About This Pattern
This bag works up as an open mesh, a net of chains and treble crochet. It carries the week's shopping or a beach towel. It needs an evening, maybe two, and a hook that keeps moving. The straps grow right out of the body, so there's no sewing after. It sits well on a kitchen table, worked a little at a time. One skein makes a start. Three finish it.
In the basket
Width
Length
Straps
Gauge
Abbreviations
- ch
- chain
- st
- stitch
- sts
- stitches
- sl st
- slip stitch
- sc
- single crochet
- hdc
- half double crochet
- tr
- treble crochet
- sc2tog
- single crochet 2 stitches together (decrease)
- rep
- repeat
- sk
- skip
- sc3tog
- single crochet 3 stitches together (decrease)
- sp
- space
Crochet a Mesh French Market Bag for Everyday Use
Foundation Chain
Ch 143.
- Row 1Starting in 11th ch from hook, tr 1, *ch 3, sk 3, tr 1 in next ch, rep from * to end of row.
- Row 2Ch 7 (counts as 1 tr and 1 ch-3 sp), tr 1 in top of next tr, *ch 3, tr 1 in top of next tr, rep from * with last tr going into 4th ch of the turning ch from row below.Repeat Row 2:Continue repeating Row 2 until you have 34 vertical “squares” that align with the number of horizontal “squares.”
Decrease Rows (Cinching the Top)
- Row 1Decrease Start Do not cut yarn. Block work. Begin working decrease rows as follows: Ch 1, sc 1 in 1st tr, sc 2 in next ch sp, *sc 1 in next tr, sc 2 in next ch sp, rep from * across row. (102 sts)
- Row 2Decrease Ch 1, sc3tog across row. (34 sts)
- Row 3Decrease Ch 1, *sc 1, sc2tog, rep from * to last st, sc 1. (23 sts)
- Rows 4–9Decrease Ch 2 (does not count as a st), hdc across row.
Reverse Edge
Preparation: Cut yarn and reattach on opposite edge at beginning of foundation chain.
- Row 1Reverse Side Start Ch 1, sc 3 in 1st ch sp, *sc 1 in ch at bottom of next tr, sc 2 in next ch sp, rep from * across row. (102 sts)Repeat Rows 2-9: Follow the same process as the top edge for this bottom edge.
Rounds Start
Do not cut yarn as you will now work in rounds around all 4 edges of the work to join the bag and add the straps:
- Round 1Strap Formation Ch 1, and working into side edge, sc 9 evenly down the side of hdc and sc decrease rows (until you reach net portion), place marker, sc 3 in 1st ch sp, *sc 1 in side of ch 3, sc 2 in next ch sp, rep from * to end of net portion (102 sc along net portion), place marker, sc 9 evenly up side of hdc and sc decrease rows, ch 74 (for straps, adjust length as needed), sc 9 evenly down other side of hdc and sc decrease rows, place marker, sc 3 in 1st ch sp, *sc 1 in side of ch 3, sc 2 in next ch sp, rep from * to end of net portion, place marker, sc 9 evenly up side of hdc and sc decrease rows, ch 74, sl st to 1st sc at beginning of round.
- Round 2Joining and Shaping Sc to marker at the beginning of net portion, sc 1, sc2tog to 1 st before next marker, sc 1 (52 sts along net portion between markers), continue sc up side, into each chain, and down other side to next marker, sc 1, sc2tog to 1 st before next marker, sc 1 (52 sts along net portion between markers), then sc up side and into each chain.
- Rounds 3–4Finishing Round Sc all the way around. Sl st to close off at the end of round 4.
Final Touches
Secure and weave in all ends to complete your French Market Bag.
Before the first stitch
- Check you have close to 558 yards of yarn before beginning.
- Swatch first, to confirm 15 stitches equal 4 inches.
- Read through Rounds Start before you join, since all four edges meet there.
Minutes per piece
- Foundation chain and reverse edge about 2 hours, because chaining 143 stitches builds 34 vertical squares on each side
- Joining rounds and strap decreases about 2 hours, because four rounds join 102 stitches and shape the top
Other yarns that work
- cotton-linen blend, worsted weight Gives a stiffer drape. The bag holds its shape without stuffing, and the same G hook still works.
- acrylic-cotton blend, worsted weight Softer drape, lighter finished bag. Swatch first, since gauge may shift from the 15-stitch count.
Where it ends up
- Carrying produce home from the market, paired with a woven basket at the door.
- A beach bag for towels and a paperback, paired with a terry cloth wrap.
- A grocery tote for bread and bottles, paired with a canvas liner for heavier loads.
Small notes
- Place a marker at each point noted in Round 1. Four markers keep the strap sections honest.
- Keep tension relaxed through the mesh rows. A tight G hook pass closes the open squares.
- Count carefully through Round 2's decrease. The 102 net stitches become 52 on each side.
Little questions
How long are the straps on this bag?
Each strap chains to 74 stitches as written. Measure it against your shoulder before you finish, and adjust the chain length if needed.
Why does the mesh use chains and trebles together?
The ch-3 spaces open up the net look. Trebles keep the squares tall and even across each row.
How do I know my net section is wide enough?
Keep repeating the row until you count 34 vertical squares. They should line up with the horizontal squares set in Row 1.
Can I skip the reverse edge section?
No, it forms the bottom of the bag. It mirrors the foundation chain's structure, so the two sides match.
Original pattern: https://crocheteverything.com/crochet-french-market-bag-pattern/
About the Author
Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.
