Crochet Rainbow Pocket Market Bag Pattern

This crochet market bag features a self-storing pocket design that folds down neatly for convenient travel.

Crafted using worsted-weight cotton yarn, the pattern combines sturdy solid-color base construction with a colourful rainbow motif.

The body utilizes an airy, flexible mesh stitch to maximize storage space for groceries, while colorful handles add a playful contrast.

Completed with a custom button-and-loop closure, this pattern offers options for short hand-held handles or longer shoulder straps, making it an eco-friendly accessory suitable for year-round use.

Materials Required

• Hook Sizes: 5.5 mm (US I-9) main hook, optional 3.75 mm (US F-5) hook for the button.

• Yarn: Medium weight cotton yarn (100% cotton).

  • Base Color (Color A): 120 yards

  • Accent Colors (Colors B through G): 10 to 40 yards each

• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, optional standard button (if not crocheting one).

Base Pocket Construction

Main Color Base (Color A)

1. Round 1: Form a adjustable ring, chain 2, then work 12 double crochets inside the ring. Slip stitch to the first stitch to close. (12 stitches)

2. Round 2: Chain 2, place 2 double crochets into every stitch across. Slip stitch to close. (24 stitches)

3. Round 3: Chain 2. Alternate between 1 double crochet in the next stitch and 2 double crochets in the following stitch for the entire round. Slip stitch to close. (36 stitches)

4. Round 4: Chain 2. Repeat a pattern of 1 double crochet in each of the first 2 stitches, then 2 double crochets in the third stitch around. Slip stitch to close. (48 stitches)

5. Round 5: Chain 2. Repeat a pattern of 1 double crochet in each of the first 3 stitches, then 2 double crochets in the fourth stitch around. Slip stitch to close. (60 stitches)

6. Round 6: Chain 2. Repeat a pattern of 1 double crochet in each of the first 4 stitches, then 2 double crochets in the fifth stitch around. Fasten off using an invisible join into the second stitch. Weave in loose ends. The finished flat circle measures approximately 7.5 inches across. (72 stitches)

Multicolored Rainbow Base (Colors B–G)

1. Round 1 (Color B): Work 12 double crochets into an adjustable ring. Fasten off with an invisible join and weave in ends. (12 stitches)

2. Round 2 (Color C): Attach yarn with a standing double crochet in any stitch, double crochet in that same stitch, then place 2 double crochets in each remaining stitch around. Fasten off using an invisible join. (24 stitches)

3. Round 3 (Color D): Attach yarn with a standing double crochet, then place 2 double crochets in the next stitch. Alternate 1 double crochet, then 2 double crochets around. Fasten off using an invisible join. (36 stitches)

4. Round 4 (Color E): Attach yarn with a standing double crochet, double crochet in the next stitch, then place 2 double crochets in the next stitch. Repeat 1 double crochet in 2 stitches, then 2 double crochets in the next stitch around. Fasten off using an invisible join. (48 stitches)

5. Round 5 (Color F): Attach yarn with a standing double crochet, double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, then place 2 double crochets in the next stitch. Repeat 1 double crochet in 3 stitches, then 2 double crochets in the next stitch around. Fasten off using an invisible join. (60 stitches)

6. Round 6 (Color G): Attach yarn with a standing double crochet, double crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, then place 2 double crochets in the next stitch. Repeat 1 double crochet in 4 stitches, then 2 double crochets in the next stitch around. Fasten off using an invisible join. (72 stitches)

Joining the Pocket Pieces

1. Stack the two flat base pieces together with right sides facing outward, placing the solid main color piece on the bottom.

2. Using Color A yarn, insert the hook through both layers and work 1 single crochet through both stitches for the first 56 stitches to form the bottom pocket.

3. For the remaining 16 stitches, work single crochets through the single layer of the solid base circle only to create the pocket opening. Slip stitch to the first single crochet to close the circle. (72 stitches)

Bag Body Mesh

1. Round 1: Chain 3, double crochet in the next stitch. Chain 5, skip 4 stitches. Repeat the pattern of double crocheting in the next 2 stitches, chaining 5, and skipping 4 stitches all the way around. Slip stitch to the top of the initial double crochet.

2. Rounds 2–15: Chain 3, double crochet into the first open chain space. Chain 5, skip the remainder of the chain space and the following double crochet. Work 1 double crochet into the next double crochet stitch, then 1 double crochet directly into the next chain space. Repeat this mesh grid sequence around, ending with a slip stitch to the top of the initial double crochet.

3. Round 16: Chain 1, work 2 single crochets in the first stitch. Place 4 single crochets in every chain space and 1 single crochet atop each double crochet stitch around. Fasten off with an invisible join. (72 stitches)

Upper Rim & Strap Assembly

1. Round 17 (Color B): Join yarn to any stitch from the previous round and single crochet in every stitch around. Fasten off using an invisible join. (72 stitches)

2. Round 18 (Color C): Join yarn and single crochet in every stitch around. Fasten off using an invisible join. (72 stitches)

3. Round 19 (Color D): Join yarn and single crochet in the first 12 stitches.

   • For Short Handles: Chain 14.

   • For Long Handles: Chain 50 (or desired length).

   • Skip the next 12 stitches, single crochet across the next 24 stitches, chain the matching amount (14 or 50) for the second handle, skip 12 stitches, then single crochet in the remaining 12 stitches. Fasten off using an invisible join.

4. Round 20 (Color E): Join yarn to any single crochet stitch. Single crochet in each single crochet stitch, and work single crochets into the back loop only of every handle chain stitch. Fasten off using an invisible join.

5. Round 21 (Color G): Join yarn and single crochet in every stitch around the top edge and handle strips. Fasten off using an invisible join and weave in all loose ends.

Closure Fastener

Handmade Button

1. Using the 3.75 mm hook, form an adjustable ring with any preferred yarn color and work 6 single crochets into the loop. Slip stitch to close.

2. Chain 1, work 2 single crochets into every stitch. Fasten off using an invisible join. (12 stitches)

3. Securely attach the button to the multicolored circular side near the pocket opening.

Fastener Loop

1. Using Color A and the 5.5 mm hook, chain 15 (or as needed to fit the selected button size).

2. Fasten off, leaving a tail, and sew both ends onto the solid color base circle opposite the button position.