
This is a simpler, modified version of the Eco String Bag, designed for people who are keen to make their own crochet market bags for shopping but want a quicker, easier pattern they can smash out in an evening.
I used a cotton/acrylic blend for this pattern so it will maintain its structural integrity. I always err on the side of making string bags smaller than you think they need to be because they stretch quite a lot. 20 rows of mesh worked perfectly for me with this style of yarn but if you’re using a different yarn (like 100% cotton instead of a blend) just stop after about 15 rows of mesh, pop a few cans or some grocery style items in the bag and hold it up to see how much it stretches. Then you can add a few more rows if it seems a bit on the short side!
Finished Size
Bottom of bag – 12cm diameter (4.7 inches)
Length of bag from base to bottom of handles – 25cm (9.8 inches)
Length of straps, halved from top of bag top of strap – 15cm (5.9 inches)
Gauge
Gauge is not critical to this project but the bottom circle should be roughly 12cms in diameter
Terminology: US terminology
What You Need
Sample made with Anette Eriksson Cotton Soft, 1 ball in Colour 28 (55% cotton/45% Acrylic, 100gms, 600m, 3 ply) – Any 3ply yarn in a similar fibre blend will also work. You can also use 4 ply (or sock or sport weight) cotton but just be aware that cotton stretches and doesn’t bounce back unless you wash it so it’s best to do about 15 rounds of mesh when using cotton and around 20 rounds of mesh when using acrylic
E/4 (3.5 mm) hook
Yarn needle
Scissors
This is a great everyday top, perfect for wearing with jeans and a cardigan in Autumn or a pair of linen shorts in summer. I’m considering making a longer one for a beach cover-up! Stay tuned.
Not too keen on making a crochet top? Here some other projects you might like to make.
Quick and Easy Crochet Blanket Pattern
Crochet Scarf Pattern: The Tapered Pom Pom Scarf
Art Teacher Crochet Cardigan Pattern
Crochet Toys: Scrappy Rabbit Baby Rattle Pattern