Big Bold Circle Motif Market Bag Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This big, bold market bag is made from twelve large flat crocheted circles in mustard, rust, and cream, joined edge to edge into a roomy tote with a retro maximalist look. It is a great project for anyone who has mastered single crochet and wants to try motif joining and simple shaping. The wide flat top border and two short handles make it sturdy enough for the farmers' market and pretty enough to show off. Worked in worsted weight, the circles grow quickly, and the smooth single crochet fabric feels soft but tough enough to carry groceries.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic or cotton blend — 300 yd mustard (A), 250 yd rust (B), 200 yd cream (C).
- Hook: 5.5 mm (US I-9).
- Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape.
- Finished size: 17" wide x 22" tall (14" excluding handles).
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sc — single crochet
- inc — increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- MR — magic ring
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- sp(s) — space(s)
- RS / WS — right side / wrong side
Gauge
The first 4 rounds of a circle should measure 3.5" (9 cm) in diameter. Work one circle through Round 4 and measure across the center; adjust your hook size if it is noticeably larger or smaller.
Tips Before You Start
- Make all twelve circles first and lay them out in your color arrangement before joining, so you can balance the colors.
- Keep your tension even on the increase rounds so each circle stays flat; if a circle cups, your increases are too tight.
- Use stitch markers at the start of each circle round to keep track of the spiral.
- When seaming, work the sc seams with the same hook and a relaxed hand so the joins don't pull the circles out of shape.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Circle (make 12: 4 in A, 4 in B, 4 in C)
Rnd 1: With color, MR, 6 sc (6 sts).
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts).
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts).
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48 sts).
Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] x6 (54 sts).
Rnd 10: [8 sc, inc] x6 (60 sts).
Rnd 11: [9 sc, inc] x6 (66 sts).
Rnd 12: [10 sc, inc] x6 (72 sts).
Fasten off. Each circle measures approximately 8.5" in diameter.
Join Circles
Arrange the 12 circles in 3 rows of 4, alternating colors. Join circles with an sc seam: hold two circles WS together and sc in each st across the touching edges (72 sc per seam). Join all horizontal and vertical seams to form a rectangle 3 circles high x 4 circles wide (approximately 34" x 25.5").
Fold and Seam Sides
Fold the rectangle in half with WS together, matching the short edges. Seam the side edges with sc (72 sc each side) to form the bag body. Turn RS out.
Top Border
Rnd 1: Join A at the top edge, sc evenly around the top opening (144 sts).
Rnd 2: sc in each st around (144 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, ch 1, skip 1] around (72 sc, 72 ch-1 sps).
Rnd 4: sc in each st and ch-1 sp around (144 sts).
Rnd 5: sc in each st around (144 sts).
Fasten off.
Handles (make 2)
Row 1: With A, ch 41, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (40 sts).
Rows 2-4: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (40 sts).
Fasten off.
Attach Handles
Position the handles on the inside of the top border, 4" from each side edge, with 6" between the handle ends. Sew the handle ends securely to Round 5 of the top border with A.
Edging
Join C at any st on the top border. Sc evenly around the entire top edge and handles (approximately 200 sc). Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends on the wrong side, working them through several stitches so they stay secure. Gently block the finished bag by misting it lightly and shaping it flat, especially the circles and the top border, then let it dry completely. Check that all handle ends are firmly sewn and reinforce them with a few extra stitches if needed.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the color arrangement for a two-tone or ombre look by using just two colors across all twelve circles.
- Add a fabric lining to the inside for extra strength and to hide the seam backs.
- Make the handles longer for a shoulder bag, or add a button and loop closure at the top opening.
