The Coral Reef Market Bag Free Pattern – An Easy Openwork Crochet Tote with Shell Stitch Waves
The Coral Reef Market Bag Free Pattern – An Easy Openwork Crochet Tote with Shell Stitch Waves
Bring the ocean to your shoulder with this breezy, textured market bag! The Coral Reef Market Bag features a stunning shell-stitch wave pattern and a vibrant coral-to-seafoam color shift that evokes sun-drenched beaches and crystal-clear waters. This quick, satisfying project is perfect for farmers' market runs, beach days, or adding a handmade touch to your everyday summer errands. Even if you're new to crochet, this pattern is approachable and rewarding—let's dive in!
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All materials are readily available at craft stores or online.
- Yarn: Worsted weight 100% cotton yarn in three colors:
- Coral (#1) – 100g
- Peach (#2) – 80g
- Seafoam (#3) – 70g
- Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional but helpful)
Gauge: 14 dc x 8 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in shell stitch pattern (after blocking). Gauge is important for size, but this bag is forgiving—just keep your tension consistent.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This bag is worked in the round from the bottom up, then the straps are added. The shell stitch pattern creates a beautiful wave-like texture that is both sturdy and stretchy. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a gorgeous tote in no time.
Abbreviations (US terms)
ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, sk = skip, sp = space, st(s) = stitch(es), rnd(s) = round(s).
Special Stitch – Shell (SH)
Work 5 dc in the same stitch or space. This creates the signature wave.
Base of the Bag (worked in continuous spiral, do not join)
Rnd 1: With Coral, make a magic ring. Work 8 sc into the ring. Pull tight. (8 sc)
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st around. (16 sc)
Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24 sc)
Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (32 sc)
Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (40 sc)
Rnd 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48 sc)
Rnd 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (56 sc)
Rnd 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (64 sc)
Tip: Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to keep track of your spiral.
Body of the Bag (join each round with a sl st to the first st, ch 3 counts as first dc)
Rnd 9 (Coral): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 2 sts, sk 2 sts, SH in next st, sk 2 sts, *dc in next 3 sts, sk 2 sts, SH in next st, sk 2 sts* repeat around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (8 shells)
Rnd 10 (Coral): Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, sk 2 sts, SH in the ch-1 sp between shells (the space between the 3-dc group and the shell), sk 2 sts, *dc in next 3 sts, sk 2 sts, SH in the ch-1 sp between shells, sk 2 sts* repeat around, join. (8 shells)
Note: From this round on, you'll always work the 3 dc into the 3 dc of the previous round, and the SH into the space between shells. This creates the staggered wave effect.
Rnd 11 (Peach): Repeat Rnd 10, but work the 3 dc in the 3 dc of the previous round, and the SH in the ch-1 sp between shells. (8 shells)
Rnd 12 (Peach): Repeat Rnd 10. (8 shells)
Rnd 13 (Seafoam): Repeat Rnd 10. (8 shells)
Rnd 14 (Seafoam): Repeat Rnd 10. (8 shells)
Rnd 15 (Coral): Repeat Rnd 10. (8 shells)
Rnd 16 (Coral): Repeat Rnd 10. (8 shells)
Rnd 17 (Peach): Repeat Rnd 10. (8 shells)
Rnd 18 (Peach): Repeat Rnd 10. (8 shells)
Rnd 19 (Seafoam): Repeat Rnd 10. (8 shells)
Rnd 20 (Seafoam): Repeat Rnd 10. (8 shells)
Your bag body should now measure approximately 20 cm (8 inches) tall. If you want a taller bag, simply repeat Rnd 10 with your color sequence.
Top Edge (worked in rows to create the strap openings)
Row 1 (Coral): Ch 1, sc in the next 3 dc, sc in the ch-1 sp between shells, sc in the next 3 dc, sc in the ch-1 sp between shells (this covers one shell repeat). Now, ch 40 (this forms the first strap). Skip the next 4 shell repeats (i.e., skip 4 shells and the 3-dc groups between them). Sc in the ch-1 sp between the 4th and 5th shell, sc in the next 3 dc, sc in the ch-1 sp between shells, sc in the next 3 dc, sc in the ch-1 sp between shells (this covers the 5th shell repeat). Ch 40 (this forms the second strap). Skip the remaining 3 shell repeats. Join with sl st to the first sc. (You will have 2 strap openings of 4 shell repeats each, and 2 sections of 1 shell repeat each for the front and back of the bag top).
Double-check: You should have 8 shells total. You've covered 1 shell for the front, skipped 4 for the first strap opening, covered 1 shell for the back, and skipped 3 for the second strap opening. That's 1+4+1+3 = 9? No—wait, let's recount: 1 (front) + 4 (skipped) + 1 (back) + 3 (skipped) = 9? That's not right. Let's clarify: You have 8 shells. You cover 1 shell for the front, skip 4 shells for the first strap opening, cover 1 shell for the back, and skip 2 shells for the second strap opening. That's 1+4+1+2 = 8. Perfect! So skip 2 shells, not 3, for the second strap opening. Adjust accordingly: After the back section, ch 40, skip the remaining 2 shell repeats, and join.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across the front section (5 sc), sc in each ch of the first strap (40 sc), sc in each sc across the back section (5 sc), sc in each ch of the second strap (40 sc). Join with sl st to first sc. (90 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join. (90 sc)
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join. (90 sc)
Finishing
Fasten off and weave in all ends with your yarn needle. Block the bag gently to shape and open up the shell stitches. To block, wet the bag, gently squeeze out excess water, and lay it flat to dry, shaping it as desired. The straps will naturally curl slightly, which is fine. To make the straps lie flat, you can twist them once before wearing, or simply let them hang naturally.
Tips for Success
- Keep tension even: Cotton yarn doesn't stretch much, so consistent tension is key for a uniform look.
- Count your stitches: Especially in the base rounds, counting ensures a flat, circular bottom.
- Use stitch markers: Mark the beginning of each round to avoid losing your place.
- Blocking is worth it: Blocking opens up the shell stitches and gives the bag a professional finish.
Your Coral Reef Market Bag is now ready for its debut! Whether you're heading to the beach, the market, or just out for a stroll, this bag is a stylish, eco-friendly companion. Happy crocheting!
