Bloom Market Tote (Flower Bag)

Intermediate Crochet Pattern

A sturdy yet stretchy market tote worked bottom-up in the round. The circular base forms the flower center, the body uses an open mesh for expansion, a petal border finishes the rim, and dimensional layered flowers are appliquéd for a full floral look. Cotton worsted yarn keeps it strong and washable.

Sizes

One size: approx. 10" (25.5 cm) diameter base × 12" (30.5 cm) tall (excluding handles). Stretches to hold market produce.

Materials

• Worsted weight cotton yarn (category 4):
  • Color A (center/yellow or gold): 100 yd (91 m)
  • Color B (petals/main, e.g. coral, pink, or lavender): 280 yd (256 m)
  • Color C (leaf/green accent): 60 yd (55 m)
  • Color D (contrast flower centers, optional white or contrasting): 40 yd (37 m)
• Hook: US H/8 (5 mm), or size needed to obtain gauge
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker
• Scissors
• Optional: fabric liner or stiffener for base

Gauge

14 sc and 16 rows = 4" (10 cm) with US H/8 (5 mm) hook.
Work a 4" swatch in sc and adjust hook if needed. Mesh stretches; gauge is measured on solid sc fabric.

Abbreviations (US terms)

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• tr: treble crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• sp: space
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rep: repeat
• rnd: round
• BLO: back loop only
• yo: yarn over
• beg: beginning

Notes

• Bag is worked in continuous rounds unless noted; mark first st of each rnd.
• Mesh pattern is (ch 3, sc) multiples; keep stitch count constant at 80 for even stretch.
• Flowers are made separately and sewn on; make 5 large flowers.
• Handles are reinforced with multiple passes for strength.
• All measurements imperial first (metric approximate).
• Weave in ends as you go where possible.

Pattern Instructions

Base (Flower Center) – Color A

Make a magic ring (or ch 4, sl st to form ring).

Rnd 1: Ch 1, 8 sc in ring, join with sl st to first sc. (8 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, join. (16 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, *sc in next st, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around, join. (24 sc)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around, join. (32 sc)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, *sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around, join. (40 sc)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, *sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around, join. (48 sc)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, *sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around, join. (56 sc)
Rnd 8: Ch 1, *sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around, join. (64 sc)
Rnd 9: Ch 1, *sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around, join. (72 sc)
Rnd 10: Ch 1, *sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around, join. (80 sc)
Base diameter ≈ 10" (25.5 cm). Fasten off Color A.

Body Transition & Mesh – Color B

Join Color B in any st.

Rnd 11 (solid transition): Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (80 sc)
Rnd 12: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (80 sc)

Mesh setup:
Rnd 13: Ch 1, sc in first st, *ch 3, sk 3 sts, sc in next st; rep from * around, ending last rep with ch 3, sk last 3 sts, join to first sc. (20 sc + 20 ch-3 sps)
Rnd 14: Sl st into first ch-3 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, *ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp; rep from * around, ch 3, join to first sc. (20 sc + 20 ch-3 sps)

Rnds 15–34: Rep Rnd 14. (20 mesh rounds total = approx. 10" / 25.5 cm mesh height)
Inline check: 80 base sts ÷ 4 = 20 mesh units; count remains 20 sc + 20 sps every rnd ✓

Rnd 35 (stabilize): Ch 1, *sc in next sc, 3 sc in next ch-3 sp; rep from * around, join. (80 sc)

Petal Rim – Color B

Rnd 36 (petals): Ch 1, *sc in next st, sk 1 st, 5 dc in next st, sk 1 st; rep from * around, join to first sc. (20 petals)
Inline check: 80 sts ÷ 4 = 20 petals ✓
Fasten off Color B.

Sturdy Handles (make 2) – Color B

Handle foundation: Ch 62.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (60 sc)
Rows 2–5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (60 sc)
Fasten off, leaving 18" (46 cm) tail for sewing.
Fold handle lengthwise and whipstitch long edges together for a rounded, strong cord (or work sc around entire perimeter for extra bulk).
Inline check: 60 sc ≈ 17–18" (43–46 cm) length at gauge ✓

Attachment: Position handles on opposite sides of bag, centered over 10 sts each, 1.5" (4 cm) below petal rim (on Rnd 35). Sew securely through both layers of handle and bag wall using yarn tails, reinforcing with multiple passes (X-box stitch recommended). Weave ends.

3D Layered Flowers (make 5) – Colors B, C, D

Small center (Color D or A):
Magic ring, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, join. (6 sc) Fasten off.

Inner petals (Color B):
Join in any st. *Ch 2, 3 dc in same st, ch 2, sl st in same st, sl st in next st; rep from * around. (6 petals) Fasten off.

Outer petals (Color B or contrast):
Working behind inner petals, join yarn around post of any Rnd-1 sc. *Ch 3, 5 tr around post, ch 3, sl st around same post, sl st around next post; rep from * around. (6 large petals) Fasten off.

Leaf accent (optional, Color C, make 5–10):
Ch 8, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next, dc in next 3, hdc in next, 3 sc in last ch; rotate and work opposite side of ch: hdc, dc in next 3, hdc, sc, join. Fasten off.

Assembly & Finishing

1. Arrange 5 flowers evenly around upper mesh body (approx. every 4 mesh spaces), just below petal rim. Sew centers firmly through all layers with matching yarn; tack a few outer petal tips for security but leave most free for dimension.
2. Sew 1–2 leaves under each flower if desired.
3. Weave in all remaining ends on wrong side.
4. Block lightly if needed: dampen, shape base flat and mesh open, dry flat. Do not stretch petals excessively.
5. Optional: Add a fabric circle liner to base or a simple drawstring if preferred (not required).

Care

Machine wash cold gentle, lay flat to dry. Cotton softens and stretches slightly with use—ideal for market totes.

Stitch Count Validation Summary

• Base final: 80 sc ✓
• Mesh: constant 20 units (80 st equivalent) ✓
• Petal rim: 20 petals from 80 sts ✓
• Handles: 60 sc each ✓
• Flowers: 5 complete layered motifs ✓

Enjoy your Bloom Market Tote—fill it with farmers-market finds or yarn!