Boho Summer Mesh Tote Pattern: Step by Step PDF Guide
There is something deeply satisfying about carrying a bag you made yourself, especially when it looks effortlessly stylish on a sunny afternoon at the farmers market or the beach. The boho summer mesh tote has become one of the most beloved handmade accessories in the crochet and macramé community, and for good reason. It is lightweight, breathable, beautifully textured, and endlessly customizable. Whether you are a seasoned crafter or someone picking up a hook for the first time this season, this step by step guide walks you through everything you need to create your own boho summer mesh tote from start to finish.
This pattern is designed to be beginner-friendly without sacrificing the kind of intricate, airy look that makes boho totes so visually striking. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a finished bag that holds your sunscreen, a good book, a water bottle, and all the little things that make a summer day complete.
What Makes a Boho Mesh Tote Special
Before diving into the pattern itself, it helps to understand what gives these totes their distinctive character. The term “boho” is short for bohemian, and it describes an aesthetic rooted in natural materials, earthy tones, handmade texture, and a relaxed, free-spirited vibe. When applied to a tote bag, it typically means open-weave construction, natural fiber yarn or cord, fringe or tassel embellishments, and an organic shape that looks beautiful even when slightly slouchy.
The mesh structure of this bag is not just decorative. It serves a practical purpose too. Because the bag is essentially an open net, it stretches to accommodate bulky items and allows air to circulate around your belongings. Sand falls out easily at the beach. Wet towels or swimsuits can breathe. Fresh produce from the market stays ventilated. It is one of those rare cases where form and function align perfectly.
Materials You Will Need
Gathering your materials before you begin will make the whole process smoother. Here is a complete list of what you need to make one standard-sized boho summer mesh tote, approximately 14 inches wide and 16 inches deep when complete.
For the yarn or cord, you will want approximately 200 to 250 yards of a medium weight (size 4) cotton yarn in your primary color. Cotton is the preferred fiber for summer totes because it is sturdy, washable, and has a natural matte finish that suits the boho aesthetic beautifully. Macramé cord can also be used if you prefer a slightly stiffer, more structured bag. Natural jute or hemp twine works wonderfully if you want an earthy, rustic finish, though both are slightly less forgiving for beginners.
You will also need a secondary color if you want to add stripes or color-blocked sections, roughly 50 to 75 yards. For fringe or tassel embellishments, set aside an extra 30 to 40 yards in either your primary or secondary color, or in a contrasting accent shade.
For tools, you will need a size 5mm (H/8) crochet hook for a standard cotton yarn, though you should check your yarn label since different weights call for different hook sizes. A tapestry needle is essential for weaving in ends cleanly. A pair of sharp scissors rounds out the basic toolkit. Optional but helpful: a measuring tape, stitch markers to keep your place in the pattern, and a spray bottle of water for lightly blocking your finished piece.
For handles, you have a few options. You can crochet your own straps as part of the pattern, which is covered in the instructions below. Alternatively, leather bag handles with pre-drilled holes are available at most craft stores and can be attached to give the bag a more polished, structured look. Bamboo ring handles are another popular choice that leans fully into the boho aesthetic.
Understanding the Basic Mesh Stitch
The foundation of this pattern is a simple mesh stitch, sometimes called a filet mesh or chain space mesh. It creates the open, net-like texture that defines the boho tote look. If you have never worked a mesh stitch before, take a few minutes to practice before starting the actual pattern.
The basic mesh stitch works in repeating units of a chain stitch followed by a skip stitch, then a double crochet. When you turn your work and begin the next row, you will work into those chain spaces rather than into individual stitches. This is what creates the open grid effect. The more chain stitches you use between your double crochets, the larger and airier the mesh openings will be. For this pattern, a two-chain mesh gives a medium-sized opening that is visually interesting without being so large that small items fall through.
Take a foundation chain of 20 stitches and practice a few rows of the mesh before committing to the full pattern. Chain 3, turn, skip the first two stitches, double crochet into the third stitch, then chain 2 and skip two stitches, double crochet into the next stitch, and repeat across the row. When you can do this comfortably for five or six rows, you are ready to begin the tote.
Step by Step Pattern Instructions
Step One: Starting Chain and Foundation Row
Begin by making a foundation chain of 62 chains. This number accounts for the full width of the bag plus the edge stitches. If you want a slightly wider bag, you can add chains in multiples of 3. For a narrower bag, reduce in multiples of 3.
Row 1 (Foundation Row): Chain 5 (this counts as your first double crochet plus a 2-chain space), then skip the first 3 chains from your hook, double crochet into the 4th chain. Continue across by chaining 2, skipping 2, and double crocheting into the next chain. Repeat to the end of the row. You should have approximately 20 mesh spaces across when you reach the end. Chain 5, turn.
Step Two: Building the Body
Rows 2 through 25 follow the same rhythm. Chain 5 and turn at the end of each row. Double crochet into the first chain space, chain 2, and continue across, working into each chain space rather than into individual stitches. This is the core of your mesh tote body.
After Row 10, you may notice the fabric has a pleasing drape and the mesh pattern is clearly visible. This is a good moment to hold the piece up and check that your tension is even. If some rows look tighter or looser than others, try to relax your grip or adjust how firmly you are pulling the yarn through each stitch.
If you are adding a stripe or color block, Row 11 is a natural place to switch colors. To change colors, work your last double crochet of the row up until the final yarn-over-and-pull-through. At that moment, switch to your new yarn and complete the stitch with the new color. Fasten off the old yarn and weave in the end later. Continue with the new color for as many rows as you like, then switch back or move to your accent shade.
Rows 11 through 25 continue the mesh pattern. By Row 25, your piece should measure approximately 13 to 14 inches in length. If it is shorter, work a few more rows. If your tension runs loose and you have already hit 14 inches, you can stop here.
Step Three: Creating the Base
The base of a mesh tote can be worked in solid single crochet rather than mesh to give the bag a more stable bottom. This prevents the contents from poking through and gives the bag a little structure so it stands up slightly when set down.
Do not fasten off after Row 25. Instead, turn your work and begin a new row in single crochet. Work one single crochet into every chain space and every double crochet post across. This will increase your stitch count significantly, giving you a dense, solid row. Work 8 to 10 rows of single crochet for the base, turning and working back and forth as normal. Use a 4mm hook for these rows if you want a tighter, more compact base, or stay with the 5mm for a slightly more relaxed finish.
After completing your base rows, fasten off and weave in the ends.
Step Four: Joining the Sides
To transform your flat rectangle into a bag, you will fold the piece so that the base sits at the bottom and the mesh body rises on both sides. The two open side edges need to be joined. Place the piece flat, fold it in half lengthwise so the wrong sides face each other, and use a slip stitch seam or a whip stitch seam with your tapestry needle and yarn to close each side edge.
For the slip stitch seam, reattach your yarn at the bottom corner of one side, insert your hook through the corresponding stitches of both layers simultaneously, and work a slip stitch up the entire edge. Fasten off when you reach the top. Repeat on the other side. These seams will be on the outside of the bag, which is intentional since the texture of an exposed seam actually adds to the handmade, artisanal quality of the boho aesthetic. If you prefer a hidden seam, fold the piece with right sides facing each other before joining, then turn right side out when done.
Step Five: Top Edge Finishing
Once your sides are joined and you have a bag shape, work a finishing round around the entire top opening. With right side facing, attach your yarn at one of the side seams and work a single crochet border all the way around the top edge, working into the ends of your mesh rows evenly spaced. Work two rounds of single crochet for a clean, stable edge. On the second round, you can switch to your accent color if you want a subtle color detail along the rim.
This top border not only looks neat but also strengthens the edge where the handles will attach, which is important for a bag that will carry weight.
Step Six: Making or Attaching the Handles
For crocheted handles, work a chain of 60 stitches, then work 3 rows of single crochet back and forth across those chains. This creates a flat, sturdy strap that is about 15 inches long and will not stretch excessively under load. Make two of these.
To attach the handles, position one end of the first strap approximately 4 inches from one side seam on the front of the bag, and the other end 4 inches from the same seam on the other side. The strap should sit inside the bag’s top edge. Sew each end securely using the tapestry needle and a length of yarn, working in a small square or X pattern to distribute the stress. Repeat with the second handle on the back of the bag.
If you are using bamboo rings, fold the top edge of the bag over each ring and sew the folded portion down firmly. If you are using leather handles with pre-drilled holes, use a large blunt needle and waxed twine to lace them onto the bag through the top mesh rows.
Adding Boho Embellishments
The mesh tote is gorgeous in its simplest form, but embellishments are what take it from a plain bag to a true boho statement piece.
Fringe is the most classic boho addition. Cut lengths of yarn approximately 10 inches long. Fold each length in half, insert the folded loop through a stitch along the bottom edge or the side seams, then pull the two loose ends through the loop and tighten. Add fringe densely for a full, dramatic look or sparsely for something more understated.
Tassels can be made by wrapping yarn around a small piece of cardboard 20 to 30 times, sliding the bundle off, tying it tightly near the top with a separate piece of yarn, then cutting the loops at the bottom. Attach tassels to the corners of the bag or at the ends of the handles.
Wooden beads, shells with holes drilled in them, and dried seed pods are all popular additions that reinforce the natural, earthy boho feel. String them onto lengths of yarn and knot them to the bottom edge of the bag or weave them into the mesh body for a scattered, organic look.
Finishing and Blocking Your Tote
Blocking is the process of gently shaping a finished piece with moisture and pins or forms to even out the stitches and open up the mesh. For a cotton tote, wet blocking works beautifully. Submerge the finished bag in cool water, squeeze out excess moisture without wringing, then lay it flat on a clean towel and shape it with your hands. If you want crisp, open mesh, use blocking pins to stretch each intersection of the grid slightly. Allow it to dry completely, which usually takes 24 hours.
Blocking is optional but makes a noticeable difference in the final appearance. It relaxes any tension inconsistencies and gives the mesh an even, professional-looking finish.
Care Instructions for Your Boho Mesh Tote
Cotton totes are wonderfully easy to care for. Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water, or hand wash in cool water with a small amount of gentle detergent. Reshape while damp and allow to air dry. Avoid putting a cotton tote in the dryer, as heat can cause the fibers to shrink and the mesh to pucker.
If your bag picks up beach sand, shake it out thoroughly before washing. Most sand will fall right through the mesh openings. For stubborn grime on a natural fiber tote, a soft brush and mild soap applied directly to the spot before washing will usually do the trick.
Downloadable PDF Tips
If you are saving this pattern as a PDF or printing it out for reference while you work, a few tips will make your crafting sessions easier. Print at full size on standard letter or A4 paper and use a highlighter to mark each row as you complete it. This prevents the common beginner mistake of losing your place and working an extra row or accidentally missing one.
A printed stitch count reference is helpful to keep beside your work. Write down the number of mesh spaces you should have after the foundation row and check it at the end of every few rows. Catching a missed stitch early is far easier than unraveling several rows of work.
Consider keeping a small notes section at the bottom of your printed pattern where you jot down your actual yarn brand, color name, and hook size. This makes it easy to replicate the bag later or to share the specifics with a friend who admires your work.
Final Thoughts
A boho summer mesh tote is one of those projects that rewards you on multiple levels. The making itself is meditative, the kind of rhythmic, repetitive craft that quiets the mind and fills an afternoon beautifully. The finished object is genuinely useful and stylish in a way that mass-produced bags rarely manage. And every time someone asks where you got that bag, you get to say you made it yourself.
Whether you work through this pattern in a single weekend or return to it over several evenings, take your time with the mesh rows and enjoy the process of watching the fabric grow. Experiment with colors that speak to the season for you, whether that means sun-bleached cream and terracotta, deep indigo and natural, or bright coral and white. The pattern itself is just the beginning. What you make of it is entirely your own.
Happy crafting, and enjoy every sunny moment carrying your handmade summer tote.
