Molly Market Bag

Molly Market Bag by Iron Lamb

What is Being Made

The Molly Market Bag is a practical, everyday tote bag designed by Iron Lamb. This downloadable crochet pattern creates a spacious market bag suitable for shopping, carrying groceries, or general use. The finished bag measures approximately 42cm in length and 38cm in width after use, with the fabric stretching slightly during regular handling. The pattern offers flexibility in construction, allowing makers to choose between a plain bag with contrast handle trim or a color-blocked design featuring two distinct yarn colors.

Techniques Used

The Molly Market Bag is constructed using fundamental crochet techniques appropriate for beginners. The bag is created by working in the round, a technique that builds the structure continuously without requiring seaming. This method produces a seamless, durable construction ideal for a functional accessory that will experience regular use. The pattern is written in UK crochet terminology, making it accessible to crocheters familiar with British crochet conventions.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs several essential crochet stitches to create the bag's structure and texture:

• Chain stitch (ch) – used for foundation and increases
• Double crochet (dc) – provides a tight, dense fabric
• Half treble crochet (htr) – offers medium height and texture
• Treble crochet (tr) – the primary stitch used throughout the bag, creating the main fabric with a tension of 7.5 stitches and 7.5 rows equaling 10cm
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining rounds and finishing

The pattern also incorporates spaces (sp) created between stitches, which add visual interest and texture to the finished piece.

Materials Required

Yarn: Aran weight cotton yarn is the recommended fiber for this project. The pattern suggests Drops Paris Cotton Yarn as a suitable option. Yarn quantities vary depending on the chosen design variation. For a plain bag with contrast handle trim, the main bag requires 3 balls of yarn A (125g / 188m total) and 1 ball of yarn B for the contrast trim (25g / 38m). For the color-blocked version, the bottom half needs 2 balls of yarn A (65g / 98m) and the top half requires 2 balls of yarn B (85g / 128m). Cotton yarn provides durability and breathability, making it ideal for a market bag that will hold groceries and other items.

Hook: A 5mm crochet hook is required, or whichever hook size is necessary to achieve the correct tension. Proper tension is essential for the bag to reach its intended finished dimensions.

Notions: A yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends and finishing, and stitch markers help track rounds and pattern repeats during construction.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly and easy to work. The straightforward construction method and use of basic crochet stitches make it an excellent project for those new to crochet or looking to build confidence with fundamental techniques.