Sun-Kissed Citrus Market Tote Free Pattern – Crochet a Vibrant Grocery Bag

Imagine strolling through your local farmers' market with a bag that's as bright and cheerful as the produce you're carrying. This Sun-Kissed Citrus Market Tote is not just a practical accessory—it's a statement of eco-conscious style. Crocheted entirely from upcycled plastic bags (plarn), this sturdy mesh bag features vibrant stripes of sunny yellow, tangerine orange, and coral pink that will make you smile every time you use it. Best of all, you're giving plastic bags a second life, keeping them out of landfills while creating something beautiful and functional. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a curious beginner, this pattern is designed to be accessible, rewarding, and fun. Let's dive in and create something wonderful together!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

This market tote is the perfect blend of form and function. The open mesh stitch allows air to circulate around your groceries, keeping produce fresh, while the sturdy plarn construction ensures it can handle heavy loads. The circular base gives the bag a roomy shape that stands upright on its own, making it easy to pack and unpack. Plus, the crab stitch edging and comfortable handles add a polished, professional finish. And because you're using upcycled materials, every bag you make is a small victory for the planet!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather your materials. Here's what you'll need:

• Plarn (Plastic Bag Yarn): Approximately 40-50 plastic grocery bags, cut into 1-inch strips and joined into continuous strands. For the citrus color effect, collect bags in yellow, orange, and pink shades. If you can't find colored bags, you can paint plain white bags with acrylic paint before cutting them into strips, or simply use all white/clear bags for a classic look.
• Optional: Cotton yarn for handles if you prefer a softer, more comfortable grip.
• Crochet Hook: Size 10mm (US P-16) or size needed to achieve gauge.
• Stitch Markers to keep track of rounds.
• Scissors for cutting plastic bags and trimming yarn ends.
• Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends and sewing handles.

How to Make Plarn

If you've never made plarn before, it's easy! Here's a quick guide:

1. Flatten a plastic bag and fold it in half lengthwise, then in half again.
2. Cut off the bottom seam and the handles.
3. Cut the remaining tube into 1-inch wide strips.
4. Open each strip into a loop, then loop one through another and pull tight to join them into a continuous strand. Repeat until you have a large ball of plarn.

For this pattern, you'll want to sort your plarn by color so you can easily switch between stripes.

Gauge

8 single crochet (sc) x 9 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet with plarn. Gauge is important for achieving the right size bag, so take a moment to check your tension. If your gauge is off, try a different hook size until you match it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes Before You Start

• Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
• Plarn can be slippery, so keep your tension consistent to avoid loose stitches.
• When changing colors, simply drop the old color and pick up the new one at the start of a round, leaving a tail to weave in later.

Base

The base of the bag is worked in a spiral, increasing evenly each round to create a flat circle. Follow these rounds carefully:

• Round 1: Make a magic ring, ch 1, work 8 sc into the ring. Pull tight to close. (8 sc)
• Round 2: Work 2 sc in each sc around. (16 sc)
• Round 3: *Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (24 sc)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (32 sc)
• Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (40 sc)
• Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (48 sc)
• Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (56 sc)
• Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (64 sc)
• Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (72 sc)
• Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (80 sc)
• Round 11: *Sc in next 9 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (88 sc)
• Round 12: *Sc in next 10 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (96 sc)
• Round 13: *Sc in next 11 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (104 sc)
• Round 14: *Sc in next 12 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (112 sc)
• Round 15: *Sc in next 13 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (120 sc)
• Round 16: *Sc in next 14 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (128 sc)
• Round 17: *Sc in next 15 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (136 sc)
• Round 18: *Sc in next 16 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (144 sc)
• Round 19: *Sc in next 17 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (152 sc)
• Round 20: *Sc in next 18 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (160 sc)
• Round 21: *Sc in next 19 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (168 sc)
• Round 22: *Sc in next 20 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (176 sc)
• Round 23: *Sc in next 21 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (184 sc)
• Round 24: *Sc in next 22 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (192 sc)
• Round 25: *Sc in next 23 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (200 sc)
• Round 26: *Sc in next 24 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (208 sc)
• Round 27: *Sc in next 25 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (216 sc)
• Round 28: *Sc in next 26 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (224 sc)
• Round 29: *Sc in next 27 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (232 sc)
• Round 30: *Sc in next 28 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat around. (240 sc)

Your base should now measure approximately 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. If it's curling, your tension may be too tight; if it's ruffling, too loose. Adjust accordingly.

Body

Now we'll create the mesh pattern that gives the bag its beautiful, airy texture. This section is worked in joined rounds.

• Round 31: Ch 1, sc in each sc around. (240 sc)
• Round 32: Ch 3 (counts as dc), *skip 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 1, dc in same sc* repeat around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (80 V-stitches)
• Round 33: Sl st into ch-1 space, ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same space, *skip 2 dc, work 2 dc in next ch-1 space* repeat around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (80 dc pairs)
• Round 34: Ch 1, sc in each dc and in each space between dc pairs around. (160 sc)
• Round 35: Ch 3 (counts as dc), *skip 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 1, dc in same sc* repeat around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (80 V-stitches)
• Round 36: Sl st into ch-1 space, ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same space, *skip 2 dc, work 2 dc in next ch-1 space* repeat around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (80 dc pairs)
• Round 37: Ch 1, sc in each dc and in each space between dc pairs around. (160 sc)
• Rounds 38-45: Repeat Rounds 35-37 four more times, alternating colors as desired (e.g., yellow, orange, pink, yellow, orange).

To change colors, simply start the new round with the new color, joining with a slip stitch. Weave in ends as you go or leave them for the end—just make sure they're secure.

Top Edging

Finish the top of the bag with a neat, sturdy edge.

• Round 46: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join with sl st to first sc. (160 sc)
• Round 47: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join with sl st to first sc. (160 sc)
• Round 48: Ch 1, reverse sc (crab stitch) in each sc around, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

The crab stitch creates a lovely, twisted rope-like edge that adds durability and a polished look.

Handles (Make 2)

These sturdy handles are crocheted flat and then sewn onto the bag.

• Row 1: With plarn, ch 8, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (7 sc)
• Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across. (7 sc)
• Repeat Row 2 until handle measures approximately 18 inches (45 cm) long. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

If you're using cotton yarn for handles, follow the same pattern but with a smaller hook (e.g., 5mm) and adjust the length to your preference.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring your bag together!

1. Fold each handle in half lengthwise to create a loop.
2. Sew the ends of each handle securely to the inside of the bag, positioning them on opposite sides of the top edge, about 3 inches (7.5 cm) from the sides.
3. Reinforce with extra stitches to ensure the handles can bear heavy loads.
4. Weave in all ends carefully.

Tips for Success

• Consistent Tension: Plarn doesn't have much give, so keep your tension even. If your hands get tired, take breaks—this is a marathon, not a sprint!
• Color Planning: Decide your stripe order before you start. A simple repeat like yellow-orange-pink creates a lovely rhythm.
• Reinforcement: When sewing handles, go through the bag's fabric multiple times to create a strong anchor point.
• Washing: To clean your bag, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or rinse it in the sink. Plarn dries quickly!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've just created a beautiful, eco-friendly market tote that's as unique as you are. Not only have you made something practical and gorgeous, but you've also given new life to materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. This Sun-Kissed Citrus Market Tote is perfect for grocery shopping, beach trips, picnics, or as a thoughtful handmade gift for a friend who loves sustainability. Share your creation with us on social media using #SunKissedCitrusTote—we'd love to see your color combinations! Happy crocheting, and enjoy your new favorite bag!