Shared knit pattern

String Theory Market Bag

A knit mesh market bag worked from a flat garter stitch base, then joined in the round for a simple yarn-over mesh body, and finished with applied i-cord handles. Stretchy and sturdy, it doubles in size when loaded.

Abbreviations

Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends securely using a tapestry needle, taking care to bury ends inside the bag so they do not show through the mesh on the outside. Wet block the bag by soaking in cool water for 20 minutes, gently squeezing out excess water without wringing, then stretching to the desired dimensions and pinning the base flat. Allow to dry completely before use.

Notes

Cotton and cotton-blend yarns stretch considerably when loaded — expect the bag to roughly double in size under weight, which is normal and intentional. Knit the handles longer than they feel right dry: 16 rows of free i-cord gives a comfortable shoulder-length loop in cotton; add 4–8 more free rows if you prefer a longer drop. The 2 k sts at each side of the markers create a neat vertical line and prevent the mesh from twisting at the joins. If your stitch count after pick-up is not even, adjust the pick-up count on the short ends by 1 st to ensure all mesh repeats on the body have an even number of stitches. Always work the bind-off row loosely — a tight bind-off will pucker the top edge and prevent the bag from opening fully.