Pattern Description:
Bring a bit of Parisian charm to your everyday errands with this beautiful French Market Bag. Inspired by the iconic net bags often seen on the arms of chic Parisians, this crochet market tote is a stylish yet functional accessory.
Whether you’re picking up fresh produce, heading to the beach, or carrying flowers and bread from the local market, this bag delivers effortless elegance.
While the stitches used are basic, the construction is clever and slightly unconventional, making it ideal for intermediate-level crocheters.
Skill Level:
Intermediate
Materials Needed:
- Yarn: 3 skeins of Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Charcoal (or approx. 558 yds / 510 m of any worsted weight (category 4) cotton yarn).
- Hook: Size US G/6 (4 mm) crochet hook
- Notions: Stitch markers and tapestry needle
Finished Measurements:
- Bag Width: 16” / 41 cm
- Bag Length: 17” / 43 cm
- Strap Length: 20” / 51 cm (adjustable by adding or subtracting chains)
Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms):
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- sc2tog: single crochet 2 together
- sc3tog: single crochet 3 together
- sl st: slip stitch
- rep: repeat
- sk: skip
- sp: space
- st(s): stitch(es)
Stitching Instructions for Making the French Market Bag Pattern:
Make the Net Panel (Worked in Rows)
- Foundation: Ch 143.
- Row 1: Starting in the 11th ch from hook, tr in that ch. Ch 3, sk 3 ch, tr in next ch. Rep from to end.
- Row 2: Ch 7 (counts as tr + ch-3 sp), tr in top of next tr. Ch 3, tr in top of next tr. Rep across. Last tr goes into the 4th ch of turning chain from previous row.
- Repeat Row 2 until you have 34 rows and 34 vertical chain spaces (i.e., forming a square). Do not cut the yarn. Block the square before moving on.
First Set of Decrease Rows (To Cinch One Edge)
- Row 1: Ch 1, sc in first tr. Sc 2 in next ch sp, sc in next tr. Rep across – 102 sts.
- Row 2: Ch 1, sc3tog across entire row – 34 sts.
- Row 3: Ch 1, sc, sc2tog. Rep to last st, sc in last st – 23 sts.
- Rows 4-9: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), hdc across. Fasten off.
Second Set of Decrease Rows (Opposite Edge)
- Rejoin yarn at the opposite side of the foundation chain.
- Row 1: Ch 1, sc 3 in first ch sp. Sc in base of next tr, sc 2 in next ch sp. Rep across – 102 sts.
- Rows 2-9: Repeat same steps as previous decrease section. Do not cut the yarn, you will now begin working in the round.
Joining and Adding the Straps (Worked in Rounds)
- Round 1: Ch 1, sc 9 evenly down the side of the hdc and sc rows. Place marker.
- Sc 3 in the first ch sp of the net panel. Sc in the side of next ch-3 sp, sc 2 in next ch sp. Rep to end of net panel – 102 sts. Place marker.
- Sc 9 evenly up next side.
- Strap 1: Ch 74 (or desired length).
- Sc 9 evenly down the other hdc/sc side. Place marker.
- Sc 3 in 1st ch sp of opposite net panel. Sc in side of next ch-3 sp, sc 2 in next ch sp. Rep to end of panel – 102 sts. Place marker.
- Sc 9 evenly up final side.
- Strap 2: Ch 74. Sl st to first sc of round to join.
- Round 2: Sc to first marker. Sc 1, sc2tog until 1 st before next marker, sc 1 – now 52 sts along each net side.
- Sc up side, into each chain of the strap, and down to next marker. Repeat the same decrease sequence for second net side.
- Sc up final side and across second strap.
- Rounds 3 & 4: Sc all the way around. At end of Round 4, sl st to join.
Finishing
Weave in all ends securely. The final bag should measure approximately 16″ wide by 17″ long with 20″ straps. You may adjust the strap length or add a lining if desired.
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