Free Pattern ยท Crochet Bags
This market tote is made for errands, beach days, and folded-in-a-bag shopping. It uses a simple mesh body so it stays light, then adds a dense top band and straps for strength. It is not written as a weight-tested grocery bag, so avoid overloading it with heavy jars or sharp packaging.
Yarn, hook, and size
- Worsted cotton yarn, 220 to 280 yards
- 5 mm hook for the mesh and 4.5 mm hook for the top band
- Tapestry needle and stitch markers
Gauge is about 4 mesh repeats over 4 inches, but the fabric can vary. The finished bag is approximately 13 inches wide and 15 inches tall before stretching. Cotton will relax with use, so keep the starting base slightly smaller than the final size you want.
Abbreviations
ch = chain, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, sl st = slip stitch, sp = space, rep = repeat.
Base
Ch 34. Round 1: sc in second ch from hook and each ch across, work 3 sc in last ch, continue on the opposite side of the chain, work 2 sc in final ch, join. Round 2: ch 1, sc around, placing 3 sc in each end curve. Repeat one more sc round if you want a deeper base.
Mesh body
Round 1: ch 4, skip 1 st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip 1 st, dc in next st around, adjusting at the end if needed. Join to the third chain. Repeat this mesh round until the bag measures about 12 inches from the base. Keep joins at one side so the front remains clean.
Top band and straps
Switch to the smaller hook. Work 4 rounds of sc around the top edge. Mark strap positions with about 7 inches between each pair of strap anchors. For each strap, ch 58 to 70, skip the marked span, then sc into the next marker and continue around. Work 3 additional sc rounds, crocheting into every chain of the straps. Fasten off and weave ends securely.
For a boutique finish, steam lightly or wet block over a towel. Add a small internal fabric pouch if you plan to carry keys or small items that can slip through mesh.
