Free Pattern No. 3 — Recycled Sari Silk Crochet Market Bag

September 6, 2026

KnitSilk Free Pattern No. 3 for a crochet market bag

Recycled Sari Silk
Crochet Market Bag

Three Balls. A Brighter Tomorrow. Carry Color. Carry Change.

Lightweight. Strong. Beautiful. Sustainable. This open-mesh bag is satisfying to make with KnitSilk Recycled Sari Silk. It is useful, eco-conscious, and unique. Every stitch tells a story of reclaimed Indian sari fabric.

Perfect for markets, beach, travel, grocery runs, gifting — and everyday adventures. Every bag is one of a kind.

Shop KnitSilk Recycled Sari Silk →

🧶 Crochet Market Bag Project at a Glance

💪 Skill level	Beginner+
🧵 Yarn	KnitSilk Recycled Sari Silk — 3 × 100g balls (~50 yards each)
📏 Total yarn	~150 yards available; ~120–150 yards used
�瞧 Hook	10 mm (US N/P); use 9 mm for finer yarn or denser fabric
📐 Finished size	Approx. 12 in wide × 13 in tall
👜 Handle drop	Approx. 9–10 in
🔧 Techniques	Chain, double crochet, chain spaces, slip stitch
⏱ Time	4–6 hours (relax and enjoy!)

✂️ What You’ll Need

3 × 100g KnitSilk Recycled Sari Silk balls
10 mm crochet hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Measuring tape
Optional: stitch marker, magnetic snap, fabric lining

Get your KnitSilk Recycled Sari Silk here →

📖 Abbreviations & Stitch Guide

Abbreviation	Stitch	How to work it
ch	Chain	Yarn over, pull through loop
dc	Double Crochet	Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops twice
ch-sp	Chain Space	The open space created by a chain between stitches — the mesh openings
sl st	Slip Stitch	Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both loops — used to join rounds
sc	Single Crochet	Insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops

💡 Tension Tip:

⚠️ Before You Start: Embrace the Yarn

Recycled sari silk is intentionally irregular. You may encounter changes in width, thickness, colour, texture, knots, and joins within the same ball. These are features of the material — not flaws.

Keep your tension relaxed. Let the colour changes and texture build the design. The finished bag will be completely unlike any other bag in the world.

🟩 Step 1 — Make the Oval Base

A firm oval base gives the bag its structure and shape.

Chain 26. Keep the foundation chain relaxed — do not pull tight.
Round 1: DC in the 4th chain from hook and DC across. At the final chain, work 6 DC in the end space. Continue DC along the underside of the foundation chain. Work 5 DC in the remaining end space. Slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Ch 3. DC around. At each rounded end, work increases evenly so the base stays flat. Join with a sl st.
Round 3: Ch 3. DC around, continuing increases only at the two rounded ends as needed. Join with a sl st.

Target base size: approximately 9 in long × 4 in wide. If the base is already wide enough, stop increasing and begin the side wall.

📌 Base Tip:

🟧 Step 2 — Build the Side Wall

Transition from base to bag sides with straight DC rounds.

Work 1 round of DC around the base without increasing. This establishes the vertical transition from base to sides.
Continue with DC rounds until the base-to-body transition is clearly vertical and the bag measures approximately 4 inches from the bottom.
Do not increase once the sides are established.

🟦 Step 3 — Create the Open Mesh Body

The signature open mesh that makes this bag beautiful and practical.

Mesh Round: Ch 4 (counts as DC + ch 1). Skip the next stitch. DC in the next stitch. Repeat around: ch 1, skip 1, DC in next stitch. Join with a sl st to the 3rd chain of the starting ch-4.
Next Mesh Round: Ch 4. Work DC into each DC of the previous round, with ch 1 between each DC stitch. Join with a sl st.
Repeat the mesh round until the body measures approximately 12–13 inches from the bottom.

🕷️ Mesh Tip:

🌈 Step 4 — Change Yarn Balls

When Ball 1 ends, join Ball 2 and continue. When Ball 2 ends, join Ball 3.
For a natural one-of-a-kind look: allow colour changes to happen wherever they occur.
For more deliberate colour blocks: join the next ball at the beginning of a round.
Secure each join by weaving the yarn tails back through several stitches after the bag is complete.

🎨 Color Note:

🟥 Step 5 — Top Edge

Finish with a firm, neat edge that holds the bag open.

Work 2–3 rounds of SC around the top edge.
Keep the final round firm but not tight — it should hold shape without puckering.
Slip stitch to finish. Fasten off and leave a 10–12 inch tail for finishing.

🟣 Step 6 — Make the Handles

Two sturdy handles with a generous 9–10 inch drop.

Attach yarn approximately 2 inches from each side seam.
Chain 70–80 for an approximately 9–10 inch handle drop. Adjust chain length to suit the wearer’s preference.
Work SC back along the chain. Repeat for 2–3 rows to create a wider, more comfortable handle.
Make the second handle to match in length and width.

🟤 Step 7 — Attach & Reinforce the Handles

Position both handles symmetrically on the inside of the bag top edge.
Sew each handle securely using the yarn tail and a tapestry needle.
Reinforce each attachment point with several passes of yarn. A small square or rectangle of stitching spreads the load and prevents tearing.
Before using for heavier items, test the handles gently and reinforce further if needed.

✨ Step 8 — Finishing

Weave all loose ends securely through several stitches, changing direction before trimming.
Add a magnetic snap at the top opening for security, or sew in a simple cotton lining for a market-ready professional finish.
Lightly reshape the bag by hand. Avoid aggressive stretching or heat.

🛋️ Ideal For:

🧺 Care Instructions

Hand wash gently in cool water with mild detergent
Do not wring or twist
Lay flat to dry — avoid high heat

🌟 Leftover Yarn Ideas

Nothing goes to waste with KnitSilk Recycled Sari Silk. Use remaining yarn to make:

🧶 A colorful tassel to hang from the bag handle
🌸 A crocheted flower to pin to the bag or wear as a brooch
🔑 A keychain charm
👛 A small coin pouch or gift bag

Keep leftover pieces in a KnitSilk project bag — sari silk mixes beautifully in future mixed-media and weaving projects.

♻️ From Sari to Second Life

KnitSilk Recycled Sari Silk uses reclaimed Indian sari textiles. These fabrics are given a second life as colorful craft material. Each ball carries the history of a pre-loved garment. When you carry this bag, you carry that story forward.

Beautiful. Purposeful. Handmade. • Sustainable • One-of-a-kind • Reduces textile waste • Supports artisan communities
Carry Color. Carry Change.

🛍️ Ready to Start?

Each set of 3 balls gives you approximately 150 yards. This is everything you need for the bag. You will have a little left for a tassel or charm.

Shop Recycled Sari Silk → All KnitSilk Yarns →

Ships to all 50 US states including Alaska and Hawaii. knitsilk.us

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is this pattern suitable for a complete beginner?

This pattern is rated Beginner+. It introduces the chain-space mesh technique. It is manageable if you completed Pattern No. 1 or Pattern No. 2. The mesh is a repeat of DC, ch 1, skip 1. It works up quickly once you have the rhythm.

How much can this bag hold?

The finished bag is approximately 12 in wide × 13 in tall with a stretchy mesh body. It easily holds a full grocery shop, beach towel, yoga mat, or day-trip essentials. The reinforced handles are designed to carry real weight.

My mesh rounds look uneven — is that normal?

Yes, completely normal with recycled sari silk. The yarn’s natural variation in thickness and texture creates slight irregularity in the mesh openings. This is part of the handmade, artisanal character of the finished bag — not a mistake.

Can I make the bag larger?

Yes. Start with a longer foundation chain for a wider bag. Work more mesh rounds for extra height. Larger bags use more yarn. Consider having 4 balls if you go significantly bigger.

How do I stop the handles from stretching?

Work 3 rows of SC on each handle for extra body. Reinforce attachment points with a rectangle of stitching. For heavy use, a fabric lining helps distribute the load.