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The Story:
Cool Crochet
I like to crochet. Granted, I’m a knitter first; I’m far more at home with needles than I am with a hook. But I’ve been tempted enough by projects that beg to be crocheted—Tunisian hats, medallion lace, and mesh market bags to name a few—that I’ve learned a few basic skills.
In these continuing dog days of summer, working with a single stitch at a time appeals to me—it’s cooler. So I’m getting out my hook to make this breezy mesh bag designed by Judy Croucher. It’s worked in a basic stitch, double crochet, that needs little concentration—the better to break for a sip of iced tea. And the yarn, Classic Elite Provence, is a smooth mercerized cotton that feels dry and cool to the touch. Best yet, Provence comes in a huge assortment of colors. I’ll choose something bright from the perennial garden—well, my imaginary perennial garden—to add to my crocheting pleasure.
Knitters take heed: If you just can’t bring yourself to crochet, try using Provence in the knitted market bag from issue #1.
The Yarn:
Provence—100% mercerized egyptian cotton
Provence is a mercerized cotton yarn made from long staple Egyptian cotton. Mercerized cotton has a beautiful luster. Learn more about Mercerized cotton?
The Stitches:
Double crochet is a taller, more open, version of single crochet. It’s stretchy, yet strong which makes it the perfect stitch for Judy’s market bag. It’s also a great stitch to use when you’re looking for a fast project. The double crochet-chain stitch repeat is quick and easy to work—each round zooms by. And the extra height of double crochet stitch means your project will work up twice as fast as a project in single crochet.
If you want a more opaque, denser bag, try using single crochet stitches in place of the double crochet stitches. This will make the holes shorter. Why not try one both ways?
Here is more information on how to work the double crochet stitch.
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The Pattern:
Here's the free downloadable Crochet Market Bag pattern.
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