Sunset Slouchy Crochet Market Bag: A Free Boho Pattern

Imagine strolling through a summer market or along a sun-kissed beach, carrying a bag that perfectly captures the warm glow of a setting sun. This slouchy, bohemian-inspired crochet market bag does just that. With its stunning gradient of terracotta, golden yellow, peach, and cream, this free pattern is not just a practical accessory; it's a statement piece. The dense, sturdy base transitions into a lacy, open shell-stitch top, creating a beautiful contrast in texture that is both eye-catching and functional. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this bag is the perfect way to add a handmade touch to your everyday adventures.

Materials Needed

Before you begin your crafting journey, gather the following materials. Using the specified yarn weight and hook size is crucial to achieving the correct gauge and the perfect slouchy drape.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in 4 colors (approximately 250g total). Cotton is ideal for its sturdiness and ability to hold shape.
• Color A: Terracotta (for the base and bottom stripes)
• Color B: Golden Yellow
• Color C: Peach
• Color D: Cream (for the top stripes)
• Crochet Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook
• Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch marker to track your rounds.

Gauge

14 double crochet (dc) x 8 rows = 4 inches in double crochet. Always make a gauge swatch to ensure your bag turns out the correct size. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bag is worked in continuous spiral rounds from the bottom up. It is crucial to use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round, as you will not be joining with a slip stitch until the mesh pattern begins.

Part 1: Creating the Base

We'll start with a flat, circular base using Color A (Terracotta).

• Round 1: With Color A, make a magic ring. Work 8 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the circle. (8 sts)
• Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (16 sts)
• Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)
• Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (32 sts)
• Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (40 sts)
• Round 6: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (48 sts)
• Round 7: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (56 sts)
• Round 8: *Sc in the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (64 sts)
• Round 9: *Sc in the next 7 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (72 sts)
• Round 10: *Sc in the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (80 sts)
• Round 11: *Sc in the next 9 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (88 sts)
• Round 12: *Sc in the next 10 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (96 sts)
• Round 13: *Sc in the next 11 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (104 sts)
• Round 14: *Sc in the next 12 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (112 sts)

Your base is now complete and should measure approximately 10-11 inches in diameter.

Part 2: Shaping the Lower Body

To create a crisp, defined edge where the base meets the sides of the bag, we will work into the back loops only for the next round.

• Round 15: With Color A, single crochet in the back loop only of each stitch around. (112 sts)

Now, continue working in continuous rounds to build the dense, sturdy lower section of the bag. Change colors as indicated, carrying the unused yarn up the inside of the bag or cutting and weaving in ends at each color change.

• Rounds 16-18: With Color A, sc in each stitch around. (112 sts)
• Rounds 19-21: Switch to Color B (Golden Yellow). Sc in each stitch around. (112 sts)
• Rounds 22-24: Switch to Color C (Peach). Sc in each stitch around. (112 sts)
• Rounds 25-27: Switch to Color D (Cream). Sc in each stitch around. (112 sts)
• Rounds 28-30: Switch to Color C (Peach). Sc in each stitch around. (112 sts)
• Rounds 31-33: Switch to Color B (Golden Yellow). Sc in each stitch around. (112 sts)
• Rounds 34-36: Switch to Color A (Terracotta). Sc in each stitch around. (112 sts)

Part 3: Creating the Lacy Mesh Top

Now we will transition to the open, airy shell stitch pattern. This section is worked in joined rounds. At the end of each round, you will join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first stitch of the round.

• Round 37: With Color A, chain 1 (ch 1). *Skip 2 stitches, work 5 double crochet (dc) in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first ch. (You will have 14 shell clusters).
• Round 38: Chain 3 (counts as your first dc). *Sc in the center dc of the next shell (the 3rd dc), ch 2, dc in the sc between shells*; repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.
• Round 39: Ch 1. *Work 5 dc in the next ch-2 space, sc in the next dc*; repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first ch.
• Rounds 40-41: Repeat Rounds 38 and 39.
• Round 42: Repeat Round 38. This sets up the spaces for the handles.

Part 4: Crafting the Handles

This round creates the openings for your handles. You will be skipping a set number of stitches and creating a long chain to form the handle strap.

• Round 43: Ch 1. Sc in the next 2 stitches. Ch 40 (for the first handle). Skip 20 stitches. Sc in the next 22 stitches. Ch 40 (for the second handle). Skip 20 stitches. Sc in the remaining stitches around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (This creates two handle openings).
• Round 44: Ch 1. Sc in each sc and in each chain across the handle, working 1 sc in each ch. Continue around the entire round, then join with a sl st to the first sc.
• Round 45: Ch 1. Sc in each stitch around. For the handle sections, work 2 sc in each ch-1 space to reinforce and thicken the straps. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Fasten off and weave in all your ends securely with a yarn needle. Your beautiful, slouchy Sunset Market Bag is now complete and ready for its first adventure!