purlJam

# Sunflower Market Tote Bag

A cheerful beginner-friendly market bag featuring sunny sunflower colors and a classic mesh pattern for stretch. Perfect for farmers market trips or beach days!

## Finished Measurements
- Width: approximately 12" (30.5 cm) at widest point
- Height: 10" (25.5 cm) excluding handles
- Handle drop: 8" (20 cm)

## Materials
- **Yarn**: Worsted weight cotton yarn (approximately 350 yards total)
  - Color A (Brown): 100 yards for sunflower center and base
  - Color B (Yellow): 200 yards for petals and body
  - Color C (Green - optional): 50 yards for accent trim
- **Hook**: US H/8 (5mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Notions**: 
  - Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  - Stitch markers (helpful but optional)
  - Scissors

## Gauge
14 sc and 16 rows = 4" (10 cm) in single crochet (worked in rounds)

**Take time to check your gauge!** Gauge affects the finished size and structure of your bag.

## Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- BLO = back loop only
- rnd(s) = round(s)

## Pattern Notes
- Bag is worked in continuous rounds from the bottom up (do not join rounds unless specified)
- Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round
- Stitch counts are provided at the end of each round in [brackets]
- When changing colors, complete the last stitch of the old color until 2 loops remain on hook, yarn over with new color and complete the stitch
- Weave in ends as you go to minimize finishing work

## Instructions

### BASE (Flat Circle)
Using Color A (Brown):

**Rnd 1**: Make a magic ring, ch 1 (does not count as st), work 6 sc into ring, pull ring tight. [6 sc]

**Rnd 2**: Work 2 sc in each st around. [12 sc]
*Check: You should have 12 stitches total*

**Rnd 3**: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. [18 sc]
*Check: 18 ÷ 6 = 3 sc per wedge section*

**Rnd 4**: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. [24 sc]
*Check: 24 ÷ 6 = 4 sc per wedge section*

**Rnd 5**: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. [30 sc]
*Check: 30 ÷ 6 = 5 sc per wedge section*

**Rnd 6**: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. [36 sc]
*Check: 36 ÷ 6 = 6 sc per wedge section*

**Rnd 7**: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. [42 sc]
*Check: 42 ÷ 6 = 7 sc per wedge section*

Your base should measure approximately 6" (15 cm) across and lie flat without cupping or ruffling.

### SOLID SIDES (Sunflower Petals)
Continue with Color A:

**Rnd 8**: Working in BLO, sc in each st around. [42 sc]
*This creates a ridge that defines the transition from base to sides*

**Rnds 9-10**: Sc in each st around. [42 sc]

Change to Color B (Yellow) at end of Rnd 10:

**Rnds 11-16**: Sc in each st around. [42 sc]
*These 6 rounds in yellow represent the sunflower petals*

Change to Color A (Brown) at end of Rnd 16:

**Rnd 17**: Sc in each st around. [42 sc]

Change to Color B (Yellow) at end of Rnd 17:

### MESH BODY
The mesh pattern creates stretch and is perfect for carrying produce!

**Rnd 18**: *Ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. [21 ch-1 spaces]
*Check: You should have 21 mesh spaces total (42 sts ÷ 2 = 21)*

**Rnds 19-30**: *Ch 1, skip next ch-1 space, dc in next dc; repeat from * around. [21 ch-1 spaces per round]
*These 12 rounds create approximately 7" of mesh pattern*

### TOP EDGE
**Rnd 31**: Sc in each dc and in each ch-1 space around. [42 sc]
*This stabilizes the top edge*

Optional: Change to Color C (Green) for final round:

**Rnd 32**: Sc in each st around, sl st to first sc to join. [42 sc]

Fasten off and weave in ends.

### HANDLES (Make 2)
Using Color B (Yellow):

**Row 1**: Ch 51, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [50 sc]
*Check: 50 sc ÷ 14 sts per 4" × 4" = approximately 14.3" handle length before stretch*

**Row 2**: Ch 1, turn, sc in BLO of each st across. [50 sc]

**Rows 3-4**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [50 sc]

Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for sewing.

### HANDLE ATTACHMENT
Position handles on opposite sides of bag:

1. Locate the center stitch on one side of the bag (count 21 stitches from any point)
2. Place first handle end 3 stitches to the right of center
3. Place second handle end 3 stitches to the left of center (handles will be 6 stitches apart)
4. Using the yarn tail and yarn needle, sew the short end of handle firmly to inside of bag, working through both the handle and the bag at Rounds 29-31 for reinforcement
5. Repeat on opposite side of bag with second handle, ensuring handles are aligned
6. Weave in all remaining ends securely

*Check handle placement: Handles should be opposite each other (21 sts apart around the circle)*

## Finishing
- Weave in all remaining ends
- Block lightly by dampening the bag and shaping it with your hands, allow to air dry
- The mesh will relax and stretch with use
- Handles will be most comfortable when bag is carried at the shoulder

## Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry or hang by handles. Do not machine dry. Cotton yarn may shrink slightly in first wash.

## Customization Ideas
- Make the bag taller by working additional mesh rounds (Rnd 19-30 section)
- Add a button loop and button closure at the top
- Work additional color stripes for more sunflower petals
- Use variegated yarn in autumn colors for a different look
- Add a contrasting color for the final edge round

## Design Notes
This bag celebrates the cheerful sunflower with its brown center base transitioning to bright yellow "petals." The practical mesh pattern allows the bag to stretch and accommodate various items while maintaining structure. Cotton yarn provides durability and is machine washable for an everyday market bag.

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*Pattern designed for beginners • Uses approximately 350 yards worsted weight cotton • Finished bag dimensions: 12" × 10"*