The “Nice Bag” is a delightful take on the ubiquitous plastic bag. Borrowing the plastic bag’s shape and construction but replacing the material with an ecofriendly cotton mesh, this market bag provides a reusable alternative that’s fresh and fun.

The bag is worked in one piece from side to side. Assembly is based on the construction used to make the plastic shopping bags we see in stores. After the bag body is seamed lengthwise, the mesh fabric on each side is folded inward to create a gusset. The bottom edge is single-crochet seamed, keeping the gusset folded in place. Finally the handles are folded in line with the sides and seamed at the top. Locking stitch markers are used to help point out the location of gusset folds.

Customize the front and back of your bag with filet crochet. Choose from the six designs provided or create your own design to make a unique bag you’ll want to take everywhere.

Skill Level
Confident Beginner

Finished Measurements
12.5 inches (32 cm) wide x 13 inches (33 cm) long x 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) deep, excluding handles

Materials
We Crochet Curio No. 3 lace weight 100% mercerized cotton (295 yds/270 m; 3.5 oz/100 g per ball): 2 balls of #27999 Natural
This yarn is Oeko-Tex Certified Standard 100. To learn more, visit www.oeko-tex.com.
Size C/2/2.75mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
6 rustproof locking stitch markers
Tapestry needle

Gauge
8 blocks and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) blocked

PATTERN INCLUDES
• Photos of finished project.
• List of abbreviations used.
• Schematic.
• Photo tutorial with written instructions for bag assembly.
• Filet charts for 6 unique designs: Classic Rose, Cherries, Southwest, Waveform, Square Wave, and Modern.
• Blank filet chart for you to create your own design!
• Row Tracker Diagram and Checklist to help you keep track as you go!

This pattern listing includes 3 downloadable files:
(1) Main Pattern PDF presents the pattern in a 2-column layout with color photos, schematic, and row tracker.
(2) Filet Charts PDF: Filet charts for 6 designs, plus a blank chart you can use to create your own design.
(3) Print- and Screen-Friendly PDF: An additional pdf presents the pattern in a simplified 1-column layout. All text is in black. Assembly photo tutorial will render well with black and white printing. All photos contain alternate text.

Stitches Used
Chain(s), slip stitch, single crochet, and double crochet

Pattern written in US crochet terms.

This pattern was tested by Odette Blaak, Jane Dixon, Pamela Hurtado, and Lee Smith

Technical editing by Randy Cavaliere