Sunlit Orchard Market Bag Free Pattern – Crochet a Breezy Citrus Tote

Carry a slice of summer with this airy, eyelet-stitch market bag in warm citrus tones. The openwork texture and sturdy cotton make it perfect for farmers' market hauls, beach days, or everyday errands. This free crochet pattern creates a roomy, stylish tote with a round base and a tall, slightly tapered body. The repeating eyelet pattern—small oval holes arranged in staggered rows—gives the bag a delicate, lacy texture that's both breathable and beautiful. Worked in cheerful stripes of lemon yellow, tangerine orange, and soft cream, this bag is as fun to make as it is to carry. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or just starting out, this pattern is designed to be approachable and rewarding.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All materials are readily available at craft stores or online.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in three colors:
  • Color A (Lemon yellow) – approx. 100g
  • Color B (Tangerine orange) – approx. 75g
  • Color C (Cream) – approx. 75g
  Total approx. 250g. Cotton yarn ensures the bag holds its shape and is durable for carrying produce or beach essentials.
• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Stitch Markers – to track rounds
• Yarn Needle – for weaving in ends
• Scissors

Gauge: 16 dc x 9 rows = 10 cm (4 in) in pattern stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the bag comes out the right size. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes Before You Start

• Worked in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise.
• Ch 3 counts as a double crochet (dc) at the beginning of each round.
• Use stitch markers to track the beginning of each round.
• When changing colors, do so in the last yarn over of the final stitch of the previous round for a clean transition.

Base (Worked in Color A – Lemon)

The base is a flat circle worked in double crochet. Each round increases evenly to keep it flat.

1. Round 1: With Color A, make a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 11 dc into the ring. Slip stitch (sl st) to the top of the ch-3 to join. (12 dc total)
2. Round 2: Ch 3, dc in the same stitch (this creates an increase), then 2 dc in each stitch around. Sl st to join. (24 dc)
3. Round 3: Ch 3, dc in the same stitch, dc in the next stitch. *2 dc in the next stitch, dc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (36 dc)
4. Round 4: Ch 3, dc in the same stitch, dc in the next 2 stitches. *2 dc in the next stitch, dc in the next 2 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (48 dc)
5. Round 5: Ch 3, dc in the same stitch, dc in the next 3 stitches. *2 dc in the next stitch, dc in the next 3 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (60 dc)
6. Round 6: Ch 3, dc in the same stitch, dc in the next 4 stitches. *2 dc in the next stitch, dc in the next 4 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (72 dc)
7. Round 7: Ch 3, dc in the same stitch, dc in the next 5 stitches. *2 dc in the next stitch, dc in the next 5 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (84 dc)
8. Round 8: Ch 3, dc in the same stitch, dc in the next 6 stitches. *2 dc in the next stitch, dc in the next 6 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (96 dc)

Your base should measure approximately 20 cm (8 in) in diameter. If it's smaller, you can add an extra increase round; if larger, consider using a smaller hook for the base.

Body (Eyelet Pattern)

Now we'll build the body of the bag using a repeating eyelet pattern. This creates the beautiful lacy texture. The pattern alternates between a "mesh" round (with ch-1 spaces) and a "solid" round (where you dc into the spaces).

Round 9 (Color B – Tangerine):

Ch 3, dc in the next 2 stitches. *Ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the next 3 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the last stitch. Sl st to join. (96 dc + 24 ch-1 spaces)

Round 10 (Color B):

Ch 3, dc in the next stitch. *Dc in the ch-1 space, dc in the next 3 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the ch-1 space, dc in the last 2 stitches. Sl st to join. (120 dc)

Round 11 (Color C – Cream):

Ch 3, dc in the next 4 stitches. *Ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the next 5 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the last 4 stitches. Sl st to join. (120 sts + 20 ch-1 spaces)

Round 12 (Color C):

Ch 3, dc in the next 3 stitches. *Dc in the ch-1 space, dc in the next 5 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the ch-1 space, dc in the last 4 stitches. Sl st to join. (140 dc)

Round 13 (Color A – Lemon):

Ch 3, dc in the next 6 stitches. *Ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the next 7 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the last 6 stitches. Sl st to join. (140 sts + 20 ch-1 spaces)

Round 14 (Color A):

Ch 3, dc in the next 5 stitches. *Dc in the ch-1 space, dc in the next 7 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the ch-1 space, dc in the last 6 stitches. Sl st to join. (160 dc)

Round 15 (Color B – Tangerine):

Ch 3, dc in the next 8 stitches. *Ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the next 9 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the last 8 stitches. Sl st to join. (160 sts + 20 ch-1 spaces)

Round 16 (Color B):

Ch 3, dc in the next 7 stitches. *Dc in the ch-1 space, dc in the next 9 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the ch-1 space, dc in the last 8 stitches. Sl st to join. (180 dc)

Round 17 (Color C – Cream):

Ch 3, dc in the next 10 stitches. *Ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the next 11 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the last 10 stitches. Sl st to join. (180 sts + 20 ch-1 spaces)

Round 18 (Color C):

Ch 3, dc in the next 9 stitches. *Dc in the ch-1 space, dc in the next 11 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the ch-1 space, dc in the last 10 stitches. Sl st to join. (200 dc)

Round 19 (Color A – Lemon):

Ch 3, dc in the next 12 stitches. *Ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the next 13 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the last 12 stitches. Sl st to join. (200 sts + 20 ch-1 spaces)

Round 20 (Color A):

Ch 3, dc in the next 11 stitches. *Dc in the ch-1 space, dc in the next 13 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the ch-1 space, dc in the last 12 stitches. Sl st to join. (220 dc)

Round 21 (Color B – Tangerine):

Ch 3, dc in the next 14 stitches. *Ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the next 15 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the last 14 stitches. Sl st to join. (220 sts + 20 ch-1 spaces)

Round 22 (Color B):

Ch 3, dc in the next 13 stitches. *Dc in the ch-1 space, dc in the next 15 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the ch-1 space, dc in the last 14 stitches. Sl st to join. (240 dc)

At this point, your bag body should measure approximately 30 cm (12 in) tall. The eyelet pattern creates a beautiful, airy fabric that's perfect for a market bag.

Straps (Worked Flat)

The straps are worked back and forth in rows of solid double crochet. You'll create two straps on opposite sides of the bag.

First Strap:

1. Row 23 (Color A – Lemon): Ch 3, dc in the next 29 stitches. Turn. (30 dc)
2. Rows 24-40: Ch 3, dc in each stitch across. Turn. (30 dc each row)
3. Fasten off and weave in the end.

Second Strap:

1. Count 120 stitches from the first strap along the top edge of the bag. Attach Color A with a slip stitch in the next stitch.
2. Row 23: Ch 3, dc in the next 29 stitches. Turn. (30 dc)
3. Rows 24-40: Ch 3, dc in each stitch across. Turn. (30 dc each row)
4. Fasten off and weave in the end.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends using a yarn needle. Make sure to secure them well so they don't come loose with use.
2. Block lightly to open up the eyelet pattern. To block, wet the bag gently, squeeze out excess water, and lay it flat to dry, gently shaping it. This helps the lace pattern look its best.
3. Optional: For extra-strong straps, fold each strap in half lengthwise and sew the edges together with a whip stitch. This creates a thicker, more durable strap. Alternatively, leave them as a single layer for a lighter, more casual look.

Your Sunlit Orchard Market Bag is complete! Fill it with fresh produce, beach towels, or your latest library haul. The sturdy cotton and openwork design make it a versatile and beautiful accessory for any summer adventure. Happy crocheting!