Introducing the Tunis Market Bag: This roomy and comfy Tunisian Crochet market bag is not only practical but also a delightful exploration of Tunisian crochet techniques. Try your hand at a new technique with this Tunisian Crochet pattern.
I’ve always been intrigued by Tunisian Crochet and have been inspired by my mother-in-law to give it a proper go. I made a cute headband first, but was inspired to try something myself. I wanted a way to try out some different stitches, that was easy and fun. And this is the result!
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How is the Tunis Market Bag made?
The bag is cleverly constructed from four separate rectangles, each showcasing a different Tunisian stitch. This project is perfect for those eager to expand their crochet repertoire, offering a fun and functional way to learn new skills.
Plus, it can be a fantastic stash-buster! Use up those leftover yarns to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece with a vibrant explosion of colours, or choose a single hue to let the beautiful textures take centre stage.
What is Tunisian Crochet anyway?
Tunisian Crochet, also sometimes called Afghan crochet, is a technique that combines elements of both crochet and knitting. Like crochet, you use a hook, but this is usually elongated with a stopper on the end. For this project, you will likely need a longer hook, unless you are making a very small bag.
Like knitting, you work multiple loops onto the hook at once. The resulting fabric is thicker and denser than regular crochet, with a less stretchy texture.
There are a large variety of Tunisian stitches available, some resembling knit stitches and others offering unique textures.
The first Tunisian crochet stitch you will likely learn is the Tunisian Simple Stitch, which I explain in more detail in this Tunisian crochet beginners guide.
Click here to watch an introductory tutorial on Tunisian Crochet and the Tunisian simple stitch.
With Tunisian Crochet, the right side of the work always faces you. Each row of Tunisian Crochet consists of a forward pass (FwdP) and a return pass (RetP). The FwdP varies for different stitches, whilst the RetP is largely the same for all Tunisian stitches.
If you are right handed, you will work from right to left for the FwdP. If you are left handed, you will work from left to right for the FwdP.
Sizing
This bag pattern is made to measure. Therefore this means that you need to decide what size you want your bag to be. Your bag will be roughly the same width as it is tall.
Once you have decided what size your bag is going to be, you can work out the size of your 4 rectangles. Each rectangle will be the same length as the bag size you desire and half of that size wide.
For example, for my chunky yarn bag, I wanted it to be about 36cm x 36cm, so my rectangles were 18cm x 36cm. My DK bag was 20cm x 20cm, so my rectangles were 10cm x 20cm
How to get the pattern
There are a few different ways that you can get your Tunis Market Bag pattern.
You can carry on scrolling down and read the pattern free on the blog. The blog has ads on it, which is how I am able to offer it for free.
Alternatively you can purchase a premium pdf version of the pattern, which includes stitch tutorials, links to lots of video tutorials, schematics and full explanations. And of course, if you purchase the pattern, it is yours to keep, print and make notes on.
PLEASE NOTE: This listing is for a pdf crochet pattern, written in English. It is not a finished project. You will receive a digital download.
Included in the premium pattern:
A 13 page pdf crochet pattern written in US crochet terms, including images, step by step instructions and guidance.
An accompanying video tutorial.
Tunisian Crochet stitch tutorials are also included as part of the pattern.
Pattern support if needed.
Difficulty level is Advanced Beginner.
You will need:
Any weight of yarn works for this project, as you will be making it to your own measurements. I made 2 bags, one using Paintbox Simply Chunky and an 8 mm Tunisian crochet hook, and one using Stylecraft Special DK and a 6 mm Tunisian crochet hook
A Tunisian Crochet Hook that is 2 sizes bigger than the recommended hook size for the yarn
Stitch markers
A tapestry needle for sewing up
Scissors
Ruler or tape measure
Tension:
The tension will be dependent on the yarn and also the hook you choose to use. As you will be measuring your rectangles as you go, the tension is not really important here.
Yarn
The yarn you use for this bag is really up to you! It is a great stashbuster project. Just remember that Tunisian Crochet often uses more yarn than traditional crochet.
I made 2 bags in different sizes. A DK bag and a Chunky (Bulky) yarn bag. They were very different sizes and used very different amounts of yarn. It will be dependent on the yarn you choose and the size of bag you choose, as to how much yarn you will need.
For my DK yarn bag, I used 50g of yarn.
For my chunky yarn bag, I used oddments from my stash, simply changing colour on the last yarn over when I ran out.
Abbreviations
ch(s) – chain(s)
FwdP – Forward Pass
rep – repeat
RetP – Return Pass
RS – right side
st(s) – stitch
tfs – Tunisian full stitch
tks – Tunisian knit stitch
tps – Tunisian purl stitch
tss – Tunisian simple stitch
WS – wrong side
yo – yarn over
* – repeat the instructions from * as directed
Pattern Notes
The Tunis Market Bag is made up of 4 rectangles of the same size. Each rectangle is crocheted using a different Tunisian crochet stitch. The 4 rectangles are then seamed together, before a handle is added to finish.
Each rectangle starts with a set up Row, which consists of a number of chains. You then work into the back bumps of each chain, pulling up a loop each time until you have the same number of loops on your hook as the number of chains you started with. The set up Row is finished with a RetP.
The RetP is the same for all rectangles.
The first st of all rows in all the rectangles is always the loop already on the hook at the end of the RetP.
The last stitch of the FwdP of each Row is always the same. Make sure you go through both loops of the chain of the last stitch.
If you would like to change colour partway through a rectangle, you can do this on the last yarn over of the FwdP or the last yarn over of the RetP of any row.
To finish each rectangle, you will use a simple slip stitch bind off.
St count is not shown as it will be the same as your starting chain throughout.
Read through all of the notes and pattern before starting to familiarise yourself with the stitches and construction.
This tutorial is written for right-handed crocheters. If you are left-handed, you will be working from left to right across the rectangles.
Don’t worry if your rectangles are slightly different widths. They can be blocked to size, and the construction is quite forgiving too.
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The Tunisian Crochet Market Bag pattern
Using the sizing instructions decide on the size of your rectangles. Start your Set Up Row by chaining until your chains measure the width you need. Note that you may need to adjust this and restart if the size significantly differs after you have made a few rows. The number of sts may vary for the different rectangles, to ensure you get the required width to be the same.
Complete your Set Up Row with a FwdP and RetP. This is the same for each rectangle.
Tunisian Simple Stitch Rectangle
Complete Set Up Row
Row 1: Following the stitch tutorial for the tss, FwdP, RetP.
Rep Row 1 until the height of your Rectangle measures twice its width.
Bind off using the slip stitch bind off.
I have a stitch tutorial for the Tunisian Simple Stitch.
Tunisian Knit Stitch Rectangle
Complete Set Up Row
Row 1: Following the stitch tutorial for the tks, FwdP, RetP.
Rep Row 1 until the height of your Rectangle measures twice its width.
Bind off using the slip stitch bind off.
I have a stitch tutorial for the Tunisian Knit Stitch.
Tunisian Purl Stitch Rectangle
Complete Set Up Row
Row 1: Following the stitch tutorial for the tps, FwdP, RetP.
Rep Row 1 until the height of your Rectangle measures twice its width.
Bind off using the slip stitch bind off.
I have a stitch tutorial for the Tunisian Purl Stitch.
Tunisian Full Stitch Rectangle
Complete Set Up Row
Row 1: Following the stitch tutorial for row 1 of the tfs, FwdP, RetP.
Row 2: Following the stitch tutorial for row 2 of the tfs, FwdP, RetP.
Rep Rows 1 and 2 until the height of your Rectangle measures twice its width.
Bind off using the slip stitch bind off.
I have a stitch tutorial for the Tunisian Full Stitch.
Construction
To construct your bag, lay out your rectangles WS facing up as shown.
Using a whip stitch or your preferred seaming method, join the rectangles together. First join them along the black lines.
Then, join each side to the side next to it, as shown by the coloured lines, e.g. red joins onto red.
You should now have a bag shape.
Handles
The handles will be joined to the highest point of each rectangle, marked with a grey dot above.
Decide how many stitches wide you want your handle to be and, with RS facing, join your yarn that many stitches away from the lefthand corner. I did my handles 6 stitches wide.
Row 1: Insert your hook into first st, pull up a loop and ch1 to secure, *insert hook into next st, yo and pull up a loop, rep from * to end of row, RetP.
Row 2: tss FwdP, RetP.
Rep Row 2 until you are happy with your handle length. I made 30 Rows.
Bind off using the slip stitch bind off.
Join end of handle to the top of the next rectangle using a whip stitch or your preferred seaming method.
Weave in all ends and enjoy your bag!
Pattern help
There is a lot more detail regarding the different stitches in the pdf pattern. Also please do watch all of the Tunisian Crochet videos on my YouTube channel for extra guidance.
If you are struggling with the pattern, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Find me on Facebook or Instagram @concretegemscrochet or drop me a message.
This pattern is the property of Concrete Gems, please do not share, copy, alter or distribute it in any way. You are welcome to sell items you make using this pattern on a small scale but please credit @concretegemscrochet when doing this.
What next?
I’ve really loved designing this pattern for you and hope you have had fun making it. I’m Gemma, a crochet tech editor, designer and overall crochet enthusiast. I’m also a mum of 3 kids, and enjoy running, reading, walking and crafting, but mostly crochet!
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