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Mesh Crochet Tote Bag

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Lightweight, stylish, and eco-friendly, this mesh crochet tote bag is perfect for everyday errands, farmers' markets, or beach trips.

Quick to make with simple stitches, it's a beginner-friendly project that produces a functional bag you'll actually use.

Its airy, open design is ideal for carrying groceries, crafts, or beach essentials, while allowing you to experiment with different colors or yarn textures.

This crochet mesh bag is a practical, handmade accessory and a satisfying project for a weekend crochet session.

Close up image of a crochet tote bag.

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If you've ever wanted a reusable bag that's both practical and trendy, this mesh crochet tote bag is exactly the project for you.

This mesh crochet tote bag has a lightweight but stylish look that works beautifully as one of those handmade crochet gifts that look expensive.

Its open, airy design makes it ideal for carrying everything from groceries to beach essentials, while its stretchy construction ensures a comfortable fit over your shoulder.

This beginner-friendly crochet tote is approachable even if you're new to bags, as it uses simple stitches to create a strong, functional mesh.

This crochet bag tutorial is straightforward to make and quick too.

This makes it a perfect weekend crochet project or quick gift option.

You can easily customize it by choosing bright colors, soft cotton yarn, or even adding a lining for extra durability.

Once you make one, you'll likely want a whole set for errands, markets, or casual Summer outings.

Crochet bag.

If you're looking for more quick crochet gifts you can make in a weekend, you might also like the mini crochet drawstring pouch or the heart crochet drawstring pouch for smaller, fast makes.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

  • Lightweight and stretchy - perfect for shopping or beach days
  • Beginner-friendly while producing a functional, stylish bag
  • Quick to make - perfect for a weekend crochet project
  • Highly customizable with colors, yarn types, and optional lining
  • Practical and eco-friendly, replacing disposable bags

Materials Needed

Yarn

#4 (worsted, afghan, aran, 10ply) 100% cotton or cotton blend yarn with about 12 wraps per inch (WPI)*

  • You will need about:
    • Col A (base color, e.g. black): 1.45 ounces / 50 yards [41 grams / 46 meters]
    • Col B (stripe color, e.g. white): 0.71 ounces / 24 yards [20 grams / 22 meters]
    • Col C (body color, e.g. green): 4 ounces / 135 yards [112 grams / 124 meters]

Hook

  • 6 mm (J / 10) hook

Other

  • Stitch Marker
  • Scissors
  • Yarn Needle

*Wraps per inch (WPI) - this is a measure of yarn thickness. To measure WPI, count how many times the yarn wraps around a ruler in one inch. There are more wraps for thinner yarn and fewer wraps for thicker yarn.

Skill Level

★★☆☆☆ - Beginner

It took me about a day to complete one bag, making it an ideal quick weekend crochet project.

Yarn and Hook Information

Cotton yarn works best for this crochet tote bag as it is more durable than acrylic yarn. Cotton also tends to hold its shape better than acrylic and acrylic blend yarns.

However, if you want you can still make this bag in acrylic, just remember not to put anything too heavy in it or it can stretch out of shape.

Stitches and Abbreviations - US Terms

  • Ch - Chain
  • St/s - Stitch/es
  • Sc - Single Crochet
  • Dc - Double Crochet
  • Sl st - Slip Stitch
  • Hdc - Half Double Crochet
  • Fo - Fasten Off
  • [ ] at the end of each row indicates how many stitches are needed in that row.

Gauge

Gauge is not too important.

Finished Size

Tote bag with fruit.

The finished size of this crochet tote bag is about 12 inches (30 cm) wide and 11 inches (27.5 cm) tall.

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Copyright Notice

This pattern and its contents are protected by copyright law. It may not be copied, altered, redistributed, resold, translated, or used to produce photo or video tutorials in any format, either in whole or in part.

You are permitted to sell finished items made using this pattern. However, the written pattern itself may not be sold, shared, or distributed in any form. When marketing or displaying your finished items, please photograph your own work and refrain from using any of my original images.

Sharing Guidelines For Roundups - Bloggers you are welcome to include this pattern in roundup posts as a link, as long as you use one photo and link directly (with a do follow link) back to the original post. For full details, please refer to my Terms of Use page.

Instructions

  • Col A = Base color, e.g. black
  • Col B = Stripe color, e.g. white
  • Col C = Body color, e.g. green

Making the base

First, you will be working in rows.

Foundation: Col A, ch 36.

Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in each ch across. Turn. [35 sc].

Rows 2 - 4: Ch1 (doesn't count as a st), 1 sc in each st across. Turn. [35 sc in each row].

Completed base.  Now, you will be working in rounds.

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Round 1: Ch1 (not a st), 1 sc in each st around, making 3 sc in each corner, and 3 sc evenly spaced on both short sides, end with 2 sc in same st as 1st sc (so that you have 3 sc in that st). Sl st into 1st sc to join. [84 sts].

Rounds 2 - 4: Ch2, 1 dc in each st around, sl st into 1st dc to join. [84 sts in each round].

Round 5: Col B, ch2, 1 dc in each st around, sl st into 1st dc to join. [84 sts].

Round 6: Ch2, 1 dc in each st around, sl st into 1st dc to join. [84 sts].

Round 7: Col C, ch2, 1 dc in each st around, sl st into 1st dc to join. [84 sts].

Round 8: Ch3 (counts as dc and ch1), 1 dc in 2nd st, ch1, *sk next st, 1 dc in next st, ch1,* repeat from * around, sl st into top of ch3 to join. [84 sts].

Round 9 - 18: Repeat round 8. [84 sts in each round].

Process of crochet mesh bag.

Round 19: Ch2 (counts as st), 1 dc in each st around, sl st into top of ch2 to join. [84 sts].

Round 20 - 21: Repeat round 19. [84 sts in each around].

Now you will make the handle.

Ch 80 (or more if you want a longer handle), sl st into opposite side of the bag (the 42nd st) be careful not to twist your chain.

1 hdc in each ch so that you end up back where you started the chain. Sl st into body of bag (in 1st st).

Ch1, sl st into each hdc across the handle, then sl st into 42nd st again. FO, and weave in any ends.

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Crochet Tips, Yarn Choices, and Color Inspiration

  • Color ideas: classic neutrals (white, beige, grey) or bright summer colors
  • Add a small lining if you plan to carry smaller items
  • Stretch gently while working to maintain an even mesh pattern
  • Perfect project for leftover cotton yarn or eco-conscious gifting

Perfect Occasions to Use This Craft

  • Farmers' market or grocery shopping trips
  • Summer beach or pool outings
  • Birthday gifts, holiday presents, or handmade markets
  • Eco-friendly replacement for plastic bags
  • Quick gift for beginner-friendly crochet projects

How To Use This Craft

  • Reusable grocery or market bag
  • Casual beach or pool tote
  • Handmade gift for friends or family
  • Everyday tote for books, knitting, or crafting
  • Decorative bag that doubles as practical storage

FAQ

Is this mesh crochet tote bag suitable for beginners?

Yes - it uses simple stitches and basic shaping, perfect for first-time bag makers.

How long does one bag take to make?

This depends on your experience, however, it makes a great day crochet project or weekend crochet project.

Can I carry heavy items?

Using sturdy cotton or cotton-blend yarn gives decent strength for groceries and light items.

Crochet tote bag.

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