The market bag is the reusable produce sack of the crochet world: a small solid base that opens into a stretchy mesh body. The net is made from double crochets and chain spaces, and it expands to hold far more than it looks, which makes it a clever, low-yarn project that is genuinely useful.
Cotton is the right fiber here, since it is strong, washable, and does not stretch out permanently under weight. A market bag is also a great second project, because the mesh repeat is simple and forgiving once the base is done.
What you need
- Yarn
- Cotton worsted (CYC 4) or DK (CYC 3). About 200 to 300 yards, less than a solid bag.
- Skill
- Easy. The mesh is a simple repeat of double crochet and chain spaces.
Market Bag projects to make
- 1Classic mesh market bag. A solid base with a diamond or square mesh body. Teaches mesh and stretch.
- 2Round-base market bag. Worked from a flat circle into a rounded sack. Teaches the flat circle increase.
- 3Drawstring produce bag. A small mesh bag with a chain drawstring. A fast, practical set to make.
- 4Lacy market bag. A more open, decorative mesh. Teaches a larger lace repeat.
Where to find free market bag patterns
Market bags are a classic free pattern on yarn brand sites and Ravelry. Pick one that states the finished stretched size, since mesh grows a lot under load.
Stitches you will use
- Double CrochetUS: dc / UK: tr
- Chain StitchUS: ch / UK: ch
- Single CrochetUS: sc / UK: dc
Looking for more? See all crochet bags patterns.