The “Sweet Season Bag” is a delightful take on the ubiquitous plastic bag. Borrowing the plastic bag’s shape and construction but replacing the material with an eco-friendly cotton lace, this tote provides a reusable alternative that’s fresh and chic.

How This Bag Is Made

The bag is worked in one piece from side to side. Assembly is based on the construction used to make the plastic shopping bags we see in stores. After the bag body is seamed lengthwise, the mesh fabric on each side is folded inward to create a gusset. The bottom edge is single-crochet seamed, keeping the gusset folded in place. Finally the handles are folded in line with the sides and seamed at the top. Locking stitch markers are used to help point out the location of gusset folds.

This cheery market bag will make shopping easier and more enjoyable. The double-thick fabric makes the handles both attractive and durable. With its mesh fabric and generous depth, this small bag can hold a lot!

Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Skill Level: Confident Beginner

Concentration Level
Some concentration required. Easily memorized stitch pattern and minimal shaping might require some focus and counting.

Stitches Used
Chain(s), slip stitch, single crochet, and double crochet

Techniques Used
Joining with slip stitches, joining with single crochet

Finished Measurements (approximate size after blocking)
10.5 inches (26.5 cm) wide x 13 inches (33 cm) long x 4 inches (10 cm) deep, excluding handles

Super Fine (CYC #1) Weight Yarn/Size 3 Crochet Thread
325 - 450 yards (297 - 411 m)

The sample shown here was made with a E/4/3.5mm crochet hook and We Crochet Curio No. 3 lace weight 100% mercerized cotton (295 yds/270 m; 3.5 oz/100 g per ball) in the color #28000 White. The project required 2 balls of this thread.

Suggested Yarn Substitutes
- Scheepjes Catona
- Aunt Lydia's Fashion Crochet (Size 3)
- DMC Petra Crochet Cotton Thread Size 3

Additional Tools and Materials
Size E/4/3.5mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
6 rustproof locking stitch markers
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Gauge
19 sts and 11 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) blocked
Although gauge isn’t critical for this project, instructions for a gauge swatch are provided in case you would like to check your gauge first.

PATTERN INCLUDES
• A 10-page premium pattern pdf with professional full-color photographs.
• List of abbreviations used, plus detailed instructions for special stitches and techniques.
• Detailed schematic.
• Photo tutorial with written instructions for bag assembly.
• Reduced stitch chart for bag front and back.
• Reduced stitch chart for gusset.

This Pattern Comes with Additional Resources to Help You Along
• Row Tracker Diagram and Checklist to help you keep track as you go!|
• Pattern support. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I’m always happy to help!