Versatile Crochet Mesh Market Bag with Foldable Design

Carry style and sustainability with the Free Crochet Mesh Market Bag Pattern that gives you a lightweight, reusable, and eco-friendly everyday essential.

Reusable accessories have gained popularity for their convenience and environmental benefits, offering a sustainable alternative to disposable bags. Among them, the Free Crochet Mesh Market Bag Pattern stands out as a practical yet stylish option that can be used for shopping trips, beach outings, or even as a casual everyday tote. This lightweight bag features an airy structure that stretches to accommodate various items without losing its shape.

How Crochet Mesh Market Bag Pattern Works for Daily Errands

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The pattern begins with a sturdy round base that provides the foundation for carrying heavier essentials. As it progresses upward, open stitches form a breathable mesh body that combines durability with flexibility. Midway through, careful stitch placement ensures strength while keeping the bag soft and foldable. Toward the end, reinforced handles are shaped to sit comfortably on the shoulder or in hand, making the bag both reliable and easy to use.

What makes this bag especially appealing is its versatility—it folds neatly to tuck away in a pocket when not in use, yet expands generously to hold groceries, beach gear, or daily necessities. With its balance of practicality and charm, this mesh bag offers an eco-conscious and stylish solution that suits a variety of lifestyles.

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In this step-by-step tutorial from Mrs. Stewart's Crochet Club, you’ll learn how to make a mesh shopping bag with a solid base and airy mesh sides. This practical and eco-friendly bag is a perfect accessory for shopping trips, particularly during the summer. Using a combination of simple crochet stitches such as single and double crochets, the project is approachable for beginners with some experience. The finished product is spacious, sturdy, and designed to handle groceries or other lightweight items.

Step-by-Step Details

Materials Needed

1. Yarn: Bernat Premium Cotton Yarn, size 4 (or any medium-weight yarn).
2. Crochet Hook: 4 mm hook. The tutor notes that you can adjust to a larger or smaller hook depending on your tension and preference.
3. Additional Supplies:
   • Stitch markers
   • Scissors
   • Yarn needle (for weaving in ends).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Solid Base

1. Start with a Slip Knot and Chain Foundation
   • Use a 4 mm hook and chain 41 stitches.
   • If you want to resize the base, keep the chains an odd number, which will lead to an even number of stitches on subsequent rows.
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2. Row 1: Single Crochet
   • Skip the first stitch, and work single crochets into each stitch of the chain.
   • The row will have 40 single crochets.
3. Rows 2–10: Back Loop Only
   • Chain 1, turn your work, and do single crochets in the back loop only for each stitch.
   • This back-loop-only technique adds a slight ridge and flexibility to the base, making it perfect for a shopping bag.
   • Complete 10 rows of this stitch in total.

Single Crochet Border

4. Add a Border Around the Base
   • Without chaining, work single crochets around the entire edge of the rectangle base:
     • Place 7 stitches along each short side.
     • Add 39 single crochets along each long edge.
     • Place 2 extra stitches in each corner to keep the shape even.
   • Slip stitch to the first stitch to join.
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5. Prepare for the Sides
   • Use a stitch marker to indicate the starting stitch. This will help track your rounds.

Sides of the Bag

6. 12 Rounds of Single Crochet (Back Loop Only)
   • Work single crochets into the back loop only, going around in continuous rounds for 12 rows.
   • Use the stitch marker to count rows as you go.
7. Start the Mesh Section
   • Join a new yarn color (optional) to start the mesh sides.
   • Round 1:
     • Chain 4 (counts as a double crochet and chain 1 space).
     • Skip the next stitch, work a double crochet into the next stitch, followed by a chain 1.
     • Repeat the "skip 1 stitch, double crochet, chain 1" sequence across the round. Slip stitch to join.
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   • Round 2:
     • Slip stitch into the first chain space from the previous round, and then chain 4.
     • Work all double crochets into the chain spaces only, not the stitches, and chain 1 between each double crochet.
     • Continue this pattern for 20 rounds.
8. End the Mesh Section
   • When 20 rounds of mesh are complete, fasten off the mesh section, leaving a clean edge for the upper border.
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Upper Border

9. Add the Border
   • Use single crochets along the top of the bag:
     • Work 1 single crochet into each double crochet and chain space for 5 complete rounds.
     • Use the back-loop-only technique to add texture to the border.
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Handles

10. Attach Handles

• Find the midpoint of the bag using stitch markers to determine placement.
• Attach the yarn two stitches to the right of the marker to begin the first handle.

11. Create the Strap
    • Single crochet 5 stitches, chain 1, and turn.
    • Continue making a strip of 75–100 rows, depending on your desired handle length.
    • Fasten off when the desired length is reached.
12. Attach the Strap
    • Sew the free end of the strap to the midpoint marker on the opposite side of the bag.
    • Repeat the process to create the second handle.

Special Features

• Customizable Size: The bag’s size is adjustable by simply altering the foundation chain or number of rows in the mesh section.
• Back Loop Stitches for Stretch: Using back-loop-only stitches not only adds texture but also creates a flexible and durable design.
• Optional Color Changes: Choose your own colors to personalize the bag.

Level of Difficulty

This project is rated as beginner to intermediate. Although the stitches used are simple (chains, single/double crochets), beginners may find the stitch counting and the mesh section slightly challenging at first. Patience and stitch markers are recommended for ease of work.

Tutor’s Suggestions

1. Keep Count: Use stitch markers to track rows, especially for the sides and mesh portion.
2. Yarn Type: Cotton yarn is recommended because it is durable, washable, and ideal for a reusable market bag.
3. Adjust Length: If you prefer a shorter bag, stop the mesh portion earlier to make it less elongated.

Uses

• Shopping Bag: Perfect for groceries, farmer’s markets, or lightweight goods.
• Gift: A thoughtful handmade project for friends or family members.
• Eco-Friendly Option: A reusable and washable alternative to plastic bags.

Tip

When sewing the handle straps to the bag, ensure they are securely fastened to handle the weight of items you’ll be putting in the bag. Use tight overhand stitches to prevent loosening during use.

Conclusion

This mesh market bag is a stylish and practical project that combines simplicity with functionality. From its sturdy solid base to its breathable mesh sides, it’s perfect for everyday use, whether you’re heading to the grocery store or the beach. The option to customize colors and sizes makes it a versatile and rewarding crochet project.