Free crochet pattern

Cotton mesh crochet market bag

This mesh market bag starts with a flat double crochet circle base, rises in an open mesh of double crochet and chain spaces that stretches around groceries, and finishes with a solid single crochet band and two built-in handles. It uses about 330 yards of worsted cotton.

By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Updated · Editorial policy · pattern testing in progress

Natural undyed cotton crochet mesh market bag with open net stitches, holding oranges and a baguette
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Pattern at a glance
DetailValue
Skill levelEasy
Yarn weightMedium (#4)
Yardage300–360 yd (274–329 m)
Hook5 mm
GaugeRounds 1–3 measure 4.5 in (11.5 cm) across; 8 mesh rounds = 4 in (10 cm).
Finished sizeBase 8 in (20 cm) diameter; body 12 in (30 cm) tall unstretched; handles 10 in (25 cm) drop
Timeabout 5 hours

Materials

  • Worsted weight (#4) 100% cotton yarn, about 330 yd / 300 m
  • 5 mm (US H-8) crochet hook
  • Tapestry needle
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Yarn Kit & Substitution Options

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This pattern calls for 360 yards of weight #4 yarn. Select a suggested yarn to see required skeins and estimated cost:

Caron Simply Soft · 100% Acrylic

315 yds per skein · High-yield yardage, silky no-scratch texture

2 skeins required

approx. $$10.98 total

Abbreviations (US terms)

magic ring
chain
double crochet
single crochet
slip stitch
skip
space
chain space
stitch
stitches
repeat
round
beginning

Notes before you start

  • In the base, beginning ch-3 counts as a dc.
  • In the mesh, beginning ch-4 counts as a dc plus ch-1.
  • Counts in the mesh give double crochet, then chain-1 spaces.
Smart Pattern Companion

Row progress: 0 of 14 done (0%)

Base

0 of 6 done
  1. Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, sl st in top of ch-3. (12)
    Mark row complete
  2. Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, sl st in top of ch-3. (24)
    Mark row complete
  3. Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around, sl st in top of ch-3. (36)
    Mark row complete
  4. Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around, sl st in top of ch-3. (48)
    Mark row complete
  5. Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around, sl st in top of ch-3. (60)
    Mark row complete
  6. Rnd 6: Ch 3, dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around, sl st in top of ch-3. (72)
    Mark row complete

Mesh body

0 of 3 done
  1. Rnd 7: Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), sk next st, *dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st; rep from * around, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4. (36 dc, 36 ch-1 sps)
    Mark row complete
  2. Rnd 8: Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), sk next ch-1 sp, *dc in next dc, ch 1, sk next ch-1 sp; rep from * to beg ch-4, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4. (36 dc, 36 ch-1 sps)
    Mark row complete
  3. Rnds 9–30: Rep Rnd 8.
    Mark row complete

Top band and handles

0 of 5 done
  1. Rnd 31: Ch 1, sc in each dc and each ch-1 sp around, sl st in first sc. (72 sc)
    Mark row complete
  2. Rnds 32–33: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st in first sc. (72 sc)
    Mark row complete
  3. Rnd 34: Ch 1, sc in first 12 sts, ch 50, sk next 24 sts, sc in next 12 sts, ch 50, sk last 24 sts, sl st in first sc. (48 sc, 2 ch-50 loops)
    Mark row complete
  4. Rnd 35: Ch 1, sc in each sc and 50 sc in each ch-50 loop, sl st in first sc. (148 sc)
    Mark row complete
  5. Rnds 36–37: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st in first sc. (148 sc)
    Mark row complete

Working on:

Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, sl st in top of ch-3. (12)

Finishing

  1. Fasten off and weave in ends.
  2. The mesh will stretch lengthways under load; this is normal for cotton.

Errata

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Frequently asked questions

Will a cotton market bag stretch?

Yes. Cotton mesh lengthens when full. Work fewer mesh rounds if you want a shorter bag when loaded.

Can I use acrylic?

Acrylic stretches even more and is less strong under weight. Cotton or a cotton-linen blend is best for carrying groceries.

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