The Farmer’s Market Filet Crochet Bag is a free crochet pattern designed by Robyn Chachula for Marly Bird. It’s a sturdy 14″ x 16″ filet crochet market bag worked in joined rounds, then turned rounds, using a DK-weight cotton/hemp blend yarn. Filet crochet uses only chains and double crochets in an open grid, which makes it surprisingly approachable for intermediate crocheters… and the finished bag is gorgeous, breathable, and strong enough to carry a Saturday morning haul of tomatoes and a sourdough loaf.
If you’ve been curious about filet crochet but never quite found a project worth diving in for, this is the one. The technique is having a quiet renaissance right now… and a market bag is the perfect canvas for it. Free pattern on the blog. Ad-free PDF on Etsy, Shopify, and Ravelry for crafters who like to print and stitch without scrolling.
Hey, bestie 💛 Robyn Chachula designed this beauty for the Marly Bird community, and I cannot wait for you to make it. There’s something about a handmade market bag that just feels like a love letter to summer — to slow Saturday mornings, to local farmers, to the way a good cotton bag will hold half its weight in produce and STILL look like art slung over your shoulder. Robyn’s filet grid does the heavy visual lifting, the construction is more forgiving than it looks, and once you click into the rhythm of “chain two, skip two, double crochet”… you’re cruising.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to your yarn-loving heart. Thank you for supporting Marly Bird!
🌽 Originally Released as Day 13 of Spring Fling 2026
The Farmer’s Market Filet Crochet Bag debuted as the Day 13 brand-new release in our 20-day Spring Fling 2026 free pattern event, designed in collaboration with Robyn Chachula. The free pattern lives here on the blog forever — and you can grab the ad-free PDF anytime on Etsy, Shopify, or Ravelry.
👉 Browse all 20 Spring Fling patterns on the Hub — or scroll down for the ad-free PDF.
What You Will Love About This Filet Crochet Bag 💖
🌽 It’s a modern take on a classic technique. Filet crochet has been around for over a century, but most filet patterns floating around the internet are dated or wedding-doily styled. This one is fresh, modern, and built for everyday use… a market bag you’ll actually grab on the way out the door.
🧶 The stitches are simpler than the result looks. If you can chain and double crochet, you can filet. The whole “grid” effect comes from alternating between chain-2 spaces (open squares) and groups of double crochets (filled squares). That’s it. The chart does the design thinking for you — you just read it and stitch.
🌿 The yarn breathes and holds shape. Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy is a cotton/hemp/modal blend with just enough body to keep the bag’s silhouette structured, even when you’re hauling a watermelon home. The hemp content also softens beautifully with washing — like a good pair of linen pants.
👜 The integrated handles are a chef’s kiss. No sewing on straps later. The handles are crocheted directly into the top edge with a clever chain-and-skip technique that gives you sturdy carry loops without breaking your rhythm at the end.
✨ It’s a gateway project for one of crochet’s quietly hottest techniques. Filet crochet is having a moment — Pinterest searches are climbing, indie designers are dropping filet patterns, and the vintage-modern look is everywhere. Learn it now on this bag, then run wild with curtains, runners, wall hangings, or your own custom designs.
Quick Pattern Overview
📐 Finished size: 14″ [35.5 cm] wide by 16″ [40.5 cm] tall, not including handles.
🧶 Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy — DK-weight cotton/hemp/modal blend, 3 balls. Or any DK cotton-blend yarn that holds structure (alternatives below).
🪝 Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) — or whatever size gets you gauge.
📏 Gauge: 7 ch-2 spaces and 8 rows = 4″ [10 cm] x 4″ [10 cm].
🎯 Skill level: Intermediate. You’ll work joined rounds, turned rounds, and read a filet chart — if you’ve made a granny square and aren’t scared of charts, you’ve got this.
🧵 Designed by: Robyn Chachula for Marly Bird.
Love the Pattern but Want an Ad-Free PDF? ⭐
The full pattern is FREE here on the blog… and if you love the rhythm of scrolling through a blog post while you stitch, you’re all set. But if you’d rather print the pattern, mark it up with sticky notes, and stitch without ads or scrolling, grab the ad-free PDF on Etsy, Shopify, or Ravelry. It’s the same pattern in a clean, printable format.
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Is This Filet Crochet Bag Right for You?
This pattern is built for the intermediate crocheter who’s ready to learn one new technique on familiar stitches. You’ll need to be comfortable with chains, double crochets, half double crochets, slip stitches, working in the round (joined AND turned), and reading a simple chart. Everything else — including the filet rhythm and the special stitches like the stacked double crochet — is taught inside the pattern with full notes.
If you’re newer to crochet, this isn’t the place to start… but it’s a beautiful goal project to work toward. Make a few quick crochet gifts first to build your stitch confidence, then come back for the filet adventure.
If you’ve ever made a crochet bag before and want to level up into a more graphic, lacier look… you’re going to LOVE this. The construction is the same flat-bottomed, worked-in-the-round approach you already know — just with a filet chart layered on top.
What Is Filet Crochet (And Why Is Everyone Doing It Again)?
Filet crochet is a technique that uses ONLY chains and double crochets, arranged in an open grid. Each square in the grid is either “open” (a chain-2 space with a double crochet on each side) or “filled” (two double crochets between the side stitches, no chains). When you stack rows of open and filled squares according to a chart, you create a pixelated image inside the fabric… flowers, geometric motifs, monograms, anything you can graph.
The technique dates back to the late 1800s, when it was used to imitate the look of expensive filet lace. For decades it was associated with doilies, table runners, and Victorian-era curtains. Then it went quiet for a while. And NOW… it’s having a renaissance, and a really exciting one. Modern designers are using filet for market bags, plant hangers, wall art, garment yokes, and curtain panels — taking the same century-old technique and putting it on bodies and in homes that look nothing like the 1890s.
The reason filet is back? It hits the same sweet spot the granny square hit in 2021… it’s repetitive (meditative), beginner-accessible, looks complicated, and reads incredibly well in photos. If you’ve been hunting for a technique that’s both easy on your hands AND visually impressive, filet is your answer.
Yarn & Materials
The yarn matters a LOT for a market bag. You want something that has body (so the bag holds shape when empty), strength (so it doesn’t sag into a pancake when loaded), AND breathability (because you might be carrying warm bread, fresh-picked tomatoes, or a wet bunch of greens). The Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy used in the original sample is a perfect storm of all three.
Original yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy — 41% cotton / 34% hemp / 25% modal rayon, DK weight (CYCA #3), 153 yds / 50 g per ball. Color: #028 Blue Pine Green. You’ll need 3 balls.
Yarn Alternatives
If you can’t find Hempathy locally (it’s an indie-friendly yarn… sometimes harder to source), here are ten fun yarn alternatives… all with my WeCrochet and LoveCrafts affiliate links so you can shop fast.
I picked these because they each give the bag a different personality. Some are tight matches to Hempathy. Some are wildcards that take the pattern somewhere new (Robyn would probably approve — she’s a master at “the same pattern, ten ways”). The best matches are DK-weight cotton/linen blends, but I’ve included worsted cotton options too if you want a chunkier, sturdier bag (use a smaller hook to keep gauge). As always, match gauge before committing to your full project.
Best DK-Weight Matches (closest to Hempathy)
| Yarn | Fiber | Weight | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| WeCrochet CotLin | 70% cotton / 30% linen | DK | The closest match to Hempathy on this list. Linen content adds the same body and crispness the hemp gives in the original. |
| WeCrochet Memento | Cotton blend | DK | Beautiful stitch definition and a soft hand. Holds filet grid structure well. |
| Berroco Remix Light | Cotton/silk/linen/nylon/acrylic blend | DK | Recycled fiber blend with great body and a beautiful matte finish. Earth-friendly summer pick. |
Sport-Weight Alternatives (slightly lighter, lacier look)
| Yarn | Fiber | Weight | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| WeCrochet Shine Sport | 60% cotton / 40% modal | Sport | Modal blend gives a soft sheen. Filet grid will look a touch more delicate and drapey… great if you want a lighter summer bag. |
| WeCrochet Salvage | 95% cotton (62-75% recycled) / 5% other fiber | Sport | The closest spirit-match to Hempathy on this list. Recycled cotton with a rustic, organic feel that softens beautifully with washing… just like a good pair of linen pants. Eco-friendly, breathable, and gives the bag a slightly toothier, hand-spun look that’s gorgeous for the farmer’s market vibe. 155 yds / 50 g per ball. |
Worsted-Weight Options (sturdier, chunkier bag — use a smaller hook)
These are heavier than the original yarn. If you use them, drop one hook size (try F/3.75 mm) and double-check your gauge. You’ll get a denser, sturdier bag that can carry even heavier loads, with a slightly bolder filet grid.
| Yarn | Fiber | Weight | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| WeCrochet DillyDally | Cotton blend | Worsted | Soft, washable, beginner-friendly. Solid match if you want the warmth and body of worsted. |
| Willow Yarns Freesia Cotton | 100% cotton | Worsted | Pure cotton with great stitch definition. The classic market-bag fiber if you want a heavier, longer-lasting bag. |
| Herrschners Cottage Cotton | 60% cotton / 40% acrylic | Worsted | Cotton-acrylic blend that’s lighter on the hands and easier to wash than 100% cotton. Budget-friendly. |
| Bernat Softee Cotton | 60% cotton / 40% nylon | DK / Light Worsted | Nylon adds strength and structure — a smart pick for a bag that needs to carry weight without sagging. |
If You Want to Go in a Completely Different Direction
| Yarn | Fiber | Weight | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| WeCrochet Animation | Superwash merino / nylon | Fingering / Sock | Hold this one DOUBLE STRANDED and it becomes a lovely DK-equivalent for the bag. Soft, snuggly, with the most gorgeous self-striping colorways. A really fun choice if you want a one-of-a-kind look. |
| Lighthouse Wildflowers | Acrylic / wool blend | DK / Light | Vibrant variegated colorways and a soft hand. Gives the bag a different personality than the original cotton/hemp — think “farmer’s market in autumn” instead of “farmer’s market in July.” |
Yarn links above are LoveCrafts affiliate links — if you buy through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for stitching with me. 💛
Hook & Notions
You’ll need a size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook to start. If your gauge doesn’t match the pattern after a few rounds, go up or down a hook size… gauge matters more than hook label, especially with filet where uniform spacing is what makes the grid look clean. You’ll also need stitch markers (3-4) and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Love This Yarn? More Patterns Using Cotton Blends
DK cotton-blend yarns are the workhorse of summer crochet. If you fall in love with how Hempathy (or any of the alternatives) behaves on this bag, here are more free Marly Bird crochet patterns that use the same yarn family — perfect for stash-busting any leftover balls or building a coordinated set.
- Solomon’s Knot Crochet Tee — Free Cotton Tee Pattern (S/M – 4X/5X)
- Ramble and Rue Crochet Belt Bag — Free Crossbody Bag Pattern
- Bluebonnet Crochet Shawl — Free Pattern with Leather Strap
Video Tutorials
- How to Read Crochet Stitch Diagrams
- How to do a Stacked Double Crochet
- How to Bury in Your Ends (don’t just crochet over the ends!)
Farmer’s Market Filet Crochet Bag — Pattern Details
Designed by
Robyn Chachula for Marly Bird
Skill Level
Intermediate
Finished Measurements
Bag is 14″ [35.5 cm] wide by 16″ [40.5 cm] tall, not including handles.
Gauge
7 ch-2 sps and 8 rows = 4″ [10 cm] x 4″ [10 cm]; use any size hook to obtain the gauge.
Materials
Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy (41% Cotton / 34% Hemp / 25% Modal Rayon, 153 yds (140 m) / 1.75 oz (50 g), CYCA #3 DK): #028 Blue Pine Green, 3 balls
Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm)
Notions: Stitch Markers
Notions Bag for Supplies (Optional)
Leather tags (Optional)
Leather rivets (Optional)
Abbreviations
- BLO — Back Loop Only
- Ch — Chain(s)
- Dc — Double Crochet
- Hdc — Half Double Crochet
- PM — Place Marker
- RS — Right Side
- Sc — Single Crochet
- Sl st — Slip Stitch
- Sp(s) — Space(s)
- St(s) — Stitch(es)
- WS — Wrong Side
Special Stitches
⭐️ Stacked Double Crochet (Stacked Dc): (Do not ch 1 prior to making the first sc) Sc in first stitch, insert hook in between two legs of the base, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook.
⭐️ Sc in Third Loop: Insert hook in middle horizontal strand on WS of stitch (it is located under the top two loops in the back of the stitch), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through all 2 loops on hook.
Crochet Stitch Diagram
Notes
- Base is worked in joined rounds.
- Body is worked in turned rounds.
- Body is worked in filet crochet.
- When following the chart, begin in bottom right corner of chart and read from right to left for every RS round, and left to right for each WS round.
- Each row of the chart is repeated twice per round, once for front and once for back.
- Optional: Place marker every 5 ch-sp to help keep track where you are on the filet chart.
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Farmer’s Market Filet Crochet Bag — Pattern Instructions
Base
Chain 37
Round 1: Place marker in chain behind hook (37th ch), 2 hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in next 33 ch, 6 hdc in next ch, rotate chain to work in loop on opposite side, hdc in next 33 ch, 3 hdc in next ch, join to marked chain with sl st. Do Not Turn — 78 hdc.
Round 2: Ch 2, move marker to chain behind hook, hdc in same stitch as join, [2 hdc in next hdc] twice, hdc in next 33 hdc, [2 hdc in next hdc] six times, hdc in next 33 hdc, [2 hdc in next hdc] three times, join to marked chain with sl st. Do Not Turn — 90 hdc.
Round 3: Ch 2, move marker to chain behind hook, hdc in same stitch as join, [hdc in next hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] twice, hdc in next 35 hdc, [2 hdc in next hdc, hdc in next hdc] twice, [2 hdc in next hdc] twice, [hdc in next hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] twice, hdc in next 35 hdc, [2 hdc in next hdc, hdc in next hdc] twice, 2 hdc in next hdc, join to marked chain with sl st. Do Not Turn — 102 hdc.
Round 4: Ch 2, move marker to chain behind hook, hdc in same stitch as join, [hdc in next 2 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] twice, hdc in next 37 hdc, [2 hdc in next hdc, hdc in next 2 hdc] twice, [2 hdc in next hdc] twice, [hdc in next 2 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] twice, hdc in next 37 hdc, [2 hdc in next hdc, hdc in next 2 hdc] twice, 2 hdc in next hdc, join to marked chain with sl st. Do Not Turn — 114 hdc.
Round 5: Ch 2, move marker to chain behind hook, hdc in same stitch as join, [hdc in next 3 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] twice, hdc in next 39 hdc, [2 hdc in next hdc, hdc in next 3 hdc] twice, [2 hdc in next hdc] twice, [hdc in next 3 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] twice, hdc in next 39 hdc, [2 hdc in next hdc, hdc in next 3 hdc] twice, 2 hdc in next hdc, join to marked chain with sl st. Do Not Turn — 126 hdc.
Round 6: Ch 2, move marker to chain behind hook, hdc in same stitch as join, [hdc in next 4 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] twice, hdc in next 41 hdc, [2 hdc in next hdc, hdc in next 4 hdc] twice, [2 hdc in next hdc] twice, [hdc in next 4 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] twice, hdc in next 41 hdc, [2 hdc in next hdc, hdc in next 4 hdc] twice, 2 hdc in next hdc, join to marked chain with sl st. Do Not Turn — 138 hdc.
Round 7: Ch 2, move marker to chain behind hook, hdc in same stitch as join, [hdc in next 5 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] twice, hdc in next 43 hdc, [2 hdc in next hdc, hdc in next 5 hdc] twice, [2 hdc in next hdc] twice, [hdc in next 5 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] twice, hdc in next 43 hdc, [2 hdc in next hdc, hdc in next 5 hdc] twice, 2 hdc in next hdc, join to marked chain with sl st. Do Not Turn — 150 hdc.
Round 8: Ch 1, sc in same stitch as join, sc in 3rd loop of each hdc around, join to first sc with sl st. Do Not Turn — 150 sc.
Rounds 9-12: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join to first sc with sl st. Do Not Turn — 150 sc.
Body
Round 1: (RS) Stacked dc in first sc, *ch 2, skip 2 sc, dc in next sc; repeat from * around to last 2 sc, ch 2, skip last 2 sc, sl st to first dc, turn — 50 ch-2 sps.
Rounds 2-25: Continue in filet crochet following filet chart in turned rounds.
Filet Crochet Notes:
- Start each round with a stacked dc.
- When chart shows a white square, place a dc on either side and a ch-2 sp in between, skip the ch-2 sp or 2 sts of the previous round. See filet crochet stitch diagram example for assistance.
- When chart shows a gray square, place a dc on either side and either 2 dc in the ch-2 sp or dc in next 2 dc. See filet crochet stitch diagram example for assistance.
- Join with sl st to first dc at end of each round and turn.
- Chart is used twice in each round; once for the front and once for the back of the bag.
Top
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in first dc, *2 sc in next ch-2 sp, sc in next dc; repeat from * around to last ch-2 sp, 2 sc in last ch-2 sp, sl st to first sc. Do Not Turn — 150 sc
Rounds 2-4: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st to first sc. Do Not Turn.
Round 5: Ch 1, sc in next 30 sc, ch 70 (will become handle), skip 15 sc, sc in next 60 sc, ch 70, skip 15 sc, sc in last 30 sc, sl st to first sc. Do Not Turn — 120 sc + 2 ch-sps
Round 6: Ch 1, *sc in each sc across to handle ch, sc in each ch across; repeat from * around, sc in each sc to end, sl st to first sc. Do Not Turn — 260 sc
Rounds 7-9: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st to first sc. Do Not Turn. Fasten off.
Finishing
Weave in ends.
Blocking Tips
Blocking a filet crochet bag is the moment the whole project transforms. Pre-blocking, your filet grid will look slightly wonky and the bag shape will be a little floppy. Post-blocking, the grid opens up into a crisp, even pattern and the bag holds its shape like a champion. Don’t skip this step — it’s what separates “okay” filet from “stunning” filet.
How to block this bag: Submerge the finished bag in lukewarm water with a small amount of wool wash (a no-rinse formula like Eucalan works great for cotton/hemp blends). Let it soak for 15-20 minutes. Lift gently, press out excess water against the side of the basin (do not wring), then roll in a clean dry towel and press to remove more moisture.
To shape, stuff the damp bag with crumpled plastic bags or a folded towel until it holds its 14″ x 16″ finished dimensions. Lay it flat or stand it upright on a blocking mat. Pin the handles into a smooth, even loop shape. Let it dry completely (24-48 hours depending on humidity) before unstuffing. The cotton/hemp blend will set into shape beautifully and hold it through years of farmer’s market trips.
Favorite & Queue on Ravelry
Want to save this pattern for later? Heart it and queue it on Ravelry so you can find it any time. Ravelry favorites also help other crocheters discover the pattern — every favorite is a vote that says “this is worth making.”
Love Filet Crochet? Try This Next
If filet crochet clicked for you on this bag, you’re going to want to keep going… and I’ve got the perfect next project. The Beginner Filet Crochet Shawl uses the same technique you just learned, but in a flat, drapey shawl shape instead of a structured bag. Same stitches. Same chart-reading skills. Brand-new project type. It’s the second post in our growing filet crochet collection on Marly Bird.
More Free Crochet Bag Patterns You’ll Love
If you fell hard for this bag, you’re in good company — crochet bags have been one of the fastest-growing categories on Marly Bird this year. Here are more free crochet bag and accessory patterns from the site to keep you stitching all summer long.
- 126 Free Crochet Bag Patterns (Master Roundup)
- Ramble and Rue Crochet Belt Bag — A Free Crossbody Pattern
- Pour Decisions Crochet Wine Cozy — Free Pattern with Leather Strap
- One Ball Wonders Crochet Cozy — Book / iPad / Kindle Pattern
- 13 BEST Crochet and Knitting Project Bags (Roundup)
- Spring Fling 2026: 20 Days of Free Spring & Summer Patterns
- Marly Bird Felted Weekender Bag —This is also a full course in the Marly Bird House
Frequently Asked Questions
What is filet crochet?
Filet crochet is a technique that uses only chains and double crochets, arranged in an open grid of squares. Each square is either “open” (a chain-2 space with a double crochet on each side) or “filled” (two double crochets between the side stitches, no chains). Stack rows of open and filled squares according to a chart, and you create a pixelated image inside the fabric. It’s a century-old technique having a modern renaissance, used today for market bags, wall hangings, plant hangers, and garment yokes.
How is filet crochet different from regular mesh crochet?
Both techniques create an open, airy fabric… but they read very differently. Regular mesh crochet uses one repeating stitch (like chain-spaces between single or double crochets) to create a uniform net. Filet crochet uses a STRUCTURED GRID of open AND filled squares to create patterns, motifs, and visual depth inside the open work. A regular mesh bag looks like a net. A filet bag looks like designed lace. Both are beautiful, but filet gives you a more sophisticated, graphic look with the same effort once you learn to read the chart.
Is filet crochet good for beginners?
Filet crochet uses only two stitches: chain and double crochet. That makes the stitches themselves beginner-friendly. The intermediate skill rating on this bag comes from reading a chart, working in joined and turned rounds, and managing the gauge across a larger project. If you can chain, double crochet, and follow a written pattern, you can absolutely learn filet — but start with a smaller filet swatch or coaster before committing to a full bag.
How do you read a filet crochet chart?
Read filet charts square-by-square, starting at the bottom right corner. For Right Side (RS) rounds, read right-to-left. For Wrong Side (WS) rounds, read left-to-right. Each white square in the chart = an open mesh (chain-2 space with a double crochet on either side). Each gray (or filled) square = a solid mesh (two double crochets in the chain-2 space below, with a double crochet on either side). Use stitch markers every 5 squares to catch counting errors early.
What yarn is best for a crochet market bag?
The best yarn for a crochet market bag is a sturdy plant-fiber yarn with body — cotton, linen, hemp, or blends of those fibers. You want enough stiffness that the bag holds its shape when empty, plus enough strength to carry heavy produce, breads, and groceries. The Farmer’s Market Filet Bag uses Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy (cotton/hemp/modal DK), but any DK or worsted cotton-blend will work. Avoid wool, acrylic, and superwash yarns for market bags — they stretch and sag under load.
How long does it take to crochet a market bag?
An intermediate crocheter can finish the Farmer’s Market Filet Crochet Bag in a weekend of focused stitching… figure 10-15 hours of actual hook time, spread across two or three sessions. The base goes fast (about 2-3 hours). The filet body is the longest section but it’s meditative and rhythmic once you click into reading the chart. The top and handles wrap up quickly. If you’ve never done filet before, add a few hours for the learning curve. Either way, this is a satisfying start-and-finish project, not a months-long commitment.
Can you use a filet crochet bag for groceries?
Yes — a filet crochet bag is actually IDEAL for groceries, farmers market hauls, and produce shopping. The open mesh lets fruits and vegetables breathe (no condensation, no spoiled tomatoes by the time you get home), the cotton/hemp blend is strong enough to carry real weight, and the bag flattens for easy storage between trips. Filet crochet bags are a reusable, washable, plastic-bag-free way to do your shopping. Plus you’ll get compliments at the checkout. Every time.
Can I make this filet crochet bag bigger or smaller?
Yes. To make a smaller version, use a thinner yarn (sport or fingering weight) with a smaller hook — your gauge will tighten and the finished bag will scale down proportionally. To make a larger version, use a worsted or aran weight yarn with a larger hook. The Body of the bag is worked in multiples of 3 stitches per filet square (one dc + ch-2 + skipped sts), so you can also add or remove chart repeats. Just adjust your starting chain in the base to keep the math even.
How much yarn do I need for the Farmer’s Market Filet Crochet Bag?
You’ll need approximately 459 yards (3 balls of Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy at 153 yds each) in DK weight. If you’re substituting a different yarn, aim for at least 450-500 yards of DK weight cotton-blend yarn to be safe. Buy one extra ball if you’re using a hand-dyed yarn or anything with potential dye-lot variation — you don’t want to run out on the final handle round.
Why does the bag say “use any size hook to obtain the gauge”?
For filet crochet, the uniformity of the grid matters more than the specific hook label. Two crocheters can use the same yarn and the same labeled hook size and get completely different gauges based on their personal tension. The pattern recommends starting with a G/6 (4.0 mm) hook, but if your swatch doesn’t match 7 ch-2 spaces and 8 rows over 4 inches, change hook size until it does. Gauge controls the finished size and the look of the filet grid.
Is the Farmer’s Market Filet Crochet Bag washable?
Yes — and that’s one of the advantages of a cotton/hemp/modal blend. Hand-wash the bag in cool water with a gentle soap, press out excess water against the side of the sink (don’t wring), and reshape while damp. Air dry flat or stuffed to maintain the 14″ x 16″ finished dimensions. The bag will actually get softer and prettier with each wash as the hemp content blooms and softens.
Can I sell items made from this free crochet pattern?
Yes — you’re welcome to sell handmade items made from this pattern in your own small business or at craft fairs. Please credit the designer (Robyn Chachula for Marly Bird) in your product listings. You may NOT sell, share, or redistribute the pattern itself, the PDF, or the chart in any form. The pattern stays with the original creators; the items you stitch from it belong to you.
Final Thoughts
This bag is the kind of project I LOVE having on the site — beautiful enough to gift, useful enough to actually use, and approachable enough that the technique becomes something you carry with you into other projects. Huge thanks to Robyn Chachula for designing it for us. After your Farmer’s Market Filet Crochet Bag is finished, you’ll look at filet patterns differently. Curtains, table runners, wall hangings, garment yokes… they all just got added to your “I could totally do that” list.
And on a Saturday morning, when you swing this bag over your shoulder and head to the market for tomatoes and a sourdough loaf, you’ll get to say “thanks, I made it” approximately a dozen times. That never gets old. ✨
If you make this bag, tag #FarmersMarketFilet and @marlybird on Instagram. I love seeing how you make the pattern your own… color choices, market styling, in-the-wild photos with actual produce. The community thread on this one is going to be GORGEOUS.
Meet the Designers
Marly Bird is a professional yarn artist, designer, and teacher who has been designing in the knit and crochet industry since 2007. She’s the creator of the BiCrafty method… the only approach that teaches both knitting AND crochet together… and the host of one of the longest-running fiber arts podcasts and YouTube channels in the business. Marly’s free patterns, video tutorials, and beginner-friendly teaching style have helped hundreds of thousands of crafters fall in love with the hook and needles. Find her work, free patterns, and online courses at marlybird.com and at Marly Bird House.
Robyn Chachula is a structural engineer turned full-time crochet designer, author, and teacher. She’s published multiple bestselling crochet books (including Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia, Unexpected Afghans, and Blueprint Crochet), has been designing for major yarn companies and magazines since 2006, and is celebrated in the crochet community for her clear charts, smart construction, and gorgeous modern takes on traditional techniques like filet and Tunisian crochet. Robyn and Marly have been designing together for years and the Farmer’s Market Filet Crochet Bag is their newest collaboration. You can find more of Robyn’s work at crochetbyfaye.com.
❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
