Imagine a market bag that transforms from a beautiful, foldable flower pouch into a spacious, sturdy shopping companion. This project is the perfect handmade gift for the gardener, the farmer’s market enthusiast, or anyone who loves a clever design. It serves as a functional accessory that doubles as decor, offering a unique way to carry essentials while keeping the bag neatly stored when not in use. The clever construction allows you to wear it as a crossbody flower or flip it inside out for a full-sized market tote.
Our Touch: Gift and Use Ideas
What makes this pattern truly special is its versatility. The “flower” side is textured and vibrant, making it an eye-catching accessory for spring and summer outings. Because the bag folds into itself, it is incredibly easy to carry multiple bags in a tote or backpack when you aren’t using them. This is ideal for farmers’ market runs where you might need several bags for different produce. The cotton yarn choice ensures durability and washability, making it a practical gift for everyday use. The button closure adds a polished finish, keeping your items secure whether the bag is in flower mode or market mode.
Project Overview
This Foldable Flower Crochet Market Bag features a unique construction method. It begins with a solid base that transitions directly into a mesh bag body and handles. The second base is then attached to the first, creating a pocket. The flower petals are worked into the free front loops of the first base, and the two bases are joined to form a foldable pouch. A button and loop closure secures the opening, allowing the bag to be worn as a flower or flipped inside out for use as a market tote.
Materials
- Yarn: Dishie, size 4 worsted weight, 100% cotton, 190 yds per 100 gm skein. Approximately 285 yds per bag.
- Colorways shown: Blush (pink), Lilac Mist (purple), Crème Brulee (yellow).
- Yellow: 35 yards.
- Tangerine (orange): 2 yards.
- Crochet Hook: US G6/4.0mm
- Notions: Stitch marker, 5/8” or 3/4” Button, tapestry needle, scissors.
- Assembly: Sewing needle and thread for sewing on button.
Gauge and Finished Size
Gauge: Row 1-7 of bag base 1 = 7.25”
Finished Size:
Mesh bag measures 13.5” tall without handles and approximately 21.5” with handles. When bag is folded into floral storage pouch, it is approximately 7” across, 2” deep and 27” long with shoulder strap extended.
Abbreviations
- ch(s) = chain(s)
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st = stitch(es)
- tr = treble crochet
Pattern Notes
- Work Rounds 2-7 of the first base in the back loops only. This leaves the front loops available for the flower petals and attaching the second base.
- The back of the bag (Base Side 2) is worked in BOTH loops.
- After Round 7 of the first base, do not fasten off. Continue directly into the mesh bag section to avoid cutting and reattaching yarn.
Pattern Instructions
Market Bag Base Side 1 (Petal Side)
Make a magic ring.
R1: 12 sc into ring. Place stitch marker and work in continuous rounds. (12 st)
Work Rounds 2-7 in the back loops only.
R2: 2 Hdc in ea st. (24 st)
R3: *Dc in next st, 2dc in next. Repeat from * around. (36 st)
R4: *Dc in next 2 st, 2dc in next. Repeat from * around. (48 st)
R5: *Dc in next 3 st, 2dc in next. Repeat from * around. (60 st)
R6: *Dc in next 4 st, 2dc in next. Repeat from * around. (72 st)
R7: *Dc in next 5 st, 2dc in next. Repeat from * around until last stitch. In last stitch work 1 hdc and 1 sc. Slip stitch to next stitch. Do NOT fasten off. (84 st)
Mesh Bag
Continue to work with the yarn from round 7 to work mesh bag, working in both loops, as follows:
R1: Ch 1, sc in same st, ch 5, skip next 2 st, *sc in next st, ch 5, skip next 2 st. Repeat from * 26 times, sc in next st, ch 2, dc in the first sc of round to form last loop. (28 loops)
R2 – 22: Ch 1, sc in last ch loop from previous round. *ch 5, sc in next ch loop from previous round. Repeat from * 27 times, ch 2, dc in 1 st sc in round to form last loop. (28 loops)
Do NOT fasten off, continue to work the border and handles.
Market Bag Border and Handles
Work R1 stitches in the loops formed by the prior row.
R1: Ch 1, 2 sc in same loop as join, *4sc in next loop, 3sc in next loop. Repeat from * around, working 1 sc in the opposite side of the 1 st loop in the round and join to the 1 st sc in the round. (98 st)
R2: Ch 1, sc in same st as joining, sc in next 11 st, ch 60, skip next 24 st on bag, sc in next 25 st, ch 60, skip next 24 st on bag, sc in next 13 st. Join with sl st to 1 st sc in round.
R3: Ch 1 and sc around bag, working a sc into each sc from the prior round and a sc into each chain of handles around bag. At end of round, join with a sl st to 1 st st and fasten off. Weave in ends.
Flower Petal Round
Petals are worked in the free front loop of the Bag Base Side 1. Use a stitch marker to mark the last stitch of the round so you can count the petals at the end of each round. Do NOT join rounds.
Join yarn with a slip stitch to the first free front loop in round 1 of base.
R1: *Sl st in next st, (sc, hdc) in next st, 2 dc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st. Repeat from * twice. (3 petals)
R2: *Sl st in next st, (sc, hdc) in next st, 2 dc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st. Repeat from * 5 times. (6 petals)
R3: *Sl st in next st, (sc, hdc, dc) in next st, tr in next st, (dc, hdc, sc) in next st. Repeat from * 8 times. (9 petals)
R4: *Sl st in next st, (sc, hdc, dc) in next st, 2 tr in next st, (dc, hdc, sc) in next st. Repeat from * 11 times. (12 petals)
R5: *Sl st in next st, (sc, hdc) in next st, 2 dc in next st, 2 tr in next st, 2 dc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st. Repeat from * 9 times. (10 petals). Sl st to next st. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Base Side 2 (Back of Folded Bag)
Make a magic ring. Note: The back of the bag is worked in BOTH loops.
R1: 12 Sc into ring. Place stitch marker and work in continuous rounds. (12 st)
R2: 2 Hdc in ea st. (24 st)
R3: *Dc in next st, 2dc in next. Repeat from * around. (36 st)
R4: *Dc in next 2 st, 2dc in next. Repeat from * around. (48 st)
R5: *Dc in next 3 st, 2dc in next. Repeat from * around. (60 st)
R6: *Dc in next 4 st, 2dc in next. Repeat from * around until last stitch. In last stitch work 1 hdc and 1 sc. Slip stitch to next stitch. Do NOT fasten off. (72 st)
Attach Market Bag Bases
In order to make the bag foldable, it’s time to attach the plain base to the flower petal base. You will be working in the FLO left over from the last round worked on the petal base.
Use stitch markers to identify the 12 stitches that will form the “top” of the bag. I did this by finding the center point of one of the handles and then making this the center point on the petal circle and identifying the 12 center stitches. Those 12 stitches will be UNWORKED on this attachment round. So, place a stitch marker on the next stitch on either side of the 12 stitches.
Lay the right side of the back base (side 2) just worked on top of the petals. So that the right sides of both Base side 1 and Base side 2 will be together. Position the piece so that the next stitch worked will be right in front of the left most marked stitch on the petal base.
Note that as you’re preparing to work, you’ve turned the back base so the wrong side is facing you and you will be working your stitches from the wrong side. In other words, the very first stitch is going into the last stitch worked on the back base in the previous round.
R1: Sc in the next stitch on the back base (Step 1). Remove hook from work. Insert hook into the FLO on the petal base (this will be the marked stitch on the left of what will be the opening). Then, pull the loop through the FLO stitch on the petal base. (Step 2)
This connects the first stitch.
(Step 3) *sc in the next stitch on the back base, remove hook, insert hook through the FLO of the petal round from top to bottom. Repeat from * around, continuing to attach the bases together, working the last connecting stitch in the stitch marked with the stitch marker to the right of the opening. Step 4 photo shows completion of 2 connected sts.
At the end of R1, your work looks like this:
The remaining unworked stitches will finish off the opening and form buttonhole loop so that the bag can be foldable. When you’ve finished attaching the bases, there will 12 stitches on base 1 (with the petals) that have unworked front loops only. R2 begins by working into the 1 st unworked FLO.
R2: Ch1, working in the remaining FLO on petal base side, sc in next 6 st to the center, ch 8, then sl st to same st to form a loop, sc in next 6 st. Work 2 sc on end, over joining area (this strengthens the join), then rotate work so you are working on the inside/right side of the back circle. Continue to sc across the 12 stitches on the back circle. Work 2 sc on the 2 nd end, then join to the 1 st sc of the round with an invisible join (or with a sl st). Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembly
- Turn the connected bases right-side out and tuck bag into pocket so that the petal bases are showing and the market mesh portion of the bag is tucked inside.
- Using needle and thread, sew button to back opposite the loop. Fasten the bag closed.
- Make strap: Ch 180, then sc in 2 nd ch from hook and each ch across. Fasten off at end. Sew each end of the strap to the bag, positioning the strap on each side 6 stitches from the opening.
- Weave in any remaining ends.
- To convert the bag to a market bag, unbutton the button, and flip the bag inside out through the opening. The bases can still be buttoned together with the button to close the opening.
Tips
I love working the bag this way as this will use up most of one ball of yarn without running out of it. Having to cut and reattach yarn in the mesh section is best avoided and this construction method solves that potential problem. For more creative gift ideas, check out these easy Father’s Day crochet gifts or explore more crochet patterns for your next project.
FAQs
What yarn is best for this bag?
The pattern recommends Dishie, a size 4 worsted weight 100% cotton yarn. Cotton is ideal for market bags because it is durable, washable, and holds its shape well.
How do I switch the bag from flower mode to market mode?
To use the bag as a market tote, simply unbutton the button on the flower pouch, and flip the entire bag inside out through the opening. The mesh portion will become the exterior, and the flower bases will form the bottom and top of the tote.
Can I use a different hook size?
It is recommended to use a US G6/4.0mm hook to achieve the correct gauge. Using a different hook size may result in a bag that is too loose or too tight, affecting the foldability.
How do I clean the bag?
Since the bag is made of cotton, it can be hand washed or gently machine washed. Lay flat to dry to maintain the shape of the mesh and the flower petals.
Is this pattern suitable for beginners?
This pattern is best for intermediate crocheters who are comfortable working in continuous rounds, creating mesh stitches, and attaching pieces together. The construction method is unique and requires careful attention to the attachment steps.
What size button should I use?
A 5/8” or 3/4” button works well for the loop closure. Ensure the button is large enough to stay securely through the loop but not so large that it pulls the fabric.
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