Crochet Market Tote Bag Free Pattern
A sturdy, stretchy cotton mesh market bag with a flat oval base and comfy shoulder straps. A practical, eco-friendly crochet project for beginners.
- Skill level
- Easy
- Time
- 5–6 hours
- Yarn
- Worsted weight cotton (#4)
- Hook
- 5 mm (H-8)
- Finished size
- About 9 in wide (stretches to 14 in) × 14 in tall
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A crochet market bag is one of the most useful things you’ll ever make. It folds into a pocket, stretches to hold a week of produce, and looks lovely hanging by the door. This one has a solid oval base so it sits nicely, an open mesh body that works up quickly, and a solid top band that keeps the straps strong.
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- Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn, about 250 yards
- 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors
Abbreviations (US terms)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| ch-sp | chain space |
| sk | skip |
| sl st | slip stitch |
Gauge
16 sc and 18 rows = 4 in (10 cm). Gauge is not critical for this bag.
Pattern notes
- Rounds are joined with a sl st. Beginning ch 1 does not count as a stitch; beginning ch 4 counts as a dc + ch 1.
The pattern
Base
- Ch 31.
- Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 28 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working on the other side of the chain: sc in next 28 ch, 2 sc in last ch. Join. [62]
- Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 28, 2 sc in each of next 3, sc in next 28, 2 sc in each of next 2. Join. [68]
- Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. [68]
Mesh body
- Rnd 4: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), sk next st, dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st — repeat from * around. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. [34 dc, 34 ch-sps]
- Rnd 5: Sl st into the first ch-sp, ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), dc in next ch-sp, ch 1 — repeat from * around. Join to 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. [34 dc, 34 ch-sps]
- Rnds 6–24: Repeat Rnd 5, or until the bag is about 12 in tall.
Top band
- Rnd 25: Ch 1, sc in each dc and in each ch-sp around. Join. [68]
- Rnds 26–28: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. [68]
Straps
- Rnd 29: Ch 1, sc in next 7 sts, ch 40, sk next 20 sts, sc in next 14 sts, ch 40, sk next 20 sts, sc in last 7 sts. Join.
- Rnd 30: Ch 1, sc in each sc and work 40 sc into each ch-40 loop. Join. [108]
- Rnds 31–32: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. [108]
- Fasten off and weave in ends.
Tips
- Flatten the bag to check your straps before Rnd 30 — the two strap openings should sit centered over the long sides of the oval base. If they’re off, shift the first 7 sc by a stitch or two.
- Wash before first use. Cotton relaxes a little after washing; this sets the mesh.
- Make it a beach bag by going up to a 6 mm hook and working 30 mesh rounds.
Variations
- Make the base and top band in a contrasting color.
- Add a drawstring through the top mesh round for a produce bag.
- Use recycled cotton yarn for an even more eco-friendly bag.
Frequently asked questions
Why cotton yarn for a market bag?
Cotton is strong, doesn’t stretch as much as acrylic, and is easy to wash. A mercerized cotton or cotton–linen blend is even more durable.
Can I make the straps longer?
Yes — chain 50 instead of 40 for each strap and work 50 sc into each chain on the next round. Adjust the final stitch count accordingly.
How much weight can the bag hold?
Plenty of groceries — the mesh stretches, while the solid base and straps take the weight. Avoid very heavy glass bottles in a single spot.
