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# BOLSNI MESH MARKET BAG

A minimalist knit market bag inspired by modern design, featuring an airy mesh structure that stretches to accommodate your groceries, produce, or daily essentials. This beginner-friendly project is worked seamlessly in the round from the bottom up, with sturdy handles for comfortable carrying.

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
- **Base diameter**: approximately 5" (12.5 cm)
- **Height**: 12" (30.5 cm) excluding handles
- **Circumference**: approximately 15" (38 cm) at base, stretches to 20"+ (51 cm)
- **Handle drop**: 8" (20 cm)

## MATERIALS
- **Yarn**: 400-450 yards (366-411 m) worsted weight cotton yarn
  - Recommended: 100% cotton for durability and structure
  - Sample uses 2 skeins worsted cotton (220 yds/200m each)
- **Needles**: 
  - US 8 (5 mm) 16" circular needles for body
  - US 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or longer circular for I-cord handles
  - Or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Notions**: 
  - Stitch marker
  - Tapestry needle
  - Scissors

## GAUGE
16 sts × 20 rounds = 4" (10 cm) in mesh pattern (after blocking)

*Important: Gauge is measured in the mesh pattern, which is looser than stockinette. Take time to check your gauge – it affects the bag's size and stretch.*

## ABBREVIATIONS
- **k**: knit
- **k2tog**: knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- **yo**: yarn over
- **pm**: place marker
- **sm**: slip marker
- **st(s)**: stitch(es)
- **rnd(s)**: round(s)

## PATTERN NOTES
- This bag is worked in the round from the bottom up, beginning with a circular cast-on for the base.
- The mesh pattern is created by alternating k2tog and yo, which creates a stretchy, net-like fabric.
- Cotton yarn may stretch with use; this is normal and desired for a market bag.
- The bag can be blocked to set the mesh structure.
- Handles are worked as attached I-cords for maximum durability.
- Stitch count remains constant at 60 sts throughout body.

## INSTRUCTIONS

### BASE
Using circular needles, cast on 60 sts using a long-tail or cable cast-on.

**Setup Rnd**: Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Pm for beginning of round.

**Rnds 1-6**: Knit all sts.
[Verification: 60 sts × 6 rnds = 360 stitches worked]

*You now have a flat circular base approximately 5" in diameter.*

### BODY (MESH PATTERN)
**Mesh Pattern Rnd**: *K2tog, yo; repeat from * to end of rnd. (60 sts remain)
[Verification: Pattern repeat is 2 sts, 60÷2=30 repeats per round ✓]

Repeat Mesh Pattern Rnd until body measures 12" (30.5 cm) from cast-on edge, approximately 60 rounds.
[Verification: 60 rnds × 20 rnds/4" = 12" ✓]

**Last Rnd**: Knit all sts (this creates a stable edge for the top of bag).

Bind off all sts loosely. Cut yarn, leaving a 6" tail. Weave in this tail.

### HANDLES (MAKE 2)
Handles are worked as attached I-cords directly onto the bag top.

**Position markers for handle placement:**
- Fold bag flat to find 2 sides
- On front side: mark 8 sts centered (4 sts on each side of center)
- On back side: mark 8 sts centered (4 sts on each side of center)
- Handles will be attached to these 8-st sections

**Handle 1:**
With DPNs or circular needle and RS facing, pick up and knit 8 sts along marked section at top edge of bag.

**I-cord setup**: Slide sts to opposite end of needle (do not turn work).

**I-cord rnds**:
Row 1: K8, slide sts to opposite end of needle (do not turn).
Repeat Row 1 until I-cord measures 20" (51 cm) from pick-up edge.
[Verification: 20" × 5 rows/inch = approximately 100 rows]

**Attach handle**: With tapestry needle, graft or sew I-cord end to corresponding marked section on opposite side of bag (back side), creating a loop. Secure firmly and weave in ends.

**Handle 2:**
Repeat on remaining marked section (back side), attaching to front side to create second handle.

[Verification: 2 handles × 20" each = 40" total I-cord length]

### FINISHING
1. Weave in all remaining ends securely.
2. Block bag by soaking in cool water for 15 minutes.
3. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring).
4. Stuff bag with towels to shape and allow to air dry completely.
5. The mesh pattern will set and stabilize during blocking.

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS
- Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent
- Lay flat or stuff with towels to dry
- Cotton may soften and develop character with use
- Bag may stretch when carrying heavy items; this is normal

## DESIGN NOTES
This minimalist market bag celebrates the beauty of simple construction and functional design. The mesh pattern allows the bag to expand for larger loads while maintaining a sleek silhouette when empty. The cotton yarn provides durability for daily use, and the attached I-cord handles distribute weight comfortably across your shoulder or hand.

**Customization ideas:**
- Make it larger: Cast on 80 sts (40 pattern repeats)
- Make it smaller: Cast on 40 sts (20 pattern repeats)
- Longer handles: Work I-cord to 24-26" for over-shoulder carrying
- Color blocking: Change colors every 3" for striped effect
- Add a drawstring: Work eyelet round before bind-off and thread I-cord through

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*Pattern designed for beginner knitters comfortable with working in the round and basic decreases. Enjoy your modern, sustainable market bag!*