Crochet french market bag-Crochet market tote

Crocheting a market tote is a practical and eco-friendly way to carry your groceries or everyday items. Here’s a simple crochet pattern to make a market tote:

Materials:

• Worsted weight cotton yarn (approximately 300-400 yards)
• Crochet hook (size H/5mm or size appropriate for your yarn)
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by making a slip knot and chaining the desired number of stitches to create the width of your tote. A common starting point is around 30-40 stitches, but you can adjust this based on your preference and desired size.
2. Join the last chain to the first chain with a slip stitch, being careful not to twist the chain.
3. Round 1: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), work 1 single crochet stitch in each chain around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (30-40 stitches)
4. Rounds 2-4: Chain 1, work 1 single crochet stitch in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. Repeat this round for a total of 3 rounds.
5. Round 5 (optional): This round is where you can create a mesh pattern for the body of your tote. Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), skip the next stitch, then work 1 double crochet in the next stitch. Chain 1, skip the next stitch, then work 1 double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-3.
6. Rounds 6 and onwards: Continue working 1 single crochet stitch in each stitch or chain space from the previous round. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. Repeat this round until your tote reaches the desired height. You can make it as tall as you like, typically around 12-15 inches or more.
7. Handles: To create the handles, you’ll be working on one side of the tote. Choose a point near the top of the tote and mark it with a stitch marker if desired. Count a few stitches to the right or left from the marked point (depending on which side you prefer to start). This will be the starting point for your handle.
8. Row 1: Chain 1, work 1 single crochet stitch in each stitch across, up to the desired width of your handle. Chain 1 and turn.
9. Row 2: Work 1 single crochet stitch in each stitch across. Chain 1 and turn. Repeat Row 2 until your handle reaches the desired length. Typically, 8-10 rows will suffice.
10. Repeat steps 7-9 to create a second handle on the opposite side of the tote.
11. Fasten off and weave in any loose ends with a yarn needle