UFO Foldable Mesh Bag – Free Crochet Pattern and Complete Guide
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about a project that combines playful design with genuine practicality. The UFO Foldable Mesh Bag does exactly that — it draws on the timeless appeal of the classic flying saucer shape while delivering a lightweight, stretchy, foldable bag you’ll actually reach for every single day. Whether you’re heading to the farmers market, the beach, the grocery store, or just need a tote that collapses into your purse when not in use, this crochet pattern checks every box.
This post walks you through everything you need to know: the materials, the stitch techniques, the complete step-by-step pattern, tips for customizing the size and color, and ideas for finishing and storing your bag. Even if you’re a beginner who has never worked in the round before, this guide is written so you can follow along without confusion. Let’s get into it.
Why Crochet a Mesh Bag?
Before diving into the stitches, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate what makes a crochet mesh bag so appealing in the first place.
Mesh bags made from cotton or cotton-blend yarn are incredibly eco-friendly. They replace the need for single-use plastic produce bags and paper bags, they’re machine washable, and they last for years with basic care. Because the mesh structure is open, produce can breathe inside the bag, which actually helps fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer. For anyone trying to reduce their household plastic use, a handmade crochet mesh bag is one of the most practical and beautiful solutions available.
Beyond the environmental angle, there’s the creative one. Commercial mesh bags are plain and forgettable. A handmade one in a vibrant citrus orange, a cool sage green, or a bold cobalt blue is a small piece of art. When you tuck it into a market basket or hang it on a hook in your kitchen, it brings personality to an otherwise mundane object. And when someone asks where you got it, you get to say you made it yourself.
The UFO shape specifically adds a sculptural element. The bag has a wider, rounded body that tapers slightly toward the top before opening up into a gathered drawstring or handle edge, giving it a silhouette that genuinely resembles a little flying saucer. It’s charming, functional, and unlike anything you’ll find in a shop.
Materials You’ll Need
One of the best things about this pattern is how affordable and accessible the materials are. Here’s what to gather before you begin.
Yarn: You’ll want approximately 150 to 200 meters of a lightweight cotton yarn in a DK or light worsted weight. Cotton is highly recommended for market bags because it holds its shape, doesn’t stretch out of control when loaded, and washes well. Popular choices include Paintbox Simply DK, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, or Drops Safran. If you want a slightly more drapey bag, a cotton-bamboo blend works beautifully. Choose one main color and, if you’d like color blocking, a contrasting color for the rim or handles.
Hook: A 4.0 mm or 4.5 mm crochet hook is ideal for this weight of yarn and creates a mesh fabric with openings large enough to be practical without losing structure. If you tend to crochet tightly, go up to a 5.0 mm hook.
Other supplies: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (at least two), and a measuring tape. If you plan to add a drawstring closure, you’ll also need a length of cord, ribbon, or a strand of yarn approximately 80 to 100 cm long.
Gauge and Sizing
Working to gauge matters less with mesh bags than it would with garments, but it still helps you predict your finished dimensions. With a 4.0 mm hook and DK cotton yarn, a 10 cm square of basic mesh pattern should contain roughly 15 chain-spaces across and 10 rows in height. Your bag will end up approximately 30 to 35 cm wide at its widest point and 25 to 30 cm tall, which is a generous tote size — large enough for a week’s worth of produce or a solid beach haul.
If you want a smaller bag for delicate produce, herbs, or a project bag, simply stop increasing earlier in the base section and reduce the number of rows in the body. Conversely, for a truly giant market bag, continue your increases for a few more rounds and add extra rows to the body.
Understanding the UFO Shape
What creates the flying saucer silhouette is the combination of a circular flat base, a wider mid-section, and then a slight inward shaping near the top opening. Here’s how to visualize the construction before you begin crocheting.
You start at the very center of the base and work in rounds, increasing evenly every round to create a flat circle — the same technique used to make granny squares or circular pot holders. Once the circle reaches your desired base diameter, you stop increasing and simply work even rounds upward, which naturally creates the sides of the bag. After several rounds of straight sides, you work a round or two of very slight decreases to bring the top in just a touch, creating that characteristic “saucer” profile where the body is fuller than the opening. Finally, you finish the top edge, add handles or a drawstring channel, and you’re done.
The mesh pattern itself is worked using chain spaces and skipped stitches, which creates the open lacework that makes the bag lightweight and breathable.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
For clarity throughout the pattern, here are the abbreviations you’ll encounter.
ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, ch-sp = chain space, st = stitch, rep = repeat, rnd = round, sp = space.
The Complete UFO Foldable Mesh Bag Pattern
Foundation Ring
Begin with a magic ring, or chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 11 dc into the ring, join with sl st to top of ch-3. You now have 12 stitches.
Round 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), skip 1 st, dc in next st, ch 2, skip 1 st, rep from around, join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch-5. You now have 6 dc and 6 ch-2 spaces.
Round 3: Sl st into first ch-2 sp, ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 2, 2 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, rep from around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. You now have 12 dc and 6 ch-2 spaces.
Round 4: Ch 5, skip 1 st, dc in next st, ch 2, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, skip 1 st, dc in next st, ch 2, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, rep from around, join. You now have 12 ch-2 spaces forming a larger flat circle.
Round 5: Sl st into first ch-2 sp, ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 2, 2 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, rep from 10 more times, join. You now have 12 pairs of dc with ch-2 spaces between.
Round 6: Ch 5, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, dc in next dc, ch 2, skip 1 dc, rep from around, join. This round adds extra stitches into the chain spaces, keeping the base flat.
Round 7: Repeat Round 5 logic, working 2 dc into each ch-2 sp. Place a stitch marker here to indicate the end of the base section. Your base circle should now measure approximately 15 to 18 cm in diameter.
Body Section
Now you begin working straight up without increasing, which creates the walls of the bag.
Rounds 8 through 18: For each round, ch 5, then work dc in next dc or ch-sp, ch 2, rep from all the way around, join. Maintain the mesh pattern by working into both the dc stitches and the chain spaces alternately as they present themselves. Keep your tension consistent and even. These eleven rounds create the main body of the saucer shape, approximately 15 to 18 cm tall.
After Round 18, your bag should have a lovely cylindrical body with the wider circular base giving it that characteristic UFO silhouette.
Shaping the Top
Round 19: Ch 3, skip the first ch-2 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next ch-sp, dc in next dc, ch 2, rep from around, reducing some ch-2 spaces to ch-1 spaces. This gently pulls the top opening inward by about 10 to 15 percent.
Round 20: Ch 3, work dc in every stitch and chain space around, spacing them evenly. This creates a solid foundation for your handle or drawstring row.
Round 21 (Drawstring or Handle Channel): Ch 3, dc in each st around, creating a firm single row of double crochet.
At this point you have two finishing options depending on your preferred closure style.
Option A: Drawstring Closure
Round 22: Ch 4, skip 1 st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip 1 st, rep from around, join. This creates a series of small eyelets through which you’ll thread your drawstring cord.
Round 23: Work one final round of sc around the top edge to neaten everything up. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Thread your cord, ribbon, or a braided yarn length through the eyelets using a yarn needle or a small safety pin as a guide. Knot or tie the ends together or leave them as separate pull strings.
Option B: Braided Handles
Instead of a drawstring, you can add two sturdy braided handles for a more traditional tote bag feel.
After Round 21, fasten off and weave in the tail. Cut eighteen strands of yarn, each approximately 90 cm long. Divide them into two groups of nine strands. Fold each group in half, attach the folded center to the top edge of the bag (one on each side, roughly opposite each other) using a lark’s head knot through the top edge stitches. Braid or twist each bundle down to a comfortable handle length — roughly 25 to 30 cm — and secure with a knot. Trim the ends neatly.
These braided handles are surprisingly sturdy and comfortable to carry, even when the bag is full.
Finishing Touches
Once your handles or drawstring are in place, do a final check of all your ends and make sure they’re woven in securely. Cotton yarn can be slippery, so weave your tails through several stitches in different directions before trimming.
Give your finished bag a good hand wash in cool water with a drop of gentle dish soap. This relaxes the yarn, evens out any tension inconsistencies, and gives the whole piece a more polished look. Gently press out excess water in a towel (never wring cotton) and reshape the bag by hand before laying it flat to dry. Once dry, it should hold its shape beautifully.
If you want a firmer bag that holds its structure when empty, you can lightly starch your finished piece using a spray starch or a DIY solution of water and cornstarch. Spray lightly, reshape, and allow to dry completely.
Tips for Customizing Your UFO Mesh Bag
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this pattern is how easily it adapts to different styles, sizes, and purposes. Here are some ideas to make your bag your own.
Color blocking is one of the simplest ways to add visual interest. Work the base in one color, switch to a contrasting color for the body, and use a third color for the top edge and handles. Classic combinations include navy and cream, terracotta and sage, or a bright yellow with white.
Striping is equally effective. Change colors every two rounds throughout the body for a cheerful market bag feel. Because each round is joined, color changes are easy to manage and the joins are nearly invisible when done correctly.
Adding a lining transforms a decorative market bag into something more versatile. Cut a circle of fabric for the base and a rectangle for the body, sew them together into a bag shape, and hand-stitch it inside your finished crochet piece. A linen or canvas lining works particularly well. The lining prevents small items from falling through the mesh, making the bag suitable for carrying things like groceries with small items, books, or everyday essentials.
Scale it down to make a produce bag for things like garlic, onions, or lemons. Work only to Round 4 or 5 for the base and add just four or five body rounds. These mini bags are also lovely as gift bags — fill with small goodies and tie the drawstring with a pretty ribbon.
Try different yarn fibers for different purposes. A jute or raffia yarn creates a stiffer, more basket-like bag perfect for bread or vegetables at the market. A recycled cotton t-shirt yarn makes an extra chunky version that holds its shape even when empty and looks striking hanging in a kitchen.
How to Fold and Store Your Bag
The foldable element of the UFO mesh bag is one of its most practical features. Because cotton yarn is lightweight and flexible, the finished bag collapses flat without losing its shape when reopened.
To fold: empty the bag completely, flatten it so the base sits at the bottom and the sides fold in toward the center, then roll from the base upward into a tight cylinder. Slip the rolled bag into a small pouch, a pocket, or even into itself if you’ve sewn a small interior pocket from fabric. It should compress down to roughly the size of a large egg.
To store in your handbag: the rolled bag takes up almost no space and weighs next to nothing, making it the ideal zero-waste companion for spontaneous shopping trips.
Caring for Your Crochet Mesh Bag
Cotton yarn is wonderfully durable and washing-machine friendly when treated with basic care. Turn the bag inside out before washing to protect the handles and any decorative edging. Use a cool or warm water cycle on a gentle setting, or wash by hand for extra longevity. Avoid high heat in the dryer, which can shrink and warp cotton fibers — instead, reshape by hand while still damp and leave flat or hanging to air dry.
If the bag picks up stains from produce, a small amount of white vinegar or baking soda in the wash water usually handles it without any bleaching.
With proper care, a well-made crochet cotton bag will last for many years — potentially longer than the person who made it will want to keep any single bag. That’s a meaningful contrast to a plastic bag, which might be used once and then spend five hundred years in a landfill.
Why This Pattern Makes a Perfect Gift
The UFO Foldable Mesh Bag is one of those rare crochet projects that is genuinely useful to virtually everyone. It makes a wonderful housewarming gift, a zero-waste swap for someone trying to reduce their plastic use, a thoughtful birthday present for a food-loving friend, or a sweet handmade item for a market or craft fair.
Because the pattern works up relatively quickly — most crocheters can complete one in a long afternoon or a couple of shorter sessions — it’s practical to make in multiples. Consider making three or four in a single color palette and gifting them as a set. Or make a large bag paired with two or three small produce bags in complementary colors.
If you sell your handmade items, this pattern has excellent commercial potential. The materials are affordable, the construction time is reasonable, and the finished product photographs beautifully, especially outdoors in natural light with some market produce or flowers staged inside.
A Note on Sustainability
Every time someone brings a handmade cotton mesh bag to the grocery store instead of grabbing a plastic one, it’s a small act of meaningful change. The fashion and textile industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste, and single-use plastic is one of the most persistent pollutants on earth. Choosing to make rather than buy, to use natural fibers rather than synthetic ones, and to carry rather than discard is part of a larger shift in how many people are choosing to live.
Crochet, at its core, is a sustainable craft. It requires only your hands, a hook, and some fiber. The skills pass between people through community and family. The finished objects are made to last. The UFO Foldable Mesh Bag is a small but satisfying piece of that story.
Final Thoughts
The UFO Foldable Mesh Bag is the kind of crochet project that reminds you why you picked up a hook in the first place. It’s play
