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Bellissima Market Bag
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The Bellissima Market Bag is my answer to the ever-growing trend of eliminating plastic. Even though I use this as a market bag, it is certainly pretty enough to use as a beach bag or tote bag too! And, if you prefer something a bit more solid, check out my liner tutorial HERE.
This market bag is worked with a solid base and band at the top (for strength) and a pretty lace design in the center. I added one of my favorite braided handles, but of course you could add purchased handles if you prefer.
I did use the Romanian Cord for this tote bag, but the braided crochet cord is a nice alternative too! And remember, if you would like a liner, I have an easy tutorial HERE.
I like Red Heart Creme de la Creme, worsted weight cotton yarn for this bag because it is sturdy, easy to work with and comes in lots of colors.
Find my yarn reviews HERE.
I hope you’ll give this pattern a try. Let me know how you like it and be sure to share your finished photos on my Facebook page or tag me on Instagram @patternparadise!
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Bellissima Market Bag Instructions
Size: 15” wide x 16” tall (not including straps)
Materials:
- Made with worsted weight cotton yarn approximately 700 yards.
- Hooks:
- Clover Amour I/5.50 mm
- Clover Amour J/6.00 mm
- ¾” or 1” Metal rings – 4
- Yarn/Tapestry Needle
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Gauge: 15 sc x 14 rows = 4” (gauge not critical for this project)
Abbreviations/Stitches (US Terms):
ch: chain
dc: double crochet
sc: single crochet
sl st: slip stitch
st(s): stitch(es)
VSt: V Stitch = (dc, ch3, dc) in same stitch
Notes
- Helpful tutorials:
- How to make a Romanian Cord here=> http://bit.ly/RomanianCord
- How to make braided cord for straps=> http://bit.ly/CrochetedCord
- How to line a crochet bag here=> http://bit.ly/BagLiner
- Pattern written in US Standard terms.
- The ch1 at the beginning of a round DOES NOT count as a stitch.
- Chain stitches within a round DO count as stitches.
- The stitch count is in ( ) at end of each round.
- Repeat instructions within [ ] or * as indicated.
- Join rounds with slip stitch to first stitch of round unless otherwise noted.
- When a number precedes a stitch, work that number of stitches in the next stitch, example: 2sc means work 2 single crochets in the next stitch.
- When a stitch precedes a number, work that stitch in the number of stitches indicated, example: sc 2 means work a single crochet in each of the next two stitches.
The main part of this bag is worked in a lacy stitch pattern for which I’ve provided both written instructions as well as a chart. The straps are a “Romanian” crochet cord.
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BASE – work in Hook I/5.50 mm
Round 1: Ch39, 3sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch until 1 remains, 3sc in last ch; working on opposite side of beginning chain, sc 36, join. (78)
Round 2: Ch1, starting in first st, *2sc, 3sc, 2sc, sc 36*, repeat between *, join. (86)
Round 3: Ch1, starting in first st, *2sc, 2sc, sc 3, 2sc, 2sc, sc 36*, repeat between *, join. (94)
Round 4: Ch1, starting in first st, *2sc, sc 1, [2sc, sc 2] 2 times, 2sc, sc 1, 2sc, sc 36* repeat between *, join. (104)
Round 5: Ch1, starting in first st, *2sc, sc 2, 2sc, sc 3, 2sc, 2sc, sc 3, 2sc, sc 2, 2sc, sc 36* repeat between *, join. (116)
Round 6: TURN to work from wrong side and FRONT LOOPS only, ch1, starting in first st *sc 36, 2sc, sc 20, 2sc*, repeat between *, join. TURN to work next round from right side. (120)
BODY
Rounds 1 to 3: Ch1, sc in each st to end, join. Fasten off. (120)
Round 4: Ch4 (counts as dc + ch1, skip 1, [dc 1, ch1, skip 1] to end, join to 3rd ch of beginning ch4. (120)
Round 5(Change to Hook J/6.00mm): TURN to work from wrong side, ch1, *sc in next ch1 space, skipping dc, cross over sc just made and sc in previous ch1 space*, repeat between * to end, join. (120)
Round 6: TURN to work from right side, ch1, sc in each st to end, join. (120)
Round 7: Ch6 (counts as dc + ch3), dc in same st (beginning V Stitch made), ch1, skip 3, dc 3, ch1, skip 3, [VSt, ch1, skip 3, dc 3, ch1, skip 3] to end, join with sl st into center of beginning VSt. (12 VSts)
Round 8: Ch3, dc 4 in center of beginning VSt, ch1, skip ch1 and next dc, dc in next dc, ch1, skip next dc and ch1, [dc 5 in next VSt, ch1, skip ch1 and next dc, dc in next dc, ch1, skip next dc and ch1] to end. Join with sl st to beginning ch3, sl st into next st.
Round 9: Ch3, dc 2, ch1, skip next dc and ch1, VSt in next dc, ch1, skip next ch1 and dc, [dc 3, ch1, skip next dc and ch1, VSt in next dc, ch1, skip next ch1 and dc] to end. Join with sl st to beginning ch3, sl st into next st.
Round 10: Ch4 (counts as dc + ch1), skip next dc and ch1, dc 5 in next VSt, ch1, skip next ch1 and dc, [dc 1, ch1, skip next dc and ch1, dc 5 in next VSt, ch1, skip next ch1 and dc] to end. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch4.
Round 11: Ch6 (counts as dc + ch3), dc in same st (beginning V Stitch made), ch1, skip ch 1 and next dc, dc 3, ch1, skip next dc and ch1, [VSt, ch1, skip ch 1 and next dc, dc 3, ch1, skip next dc and ch1] to end, join with sl st to beginning ch3.
Rounds 12 to 19: Repeat Rounds 8 to 11.
Rounds 20 and 21: Repeat Rounds 8 and 9.
BAND – work in Hook I/5.50 mm
Round 1: Ch1, [sc in next 3 dc, sc in ch1 space, sc in next dc, 3sc in ch3 space, sc in next dc, sc in next ch1] to end, join. (120)
Round 2: Ch1, [sc, ch1, skip 1] to end, join, sl st into next ch1 space. (120)
Rounds 3 to 7: Ch1, [sc in next ch1 space, ch1, skip sc] repeat to end, join, sl st into next ch1 space. (120)
Round 8: Ch1, sc in each sc and ch1 space to end, join. (120)
Round 9: Working in back loop only, sl st in each st to end, join. (120)
TABS – Make 4
Row 1: Leave an 8” tail, ch16, working in back loops only, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each remaining ch to end. (15)
Rows 2 and 3: Ch1, TURN, working in back loops only, sl st in each st to end. (15)
Fasten off leaving a 12” tail.
Attach tabs:
Step 1: Lay bag flat, measure 2.5” to 3” in from each side and mark.
Line up the outer edge of the tab with the mark and with Round 1 of the BAND at the bottom. Using a yarn needle, sew in place along all 4 sides.
Step 2: Insert top of tab (the side that was not sewn down) around the RING, pull tab down to top of BAND and sew in place.
Repeat for all 4 tabs.
Note: Be sure the front and back tabs line up when bag is flat.
STRAPS – Make 2 Tutorial: http://tiny.cc/romanian-cord
Work with 2 strands of yarn held together and leave an 8″ tail for sewing: Ch 3, sc in 2nd ch from hook, turn, sc in st just made, *turn, sc in the two loops to left of the st just made*, repeat between * until handle measures 24″ or desired length, ch 1. Fasten off, leaving an 8” tail.
Assembly: Wrap one end of the strap around the ring so it overlaps itself by about 1”. Use the 8” tail to sew securely in place.
Repeat for the other end of the strap.
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Hi! I’m a teen who’s only been crocheting for a few years, and so far everything has been really easy to follow along with. I love the design of the bag, and it would be perfect as a book bag. However, I’m a bit confused on round 6 on the base, what do you mean by “turning to work on the wrong side”?
Great that you are crocheting, I love that young people are picking up this craft!
So when you are crocheting in the round (as the base is) the side facing you as you work is the “right” side, so for Round 6 I’m asking you to turn the work over so that you are looking at it from the “wrong” side and continue with the instructions. This is to create a defined edge. Hope that helps.
I love this bag! So much Im making one for SIL. I’m a little unclear on round 5 it seems to bunch up when I go from sc in prev chain sp to next repeat. Can you clarify a bit more for me?
Bonnie
Thank you! The bunching should be minimal and should smooth out over the next couple of rounds, however, if you find it is pulling too much you could try going up a hook size. We all have different tension and as we move from one section to another it could change a bit. Hope that helps.
Hi Maria,
I love this pattern but I’m really confused with round 5. I can’t seem to figure it out. Is there a video tutorial for this pattern? I really would appreciate it.
Thank you.
Chloe
I do not have a video tutorial (yet anyway), but if you can tell me where you are getting confused, I’ll try and help you through it.
Hi, I’m really stuck on round 5 of the body of the bellísima market bag. Could you help? I don’t even know in which direction I am working! Thank you
You are working in the same direction as Round 4. Round 6 you will turn to work in the other direction. I’m not sure where else you are stuck so if you need further help, please email me with specifics ([email protected])
Such a cute bag! Where can I find the pattern for that sleeveless shirt that the model in the second picture is wearing? I absolutely love it!
That will be posted in the next couple of weeks!