Mandala Market Bag

Mandala Market Bag by Seona Roberts

What is Being Made

The Mandala Market Bag is a crocheted tote-style bag designed to transform a traditional mandala motif into a functional accessory. This project creates a versatile market bag perfect for carrying items to the beach, farmers market, or as a project bag for crafting supplies. The finished bag measures approximately 50cm across the top with a depth of 30cm and includes 40cm straps for comfortable carrying.

Design and Construction

This pattern takes inspiration from Mandalas to Crochet by Haafner Linssen, which the designer has rewritten for improved clarity and extended to create the bag structure. The mandala design forms the foundation of the bag, with the pattern adapted to transition from the circular mandala motif into a functional market tote with integrated handles.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Mandala Market Bag employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern utilizes the following stitches:

• Double crochet (dc) – the primary stitch used throughout the main body of the bag
• Single crochet (sc) – used for shaping and finishing details
• Half double crochet (hdc) – incorporated for structural variation
• Chain stitch (ch) – used for foundation and pattern increases
• Slip stitch (ss) – used to join rounds and create seamless transitions

The pattern is written in US crochet terminology and includes UK term equivalents for international crafters.

Materials and Yarn

This project uses worsted weight yarn, specifically two balls of KnitPicks Dishie Yarn. The designer chose contrasting colors to complete the bag: Linen for the main body and Coffee for the handles. The use of two coordinating colors from the designer's stash adds visual interest while allowing flexibility in color selection based on available materials.

Tools and Gauge

A 5.5mm crochet hook is used throughout this project, paired with a needle for weaving in yarn ends. The gauge is 8 double crochet stitches and 4 rows measured over 5cm, which helps ensure the bag reaches the intended finished dimensions.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, the Mandala Market Bag requires familiarity with basic crochet stitches and the ability to work in rounds to create the mandala foundation before extending into the bag structure. The pattern's rewritten format aims to make the progression from mandala to functional bag accessible to crafters with some experience.