Market Tote Bag

Beginner Crochet Pattern – Sport Weight

A roomy, stretchy market tote with a dense oval base, open mesh body, and sturdy reinforced handles. Worked in rounds from the bottom up. Perfect for farmers’ markets, beach days, or everyday errands.

Finished Size
Approx. 14" wide × 15" tall (35.5 × 38 cm), excluding handles.
Handles: 18" (45.5 cm) long.

Yarn
Sport weight cotton (Category 2), approx. 450 yd (411 m).
Sample uses 2 skeins of a smooth mercerized cotton.
Color: any solid or tonal shade.

Hook
US E-4 / 3.5 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge).

Notions

• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Optional: 2 small pieces of cotton webbing or scrap yarn for handle reinforcement

Gauge
20 sc × 22 rows = 4" (10 cm) in single crochet, blocked.
Mesh gauge is looser by design; check base gauge carefully.

Abbreviations (US)
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
sp – space
rep – repeat
rnd – round
pm – place marker
inc – increase (2 sc in same st)

Notes

• Worked in continuous rounds unless stated; do not join or turn unless instructed. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round and move it up.
• Cotton yarn is strongly recommended for strength and minimal stretch when wet.
• Mesh is intentionally open for expandability; the bag will stretch 1–2" when filled.
• Keep base stitches firm so the bottom stays flat and supportive.
• Handles are worked with two strands held together for durability.

Pattern

Base (Oval)

With one strand of yarn, ch 36.

Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 33 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Rotate to work along opposite side of foundation ch: sc in each of next 33 ch, 2 sc in last ch (same ch as first sc). (72 sc)
Pm in first st.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 33 sts, 2 sc in each of next 3 sts, sc in next 33 sts, 2 sc in each of last 2 sts. (78 sc)

Rnd 3: Sc in first st, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 33 sts, [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 33 sts, [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] 2 times. (84 sc)

Rnd 4: Sc in first 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 33 sts, [sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 33 sts, [sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] 2 times. (90 sc)

Rnd 5: Sc in first 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 33 sts, [sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 33 sts, [sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] 2 times. (96 sc)

Rnd 6: Sc in first 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 33 sts, [sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 33 sts, [sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st] 2 times. (102 sc)

Rnd 7: Sc in first 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 33 sts, [sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 33 sts, [sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st] 2 times. (108 sc)

Rnd 8: Sc in first 6 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 33 sts, [sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 33 sts, [sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st] 2 times. (114 sc)

Rnd 9: Sc in first 7 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 33 sts, [sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 33 sts, [sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st] 2 times. (120 sc)

Rnds 10–12: Sc in each st around. (120 sc)
Base should measure approx. 12" long × 4" wide (30.5 × 10 cm).

Mesh Body

Rnd 13 (setup): *Sc in next st, ch 3, skip 2 sts; rep from * around. (40 ch-3 sps)

Rnd 14: *Sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3; rep from * around.

Rnds 15–48: Rep Rnd 14 until mesh section measures approx. 14" (35.5 cm) from top of base (about 34 mesh rounds total, or desired height).
End with a sc in the last ch-3 sp.

Rnd 49 (solid rim): Ch 1, *2 sc in next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc; rep from * around, adjusting as needed to land on 120 sc. (120 sc)
(If count is off by 1–2 sts, evenly inc or dec in this round only.)

Rnds 50–52: Sc in each st around. (120 sc)
Fasten off after Rnd 52 if preferred, or keep yarn attached for handles.

Handles (make 2, worked with 2 strands held together)

Cut a second strand of yarn approx. 20 yd (18 m) long. Hold it together with the working yarn (or rejoin 2 strands at the rim).

Mark handle placements:
From any point on the rim, pm in st 1, st 21 (first handle span = 20 sts), st 61, and st 81 (second handle span = 20 sts). The two unmarked 40-st sections become the bag sides.

Handle 1:
Join 2 strands with sl st in marked st 1.
Ch 70 (or length needed for 18" / 45.5 cm handle).
Carefully join with sl st to marked st 21, making sure chain is not twisted.
Sc in each ch back across the handle (70 sc).
Sl st again to st 1 to secure.
Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail.

Handle 2:
Rep on the opposite side between marked sts 61 and 81.

Handle Reinforcement (recommended)

With yarn needle and the long tails (or extra yarn), sew back and forth through the first and last 4–5 sc of each handle where it meets the rim, catching the solid sc rounds below. This locks the handles firmly and prevents ripping. Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side.

Finishing

• Weave in all remaining ends.
• Block lightly if desired: dampen, shape base flat, gently stretch mesh to even rectangles, and lay flat to dry. Do not over-stretch handles.
• Optional: add a fabric lining or small interior pocket for keys/phone.

Care

Machine wash cold gentle, lay flat to dry. Cotton will soften and stretch slightly with use—this is intended.

Selling Notes (for your catalogue)

Skill level: Beginner
Time: 6–8 hours
Yarn amount: ~450 yd sport cotton
Key features: stretchy mesh, sturdy base, reinforced handles, market-ready size

Enjoy your new Market Tote—happy crocheting and happy selling!