One of my favorite, favorite things about summer is hitting up the farmer’s market. For me, it’s not only about the fresh, local produce, it’s about the experience.
Yes? Yesssss. 🙂
This weekend I’ve teamed up with Lion Brand and Michael’s to bring you a free pattern to celebrate Michael’s Big Brand Sale happening next week ( Aug. 2-8, 2015)!
It’s a FREE crochet pattern for a sturdy market tote, perfect for taking to the farmer’s market and more!
If you followed my scarf week series from earlier this year, then you already know I am a big Lion Brand Yarn fan. I just love that I can always find different textures and weights in such classy colors.
For this bag, I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Oatmeal. To achieve an even bulkier weight, I doubled up the strands; meaning, I crocheted the bag using two strands together the whole time. This is key to creating the bag’s chunky texture, as well as it’s sturdiness. It also makes the final skein count pretty high for a bag this size ($$). I highly recommend using coupons when buying yarn for this project, or taking advantage of a sale (like the one next week…hey hey! ;)).
One more thing I want to mention before jumping into the pattern, is that this pattern is worked in an oblong round. As you can see in the pictures (scroll down after the pattern), you will be chaining a short chain, double crocheting into the end of that chain several times, then turning with your work and working right into your first oval like round.
Cool? Cool…let’s get started!
MATERIALS
About 5 skeins of Super Bulky, 6 weight yarn* (6 oz. or 106 yards per skein)
9.00 mm hook (or size N)
Yarn needle and scissors
* You will use all of the first four skeins, but only a small amount of the fifth skein. You probably only need about 28 oz. or 450 total yards of yarn.
ABBREVIATIONS
ch = chain
st, sts = stitch, stitches
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
dc = double crochet
GAUGE
4 x 4 inch square = almost 4 rows x 7 dc
PATTERN
Working with two strands together, ch 20.
Round 1: dc into 3rd ch from hook, four times (count as five total dc into 3rd ch including 2 ch from beginning). Dc across (16), 5 dc into last ch and turn with work, dc across underside of initial ch (16), sl st to top of 2 chains from beginning. (42 total sts, including 2 beginning ch)
Round 2: Ch 2, dc in first st, 2 dc in each of next four sts (10, including initial ch 2). Dc across (16), 2 dc in each of next five sts (10), dc across (16), sl st into top of initial ch 2. (52 total sts, including beginning ch 2)
Round 3: Ch 2, dc in each st around, sl st into top of initial ch 2. (52)
Round 4-12: Repeat Round 3.
Round 13: Ch 2, dc in next 7 dc, ch 22 (creating first handle), skip 10 dc, dc into next st. Dc into next 15 dc, ch 22 (second handle), skip 10 dc, dc into next st. Dc into next 7 dc, sl st into top of initial ch 2.
Round 14: Ch 2, dc in next 7 dc, sc across first ch handle 22 times, dc into next dc, dc into next 15 dc, sc across second ch handle 22 times, dc into next dc, dc into next 7 dc, sl st into the top of initial ch 2.
Tie of ends, cut tail to 10 inches, weave in tails.
Note: You can sc into the ch handles, but I chose to simply sc around the ch strand as a whole. It’s much easier to do it this way and it makes your handle more flexible.
***Here are some pictures to help illustrate how the pattern works.***
Simple as that!
More notes:
– When you get to the last skein, use the end wrapped around the outside of the skein, as well as the one tucked inside the middle of the skein, so that you can continue to work with two strands but just one skein.
– If you can’t get super bulky yarn, try crocheting with three to four strands of worsted weight yarn together to see if you can achieve the same gauge. Or try some jute! Jute can get squeaky and hard to use when you try to crochet it tightly, but if you’re up for the challenge, jute would make a gorgeous bag.
– More experienced crocheters may notice that I use one fewer chain at the beginning of my rounds and rows than is traditionally accepted. I find that as long as I don’t yank my chains really tight, it tends to create nice square, even rows, and a less visible seam. If you’re used to the traditional chain to stitch type ratio and my rebel pattern habits drive you nuts ;), ( ch 2 for sc and hdc, ch 3 for dc, etc. ) please feel free to add a chain. Do what works best for you!
For a crocheted bag, this thing is really tough stuff. There are just under a dozen medium to large apples in there and it handles it like a champ. It makes a great library book tote as well.
The only thing it doesn’t work well for is small things, like change. It has a fairly tight, strong weave, but it’s still chunky and big, so consider placing a sewn fabric pouch inside to hold small items.
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Lion Brand and Michael’s, but my love for them is real. 🙂 🙂 All words and photos are my genuinely and enthusiastically my own!
Very nice post!!! and very nice bag!
Thank you so much Tanja!
Can i make this bag with chunky cotton yarn?
I think so! It depends on how thick it is. Do you mean a cotton yarn made from T-shirt fabric?
Great bag! And beautiful photos!!
Thank you Alexis! <3
I loved this so much I had to make one for myself today! It came together pretty quickly and was a great way to use my stash of lion brand t&q but in charcoal and changed to the raspberry colour just before the handles. Turned out great! Thanks for a very easy to follow pattern 🙂
Awesome! Ooh. A color blocked version sounds fun!
I can’t wait to try this I have been shopping for a new bag. I think making one makes more sense
Totally! That way you can make it how you want. 😉 It’s one of the reasons I love DIY! Have fun working one up!
Like the bag so much! And love those pictures, too. They are very nice!
Thank you for sharing this post!
Thanks Mai!
I would love to have a video, I’m a visual learner.
Hi Karen,
I created this pattern before I was doing video tutorials. I don’t have a video for this one, but I do have a similar bag with a video tutorial. Here is a link: https://www.deliacreates.com/four-strand-crochet-tote-free-pattern-tutorial/
I hope that helps! <3
Delia
This tote is perfect! I love the wool you used, I need to make myself one. Thanks for sharing your pattern 🙂
Thank you Emily!
Love this! 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
Oh yummy. This tote is fabulous. Can’t wait to make it for myself. Thank you so much for the pattern and the tut!!!
Thank you Diane! <3
Thank you for this wonderful pattern. I am fairly new at crochet, but had no trouble making this. I did use the recommended yarn and hook, but had to crochet fairly tight to get the correct gauge-hard on the hand.
I am so glad you like the pattern! It is a bit of a tight gauge to make the bag more functional. It’s kind of a trick to find a hook that makes grabbing the two strands of thick yarn easy enough, but isn’t too big to pull the gauge tight.
Super cool bag! Do you have a Ravelry link so I can save it there?
Thank you Sherry! I don’t yet. I really need to get on it. Sorry!
I love this bag. I made 3 of them. I took creative licence and added a extra row to the bottom and made it two rows taller adding a back loop only row 3 rows up to create a stripe and a slip stitch around the handle hole to stop any streching. I wanted it big enough to accommodate my favorite market’s plastic bag for lining for raw meat. I used 12 skeins Lions Hometown USA in Kansas City Wheat. So much nicer than the green bags that spread and aren’t washable. Thanks for the great project!
Dani,
Awesome! I love the additions and changed you made. Thanks for commenting and sharing what you did!
<3 Delia
Can you use Red Heart Super Saver? Just curious. I have some orange I would love to make a bag like this with that and was curious if it would work? Thanks going to give it a try!
I love the bag. I did it with worsted weight and doubled it but the handle part I really had issues with. I don’t think its perfect but good for me.I will make more for sure.I agree with you i love the hometown usa yarn
Amanda,
Sorry about the handle trouble. It is definitely the trickiest part of the bag, but I’m glad you like your finished tote! If you ever try it again, one reader mentioned using a slip stitch instead of sc. It will create a slimmer handle, but they said it made the handle tighter and stronger for them. I hope that helps?
Delia <3
I LOVE this bag and I’m trying SO hard to make it, but I’m new to crocheting and I’m so confused by the words! In fact, this is my first time trying one with written instructions. Haha, seriously wish there was a video… But I’m going to keep trying!! Wish me luck!!!
Hi Sara,
I am so sorry about the confusion! If you have a specific question, I would be happy to help trouble shoot. 🙂 Let me know!
Delia
Really like the simplicity of this double crochet pattern. When I get time, will attempt to make this with plarn, using large plastic garbage bags and cutting strips quite wide to accommodate need for doubling worsted weight. Thanks for the post!
Ooh! Plarn would be so fun!!!
I’m working on a plarn version now. Wondering what the dimensions of the pictures bag is.
Sure! It’s about 16.5 inches wide when laying flat and empty, and 15.5 inches tall from the very bottom to the top (handles not included).
Thank you for sharing such a lovely project! I am a beginner (I’ve only done a couple of washcloth squares before), and was very impressed and satisfied how quickly and well this tote came together. I just finished making one in a rustic moss green for my mother-in-law. I love it so much, I am already planning a second for myself in a light grey with pink accents.
I did however have one small quandary with the pattern as written, and was wondering if it was due to my beginner-brain, or perhaps a typo? At the end of rows 3 through 12, I added in a sl st into top of initial ch 2 from that same row. Otherwise, without it, I kept getting a really big hole between rows.
Thanks again! I am a big fan of your whole blog 🙂
Good catch! It is a typo. I should add in that sl st step. Thanks for letting me know. I totally missed that! 🙂 So glad you like the tote!
love the bag and directions just so so good, great pics. Am going to try to recreate with the ragrug inspired method. thank you so much for sharing.
What an absolutely beautiful tutorial – I am hoping to make one of these for my bestie for Christmas, this is RIGHT up her alley! Just a quick question – I am in Australia and nice wools are a little harder to come by in store so I need to buy online.
Is the wool you used suitable for 9mm hooks in single strand only or is it only because you are using two strands that you need a thicker hook (i.e. is the wool you are using suitable for 4.5mm when using single strand)? I just want to make sure that I am buying the correct sort of wool given that I would like to buy it all at once to take advantage of the shipping to Australia!
I hope this question makes sense 🙂 thank you for your help and thank you again for such a lovely looking tutorial, I am so excited to make this.
Claire
Good question! The 9 mm hook is just a little bit larger than I would use on a single strand. When you crochet it will feel bulky and tight, and it will make your hands have to work a little harder, but it’s necessary for the tight weave. I hope I understood your question correctly. Please let me know if you have any more!
Oh! Here is the direct link to the kind of yarn I used on Lion Brand’s site. I see that my previous link was redirected to a project page:
http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/we-thick.htm
I have question about the yarn. I am in Australia and we don’t have much Lion Brand stock here at all, but i can and have Lion Brand Thick and Quick (not Wool-Ease) and was wondering if this would be ok to use? Thanks
Hi Sally. I can’t be sure, but my guess is they are pretty comparable. What you can do, is do a test swatch to see what kind of gauge you get. That way you can adjust needle size and tension to make up for any discrepancies in yarn weight/width. Does that help?
Thank you very much, i will have a play around 🙂
Aw, so cute bag! Very pretty and a useful size too :)Love your works!
Thank you Jane!
This pattern looks awesome. Thanks so much. You could also make it bi not doing the slip stitch at the end of each round and just mark the beginning and do it in continus rounds to avoide getting a mark where it joins. I do this when I crochet baskets or mitts.
That’s true! Good tip. Thanks Pattee!
Thank you so much for this fantastic pattern and the pictures to go with it. I’m pretty much a beginner and found it very easy to follow. I only have a 5 mm hook and cotton yarn but it still turned out beautiful and I received many compliments making it. I think I will do another with zpagetti yarn when I have a bigger hook (rural Brazil doesn’t spoil me for choice when it comes to supplies =D).
I am so glad you liked the pattern Anne! It sounds you adapted it well!
Is this supposed to be crocheted very tightly?
Good question. Yes. Very tightly.
Thank you for a great pattern. I tweaked it slightly and didn’t make it quite so deep so I can use it more like a handbag. I made the handles slightly longer too to fit round my fat arms. I added on a band across the top so it closes that was seven dc wide. I crocheted five rows and missed the central dc on the last row and chained ine instead so the button could fit through. I made mine out of some old jeans I’d cut up so is heavy but should be sturdy. Was really hard on my hands but I wanted it tight. Thanks again for the inspiration.
Wow! It sounds like you really made the pattern your own. It sounds amazing Kathryn!
Do you have the diagram i have problem with the beggining
Hi Maria! I don’t have anything other than the pictures. I’m sorry. If you have any questions, I would be happy to help you trouble shoot.
Brilliant blog and terrific tutorial. I made my market bag from the unravellings of two chunky cardigans, twisted together and I love it.
Wow! Way to be resourceful. You are amazing and inspiring! Thank you for your kind words Lynne! <3
This will work well with Plarn….
You’re right! What a great idea!
I love this bag! Hate crochet as a rule (I’m lousy at it), but this pattern was worth stretching my crochet muscles again. I’m about halfway through and it looks lovely so far! It does seem really wide though… laying flat should it be about 16 inches wide? I’m getting the right gauge, so I can’t imagine it would be anything else… thanks!
Thanks Heather! Yes…it’s a nice size tote bag so 16 inches sounds about right.
I love these bags! I have already made the tote with leather handles and everyone loves it! I may try other colors on my next one. I am also making the market bag and it is turning out beautifully! May also try another color for the next one. This one doesn’t take nearly as long to make as the tote but I love both of them. Thank you for sharing your ideas and patterns.
Yes! It’s a much faster project, which is nice sometimes! Thanks Debbi! <3
Turned out beautifully. I made it in one afternoon with thick khaki jersey with a No 10 crochet. Thanks for the pattern. Karine
Awesome!! So glad you liked the pattern. The khaki jersey sounds lovely!
My handle does not line up. I’m not sure what happened. I’m disappointed.
Tania,
I’m sorry to hear that. The great thing about crochet is you can easily pull out your stitches and start the handle portion again. It could be couple things…sometimes it’s miscounting stitches (which I do all the time), or skipping stitches. The rise and fall in the handle can make the stitch count harder to discern. You can totally modify the pattern to however it makes the most sense to you. I hope that helps!
Delia
I agree, my handles didn’t line up either. My stitches counted exactly to the pattern.
I’m sorry to hear you’re having issues. If you could help me clarify so I can help trouble shoot…what do you mean by the handles are not lining up? Do you mean they are off center?
Mine are totally off center. Is there a way to fix this?
Good question. The handles can veer off center a bit if the stitch count is off just a little or even sometimes where you insert your hook (in the space verses in the top two loops) can sometimes shift the seam a bit. To avoid pulling the whole thing out, you may want to consider adjusting the handle placement. It should only alter things by a few stitches or so, then use the rest of the pattern as more of a guideline. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.
I love this and can’t wait to make it, but side question…. where are your jeans from? They’re so cute!
Thank you! They are some basic skinnies from Forever 21.
Hi! I really love the crochet items that you create! I’m a beginner in crocheting and I was wondering if I used a thicker yarn, do I still need to crochet two strands of yarn at once?
The yarn that I am thinking of using is:
100g/ball
Contains: 100% Premium Acrylic
Yardage: 80m
Needle Size: 10 mm
I have just started my journey in crocheting so I do not want to purchase so much yarn at once. Thank you!
Shu,
Good question! For this sturdy market tote, I am actually using thicker yarn and then doubling it up, so that it’s extra thick and sturdy. I am unfamiliar with that yarn, but I think you would need to double it up. The best way to tell, is to crochet a test swatch (about 4 inches by 4 inches) and measure the gauge. If it matches the gauge provided without doubling up, then you should be good to go.
If it seems like a big investment of yarn, you may consider buying less expensive, worsted weight yarn and using four strands at a time (check gauge, three may be enough). You can also wait for a good yarn sale, or use coupons.
I hope that helps!
Delia <3
Followed your pattern to make a colourful tote today. Great pattern! Easy to follow! A pretty quick and easy project.
Thanks for posting and sharing your pattern!
I am so glad you enjoyed the pattern! Thank you for your kind words! <3
would you recommend this to someone starting? i really want to start sewing and everything but its overwhelming, all the materials i’d need! anyways i love your blog and would love to get this good one day!!! much love and have a nice day xo
Aw, thanks Gabriela! That is a great question. This project uses all basic stitches, but it is a bigger project. I recommend starting with a smaller, faster project if you feel overwhelmed. That can give you the motivation to work on a bigger project like this. I hope that helps! <3
Made this tote and for some reason my handles ended up on the sides rather than front and back. think it may have something to do with my wonky seam!
I’m so sorry to hear that. That can happen if your seam starts to lean. I like to keep my seam in check by starting in the space right next to my starting chains for the row. Then I count my stitches every row to make sure my count isn’t off. When you slip stitch to the beginning chains, it should look nice and square. Don’t pull that slip stitch too tight. Let it connect the stitches and pull the chains up straight. I hope that helps!
Delia
I am hoping this is ok to ask, but what is your policy on selling our item from your wonderful patterns?? I have looked but can’t find anything written.. Looking forward to making this tote bag 🙂
It’s more than okay to ask! I absolutely love to support fellow small businesses. I give permission to sell finished items using any of my patterns, whether paid or free, (for small businesses only) and just require a link back to my site or a mention that it’s my design, if you’re not listing it online. Best wishes with your business venture! <3
Thanks for this great pattern. I made a slightly smaller version to use as a pocketbook and also to use up some of my yatn stash. I get compliments all the time from little kids to adults. I made the handles a little longer and crocheted them together since one kept slipping off my shoulder. I am working on another one for my daughter following your original version. It is a cool pattern that works up fairly quickly and I found it very easy to follow. Do you count the ch 2 as a stitch to get your total stitch count of 52?
I am so happy to hear that you like the pattern! A smaller version sounds adorable. I do count the chain 2 as a stitch.
Question. Is this pattern written. For 1 strand or 2 of yarn
Hi Brie! It’s written for two strands of yarn.
Thanks for a beautiful pattern, love the simplicity and was easy to do. Made a few changes to the handles, came out as planned
It makes me so happy to hear that!
Is there a pdf file of this pattern? It would be much more user friendly if pdf or print friendly version were available for patterns put on the web.
Hi Kj,
I’m sorry there is not. I have some pdf patterns for purchase, but my free patterns are in this format. You are welcome to copy and paste it into a document for your own personal use. I hope that helps.
Best,
Delia
Hi Delia, is this pattern good for using t-shirt yarn? Our supermarkets are now going green with no bags or charging you a fortune to buy a plastic bag, so I’m thinking of making a couple of good sturdy market bags I can always have in the car to use.
Thanks
Monica
It totally is! I would work up a sample swatch to see what the gauge is using the t-shirt yarn. You may or may not have to double up on the thickness. I would love to see a picture when you’re done if you are willing to share!
Oh definitely will do. Now just have to find time to make it. Hahaha Thanks so much for sharing your pattern. X
Is there an actual video for the pattern? I’m still learning and do much better when I can watch, pause and rewind. Thank you!
There is not a video available at this time. I do have plans to make one one in the future, but it may be a while since I have other project in the works.
Hi, could you tell me the dimensions of the bag, specifically how tall it is? I had a go but the one I made doesn’t look as tall as yours, it would really help me know how much more yarn I need to buy. Thank you.
Sure! The height of the bag from handle to bottom is about 22 inches, from the top of the bag to the bottom is about 15 3/4 inches, and it is about 16.5 inches wide on one side. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any more questions. Sometimes comments don’t pop through to my email, so if you want a faster answer, email me at [email protected].
I have made about a dozen of these, and everytime I use them in the supermarkets, I always get a compliment on the bag. Thank you so much.
Oh that makes me so happy to hear! I am so glad you like the pattern. Thank you for taking the time to comment and let me know!
I just finished another 2 yesterday. All of them but one, I have given away. It is a very quick pattern to make, so you get instant gratification. Thanks again.
That makes me so happy to hear! So glad you like the pattern.
Want to make this bag, love it. I am allergic to wool, what yarn would you suggest as an alternative?
Good question. I would choose an all acrylic yarn. I know it can be harder to find in the thicker yarns. Bernat brand seems to have some good options that are 100% acrylic. I’ve seen them at Jo-Ann, Michaels, and sometimes Walmart. I hope that helps!
hola!! please can u make a video tutorial showing step by step how to make this beautiful crochet bag??
thanks
cheers from Argentina
Hi Sol! I have thought about it. Maybe in the future.
I’ve made this bag twice already & twice the handles did not add up. The handles were way off, not sure why, even though I followed the pattern. I had to improvise, I DC 13 for the sides, chained handles, skipped about 14 stitches & worked out. Thank you for pattern.
I’m sorry you had issues with the pattern. It sounds to me like the starting point of your (oval) round is located in the middle of the oval rather than at a curved end/side as shown in my pictures? That might be why. It also sounds like your count might be different than the pattern. There should be 15 total stitches in between handles (the beginning chain 2 counts as one stitch). I’m glad you were able to sort it out and get it to work for you how you wanted though.
Happy Holidays!
Hi there! Love the tote! Beginner here! Do you possibly have a video tutorial?
Hi Tanya! This is an older pattern of mine so I don’t have a video. But I do have a very similar pattern with a video here: https://www.deliacreates.com/four-strand-crochet-tote-free-pattern-tutorial/
newer crocheter here – row 3 and beyond… does the [ch 2] count as one of the 52 [dc]? thanks!
So sorry I just saw this. If you have any more questions, I can answer faster on instagram (@deliacreates). For this pattern, the starting ch 2 always counts as a stitch in the total stitch count. So yes.
Awesome tutorial! My slip stitch ended up not being on the side and was more on the front/back panel, but it ended up being a great little asymmetric design! I had to change up row 13 bc of this, but worked out great. I used Yarn Bee’s Effortless Super Bulky in Biscotti and looked very similar to yours. I also added a few more chains for the handles for a longer handle. I like the adaptability of this pattern. Thank you for a cute new bag!
Sounds lovely! So glad you were able to adapt it to your needs. Thank you for your kind comment.
Wow, this crochet bag is simply stunning! The intricate design and attention to detail are just breathtaking. I love the use of color, and the way the pattern creates a beautiful texture. The finished product looks so sturdy and practical, yet still maintains an air of sophistication. I can’t wait to try making one for myself! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing pattern and inspiring me to start my next project.
I am wanting to print a hard copy of the sturdy tote bag pattern
Is there a way to get a printable pattern for this ?
My apologies. I do not have a printable pattern for purchase available. You can copy and paste the pattern into a document for your personal use. I hope that helps.