Modern Colorblock Rectangular Market Bag Pattern

A structured two-tone colorblock market tote crochet pattern easy enough for beginners with reinforced handles.

🤍
Difficulty
🟢 Beginner
Time
⏱️ 4-6 hours
Hook
🪡 H / 5.0mm
Yardage
🧶 approximately 400 yards total (250 yards Color A, 150 yards Color B)
Finished Size
📏 12 inches wide x 10 inches tall x 4 inches deep
⚠️
Always make a gauge swatch before starting!
Gauge: 14 sc x 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet
Adjust hook size as needed to match gauge.
📋

At a Glance

The Modern Colorblock Rectangular Market Bag Pattern is a free Beginner-level accessory pattern with a H / 5.0mm hook . Estimated time: 4-6 hours. Finished size: 12 inches wide x 10 inches tall x 4 inches deep. You'll need approximately approximately 400 yards total (250 yards Color A, 150 yards Color B) of yarn.

15 steps across 6 sections  ·  Free under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — you can sell finished items

🛒 Materials

Worsted weight yarn - Color A (main color)
250 yards, cotton or acrylic blend recommended for structure
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Worsted weight yarn - Color B (contrast color)
150 yards, same fiber content as Color A
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Crochet hook
Size H/5.0mm
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Yarn needle
For weaving in ends
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Stitch markers
Optional, for marking corners
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📖 Abbreviations

ch — chain
sc — single crochet
sl st — slip stitch
st(s) — stitch(es)
BLO — back loop only

📌 Before You Begin

💡

Bag is worked flat in rows for the base, then sides are worked in joined rounds.

💡

Color changes occur at end of rounds. Drop old color and pick up new color for last yarn over of final stitch.

💡

Do not fasten off when changing colors unless instructed. Carry yarn up the inside.

💡

Chain 1 at beginning of rounds does not count as a stitch.

🧶 Pattern Instructions

💡 Tip: The base should measure approximately 12 inches x 4 inches. This will be the bottom of your bag.
  1. Row 1
    With Color A, ch 43. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (42 sc)
  2. Rows 2-14
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (42 sc)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Keep tension consistent to maintain straight sides. Place markers at the 4 corners to help track placement.
  1. Round 1
    Ch 1, do not turn. Working around entire base: sc evenly 14 sc along short edge, 42 sc across long edge, 14 sc along short edge, 42 sc across long edge. Sl st to first sc to join. (112 sc)
  2. Rounds 2-14
    Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to first sc to join. (112 sc)
  3. Round 15
    Ch 1, sc in each st around. On last st, complete sc with Color B (yarn over with Color B to complete final stitch). Sl st to first sc. (112 sc)
Row counter:
  1. Rounds 16-20
    With Color B, ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to first sc to join. (112 sc)
  2. Round 21
    Ch 1, sc in each st around. On last st, complete sc with Color A. Sl st to first sc. (112 sc)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: The BLO round creates a decorative ridge at the top edge.
  1. Rounds 22-26
    With Color A, ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to first sc to join. (112 sc)
  2. Round 27
    Ch 1, sc BLO in each st around. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off. (112 sc)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: For extra sturdy handles, work additional rows to make handles 5-6 rows wide.
  1. Row 1
    With Color A, ch 61. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (60 sc)
  2. Rows 2-4
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (60 sc)
  3. Row 5
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. (60 sc)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Handles should be centered with approximately 8 inches between attachment points.
  1. Step 1
    On one long side of bag, count 14 sts from corner. Using yarn needle and long tail, whipstitch one short end of handle to bag, attaching across 6 sts. Reinforce by stitching back and forth multiple times.
  2. Step 2
    Count 14 sts from opposite corner on same side. Attach other end of handle across 6 sts, ensuring handle is not twisted.
  3. Step 3
    Repeat Steps 1-2 for second handle on opposite long side of bag.
Row counter:

✂️ Finishing

Weave in all ends securely, especially at color changes and handle attachment points. For extra reinforcement, thread a strand of matching yarn through the base of each handle attachment on the inside of the bag and tie off securely. Block bag lightly by misting with water and shaping into a rectangle. Allow to dry completely. Optional: Line the bag with fabric for extra structure and to prevent stretching.

🧺 Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. If using cotton yarn, bag can be machine washed on gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Avoid overloading bag to maintain shape.

🤖 This pattern was generated by AI and may contain errors. Always test your gauge before starting.

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Questions About This Pattern

Absolutely — just match the weight (Worsted). You'll need about approximately 400 yards total (250 yards Color A, 150 yards Color B), so make sure your substitute has enough meterage. Acrylic is budget-friendly and machine-washable; wool gives better stitch definition and drape.
Yes! This is one of the friendlier patterns to start with. You only need to know: ch, sc, sl st, st(s). Work slowly, count your stitches at the end of each row, and don't be afraid to frog (rip back) and redo a section — that's how everyone learns. Budget about 4-6 hours; beginners often take a bit longer, and that's totally fine.
Usually it's the joining or finishing — where individual sections meet and need to align. Read through the entire pattern once before you start so there are no surprises. Use stitch markers generously to track your place, especially in rounds. If a section looks wrong, count your stitches before proceeding — catching an error early saves a lot of frogging later.
For this pattern, gauge is "14 sc x 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet". For decorative or non-fitted items it's less critical, but matching gauge ensures you use the right amount of yarn and get the proportions the pattern intends. If your swatch is too small (too many stitches/inch), go up a hook size. Too large — go down.
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. If using cotton yarn, bag can be machine washed on gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Avoid overloading bag to maintain shape. A general rule: when unsure about the yarn, hand wash in cool water with a drop of gentle detergent, squeeze (don't wring), and block flat to dry. This is safe for almost every fiber.
Each section builds on the last, so yes — follow them in order. That said, some finishing sections (like embellishments or optional edging) can be skipped if you prefer a simpler look. Read through all sections before starting so you understand how the pieces fit together and can plan your yarn usage across sections.