Meadow Breeze Market Bag Free Crochet Pattern

Carry a piece of summer wherever you go with this airy, textured market bag that perfectly blends classic mesh with a modern scalloped edge. Whether you're heading to the farmer's market, the beach, or just running errands, this boho-chic tote is as stylish as it is sturdy. The open mesh pattern keeps it lightweight, while the solid cotton yarn ensures it can handle all your market finds with ease. Plus, it's the perfect stash-busting project for those leftover cotton yarn scraps you've been saving. Let's dive in and create something beautiful together!

Materials Needed

Before we begin, gather your supplies. This project is wonderfully portable and requires minimal materials, making it perfect for on-the-go crafting.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lily Sugar'n Cream) in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Sage Green – approximately 250 yards
  • Contrast Color (CC): Cream – approximately 100 yards
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional but helpful)

Gauge: 14 dc x 8 rows = 4 inches in mesh pattern (ch 1, skip 1, dc) after blocking. Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size, so take a moment to check your tension.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bag is worked in the round from the bottom up. We'll start with a solid circular base, then transition to the open mesh body with increases to create a gentle flare, and finally finish with a beautiful scalloped trim and sturdy handles. Don't worry if you're a beginner – each step is broken down clearly.

Special Stitches & Abbreviations

• dc – double crochet
• sc – single crochet
• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• Mesh pattern: *dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next ch-1 space* repeat around.

Base (Worked in MC – Sage Green)

We'll create a flat, solid circle that forms the bottom of your bag. This provides a strong foundation for carrying your belongings.

Round 1: Ch 4, join with a sl st to form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as your first dc), work 11 dc into the ring, join with a sl st to the top of the starting ch-3. (12 dc total)

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in the same stitch (this creates your increase), then work 2 dc in each dc around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (24 dc total)

Round 3: Ch 3, dc in the same stitch, dc in the next dc, *2 dc in the next dc, dc in the next dc* repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. (36 dc total)

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in the same stitch, dc in the next 2 dc, *2 dc in the next dc, dc in the next 2 dc* repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. (48 dc total)

Round 5: Ch 3, dc in the same stitch, dc in the next 3 dc, *2 dc in the next dc, dc in the next 3 dc* repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. (60 dc total)

Round 6: Ch 3, dc in the same stitch, dc in the next 4 dc, *2 dc in the next dc, dc in the next 4 dc* repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. (72 dc total)

Your base should now be a flat circle measuring approximately 6 inches in diameter. If it's ruffling, your tension may be too loose; if it's cupping, your tension may be too tight.

Body – Mesh Pattern (Worked in MC)

Now we transition to the beautiful, open mesh that gives this bag its airy feel. The mesh is created by alternating double crochets with chain spaces.

Round 7: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), skip the next dc, dc in the next dc, *ch 1, skip the next dc, dc in the next dc* repeat from * around, ending with ch 1, sl st to the 3rd ch of your starting ch-4. (You'll have 36 dc and 36 ch-1 spaces)

Round 8: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in the next ch-1 space, *ch 1, dc in the next dc, dc in the next ch-1 space* repeat from * around, ending with ch 1, sl st to the top of the ch-3. (72 dc total, 36 ch-1 spaces)

Round 9: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), skip the next ch-1 space, dc in the next dc, *ch 1, skip the next ch-1 space, dc in the next dc* repeat from * around, ending with ch 1, sl st to the 3rd ch. (36 dc, 36 ch-1 spaces)

Rounds 10-16: Repeat Rounds 8 and 9 alternately. This means Round 10 is worked like Round 8, Round 11 like Round 9, and so on. At the end of Round 16, you will have completed 8 mesh rows total. The body should measure approximately 8 inches from the base.

Pro Tip: Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to help you keep track of your place, especially when working the repeating mesh pattern.

Top Edge (Worked in CC – Cream)

Time to add that gorgeous contrast color! This section creates a neat border and prepares the bag for the scalloped trim.

Round 17: Join CC with a sl st in any dc. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc in each dc and in each ch-1 space around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (72 sc total)

Round 18: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc in the next 2 sts, *ch 3, skip 3 sts, sc in the next 3 sts* repeat from * around, ending with ch 3, skip the last 3 sts, sl st to the first sc. (You'll have 12 ch-3 loops)

Round 19: Sl st into the next sc, ch 1, sc in the same stitch, *in the next ch-3 loop work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), sc in the next sc* repeat from * around, ending with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off CC and weave in the end.

Beautiful! Your scalloped edge is complete, adding that modern, feminine touch to the bag.

Handles (Worked in MC – Sage Green)

Now we'll create two sturdy, flat handles that are comfortable to carry. These are worked back and forth in rows.

Row 1: With the right side facing you, join MC with a sl st to the top of any dc in Round 17 (just below the scallop edge). Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc in the next 5 sts (6 sc total). Turn your work.

Rows 2-30: Ch 1, sc in each sc across (6 sc). Turn your work at the end of each row. At the end of Row 30, fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 12 inches) for sewing.

Now, take the end of your handle and sew it to the opposite side of the bag, aligning it with the corresponding 6 stitches on that side. Use the yarn needle and the long tail to whip stitch the handle securely in place. Weave in the end.

Repeat this entire process to create a second handle on the opposite side of the bag. Make sure both handles are evenly spaced and aligned.

Finishing Touches

You're almost done! This final step will make your bag look professionally made.

Weave in all remaining ends carefully using your yarn needle. To help the mesh pattern open up and the bag take its final shape, lightly block the bag. To block, dampen the bag with cool water, gently squeeze out excess (don't wring), and lay it flat to dry, shaping it as desired. You can also use a spray bottle to mist it and then gently stretch the mesh openings.

Once dry, your Meadow Breeze Market Bag is ready for its first adventure! The soft sage green and cream combination is timeless, and the sturdy cotton construction means it will last for seasons to come. Happy crocheting!