Crochet The Afternoon Market Bag Pattern

The Afternoon Market Bag is a fast, functional project designed to be completed in a single afternoon.

Perfect for carrying groceries, yarn, or everyday essentials, this lightweight mesh tote combines practical utility with classic style.

Designed for quick crafting, it features a sturdy round base and an open-stitch body that expands easily.

It works up quickly using simple foundation techniques, making it an ideal choice for beginner crocheters or experienced crafters looking for an easy, relaxing project to work on while watching TV.

Pattern Specifications

Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner
Yarn: 300–400 yards (4–5 oz) Medium (4) Cotton or Cotton Blend
Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8)
Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers
Gauge: 10 half double crochet x 4 rows = 2 inches x 2 inches
Dimensions: 13 inches long x 11 inches wide; 32-inch total handle length

Abbreviations

Ch / ch: Chain
Mc / mc: Magic circle (magic ring)
Sc / sc: Single crochet
Hdc / hdc: Half double crochet
Dc / dc: Double crochet
Sl st: Slip stitch
Sk / sk: Skip
Rpt / rpt: Repeat
[…] / *…*: Pattern repeat inside brackets or asterisks
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sp / spc: Space

Pattern Instructions

Bag Base

Round 1: Form a adjustable ring. Chain 2, work 12 double crochet into the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first double crochet. Pull the ring snug. (12 stitches)
Round 2: Chain 2, work 2 double crochet into every stitch around. Join to the first stitch. (24 stitches)
Round 3: Chain 2, *1 double crochet in the first stitch, 2 double crochet in the next; repeat from * around. Join to the first stitch. (36 stitches)
Round 4: Chain 2, *1 double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 double crochet in the next; repeat from * around. Join to the first stitch. (48 stitches)
Round 5: Chain 2, *1 double crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, 2 double crochet in the next; repeat from * around. Join to the first stitch. (60 stitches)
Round 6: Chain 2, *1 double crochet in each of the next 4 stitches, 2 double crochet in the next; repeat from * around. Join to the first stitch. (72 stitches)
Round 7: Chain 2, *1 double crochet in each of the next 5 stitches, 2 double crochet in the next; repeat from * around. Join to the first stitch. (84 stitches)
Round 8: Chain 2, *1 double crochet in each of the next 6 stitches, 2 double crochet in the next; repeat from * around. Join to the first stitch. (96 stitches)
Round 9: Chain 2, *1 double crochet in each of the next 7 stitches, 2 double crochet in the next; repeat from * around. Join to the first stitch. (108 stitches)

Mesh Body

Round 10: Chain 1, half double crochet in the first stitch, chain 1, skip 1 stitch. *Half double crochet in the next stitch, chain 1, skip 1 stitch; repeat from * around. Join to the initial half double crochet. (54 stitches, 54 spaces)
Round 11: Slip stitch into the first chain-1 space. Chain 1, half double crochet into the same space, chain 1, skip next stitch. *Half double crochet into the next chain-1 space, chain 1, skip next stitch; repeat from * around. Join to the first half double crochet.
Rounds 12–38: Repeat Round 11.
Round 39: Chain 1, work 1 half double crochet in each stitch and chain space around. Join. (108 stitches)
Round 40: Chain 1, work 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Join. Do not fasten off.

Handle Options

Option 1 (Separate Strap): Fasten off the yarn from the main bag. Chain 7. Half double crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across (6 stitches). Chain 1, turn, and work half double crochet in each stitch across until the strap reaches your desired length. Fasten off and sew both ends onto opposite sides of the bag rim using a tapestry needle.
Option 2 (Seamless Strap): Chain 120. Without twisting the chain, skip 53 stitches along Round 40 and slip stitch into the 54th stitch.
1. Chain 1, single crochet in the same stitch and across the next 53 stitches along the bag opening until you reach the base of the chain.
2. Work 1 half double crochet into each chain loop up the handle (120 stitches). Join to the starting single crochet.
3. Chain 1, do not turn. Single crochet continuously around both the body opening and the strap edges. Join and fasten off.
4. Attach yarn to the opposite side of the unworked strap chain and repeat the single crochet edging steps to finish the strap edge.