Materials
To make the Sakura Market Bag, you will need:
- Yarn: Medium-weight cotton or cotton blend (DK or #3 weight)
- Hook: Size 3.5 mm to 4 mm (or size recommended for your yarn)
- Tools: Scissors, yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Optional: Stitch markers to help track pattern repeats
Choose a smooth, durable cotton yarn for a structured bag that holds its shape.

Abbreviations (US Terms)
All instructions use US crochet terms. Here’s what the abbreviations mean:
- SC – Single Crochet
- DC – Double Crochet
- HDC – Half Double Crochet
- CH – Chain
- SP – Space (work into the space, not the stitch)
- FPDC – Front Post Double Crochet
- FPHDC – Front Post Half Double Crochet
- FPSC – Front Post Single Crochet
- Shell – A group of 3 double crochets worked into one stitch or space
Gauge and Finished Size
Exact gauge is not specified, but consistent tension is helpful. Aim for a firm fabric that holds its shape. The finished bag will be medium to large in size, ideal for carrying daily essentials.
Instructions
Work all rows in flat, straight lines. Turn at the end of each row.
Base of the Bag
Row 1:
Chain 13. Double crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. (12 DC)
Row 2:
Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC) around each of the 12 DC from the previous row. Then, work 1 DC in each of those same 12 stitches. (12 FPDC, 12 DC)
Row 3:
FPDC around each of the 12 FPDC from Row 2. Then, work 1 DC in each of the next 24 stitches. (12 FPDC, 24 DC)
Shaping the Sides
Row 4:
Work 6 single crochets. Then, make 6 shells (3 DC in one stitch). (6 SC, 6 shells)
Row 5:
6 DC, 6 SC. Then, chain 4, skip 3 stitches—repeat 12 times. (6 DC, 6 SC, 12 chain-4 spaces)
Row 6:
1 SC in each stitch and each chain space across. (60 SC)
Row 7:
1 DC in each of the 60 SC. (72 DC)
Row 8:
36 DC. Then, chain 2, skip 1 stitch—repeat 36 times. (36 DC, 36 chain-2 spaces)
Row 9:
Make 18 shells (3 DC in one stitch), then 18 SC. (18 shells, 18 SC)
Row 10:
18 FPDC, 18 SC. Then, chain 3, skip 1 stitch—repeat 36 times. (18 FPDC, 18 SC, 36 chain-3 spaces)
Row 11:
18 FPHDC, then 1 SC in each of the next 126 stitches. (18 FPHDC, 126 SC)
Row 12:
18 FPSC, then 1 SC in each of the next 126 stitches. (18 FPSC, 126 SC)
Mesh Section
This part creates the open, airy body of the bag.
Row 13:
Chain 4, skip 2 stitches, then 1 DC in the next stitch—repeat 35 times. (35 chain-4 spaces, 35 DC)
Row 14:
Chain 5, skip 2 stitches, then 1 DC in the next stitch—repeat 35 times. (35 chain-5 spaces, 35 DC)
Rows 15–27:
Chain 6, skip 2 stitches, then 1 DC in the next stitch—repeat 35 times. (35 chain-6 spaces, 35 DC)
Rows 28–30:
Return to chain 4, skip 2, 1 DC—repeat 35 times. (35 chain-4 spaces, 35 DC)
Row 31:
Chain 3, skip 2 stitches, then 1 HDC in the next stitch—repeat 35 times. (35 chain-3 spaces, 35 HDC)
Finishing the Top
Row 32:
1 SC in each stitch and space across. (144 SC)
Rows 33–34:
1 HDC in each of the 144 SC. (144 HDC per row)
Row 35:
80 SC, then chain 160. (80 SC, 160 CH)
Rows 36–38:
1 SC in each stitch and chain across. (240 SC per row)
Assembly and Finishing
Fasten off and weave in all loose ends. If you made the 160-chain section in Row 35, you can:
- Thread it through the top row to create a drawstring closure
- Braid it into handles
- Leave it as decorative fringe
Gently shape the bag and smooth out the stitches. A light steam block can help if using cotton yarn.