Crochet Mermaid Market Bag Pattern

Crafting a custom, fish-scale textured tote brings both vibrant elegance and practical durability to your everyday errands.

This handmade market bag utilizes a solid, expanding circular base that smoothly transitions into an airy, ocean-inspired shell lattice.

By combining sturdy natural fibers with dynamic stitch combinations, the finished accessory effortlessly expands to carry fresh produce, books, or beach essentials while remaining comfortable on your shoulder.

Highly adaptable in size, color, and finish, this versatile project serves as an ideal blend of eye-catching design and functional craftsmanship, adding a whimsical, sea-inspired touch to any eco-friendly lifestyle.

Materials & Tools

• Hook: 4.25 mm (US Size G/6)

• Yarn: Approximately 335 yards of medium-weight (Category 4) cotton or linen yarn

• Notions: Yarn needle and sharp scissors

Stitch Glossary

• Chain (ch): Yarn over, pull through loop.

• Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.

• Single Crochet (sc): Insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.

• Half Double Crochet (hdc): Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.

• Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through two loops twice.

• Treble Crochet (tr): Yarn over twice, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, [yarn over, pull through two loops] three times.

• Half Double Crochet Two Together (hdc2tog): Yarn over, insert hook in next st, pull up loop, yarn over, insert hook in following st, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all five loops.

Construction Guidance

• Beginning chain spaces do not count as active stitches throughout the project.

• Adjust width by working additional or fewer increase rounds on the base.

• Adjust height by altering the shell section repeats, ensuring you finish on an even-numbered body round to preserve alignment.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: The Circular Base

Begin by creating a ring with 4 chains, secured into a circle using a slip stitch into the very first chain.

• Round 1: Chain 2. Place 12 double crochets directly inside the center ring. Join with a slip stitch into the top of the initial stitch. [12 stitches]

• Round 2: Chain 2. Place 2 double crochets inside every stitch around the circle. Slip stitch to join. [24 stitches]

• Round 3: Chain 2. Alternate between 1 double crochet in the first stitch and 2 double crochets in the following stitch all the way around. Join with a slip stitch. [36 stitches]

• Round 4: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet in each of the first 2 stitches, then 2 double crochets into the next. Repeat this sequence around. Join with a slip stitch. [48 stitches]

• Round 5: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet in each of the first 3 stitches, followed by 2 double crochets into the next. Repeat around and join. [60 stitches]

• Round 6: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet in each of the first 4 stitches, followed by 2 double crochets into the next. Repeat around and join. [72 stitches]

• Round 7: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet in each of the first 5 stitches, then 2 double crochets into the next. Repeat around and join. [84 stitches]

• Round 8: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet in each of the first 6 stitches, then 2 double crochets into the next. Repeat around and join. [96 stitches]

• Round 9: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet in each of the first 7 stitches, then 2 double crochets into the next. Repeat around and join. [108 stitches]

Step 2: The Mermaid Body

• Round 10: Chain 3, then work 3 treble crochets in the very first stitch. Skip 2 stitches, double crochet in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, work 5 treble crochets into the same stitch. Repeat from * to * around. End the round by placing 2 additional treble crochets inside the base of your starting chain (completing your first 5-stitch shell), then slip stitch into the top of your initial stitch space.

• Round 11: Chain 2. Double crochet in the top of the first stitch, skip 2 stitches, work 5 treble crochets into the double crochet stitch from the row below, skip 2 stitches. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch.

• Rounds 12–24: Alternate repeating Round 10 and Round 11 to continue building the textured shell pattern.

Step 3: Top Border Options

Select one of the following border techniques to complete the top opening:

• Standard Straight Rim: For Rounds 25 through 27, chain 1, then place a half double crochet into every single stitch around. Join each round using a slip stitch.

• Cinch-Top Rim: For Round 25, chain 1, work a half double crochet in the first 2 stitches, then perform a half double crochet decrease (hdc2tog) bridging across the fifth treble stitch of one shell and the first treble stitch of the next shell, entirely skipping the double crochet between them. Repeat this cinching sequence around and join. For Rounds 26 and 27, chain 1 and place a half double crochet into every stitch around, joining each round with a slip stitch.

Step 4: Carrying Strap

• Row 1: Chain 1, work a half double crochet across the next 9 stitches along the top border, then slip stitch into the tenth stitch.

• Row 2: Chain 1, turn your work, and place 1 half double crochet into each of the 9 stitches across.

• Extension: Continue repeating Row 2 until the strap reaches your desired drop length.

• Assembly: Position the loose end of the strap directly across on the opposite side of the top opening, ensuring it is not twisted. Secure it firmly to the top rim using slip stitches, fasten off, and weave in all loose ends with your yarn needle.