Finding a Pattern
There are many different patterns for market bags. As I was searching for one to make, I tried a few and they just were not what I wanted. I was looking for something with a sturdy base. I also wanted a lot of give in the sides of the bag. After making a few bags using patterns I found, I was still not completely satisfied.
So, I gathered parts of different patterns together. Some of the patterns were from bags I had knit. Other patterns I had not attempted. Then I came up with a bag that more suits my liking. The design I came up with works well. I might tweak it here and there. For example, add some solid sections throughout. Also, the length of the straps are long to me. I prefer a shorter strap. Another option I can alter is the length and height of the bag itself. I would do that by adding or omitting some repeats.
Market bag construction
The pattern allows for a garter, stockinette or moss stitch base. A large square is knit to make up the base. The sides are made by picking up stitches around the base. Then it is built up for a set amount of repeats. A mesh pattern is continued to increase the height of the project. Alternately, there could be some solid sections knit in this part if desired. To finish the sack part of the bag, end with a solid or moss stitch rim, about two inches high. I like to do the same pattern as the base. Finish the project with one strap or two.
Market bag yarn
To make this bag, I used 100% cotton yarn. That material makes it washable and sturdy. I like to use either one or two colors. For the base, a solid color is preferred. The body of the bag is made either in a solid or variegated that coordinates with the base. Some of the bags I made have a solid base, variegated body and the base color used for the rim. Sometimes I made the base and straps in the same color. Then the body, including the rim, a variegated color. If desired, make a loop on one side of the rim. After that, attached an appropriate-sized button on the opposite side of the bag. I don’t know if this is really necessary, as the bag is mostly mesh and small items will fall out even with the button closure.
Have fun trying out this pattern and share a picture of what yours looks like!
Kalmia Knits Market Bag
This is a pattern for a mesh market bag. Use different colored yarn, solids, multi, variegated or whatever else you like. Use 100% cotton yarn. It is important to use the needle sizes suggested to get the right sizing. Blocking is not necessary unless desired.
Materials
- 200 g cotton yarn (solid, multi, a mix of both)
- US 8 circular needles and DPNs
- US 10 1/2 or 10 3/4 circular needles
- Row counter (optional)
- tapestry needle (for weaving in the ends)
- scissors
Instructions
Base:
- With solid color yarn, CO 31 stitches onto US8 needle.
- Garter stitch or Moss stitch for 52 rows. **See notes on Garter stitch for the base, as if on straight needles.
Body of bag:
- Switch to larger needle.
- Pick up and knit 96 stitches around the base (24 stitches on each side).
- If desired, switch to multi colored yarn, then begin pattern.
Pattern:
Row 1. (K2tog, YO) repeat to end
Row 2. K every stitch
Row 3. (YO, K2tog) repeat to end
Row 4. K every stitch
Repeat rows 1-4 15 times.
Top edge:
Switch to US 8 needles
Garter stitch for 13 rows, ending with a Purl row. **See notes on Garter stitch for this edge, knitting in the round.
Strap Options:
One Strap:
- PM, Knit 33 sts, PM, Knit 15 sts, PM, Knit 33 sts, Knit 15
- BO to first marker.
- Using US 8 DPN, Knit 15 sts, to second marker. (leave those stitches on the DPN).
- BO to the next marker.
- Knit 15 sts (as if on straight needles) for 100 rows, or until desired length.
- Join to opposite side (where the 15 sts are waiting on the DPN) by BO in 3-needle bind off. Be sure to turn right sides in so they are facing each other.
- Weave in ends.
Two straps:
- PM, Knit 17 sts, PM, Knit 7 sts, PM, Knit 17 sts, PM, Knit 7 sts, PM, Knit 17 sts, PM, Knit 7 sts, PM, Knit 17 sts, PM, Knit 7 sts.
- Repeat as for one strap.
Notes
Garter stitch (the base of the bag)-knit every row, Knit back and forth as if on straight needles
Moss stitch: 1st row-K1, P1 across 2nd row- P1, K1 across (knit the purls and purl the knits).
K2tog: Knit the next 2 stitches together.
YO: Yarn over, put the yarn in front as if to purl, but knit. This creates an extra stitch and the hole for the mesh stitch in this section.
Garter stitch (on top edge)- (Row 1 – K; Row 2- P) .
PM: Place marker
Sts: Stitches
BO: bind off
“He must become greater and greater; I must become less and less.” (John 3:30, NLT)