String Market Bag

A sturdy bag for groceries, library books, and whatever you want to put in it.

Abbreviations

sc  single crochet

dc  double crochet
ch  chain


You will make fewer rounds depending on the weight of your yarn and the size of the bag you want.  Use the smallest crochet hook comfortable for your yarn.  It’s better if the bag is worked tighter because it will stretch a lot.  For the body of the bag I start with 3 rows of chain 3 loops, 5 rows of chain 5 loops, 7 rows of chain 7 loops.  The chain 9 loops can vary according to your bag.  Probably 4-7 will be plenty unless you want it bigger.  The bag will look small but it will stretch a lot once you start using it.  A handle of 60 stitches will be enough to put over your shoulder in most cases.  Make the handle shorter if you want it over your wrist.

Remember: It’s a bag.  It doesn’t have to fit anyone.  It’s a great way to use leftover yarns.  I have used cottons and cotton blends.

Base
Chain 3 and connect with slip stitch to form a loop
Row 1  Chain 3. 11 dc in loop.  Join with slip stitch to chain 3.  (12)
Row 2      Chain 3, dc in same space as chain.  2 dc in each space between stitches. Join with slip stitch to chain 3  (24)
Row 3     Chain 3.  dc in same space as  chain 3.  *2 dc between each of next 2 stitches * all around.  Join with slip stitch to ch  3
Row 4     Chain 3. dc in same space.  *dc, 2 dc in next space* around.  Join with slip stitch to ch 3.
Row 5     Chain 3. dc in same space as ch 3.  *dc, dc, 2 dc in same space* all around. Join with slip stitch to ch3.

Body
Note: The row counts are starting again for the body of the bag
Row 1          Place marker and move for row count.  Chain 3, skip one stitch SC in next space* around.
Row 2-3      Chain 3, sc in chain 3 from previous row
Row 4-8      Chain 5, sc in chain from previous row
Row 9-15     Chain 7, sc in chain from previous row
Row 16-20    (more or less, as desired) Chain 9, sc in chain from previous row.

Top and Handles
3 Sc in each ch 9 space all around.
 (If it still seems enormous, go around again with 1 sc in every other sc.  Depends on the weight of your yarn.)
Row 1.       Single crochet in 25 sc.
Row 2.       Turn.  Ch 1, sc in each sc.
Row 3 & 4 Repeat rows 1 and 2 .

Turn sideways and slip stitch down side of last 4 rows.  Continue around with sc.  Fold bag in half in the middle of your last chain 25 section.  Count back 12 from the fold and start  another 25 sc section there.  When it is finished continue around to edge of 1st 25 sc part.  Sc up the side.  Chain (loosely) for 60 stitches.  This gives you a medium handle.  If you want it longer or shorter adjust the number of stitches.

*Remember it will stretch.  Attach with sc to other end of 25 block.  Continue around to other 25 section and chain the same amount as the first handle.  Do at least 4 rows around.