Crochet Grocery Bag Pattern
Welcome to our FREE and EASY crochet grocery bag pattern! Embrace the eco-friendly trend of reusable bags with style and simplicity. Whether you’re off to the beach, shopping at the farmers market, or tackling your grocery store run, these reusable shopping bags will be your trusty companions.
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Using basic crochet stitches, you can quickly create your own collection of market bags, regardless of your crochet experience. Beginners and experts alike will enjoy this satisfying and sustainable market bag crochet pattern.
Personalize your easy crochet market bag with your favorite colors and yarns, adding a touch of your creativity to your own bag. The French market bag style, in particular, is an oh-so-chic market bag, effortlessly elevating any outfit.
Aside from the environmental benefits, crocheting your own market bags is a fantastic money-saving solution. With these sturdy and reliable tote bags, you’ll bid farewell to single-use plastic bags forever.
The bag’s perfect size ensures ample space for your groceries and shopping finds, reducing the need for multiple disposable bags. Say goodbye to plastic juggling and hello to hassle-free shopping.
Join us in this crochet journey to a greener world. Whether you’re a crochet enthusiast or a newbie, this reusable market bag pattern is a fantastic addition to your crafting repertoire. Let’s make a positive impact together—one stitch at a time. Happy crocheting and happy grocery shopping!
Did you enjoy this free crochet bag pattern? If so, be sure to check out my other free crochet market bag patterns: Crochet Tote Bag pattern and my Crochet Summer Bag pattern
What is a market bag?
A market bag is a type of reusable bag designed for shopping, particularly for trips to markets, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other shopping destinations. Market bags are intended to replace single-use plastic or paper bags, promoting environmental sustainability by reducing waste and also the consumption of disposable materials.
These bags come in various shapes, sizes, and also materials, catering to different preferences and needs. Commonly, market bags are made from eco-friendly materials like cotton, jute, linen, bamboo, or recycled fibers. Crochet and knitted market bags are popular due to their lightweight, breathable, and durable nature.
Market bags typically feature sturdy handles or straps for comfortable carrying and may also have an open design or a closure mechanism like a drawstring or button. The design and size of the market bag may vary, with some being compact and foldable for easy storage, while others are more substantial, providing ample space for groceries and shopping items.
The versatility of market bags extends beyond shopping, as they are often used for various purposes, such as carrying books, beach essentials, picnic supplies, or gym gear. With their eco-friendly and stylish appeal, market bags have become a symbol of sustainability and conscious consumer choices. They offer a practical and fashionable way to reduce single-use plastic and also make a positive impact on the environment.
Skill Level
Advanced beginner.
Video Tutorial
If you are looking for crochet bag video tutorials, then you should check out my tutorials for my Crochet Tote Bag and my Crochet Summer Bag patterns.
Materials
Gauge
Crochet gauge is the measurement of stitches and rows per inch or centimeter in a crochet project. It ensures the project matches the intended size. By creating a swatch and adjusting hook size or tension, you can then achieve the desired size and fit of your crochet projects.
Gauge is not very important for this free crochet tote bag pattern.
5 tr + 5 ch 3 spaces = 4 inches
6 rounds = 4 inches
Finished Size
My crochet grocery bag pattern measures 13.5 inches wide and also 17 inches long (not including the straps).
Pattern Notes
- This free crochet pattern starts with a magic circle (also known as a magic ring or adjustable ring). If you are a beginner crocheter, check out my magic circle tutorial.
- Leave a long tail for weaving in when you make your magic circle.
- The beginning of each round starts with a chain. This chain does not count as your first stitch for rounds 1-7.
- At the end of rounds 1-7, you’ll join your yarn with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first stitch made in that round.
- At the end of rounds 8-22, you’ll join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the chain 6 space made at the beginning of the round.
- At the end of rounds 23-25, you’ll join your yarn with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first stitch made in that round.
- Repeat instructions between asterisks (*) for the remainder of the round.
- This free pattern is worked in the round from the bottom up.
- The straps for this crochet grocery bag pattern are worked back and forth in rows.
Abbreviations
- dc = double crochet
- tr = treble crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- sc = single crochet
- prev = previous
- st = stitch
- sts = stitches
- sl st = slip stitch
- ch = chain
- chs = chains
- rnd = round
- rnds = rounds
- rem = remaining
- blo = back loop only
Crochet Stitches
Treble Crochet Stitches (tr)
- Firstly, yarn over twice & insert hook into the next stitch.
- Secondly, yarn over & pull the yarn through the stitch and onto the hook. You have 4 loops on the hook.
- Next, yarn over and then pull the yarn through the first two loops on the hook. You will have 3 loops on the hook.
- Then, yarn over & pull the yarn through the next 2 loops on the hook. You have 2 loops on the hook.
- Lastly, yarn over again & pull the yarn through the last 2 loops on the hook.
Single Crochet Stitches (sc)
- Firstly, insert hook in next stitch.
- Then, yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have 2 loops on your hook.
- Lastly, yarn over and pull through both loops.
Crochet Grocery Bag Pattern
Bottom of the Bag
At the end of rounds 1-7, you’ll join your yarn with a slip stitch (sl st) to the 1st tr stitch made in that round.
Rnd 1: Magic ring, ch 3, 12 tr, join with sl st (12 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 tr in each stitch, join (24 sts)
Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 tr, tr in next stitch *, join (36 sts)
Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 tr, tr in next 2 sts *, join (48 sts)
Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 tr, tr in next 3 sts *, join (60 sts)
Rnd 6: Ch 3, *2 tr, tr in next 4 sts *, join (72 sts)
Rnd 7: Ch 3, *2 tr, tr in next 5 sts *, join (84 sts)
Body of the Bag
At the end of rounds 8-22, you’ll join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the chain 6 space made at the beginning of the round.
Rnd 8: Ch 6, *skip 2 sts, tr in next st, ch 3*, join
Rnd 9: Ch 6, *tr in next ch 3 sp from prev rnd, ch 3*, join
Rnds 10-22: Repeat round 9
Top of the Bag
At the end of rounds 23-25, you’ll join your yarn with a slip stitch (sl st) to the 1st sc stitch made in that round.
Rnd 23: Ch 1, work 3 sc in each ch 3 sp from prev rnd and make 1 sc in each tr st from prev rnd, join (120 sts)
Rnd 24: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (120 sts)
Rnd 25: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (120 sts)
Do not fasten off. You will begin the first strap where you left off for round 25.
First Strap
Begin where you left off for round 25.
Row 1: Ch 1, sc 6, turn (6 sts)
Rows 2- 94: Repeat row 1 (6 sts)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing. On the bag, skip the next 24 sts and then sew the other end of the first strap to the next 6 sts on the bag with a tapestry needle.
Second Strap
After sewing the first strap, skip the next 24 sts on the bag and then join your yarn to the 25th st
Row 1: Ch 1, sc 6, turn (6 sts)
Rows 2- 94: Repeat row 1 (6 sts)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing. On the bag, skip the next 24 sts and then sew the other end of the second strap to the next 6 sts on the bag with a tapestry needle.
Weave in all of your ends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best crochet stitch for a market bag?
The treble crochet stitch stands out as the best choice for a market bag due to its unique combination of characteristics. Its taller structure allows for quicker progress, making it efficient for larger projects like market bags. The resulting fabric is lightweight and breathable, preventing produce from getting stuffy while allowing air circulation. Despite its openness, the treble crochet stitch retains a high load capacity, providing the strength and stability needed to carry groceries and shopping essentials without stretching or losing shape.
Additionally, the stitch creates an elegant drape, giving the market bag a touch of sophistication. Its versatility enables various design options, allowing for the incorporation of different stitch patterns or textures. Moreover, the treble crochet stitch ensures durability, withstanding the wear and tear of frequent use.
Lastly, its efficient yarn usage is advantageous for creating larger bags without excessive yarn consumption. In conclusion, the treble crochet stitch’s speed, strength, breathability, elegance, and durability make it an exceptional choice for crafting a functional and attractive market bag that will serve you well on all your shopping excursions.
What kind of yarn do you use for a crochet market bag?
When creating a crochet market bag, the choice of yarn is crucial to achieving both practicality and aesthetics. One of the most popular options is cotton yarn due to its durability, strength, and excellent stitch definition. Cotton is also breathable, making it ideal for carrying produce and groceries without retaining odors or moisture.
For a rustic and sturdy look, jute yarn is a great choice, providing both natural appeal and resilience for heavier items. While jute can be rough on the hands during crocheting, combining it with other fibers or using it for the bag’s base and handles can mitigate this issue.
Another excellent option is linen yarn, offering a lightweight feel, strength, and a softening effect with use, resulting in an elegant and draping market bag. For an eco-friendly approach, bamboo yarn is both soft and sustainable, creating a breathable bag perfect for carrying fresh produce. Those on a budget might consider nylon or acrylic yarn, which come in a vast array of colors and are easy to care for.
Lastly, for a greener choice, recycled yarn made from materials like plastic bottles or fabric scraps provides the needed strength while supporting sustainability. The best yarn for a crochet market bag depends on individual preferences, intended use, and the desired overall look and functionality of the finished bag.
What is a French market bag?
A French market bag, also known as a French market tote or filet bag, is a popular style of reusable bag that originated in France. It is characterized by its lightweight, net-like construction, typically made using crochet or knitting techniques. The bag’s design consists of an open and airy pattern created by using large spaces or holes between the stitches, giving it a charming and distinct look.
Traditionally, French market bags were used by shoppers in local markets to carry fruits, vegetables, and other groceries. The net-like structure allowed for breathability, preventing produce from getting stuffy and helping to keep it fresh. The bag’s expandable nature was also advantageous for accommodating various items of different sizes.
