0 mm or an H-size hook should work well.

Instructions

Chain (ch) 3, turn, and double crochet (dc) in the same stitch. Then, dc in each stitch across the row.

Repeat this row until your handle reaches the desired length.

To attach the handles to the bag, sew them onto the upper section of the bag, opposite each other. You can use a slip stitch seam to secure them in place.

And there you have it—your very own handmade crochet produce bag! These bags are not only cute and stylish but also environmentally friendly. Now you can head to the farmer's market or grocery store in style, knowing that you're doing your part to reduce plastic waste.

Feel free to experiment with different colours, yarns, and stitch patterns to create unique handles that reflect your personality. Happy crocheting!

Drawstring

A drawstring is an essential component of a crochet produce bag, allowing the bag to be opened and closed with ease. Here are some detailed instructions on creating a drawstring for a small crochet produce bag:

Materials and Measurements

Before starting, ensure you have the right materials and measurements for your drawstring. For a 10-inch by 10-inch bag, you will need approximately 1 meter of cord or yarn for the drawstring. You can use the same yarn you used for the bag or opt for a contrasting colour to add a stylish touch. A darning needle or tapestry needle will also be needed for weaving the drawstring through the bag.

Weaving the Drawstring

Once you have crocheted your bag and reached the desired height, it's time to add the drawstring. Using your needle, weave the cord in and out of the bag, leaving approximately 1.5 to 2 inches between each stitch. Position the drawstring about 1.5 to 2 inches below the top of the bag. This will ensure that when pulled, the bag closes securely.

Tying the Drawstring

After weaving the cord through, you have several options for tying it. You can simply tie the ends together to secure the drawstring, creating a traditional closure. Alternatively, you can knot the ends or weave through two lengths of cord for a more decorative finish. If you want to add a touch of whimsy, consider making a tassel with beads and attaching it to the ends of the drawstring.

Adjusting the Drawstring Length

If you find that your drawstring is too long or too short, you can adjust it. Simply untie any knots and trim the cord to the desired length. Remember to leave enough length to comfortably close the bag and tie the ends together.

Caring for your drawstring bag is simple. When it needs cleaning, hand wash it gently and lay it flat to dry. This will help maintain the shape of your bag and prevent shrinkage.

Customisation

Feel free to experiment with different types of cords or yarns for your drawstring to add texture and visual interest to your bag. You can also explore adding charms or beads to the ends of the drawstring for a more personalised touch.

By following these steps, you can create a functional and stylish drawstring for your small crochet produce bag.

Frequently asked questions