Please be aware, optional Drawstring Accessory Pouch/Stuff Sack shown on blue sample is NOT included in this pattern. It is available for purchase separately, with a discount if you purchase it at the same time as this pattern.

I struggled with naming this bag, but eventually I landed on “More than a Market Bag,” because that was my impression of it from the very first time it took shape. My hope was to be able to take the suddenly-trendy “net bag” in a different direction with a dressed-up feel that would look as much at home in an upscale restaurant as it would browsing the local farmer’s market, and I am in every way satisfied with the result. I hope you enjoy the bag as much as I enjoyed designing it!

This is a written pattern with a full pages of reference photos at the end, as well as a full page of sample photos to illustrate the various options offered in the pattern (material, strap style, drawstring option, etc.) You may skip printing these pages to save ink, if you wish.

The design is intended to work for a wide variety of gauges and yarns. It includes two versions of the pattern, one of which uses a worsted weight mercerized cotton, which can also be done with a lighter weight of yarn to produce a slightly smaller, lighter bag. For my own preference, I highly recommend using Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton. Of the three yarns I tested, I feel this one would have the greatest longevity and durability.

The second option is listed as “acrylic,” but would also be suitable for most average worsted weight yarns, regardless of fiber content; I just tested it with acrylic. Detailed notes for yarn choice and gauge are given in the pattern, as well as suggestions for a lighter weight bag made with Paton’s Grace or similar yarn, and an oversized version suitable for a beach bag.

This pattern also includes the option of a shoulder strap or a longer cross-body strap, with recommendations for altering the strap for petite or plus size body types. There is also an option to add a drawstring casing, which can be used with either strap option. (See black sample with button drawstring.)

Due to the nature of patterns, no returns can be made; however I am happy to provide pattern support on ravelry or facebook, so please ask if you’re stuck!

Finished Dimensions: Primary options is approx 11” (28 cm) diameter, unstretched, approx 15” (38 cm) deep when laid flat. Oversized option is approx 13” (33 cm) diameter, approx 17” (43 cm) deep.

Difficulty: 3.5/5 (Based on the recommendations of my testers)

Recommended yarn options:
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton or similar: approx 450 – 550 yds (410 – 500 m) for a short strap. Allow up to 650 yds (595 m) for an extra large, cross-body bag.
Caron One Pound (acrylic) or similar: approx 375 - 450 yds (345 - 410 m)
Paton’s Grace or similar: approx 400 - 480 yds (365 - 440 m)
For my own preference, I highly recommend using Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton. Of the three yarns I tested, I liked the weight, strength, and appearance of this yarn the best.

Recommended hook size:
-Cotton: F (3.75mm) for primary option; G (4.00mm) for an oversized beach bag or a lightweight bag using 3 weight yarn such as Paton’s Grace
-Acrylic: H (5.00mm)
Adjust hook size as needed to meet gauge and/or limit stretching. (see gauge notes.)

Gauge:
Work a sample of sc at least 3” in each direction to test gauge. For acrylic, stretch your work as far as possible before measuring to ensure that the bag will not stretch more than intended.
Cotton: 4 sc = 1” (2.5 cm), 6 rows = 1¼” (3.2 cm)
Acrylic: 3 sc = 1” (2.5 cm) when stretched side to side, 2 rows = 1” (2.5 cm) when stretched up and down
(Small variations are acceptable, but will change the finished size of the bag proportionally.)

Stitch Guide (US Terminology):
ch – chain
ch sp – chain space
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
trc – treble crochet
csc – center single crochet
fpdc – front post dc
stdc – standing dc (optional, photo tutorial provided)
yo – yarn over
fpdc2tog – front post dc 2 together (explained in pattern with photo)
cfs – candle flame stitch (modified fpsc3tog, explained in pattern with photo)
d/tr tog – double/treble together (explained in pattern)