Heirloom Lace Market Bag Free Pattern

Introducing the Heirloom Lace Market Bag

Elevate your everyday errands with a touch of timeless elegance. The Heirloom Lace Market Bag is more than just a carryall; it's a cherished accessory that transforms a simple trip to the market into a stylish statement. This free crochet pattern combines the practicality of a sturdy, seamless bag with the delicate beauty of intricate lace panels. Made with durable, eco-friendly cotton, this bag is designed to be both beautiful and long-lasting, creating an heirloom piece you'll be proud to use for years to come.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crocheting experience.

• Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (DK weight, 100% mercerized cotton) in 'Ecru' (approximately 350 yards). This yarn provides excellent stitch definition and durability.
• Hook: Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook.
• Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing handles, scissors.

Gauge: 16 double crochet (dc) x 8 rows = 4 inches in the pattern stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the bag to hold its shape and size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Notes: This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified. The chain 3 at the beginning of each round counts as the first double crochet stitch. All rounds are joined with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-3.

Base (Circular Bottom)

The base is worked in a flat circle, increasing evenly each round to create a sturdy foundation.

• Round 1: Chain 4. Work 11 double crochet (dc) into the 4th chain from the hook (the 3 skipped chains count as the first dc). Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-3. (12 dc total)
• Round 2: Chain 3 (counts as first dc). Work 1 dc in the same stitch (the base of the chain-3). Work 2 dc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch. (24 dc)
• Round 3: Chain 3. Work 1 dc in the same stitch. *Dc in the next stitch, then 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (36 dc)
• Round 4: Chain 3. Work 1 dc in the same stitch. *Dc in the next 2 stitches, then 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (48 dc)
• Round 5: Chain 3. Work 1 dc in the same stitch. *Dc in the next 3 stitches, then 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (60 dc)

Body (Lace Pattern)

This section creates the beautiful, airy lace mesh. The pattern repeats across each round, gradually increasing the chain spaces for a flared, elegant shape.

• Round 6: Chain 4 (counts as dc + ch 1). Skip the next stitch. *Dc in the next stitch, chain 1, skip the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch to the 3rd chain of the beginning chain-4. (30 dc, 30 ch-1 spaces)
• Round 7: Slip stitch into the first chain-1 space. Chain 3 (counts as first dc). Work 2 dc in the same space. *Chain 2, then work 3 dc in the next chain-1 space.* Repeat from * to * around. End with chain 2, then join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-3.
• Round 8: Slip stitch to the next dc (the second dc of the 3-dc group). Chain 3. Dc in the next 2 dc. *Chain 3, single crochet (sc) in the chain-2 space, chain 3, then dc in the next 3 dc.* Repeat from * to * around. End with chain 3, sc in the last chain-2 space, chain 3, then join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-3.
• Round 9: Chain 3. Dc in the next 2 dc. *Chain 4, sc in the next sc, chain 4, then dc in the next 3 dc.* Repeat from * to * around. End with chain 4, sc in the last sc, chain 4, then join with a slip stitch.
• Round 10: Chain 3. Dc in the next 2 dc. *Chain 5, sc in the next sc, chain 5, then dc in the next 3 dc.* Repeat from * to * around. End with chain 5, sc in the last sc, chain 5, then join.
• Round 11: Chain 3. Dc in the next 2 dc. *Chain 6, sc in the next sc, chain 6, then dc in the next 3 dc.* Repeat from * to * around. End with chain 6, sc in the last sc, chain 6, then join.
• Round 12: Chain 3. Dc in the next 2 dc. *Chain 7, sc in the next sc, chain 7, then dc in the next 3 dc.* Repeat from * to * around. End with chain 7, sc in the last sc, chain 7, then join.
• Round 13: Chain 3. Dc in the next 2 dc. *Chain 8, sc in the next sc, chain 8, then dc in the next 3 dc.* Repeat from * to * around. End with chain 8, sc in the last sc, chain 8, then join.
• Round 14: Chain 3. Dc in the next 2 dc. *Chain 9, sc in the next sc, chain 9, then dc in the next 3 dc.* Repeat from * to * around. End with chain 9, sc in the last sc, chain 9, then join.
• Round 15: Chain 3. Dc in the next 2 dc. *Chain 10, sc in the next sc, chain 10, then dc in the next 3 dc.* Repeat from * to * around. End with chain 10, sc in the last sc, chain 10, then join with a slip stitch.

Top Edge

This section creates a dense, sturdy border that finishes the bag beautifully and prevents stretching.

• Round 16: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Single crochet (sc) in the same stitch (the top of the chain-3). *Sc in the next 2 dc, then work 10 sc evenly into the chain-10 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (156 sc)
• Round 17: Chain 1. Sc in each sc around. Join with a slip stitch. (156 sc)
• Round 18: Chain 1. Sc in each sc around. Join with a slip stitch. Fasten off and weave in the end. (156 sc)

Handles (Make 2)

These handles are worked flat in rows and are designed to be sturdy and comfortable to hold.

• Row 1: Chain 6. Single crochet (sc) in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (5 sc)
• Rows 2-50: Chain 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. (5 sc) Repeat for a total of 50 rows, or until the handle reaches your desired length. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing.

Assembly

• Position the handles on the inside of the bag. Space them evenly apart (approximately 6 inches between the two attachment points on each side) on opposite sides of the bag.
• Using the long yarn tails and a yarn needle, securely sew each end of the handles to the inside of the bag, just below the top edge. Make sure to sew through both the handle and the bag fabric for a strong hold.
• Weave in all remaining ends neatly on the inside of the bag.

Your Heirloom Lace Market Bag is now complete! Enjoy your beautiful, handmade accessory that combines vintage charm with modern practicality.