Sarah's Shopping Bag

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Inspiration for Sarah’s Crochet Shopping Bag

As we step into a new year, one of my biggest goals is to make more sustainable choices—starting with something simple and practical: a crochet shopping bag.

This handmade crochet shopping bag was inspired by my desire to reduce plastic use and embrace eco-friendly alternatives in everyday life. What began as a small personal project quickly became something much more meaningful.

Why I Designed This Crochet Shopping Bag

The turning point came during a visit to Kenya in the summer of 2019. It had been a while since I had been home, and just before landing, the flight attendant announced that plastic bags were strictly prohibited. Anyone found using them would face fines or even prosecution.

At first, I was surprised. But once I arrived, I was amazed.

The streets were cleaner. The rivers were clearer. Gone were the plastic bags that once clogged drainage systems and caused stagnant water—breeding grounds for mosquitoes and contributors to rising malaria cases. Seeing firsthand how one policy could create such visible change left a deep impression on me.

That experience planted a seed. I realized that small, intentional changes—like switching to a reusable crochet shopping bag—can truly make a difference.

The Perfect Reusable Crochet Shopping Bag

This crochet shopping bag is designed to be both practical and stylish. It’s perfect for:

Grocery shopping
Open market visits
Beach outings
Everyday errands
Even as a casual purse

Because it’s reusable and washable, this crochet shopping bag makes an excellent alternative to disposable plastic bags.

Here are other Crochet bags you might like

Materials and Pattern Details

To create this crochet shopping bag, I used Lily Sugar’n Cream 100% cotton yarn, choosing multiple shades within the same color family for a cohesive look. Cotton yarn makes the bag strong, breathable, and durable—ideal for carrying groceries and daily essentials.

The pattern itself is simple and beginner-friendly. It uses:

Single crochet stitches
Double crochet stitches

The double crochet stitches are crisscrossed to add texture and visual interest, giving the crochet shopping bag a modern, stylish finish. The strap is made entirely of single crochet stitches, making it firm and sturdy enough to carry heavier items comfortably.

It’s a quick and satisfying project that you can complete in a short time, making it perfect for crocheters who want a practical make with purpose.

Small Changes, Big Impact

After witnessing the environmental transformation in Kenya, I felt energized. I wanted to contribute in my own way—to choose eco-friendly products and reduce waste where I could.

Why not start with a bag?

This crochet shopping bag is my first step toward living more sustainably. It’s proof that handmade items aren’t just beautiful—they can also be part of a meaningful lifestyle shift.

If you’ve been looking for a simple way to reduce plastic use, consider making your own crochet shopping bag. One small change can lead to a ripple effect—and together, those small changes add up.

I felt even more inspired when Fiona Field of Cosy Rosie UK announced her New Year Resolution Blog Hop for 2021. It felt like the perfect opportunity to share not only my commitment to making more eco-friendly choices, but also this crochet shopping bag pattern with a wider community. Being part of Fiona’s New Year Resolutions Blog Hop 2021 gave me the chance to turn my personal goal into something creative and practical that others can enjoy too.

‍Materials

Lily Sugar ‘ N Cream 100% Cotton 190 yds (174 m)/4oz (113 g) worsted weight yarn -4

Color A– Marine Blue 175 yds (160 m)

Color B– Blueberry 80 yds (73 m)

Color C– Cornflower 80 yds (73 m)

Hook 4 mm (G)

Scissors

Skill Level

Intermediate

Gauge

15 sts x 10 rows (5 dc + 5 sc) = 4 in x 4 in (10 cm)

Finished Measurements

12 in x 14 in (Laying flat)

Abbreviations

Ch- chain

St(s)- stitch(es)

Sc- single crochet

Dc- double crochet

Bpdc- Back post double crochet

Sk- skip

Ccs- criss-cross stitch

Rep- repeat

Special Stitch

Crisscross stitch (ccs)- sk 1 sc, 1 dc in next sc, 1 dc in sc just skipped. This creates a crossed or twisted pair of dc sts.

Notes

- Ch 2 at the beginning of each round does not count as a stitch
- Colors are changed every 2 rows while repeating rounds 9 and 10
  
  Pattern Instructions
  
  With Color A, Ch 29
  
  Round 1: sc 3 sts in 2nd st, sc in next 26 sts, sc 6 sts in last st, do not turn, sc in next 26 sts on the opposite side to last st, sc 3 sts in last st where you sc 3 sts the first 3 sts to make 6sts, join (64)
  
  Round 2: ch 2, 2 dc each in next 3 sts, dc each in next 26 sts, 2 dc each in next 6 sts, dc each in next 26 sts, 2 dc each in next 3 sts, join (76)
  
  Round 3: ch 2, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) x 3, dc each in next 26 sts, (2dc in next st, dc in next st) x 6, dc each in next 26 sts, (2 dc in next st, dc each in next st 2 sts) x 3, join (88)
  
  Round 4: ch 2, (2 dc in next st, dc each in next 2 sts) x 3, dc each in next 26 sts, (2 dc, in next st, dc each in next 2 sts) x 6 sts, dc each in next 26 sts, (2 dc in next st, dc each in next 2 sts) x 3, join (100)