About This Market Bag Pattern
This pattern teaches you how to crochet a colorful market bag using Red Heart Nylon (100% nylon) yarn and simple stitch repeats. Youll work a rectangular bottom, join in the round, build the body with crossed double crochet details, and add handle holes and straps. The bag is lightweight, practical, and finished with optional tassels or shoulder padding.
Includes full row-by-row written instructions with photos and a tutorial video link for step-by-step help. Ideal for making a gift or a handy everyday tote.
Why You'll Love This Market Bag Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it combines simple repeating stitches with a lovely textured crossed double crochet that looks much more complex than it actually is. I enjoy the quick reward of working the flat rectangle bottom, then seeing it transform as you join and build the body in rounds. The handle-hole placement and optional shoulder crochet make it practical and comfortable to use, which I always appreciate when testing bags. It is rewarding to finish a piece that is both beautiful and useful, and I hope you feel that same joy as you crochet this project.
Switch Things Up
I love experimenting with colors on this bag; you can switch to pastel tones for a soft look or vibrant brights for a statement piece.
I often change yarn weight to make different sizes: use bulky yarn for a chunky carryall or fingering yarn for a delicate mini bag.
I sometimes line the bag with fabric to make it sturdier and to protect small items; add an inner pocket for keys and phone for extra function.
I recommend trying a leather strap instead of crocheted handles for a mixed-material design that adds durability and style.
I like to add a snap or zipper closure across the top for security; sew it to the top row after final SC and slip stitch finishing.
I sometimes create a set of matching accessories like a tassel, coin pouch, or keychain using leftover yarn for a coordinated gift set.
I advise experimenting with handle length: shorten for a hand-held tote or extend for a crossbody by adding more chain length.
I also enjoy embroidery details on the front panel; a few simple chain stitches or french knots highlight the crochet texture beautifully.
I recommend reinforcing handle attachment points with extra stitching or a small fabric patch inside the bag to distribute weight for heavier loads.
I often make the shoulder pad removable by sewing it with buttons or snaps so it can be cleaned separately or swapped for a different color.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
โ Not placing stitch markers for rounds and handle-hole markers; place a marker at the start of each round and mark handle-hole positions to avoid misplacing holes or losing the round count.
โ Skipping the spiral single crochet technique instruction can create visible joins; work SC in spiral and attach a stitch marker in the first stitch every row to keep edges straight.
โ Forgetting to change yarn color exactly on the instructed row will disrupt the stripe pattern; plan color changes and switch yarn at the end of the specified row so stripes line up evenly.
โ Not measuring the bag width before placing handle holes may produce uneven holes; measure 21 cm total width and mark 7 cm from each side to place handle-hole markers accurately.
โ Crocheting with inconsistent tension when making handles will make them uneven or twist; maintain consistent tension and block or press handles lightly if necessary before attaching.
โ Leaving yarn tails unfastened when cutting will result in loose ends later; cut with a small tail and tidy up ends immediately after finishing rounds or handles for a neater finish.