Simple Market Bag
This bag starts with a flat circle of double crochet, switches to an open mesh for the body and finishes with a firm single crochet band and built-in handles. The mesh stretches to hold your shopping while staying light enough to stuff into a pocket.
- Skill level
- Easy
- Finished size
- About 13 in (33 cm) wide and 14 in (35.5 cm) tall before the handles, unstretched
- Yarn weight
- Medium / Worsted
- Hook
- 5 mm (US H-8)
- Time
- About 4–5 hours
- Terminology
- US terms
Gauge: Rounds 1–6 of the base measure about 6.5 in (16.5 cm) across. Mesh is forgiving, but gauge still affects the size and yardage.
On this page
About this pattern
The base is a flat circle that grows by twelve stitches every round. After six rounds, the bag changes to mesh: double crochet separated by chains, stacked directly on top of each other round after round. That open structure is what lets the bag stretch.
The handles are made in one clever round — you chain a long loop and skip a section of stitches — and then strengthened with a few rounds of single crochet. No sewing required.
Why you'll love it
- No sewing — the handles are built in
- Mesh rounds are quick and rhythmic
- Stretches to carry fruit, bread and more
- A useful, low-waste gift
Materials
Worsted-weight cotton yarn
Estimated
About 300–380 yd (275–350 m)
5 mm (US H-8) crochet hook
Stitch marker and tapestry needle
Abbreviations
- ch
- chain
- dc
- double crochetUK: tr
- sc
- single crochetUK: dc
- sl st
- slip stitchUK: ss
- sk
- skipUK: miss
- ch-sp
- chain space
- sp(s)
- space(s)
- st(s)
- stitch(es)
- rnd(s)
- round(s)
- beg
- beginning
- rep
- repeat
- *
- repeat from the asterisk as instructed
- ( )
- stitch count at the end of a round or row, or a group worked into one stitch
This pattern uses US terms. Convert US ↔ UK terms
Stitches used
Notes before you start
- Every round is joined with a slip stitch and worked with the right side facing you — do not turn.
- In the base, the beginning ch 3 counts as the first double crochet. Join each base round with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.
- In the mesh rounds, the beginning chains count as the first double crochet plus a chain space.
- In the top band and handle rounds, the ch 1 does not count as a stitch. Work the first sc into the same stitch as the join.
Free pattern
The pattern
0 / 15
Tick rows and rounds as you finish them — your progress is saved on this device.
Base
Mesh body
Top band and handles
Finishing
Tips
- If the base ruffles, your stitches are a little loose — try a smaller hook for the base. If it cups, try a larger one.
- Count the double crochet at the end of each base round; a flat base keeps the bag stable.
- Cotton stretches less than acrylic and holds up better to heavy shopping.
Variations
- Shoulder handles
- Chain 80 instead of 50 for each handle. The round after the handle round will then have 184 sc.
- Produce bag
- Stop the base after Rnd 4, work the mesh to 10 in (25 cm) and thread a long crocheted chain through the top as a drawstring.
- Two-tone bag
- Work the base and top band in a contrast color for a crisp, finished look.
Common questions
How much will the bag stretch?
Mesh bags stretch noticeably when full, especially lengthwise. Cotton and firm tension in the top band help the handles keep their shape.
Can I wash it?
Yes. Most cotton bags can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. Reshape and dry flat.
Written by
Editor — placeholder profile
This is a placeholder author profile. Before launch, replace it with the real person who writes, designs and tests the patterns on this site.
Placeholder profile — replace before launch
- Pattern testing
- Not yet tested
Keep making
You may also like
Free pattern
Free pattern
Free pattern
Free pattern
Newsletter
Get the next free pattern first.
New free patterns, gentle tutorials and seasonal ideas — about twice a month.