Emberglow Mosaic Market Bag Free Pattern – Crochet a Sunset-Hued Bohemian Tote

Carry a piece of twilight with this richly textured crochet bag, where fiery oranges melt into dusky purples. The mosaic stitch creates a dense, sturdy fabric perfect for farmers' markets or beach days. This free pattern is designed with beginners in mind, offering a rhythmic, meditative stitch sequence that builds into a stunning, bohemian masterpiece. Let's dive in and create a bag that's as functional as it is beautiful.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your crochet session smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in 5 colors:
  • A (burnt orange) – approx. 70g
  • B (golden yellow) – approx. 50g
  • C (deep magenta) – approx. 50g
  • D (plum purple) – approx. 50g
  • E (warm cream) – approx. 30g
  Total approx. 250g. Cotton yarn is ideal for structure and durability.
• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch marker (optional but helpful).

Gauge: 16 sts x 20 rows = 4 inches in single crochet. Always check your gauge to ensure the bag is the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds from the bottom up. The mosaic stitch creates a beautiful geometric pattern. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a gorgeous tote in no time.

Bag Body (Worked in the Round, Bottom-Up)

Foundation Rounds (Increasing):

• Round 1: With color A, make a magic ring. Work 8 sc into ring. Pull tight. (8 sts)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (16 sts)
• Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (32 sts)
• Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (40 sts)
• Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48 sts)
• Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (56 sts)
• Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (64 sts)
• Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (72 sts)
• Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (80 sts)

Your flat circle should measure about 8 inches in diameter. This forms the sturdy base of your bag.

Transition Round:

• Round 11: Switch to color B. Work 1 round of sc in back loops only. (80 sts). This creates a crisp turning point for the bag's sides.

Mosaic Stitch Pattern (Repeat of 4 sts)

This is the heart of the pattern. The combination of double crochet and skipped stitches creates the textured, woven look. The color changes are worked in pairs: first a sc round, then a dc round in the same color.

• Round 12 (color B): *Dc in next 3 sts, skip 1 st* repeat around. (80 sts)
• Round 13 (color C): *Sc in each st around* (80 sts)
• Round 14 (color C): *Dc in next 3 sts, skip 1 st* repeat around. (80 sts)
• Round 15 (color D): *Sc in each st around* (80 sts)
• Round 16 (color D): *Dc in next 3 sts, skip 1 st* repeat around. (80 sts)
• Round 17 (color E): *Sc in each st around* (80 sts)
• Round 18 (color E): *Dc in next 3 sts, skip 1 st* repeat around. (80 sts)
• Round 19 (color A): *Sc in each st around* (80 sts)
• Round 20 (color A): *Dc in next 3 sts, skip 1 st* repeat around. (80 sts)
• Round 21 (color B): *Sc in each st around* (80 sts)
• Round 22 (color B): *Dc in next 3 sts, skip 1 st* repeat around. (80 sts)
• Round 23 (color C): *Sc in each st around* (80 sts)
• Round 24 (color C): *Dc in next 3 sts, skip 1 st* repeat around. (80 sts)
• Round 25 (color D): *Sc in each st around* (80 sts)
• Round 26 (color D): *Dc in next 3 sts, skip 1 st* repeat around. (80 sts)
• Round 27 (color E): *Sc in each st around* (80 sts)
• Round 28 (color E): *Dc in next 3 sts, skip 1 st* repeat around. (80 sts)

Repeat Rounds 19-28 once more to achieve the full sunset gradient effect. This will give you a bag that's approximately 10 inches tall.

Top Border

Now we'll finish the top edge with a clean, sturdy border in color A.

• Round 29 (color A): *Sc in each st around* (80 sts)
• Round 30 (color A): *Sc in each st around* (80 sts)
• Round 31 (color A): *Sc in each st around* (80 sts)

Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.

Handles (Make 2)

These simple, sturdy straps are crocheted flat and then sewn onto the bag.

• With color A, chain 90.
• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (89 sts)
• Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (89 sts)
• Fasten off.

Repeat for the second handle.

Attaching the Handles

Position each handle on the inside of the bag at opposite sides. Using a yarn needle and matching thread (color A), sew the ends of each handle securely to the top border stitches. Make sure they are evenly spaced and firmly attached to support the weight of your belongings. Weave in all remaining ends.

Finishing Touches

Your Emberglow Mosaic Market Bag is now complete! Weave in any remaining loose ends with your yarn needle. For extra durability and to prevent small items from slipping through the mosaic stitches, you can optionally line the bag with fabric. Simply cut a piece of fabric to fit the interior, sew a simple lining, and hand-stitch it inside the bag.

This bag is a true statement piece, blending the warmth of a sunset with the intricate beauty of mosaic crochet. Enjoy your new handmade companion on all your adventures!