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 · Reviewed · Editorial policy
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed September 13, 2026 under our editorial policy · pattern testing in progress
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Easy |
| Yarn weight | Medium (#4) |
| Yardage | 300–360 yd (274–329 m) |
| Hook | 5 mm |
| Gauge | Rounds 1–3 measure 4.5 in (11.5 cm) across; 8 mesh rounds = 4 in (10 cm). |
| Finished size | Base 8 in (20 cm) diameter; body 12 in (30 cm) tall unstretched; handles 10 in (25 cm) drop |
| Time | about 5 hours |
Materials
- Worsted weight (#4) 100% cotton yarn, about 330 yd / 300 m
- 5 mm (US H-8) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
Abbreviations (US terms)
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.
Base
- Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, sl st in top of ch-3. (12)
- Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, sl st in top of ch-3. (24)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
Mesh body
- 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)
- 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)
- Rnds 9–30: Rep Rnd 8.
Top band and handles
- Rnd 31: Ch 1, sc in each dc and each ch-1 sp around, sl st in first sc. (72 sc)
- Rnds 32–33: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st in first sc. (72 sc)
- 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)
- Rnd 35: Ch 1, sc in each sc and 50 sc in each ch-50 loop, sl st in first sc. (148 sc)
- Rnds 36–37: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st in first sc. (148 sc)
Finishing
- Fasten off and weave in ends.
- 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.
