Category Archives: market bag

FINISHED Granny Square Market Tote

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Granny Square Market Tote

I think I might be sliding into the granny square bandwagon … last spring I blogged a bit about grannies but I didn’t really get the itch to join the gook until the summer yarns started drifting in (it also didn’t hurt that I saw a lady at the art gallery wearing. groovy crochet granny cardigan and I saw how beautiful they can be).

Anyway, I found the Granny Square Market Tote and thought it was a fun, cute simple project. The pattern is available for FREE with some support video tutorials, or if you want a more succinct printable version you can pay for that. It’s a simple construction, just 3 big granny squares that are joined together and folded up, so it’s very easy crocheting. I used 3 skeins of Berroco Modern Cotton and a 4.5mm/US7 crochet hook, so it was easy on materials too. I definitely recommend using a plant-based fibre for bags, they wear better. Berroco Modern Cotton is a blend of Cotton and Viscose (a cellulose based fibre made from plants … bamboo yarn is a cellulose fibre), which makes it soft, strong, and the viscose gives the yarn a smooth surface and slight sheen.

You can see notes on my modifications below (I didn’t do anything too intense to change the pattern, mostly I just added a strap and the instructions for that are below and in my notes on Ravelry.

Overall, I think it worked out really beautifully and I think the Trinity Tote will be next! Or maybe the Salena Sweater ….

Materials

Modifications

  • I did the JAYGO (join-as-you-go) with the wrong sides facing (as described in the instructions), but the seams looked messy that way (I thought I did it correctly according to the video, but I could be wrong), so instead of ripping it all back I turned the bag inside-out and finished it with the wrong side out. The JAYGO technique is fast and avoids seaming, but for a nice straight seam you could skip it and just make 3 squares and sew them together.
  • I skipped the part in Square 3 round 13 where you join the tops of the two sides of the work together (I think it’s in the 6th line “(3Dc, Ch 1, JAYGO into Square 2 unworked Ch-3 space ….)” and just kept going around because I wanted to add a strap.
  • The pattern instructions don’t include a strap, despite the fact that there’s a strap in the picture. I added a strap, the instructions for how I did it are below.
Photos Salena Baca

Strap
1. Make the strap chain: after finishing joining the squares together, i rejoined the yarn at the chain space of one of the top-pointy parts (where you would want to
attach a strap, and chained 62 sts (or about 15″ of chain).

2. Reinforce the strap chain: making sure not to twist the stitches, make 1 slip stitch in the chain space on the opposite pointy part, then 1 more slip st into the chain space to anchor things securely.

3. Work back across the strap chain: make 1 slip stitch in each chain, ending with a slip stitch in the chain space where the strap is joined.

4. Work around one side of the mouth of the bag: make 1 slip stitch in each DC stitch down 1 side of bag opening (skipping the ch1 spaces between the DC clusters), until you reach the other side of the handle chain, then make 1 slip stitch in chain space to anchor it.

5. Work back across strap chain: make 1 slip st in the outer leg of each stitch. At the bottom you can either fasten off and reattach on the other side of the strap, or slip stitch across the back (inside) of the base of the strap where it meets the chain space of the granny square.

6. Work back OPPOSITE side of strap: make 1 slip st in the outer leg of each stitch. slip stitch in chain space at bottom to anchor it.

7. Work around other side of the mouth of the bag: make 1 slip stitch in each DC stitch down 1 side of bag opening (skipping the ch1 spaces between the DC clusters), until you reach the other side of the handle chain, then make 1 slip stitch in chain space to anchor it.

8. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Photos Salena Baca

PROJECTS Market & Grocery Bags

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Since single-use plastic bags are being phased out in Canada, I thought it might be a good time to revisit the good old-fashioned string bag. I could be wrong, but I feel like we were doing well reducing our plastic before COVID, but the pandemic seems to kind of disrupt that progress. Setbacks happen, we’ll just get back on the horse and forge forward! The following are some of my favourite patterns … both knit and crochet. I prefer crochet because the nature of the crochet stitch strengthens the structure of the bag, but in the end, it’s really all good, as long as we’re cutting back on plastic.

Qualities I look for in a yarn for making string bags:

  • Washability: I want to be able to throw it in the washing machine.
  • Strength: it needs to be strong enough to carry stuff and not break.
  • Resilience: it needs to wear well, I want it to last.

Why Bother?

Some philosophies believe that we are connected to everyone and everything on this planet. Since there is now garbage in orbit around the planet, I’ll just extend it a little further and say that you’re connected to everything in creation. You are tethered to everything, and this connection is centred in love. You are important, what you say is important, and what you do is especially important. In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz says we should be impeccable with our words, but I think it’s time we learn to be impeccable with our actions (as an aside, the audiobook narrator Peter Coyote is EXCELLENT).

During the early COVID shut-downs I noticed a LOT of plastic bags leaving the store, and it made me kind of queasy, so I started switching over to paper bags and biodegradable shipping bags. But paper isn’t the answer – it decomposes and recycles, but it’s substantially more expensive than plastic, it’s resource-heavy, and its manufacture and distribution generate lots of greenhouse gases. The solution is to not use resources that you don’t need to. We have to make new habits, but when you do, try to do it from a different context, try it from a place of love. Most of us live from a centre of fear, but I’ll be honest, I don’t think it’s working for us. When you approach things from a foundation of fear everything seems to be slow, jerky, resistant, and hard. When you come at it from a paradigm of love, things just seem to flow, they’re easy, and they move naturally. We have a lot of changes ahead of us, so if you can find a way to lean into it gracefully you’ll be leagues ahead of the game.

For more on the subject of living from love …

P.S. (Video Tutorials)

I tried to find you a suitable pattern with a video tutorial on Youtube, but while I was previewing them I started feeling really angry and frustrated, so I passed. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t follow one if you find one you like, it just means that I didn’t find anything that met my standards for referral (a combination of accessible skill level, clear instructions and happy energy).

P.P.S. (COVID Related Supply-Chain Disruptions)

Distribution disruptions due to COVID are still in the works, and I received a note from the distributor last week that the price of Cascade Ultra Pima is going up to $14.97/skein. Our inventory is still at the old price, $11.97/skein, so if you were thinking of picking some up best to do it before we have to raise the price.

MORE FREE MARKET BAG PATTERNS

French Market Bag (crochet)

Here’s a great one for the people who aren’t afraid of the hook – a gorgeous french market bag crocheted with cotton! I’ s a substantial bag that will hold a lot of whatever you’re carrying. We made our store sample with Cascade Ultra Pima and we used about 320m of yarn. I’d like to try it with a linen, like Quince & Co Sparrow, I love the sturdiness and resilience of linen. If you want an even bigger bag, level up to a 4.5mm or 5mm hook and use Lion Brand Pima Cotton.

Suggested Yarns

Other Materials

Ilene Bag (knit)

Ilene is a great free bag pattern that’s been around a long time. It holds a lot, but if you want it bigger just make the body longer, and you can make the handle longer or shorter to suit your carrying needs.

Yarns

Other Materials

Crochet Grocery Bag

I designed this little bag many, many moons ago and it’s still one of my favourites. My favourite version were the ones I made a few years ago with some Quince & Co Sparrow Linen – they’re sturdy, light, and put away up nicely! This bag also makes a great little gift.

Suggested Yarns

Materials

Monteagle Bag (knit)

I’ve always liked the Monteagle bag because it’s just really groovy looking and reminds me of macrame. It’s like on larger needles to play up the stringiness of the string bag.

Yarns

Other Materials

Weightless Produce Bag (knit)

Materials

Portofino Bag Set (crochet)

This mesh bag set is the ultimate duo in accessories! A roomy tote for market scores, beach day essentials, or picnic must-haves in addition to a chic bottle bag to ensure you are always hydrated make the perfect pair this season. These quick projects are stylish, quick, and functional – the best combo!

Suggested Yarns

Other Materials

PROJECT Technicolor Tote from Petite Knit

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TECHNICOLOR TOTE BAG

The Technicolor Tote Bag is worked from the bottom up in a slipped stitch pattern. The bag is worked in three strands of yarn held together throughout, and the gradual transitions between colors are achieved by continuously changing between the different colors held together (don’t worry, the color changes are thoroughly described in the pattern and the pattern is supported with youtube videos). Work the bag in your favorite colors and either meticulously change colors as the pattern dictates or use the description in the pattern as a guide and inspiration and create your own interpretation of the Technicolor Tote Bag.

SEE FINISHED PROJECTS

#TechnicolorToteBag

This project also makes a GORGEOUS cushion …. see below for a beautiful picture.

STASHBUSTING?

This project is of course ideal for stash-busting, but the designer hasn’t given actual yardage amounts in the pattern, just suggestions for the number of balls required. I explored the finished projects and found a few people who had generously entered their accurate yarn totals, and it looks like you’ll need a total of 700 to 750m (900m on the outside) of DK weight yarn. A few projects say they used about 400g of yarn.

SIZE

  • Size: One size
  • Width: 34 cm [13½ inches]
  • Height: approx. 38 cm [15 inches]

COLOUR

How do the colours work? You’ve got a few different shades working together to create a harmonious composition:

C1: A medium colour that attracts the eye (royal blue was used in the original)
C2: A dark colour (dark brown was used in the original)
C3: A light neutral (ecru/light beige was used in the original)
C4: A medium-light neutral (camel was used in the original)
C5: A bright colour that POPS! (bright orange was used in the original)

YARN

Sandnes Garn Double Sunday (total of 11 skeins)

  • C1: 4 skeins Electric Blue (6046)
  • C2: 2 skeins Coffee Bean (4081)
  • C3: 2 skeins Almond (2511)
  • C4: 2 skeins Camel (2542)
  • C5: 1 skein That Orange Feeling (3819)

You can also use a summer yarn, like the following….

Cascade Ultra Pima (total of 6 skeins – approx $72)

  • C1: 2 skeins
  • C2: 1 skein
  • C3: 1 skein
  • C4: 1 skein
  • C5: 1 skein 

Lion Brand Pima Cotton (total of 6+ skeins, $48+, this yarn is a worsted to aran weight, you can use larger needles with it.)

  • C1:  2 to 3 skeins 
  • C2:  1 to 2 skeins 
  • C3:  1 to 2 skeins 
  • C4:  1 to 2 skeins 
  • C5:  1 skein 

Berroco Remix Light (total of 5 skeins, approx $85)

  • C1: 1 skein
  • C2: 1 skein
  • C3: 1 skein
  • C4: 1 skein
  • C5: 1 skein

Berroco Pima Soft (total of 11 skeins, approx $121)

  • C1: 4 skeins 
  • C2: 2 skeins 
  • C3: 2 skeins 
  • C4:  2 skeins 
  • C5: 1 skein 

Or if you want to take a more affordable route, try a blend of wool & synthetic:

Berroco Vintage Baby (total of 11 skeins, approx $61)

  1. C1: 4 skeins 
  2. C2: 2 skeins 
  3. C3: 2 skeins 
  4. C4:  2 skeins 
  5. C5: 1 skein 

Berroco Vintage DK (total of 6 skeins, approx $63)

  • C1: 2 skeins
  • C2: 1  skein
  • C3:  1 skein
  • C4: 1 skein
  • C5: 1 skein 

Want to go a little out of the box? Try something FUZZY!

Drops Air (a total of 7+ balls, this yarn is a worsted to aran weight, you can use larger needles with it)

  • C1: 3 balls
  • C2: 1 to 2 balls
  • C3: 1 to 2 balls
  • C4: 1 to 2 balls
  • C5: 1 ball 

OTHER MATERIALS

This project is a great opportunity to explore interchangeable needles!

ADAPTATIONS

I absolutely LURV Anmarkar’s Technicolor cushions!!!! What a brilliant and simple statement piece …. any sofa or chair would be lucky to be home to something like this.

#TechnicolorPillow

Looking for a larger bag? Look no further than the Petite Knit Technicolor Shopper! (I think this post is already long enough, just click on the picture or the link above to find all the details for the project.)

PROJECTS 3 Market Bag Patterns

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People have been asking a lot about market bags this summer, so I’ve put together a little bit of inspiration for you. I prefer crochet for market bags, the stitch reinforces the strength. Plus crochet is fun in the summer, it’s an extremely comfortable way to work with plant fibres. A basic crochet bag (like the second below) is also a great next level project for new or inexperienced crocheters.

FYI: All the Yarns Listed Below are 20% OFF until July 31st!

denim 1.JPG
Photo: eLoomanator

French Market Bag

Here’s a great one for the people who aren’t afraid of the hook – a gorgeous french market bag crocheted with cotton!

Suggested Yarns

Materials

Crochet Grocery Bag

I designed this little bag many, many moons ago and it’s still one of my favourites. My favourite version were the ones I made a few years ago with some Quince & Co Sparrow Linen – they’re sturdy, light, and put away up nicely!

Suggested Yarns

Materials

Provence Summer String Bag

I love the lace in this bag – it’s vintage without being too much. You can easily change the handles to make them longer.

Suggested Yarns

Materials

PROJECT Popham Crochet Bag

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Popham in Quince & Co Sparrow

Popham

Quince & Co Sparrow Linen is finally restocked just in time for the good weather! And it’s a good thing, because I seem to have reached maximum pandemic and my brain doesn’t seem to want to work good. If you are in the same boat, Popham is a nice little crochet bag (I know the crocheters are always jonesing for pretty projects), ready for you to go hit the outside and stand in a line (but it’s outside, so that’s a nice change, right?). If you are not a crocheter you can take the knitted version, Rue Mouffetard, for a drive. And another cool thing, this pattern is written for two sizes of yarn (a nice touch), the thinner Quince & Co Sparrow (the brown bag) and the thicker Quince & Co Kestrel (ecru bag) (also restocked).

Popham in Quince & Co Kestrel

Materials: Longer, Narrower Bag (thinner yarn)

The brown bag in the pictures. Size is 4½” [37 cm] wide and 27½” [70 cm] total length (including strap).

Materials: Shorter, Wider Bag (thicker Yarn)

The ecru bag in the pictures. Size is 4½” [37 cm] wide and 27½” [70 cm] total length (including strap).

Popham in Quince & Co Kestrel

Popham in Quince & Co Kestrel

Popham in Quince & Co Sparrow
Popham in Quince & Co Sparrow

FREEBIE French Market Bag

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French Market Bag

Here’s a great one for the people who aren’t afraid of the hook – a gorgeous french market bag made with DENIM! I love Rowan denim, and I love small summer projects that are high on satisfaction and low on commitment. Plus, the yarn is on SALE all month – how can you go wrong?

Materials

Notes

If you want to read more about knitting with denim yarn see the recent post by Mason Dixon Knitting, they’re denim fanatics and know all the ins & outs. Personally, my only advice (when making a market bag) is that the indigo dye comes off (it’s supposed it, that’s what good indigo does), so use metal needles, wear dark colours, and don’t sit on light coloured furniture when you work with it – its a nice throwback to when I was a kid and my mom dressed me up in dark clothes when I chose to play in the mud.

FREEBIE Crochet Grocery Bag

Quince Sparrow Crochet Market Bag 2

Crochet Grocery Bag

Oh crochet, how I have MISSED you! I just finished this handy-dandy grocery bag with less than one skein of  Quince & Co Sparrow organic linen. I wrote this simple pattern a million years ago, and it’s kind of nice to revisit an old friend. Plus it’s a fast & portable project, a cool summer yarn, and makes a great hostess or teacher gift.

The yarn & hook size are slightly smaller than the original, so check out our project notes for modifications. I also put a locking stitch marker (actually calabash pins worked well with this yarn) in each round to help me keep track of where I was (especially useful around round 12+).

Working with Linen

Pure linen is kind of a ‘product’ fibre, rather than a ‘process’ fibre. You’re going to love the project once it’s done, but it isn’t the easiest yarn you’ve ever used. In the skein it is stiff, but rest assured that it will loosen up as it is knitted, and then completely after washing. I’m not telling you this to put you off, but rather to help set your expectations for a different kind of textile experience. Quince & Co Sparrow is the most beautiful 100% linen I’ve ever come across and I’m always extremely happy with my projects made with it. I definitely suggest you give it a try!

Materials

Other Options

If you want to make the project as it was originally written you can use a 4mm/G crochet hook and one skein of Cascade Ultra Pima.

If the idea of a market bag gets you going but you aren’t into ours, here are some other options:

New Free Pattern: Janice Market Bag



Janice Market Bag

Skills
Cast on, Knit, Purl, pick up stitches, cast off.

Materials
° Berroco Origami (50g/90m): 3 skeins (or Berroco Linsey, Captiva, or Seduce)
° 4mm-16” or 24” circular needles
° 4.5mm-16” or 24” circular needles
° 4mm crochet hook (optional, for picking up sts)
° Small stitch holder or scrap yarn ° Scrap yarn for provisional cast
° Darning needle (straight is easier) ° 4 Buttons: 3/4” wide
° Sewing needle & thread (in colours matching yarn and buttons)

Gauge
19 stitches & 25 rows = 4”/10xm in stocking stitch on larger needles 



Download Free Pattern Here

Market Bag Survey: Results!

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You may recall several weeks ago we held a fun survey to see which colour you would choose to make a Knit Market Bag. The colours were drawn from Pantone’s Spring 2012 Fashion Colour Report, and the pattern was the Ilene Bag, a popular freebie on Ravelry. 


As promised, we made our bag in the popular choice, Tangerine Tango. We used just over 1 skein of Super 10 cotton. If you want to make the strap long, you’ll need 2 skeins of the Super 10, but if you are ok with making it a little shorter you can get away with one. Read more about our bag HERE.


As always, you can find us at Knitomatic.com!



New FREE Pattern – Crochet Farmer’s Market Bag!

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I know it’s out of season, but I was updating the store’s free patterns, and heck, the holidays are around the corner in terms of your gift production!  So here is a FREE pattern for you, our Crochet Farmer’s Market Bag!   Hope you enjoy!  🙂