Crafting a reliable, reusable tote requires the right balance of structure and stretch.
The Marigold Market Bag delivers exactly that, transforming standard DK-weight cotton into a sturdy, intricate accessory perfect for farmer’s market hauls or beach trips.
Starting with a beautifully textured mandala base, the design expands into a flexible mesh body that easily adapts to your cargo.
Whether you prefer a snug shoulder fit or a relaxed crossbody drape, the final strap length is entirely customizable. Grab your hook, grab your cotton yarn, and let’s start stitching this versatile staple.
Project Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Yarn | 233 meters (254 yards) of DK weight (CYC 3) cotton or natural fiber yarn. |
| Hook | 4.0 mm (Size G) crochet hook. |
| Tools | Tapestry needle, scissors, and a stitch marker (highly recommended for the mesh section). |
| Gauge | A 6 single crochet by 6 row square should measure exactly 3.5 cm (1.375 inches). |
Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)
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ch: Chain – Pull yarn through loop on hook.
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ch sp: Chain Space – The gap created by chain stitches in a previous round.
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sl st: Slip Stitch – Insert hook, yarn over, and pull directly through both loops.
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sc: Single Crochet – Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops.
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hdc: Half Double Crochet – Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
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dc: Double Crochet – Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops twice.
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tr: Treble Crochet – Yarn over twice, insert hook, pull up a loop, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] 3 times.
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sk: Skip – Pass over the indicated stitch or space without working into it.
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sc2tog: Single Crochet 2 Together – Decrease step: insert hook into first st, pull up loop, insert into next st, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
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dc3tog: Double Crochet 3 Together – Decrease step: [yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, pull through 2 loops] in 3 adjacent sts, yarn over, pull through all 4 remaining loops.
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3dcCl: 3 Double Crochet Cluster – Work 3 partial double crochets into the same stitch or space, then yarn over and pull through all loops on hook.
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Asterisks (*): Indicate a repeating sequence of stitches.
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Brackets [ ]: Contain a group of stitches that should all be worked into the exact same stitch or space.
Part 1: The Mandala Base
This section establishes the sturdy, decorative bottom of your tote. Work in joined rounds unless noted otherwise.
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Round 1: Form an adjustable ring. Chain 2. Work a 3-double-crochet cluster followed by a chain-1 space. Repeat this sequence five additional times within the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the initial cluster. (6 clusters, 6 chain spaces).
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Round 2: Chain 1. Place 2 half-double crochets directly into the top of the cluster, then 2 half-double crochets into the adjacent chain-1 space. Repeat this grouping around the circle. Join to the starting stitch. (24 stitches).
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Round 3: Chain 1. Single crochet into the first stitch, chain 2, and skip the next stitch. Continue this pattern eleven times around, connecting to the first single crochet with a slip stitch. (12 single crochets, 12 chain spaces).
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Round 4: Chain 3 (acts as your first double crochet). Skip the single crochet and place 4 double crochets into each chain-2 space around. When you reach the final space, add only 3 double crochets, as the beginning chain completes the set. Join to the top of the beginning chain. (48 stitches).
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Round 5: Chain 1. Single crochet, skip three stitches, and chain 4. Repeat this ten times. For the final loop, single crochet, skip three stitches, chain 2, and work a double crochet into the first single crochet to seamlessly position your hook in the center of the gap for the next round.
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Round 6: Chain 1. Single crochet into the space just formed. In the following space, create a shell by working 2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets. Alternate single crochets and shells around. Join to the starting stitch.
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Round 7: Chain 7. Double crochet in the same spot. Single crochet into the chain-2 space of the shell. Work a V-stitch (double crochet, chain 4, double crochet) into the next single crochet, then single crochet into the next shell space. Repeat around, joining to the third chain of your starting loop.
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Round 8: Chain 1. Single crochet in the first stitch. Place 5 single crochets into the chain-4 loop. Single crochet in the next stitch, then slip stitch. Repeat this petal sequence around. Join to start.
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Round 9: Chain 3. Skip three stitches, single crochet into the top center of the petal. Skip three stitches, place 8 double crochets into the slip stitch between petals. Repeat around. For the final shell, work 7 double crochets. Join to the top of the beginning chain.
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Round 10: Chain 2. Work 2 double crochets, 2 half-double crochets, 1 single crochet, 2 single crochets in the next stitch, 1 single crochet, 2 half-double crochets. Repeat this shaping sequence around to flatten the mandala. Join to start.
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Round 11: Slip stitch to the first double crochet. Chain 1. Single crochet, chain 4, skip four stitches, single crochet twice, chain 4, skip three stitches. Repeat around. Connect to the starting stitch.
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Round 12: Chain 1. Work 5 single crochets into the chain-4 gap. Decrease by single crocheting two together, work 5 single crochets into the next gap, slip stitch in the following stitch. Repeat around.
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Round 13: Chain 1. In the slip stitch, create a point (single crochet, half-double crochet, chain 2, half-double crochet, single crochet). Skip two stitches, place 2 single crochets, skip two stitches. Repeat the point in the decrease stitch, skip two, 2 single crochets, skip two. Repeat around to finish the base.
Part 2: The Mesh Body
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Round 14: Slip stitch to the center of the first chain-2 peak. Chain 1, single crochet in the same space, chain 6. Repeat this loop around. For the final loop, chain 3 and treble crochet into the starting single crochet to stay centered.
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Rounds 15 through 35: Place a stitch marker here so you do not lose your place. Chain 6, single crochet into the next chain-6 loop. Repeat continuously for 20 rounds to build the bag’s flexible height. Close the final round with a chain 3 and treble crochet.
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Round 36: Chain 1. Place 3 single crochets around the closing treble crochet. Single crochet in the next stitch. Place 6 single crochets in each loop around, finishing with 3 single crochets in the last loop. Join.
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Round 37: Chain 2. Half-double crochet twice. Double-crochet-three-together. Half-double crochet four times. Repeat this sequence around to gather and secure the top edge. Join, but do not cut the yarn.
Part 3: Custom Straps
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Row 1: From where you finished the body, chain 1, then single crochet 6 stitches. Turn your work.
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Rows 2+: Continue working 6-stitch rows back and forth. Stop at 85 rows for a standard shoulder tote, or push to 120 rows for a longer crossbody fit.
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Finishing: Fold the bag flat to find the exact opposite side of the opening. Secure the end of the strap to that opposite edge using slip stitches or by sewing it with your tapestry needle. Fasten off and weave in all remaining ends to ensure the bag can handle heavy loads without unraveling.
