Welcome! Today we’re making a Crochet Mesh Tote Bag that is roomy, light and ready for almost anything.
What makes this bag special is its open, airy mesh texture, which looks neat and relaxed at the same time. The stitch pattern creates a pleasing grid of small holes, so the bag feels sturdy without feeling heavy. It suits the warmer months, when you want something easy to carry to the market, the beach or a quick coffee run.
This project is a lovely choice if you enjoy textured stitches and want a practical piece you will actually use. The full step-by-step tutorial is in the video, and this page is here to help you prepare and crochet with confidence.
In this post
Skill Level
Intermediate. The mesh stitch pattern is repeated across the whole bag, and the shaping of the handles and body needs steady tension and careful counting.
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Materials
- Yarn: a medium weight cotton yarn works beautifully here. Cotton holds its shape well, is easy to wash and gives the mesh a crisp look. BULLET: Hook: a hook size suited to your chosen cotton, usually in the mid range for that yarn. A slightly smaller hook gives a firmer bag that holds its shape. BULLET: Scissors. BULLET: A yarn or tapestry needle for weaving in ends and joining pieces. BULLET: Stitch markers, which help you keep your place in the repeats.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- sc: single crochet. Insert the hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook. BULLET: dc: double crochet. Yarn over, insert, pull up a loop, then work off two loops twice. BULLET: ch: chain. Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook to make a foundation or spacer. BULLET: sl st: slip stitch. Insert the hook, yarn over and pull through both loops, used for joining and neat finishing.
Pattern Notes
- This page uses US crochet terms throughout. BULLET: Keep your tension even, since the mesh holes are easiest to see and most attractive when the stitches are uniform. BULLET: Count your stitches regularly, especially at the handle sections, where small mistakes show up quickly. BULLET: Edges may look slightly uneven before finishing, and this is completely normal. BULLET: If you want a larger or smaller bag, you can adjust the foundation length, but test a small section first to check the proportions.
How It’s Made
- Make a foundation chain that sets the width of the base. BULLET: Work the mesh pattern across the base to form the bottom of the bag. BULLET: Continue working upward, building the sides in the same stitch pattern. BULLET: Shape the openings at the top, leaving space for the bag to open. BULLET: Form the handles by working the pattern in a narrower strip, then attach them to the top edge. BULLET: Finish the top edge with a neat border that keeps the mesh from stretching. BULLET: Weave in all ends so the bag stays tidy and strong.
For the exact rounds and stitch counts, follow along with the video tutorial.
Assembly and Finishing Tips
Join the handles firmly to the body, working through the stitches more than once so the seams can carry heavy shopping. Take your time at the corners, where neat stitches make a big difference to the final shape.
Block your finished bag gently to even out the mesh and help the sides sit straight. A light steam or a damp towel and a flat surface work well for most cotton yarns.
Weave in your ends carefully along the inside of the bag, trimming short so nothing catches on your belongings.
If your handles feel too stretchy, work an extra row of single crochet along the handle edges to firm them up.
Make It Yours
Try a two-tone version with a darker shade for the handles and a light neutral for the body. This gives the bag a relaxed, boutique feel.
Make a smaller version as a produce bag or a gift bag for a friend who loves to shop at farmers markets.
Choose a bright or pastel cotton for a cheerful summer carry-all, or a natural oatmeal shade for a timeless everyday bag.
Add a simple edging in a contrasting colour to frame the top of the bag and give it a finished look.
Happy crocheting! We would love to see your finished Crochet Mesh Tote Bag, so share your project with us once it is ready to carry.
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Tutorial and photos of this mesh tote bag by: VivCrochets.
