Crochet Mesh Tote Bag | Free Pattern & Video Tutorial

There is something deeply satisfying about making a bag you can actually use. Not just a practice swatch or a decorative piece that sits on a shelf, but a real, functional tote you can throw over your shoulder and take to the farmers market, the beach, the library, or the grocery store. The crochet mesh tote bag is exactly that kind of project. It is beginner-friendly, works up surprisingly fast, and the open mesh design makes it endlessly versatile. Whether you are brand new to crochet or you have been crocheting for years and want a quick, satisfying make, this pattern is for you.

In this post, you will find the complete free pattern, a full materials list, stitch explanations, sizing notes, and plenty of tips to help you customize the bag to suit your style. Keep reading until the end for the video tutorial link and a few ideas for making this pattern your own.

Why You Will Love This Crochet Mesh Tote

Before we dive into the pattern itself, let me tell you a little about why the mesh tote has become such a beloved project in the crochet community. First, the construction is simple. The entire body of the bag is worked in a repeating mesh pattern that uses only basic stitches: chain stitches and double crochets. Once you get the rhythm of the pattern repeat, your hands will move almost on autopilot.

Second, the mesh structure makes this bag naturally stretchy and breathable. This is what makes it perfect for carrying produce, beach towels, library books, or anything else that benefits from a little airflow. It is also incredibly lightweight, which means it will not add extra bulk or weight to whatever you are carrying.

Third, the yarn possibilities are nearly endless. You can work this bag in natural cotton for a classic, eco-friendly market tote. You can use a chunky jute twine for a rustic, boho look. You can even use a colorful acrylic if you want something more whimsical and playful. The pattern adapts beautifully to all of these options.

Finally, this is a project you can finish in a weekend. If you use a worsted weight cotton and a 5mm hook, the body of the bag can be completed in just a few hours of focused crocheting. It makes a wonderful handmade gift, too.

Materials You Will Need

To make the crochet mesh tote bag as written, you will need the following supplies.

Yarn: Approximately 200 to 250 yards of worsted weight cotton yarn (size 4). Cotton is recommended because it is sturdy, holds its shape well, and is easy to wash. Some good options include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK Cotton (worked with two strands), or any similar smooth cotton yarn. For a larger bag or one with longer handles, you may need closer to 300 yards.

Hook: 5mm crochet hook (US H/8). You can go up to a 5.5mm or 6mm if you want a looser, more open mesh, or down to a 4.5mm if you want a denser fabric. Always check your gauge.

Notions: Scissors, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional but helpful for keeping your place), and a measuring tape.

Optional: A fabric lining if you want to prevent small items from slipping through the mesh. A simple rectangle of cotton fabric sewn into the finished bag works beautifully.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for this project since bags do not need to fit the body the way garments do. However, working to gauge will ensure your bag comes out close to the finished dimensions listed below.

For this pattern: 14 stitches and 8 rows in double crochet = 4 inches x 4 inches using a 5mm hook and worsted weight cotton.

If your gauge is significantly different, your finished bag may be larger or smaller than described. This is not a problem — simply adjust your starting chain if you want a specific size.

Finished Dimensions

Approximately 13 inches wide by 14 inches tall (not including handles). The handles add about 10 inches of length from the top edge of the bag. This creates a bag that sits comfortably at hip level when worn over the shoulder.

Abbreviations and Stitches Used

This pattern uses US crochet terminology.

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
ch-sp — chain space
rep — repeat
sk — skip
st — stitch
RS — right side

The only stitches you need to know for the mesh body are chain and double crochet. The handles are worked in single crochet for added structure and durability.

Pattern Notes

This bag is worked in the round from the bottom up. The base is worked flat as a simple rectangle, and then stitches are picked up around the entire perimeter of the base to begin working the mesh sides in the round. This construction gives the bag a stable, flat bottom that sits nicely when set down.

The mesh pattern repeat is a multiple of 3 stitches plus 1. When picking up stitches around the base, you will want to ensure your stitch count falls into this multiple before beginning the mesh rounds. Notes on how to do this are included in the pattern.

If you are new to working in the round or picking up stitches along a foundation edge, the video tutorial will walk you through these steps in real time. Do not let it intimidate you. It is easier than it sounds.

The Free Pattern

Part One: The Base

The base of the bag is a simple flat rectangle worked in rows of double crochet. It provides the structure for the bottom of the bag and sets the width.

Foundation chain: Ch 46.

Row 1: Dc in the 4th ch from hook (the skipped chains count as a dc), dc in each ch across. Turn. (44 dc)

Rows 2 through 8: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st across. Turn. (44 dc)

After Row 8, do not fasten off. You will begin picking up stitches around the perimeter of the base in the next step.

Your base should measure approximately 12.5 inches long by 4 inches wide. If you want a wider or longer bag, simply adjust the number of foundation chains (keeping it an even number) or add more rows to the base.

Part Two: Joining to Work in the Round

This is the step where we transition from working flat to working the sides of the bag in the round. You will pick up stitches along all four sides of the rectangular base.

Set-up round: Ch 3, dc evenly around the entire perimeter of the base, working dc stitches across the short ends and down the long sides. The goal is to have a stitch count that is a multiple of 3. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round so you can track where each round starts.

A good target stitch count for the dimensions given is approximately 126 stitches (42 groups of 3). You may need to adjust slightly based on how many stitches you pick up along the short ends of the base. Do not worry if you are off by a stitch or two — the mesh pattern is very forgiving.

Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.

Part Three: The Mesh Sides

This is where the magic happens. The mesh pattern is worked over a multiple of 3 stitches and creates the open lattice look that makes this bag so recognizable. Each round is identical, which means once you learn the rhythm, the sides work up very quickly.

Mesh Round: Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), sk next 2 sts, dc in next st, ch 2; rep from around, sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch-5 to join.

That is it. That is the whole mesh pattern. Every round is the same stitch sequence. The ch 5 at the beginning of each round counts as your first dc plus a ch-2 space. The dc stitches form the vertical bars of the mesh, and the ch-2 spaces form the open holes.

Repeat the Mesh Round until the sides of the bag measure approximately 11 inches from the top of the base. This will take roughly 15 to 17 rounds depending on your gauge and how tightly you crochet.

After the final mesh round, do not join. Instead, work one final transition round as follows.

Final Transition Round: Ch 1, sc in each dc and 2 sc in each ch-2 space around. Join with sl st to first sc. This round closes up the mesh slightly and creates a solid edge along the top of the bag from which the handles will be worked.

Your total stitch count after this round should be approximately 126 single crochets.

Part Four: The Handles

The handles are worked directly onto the top edge of the bag. They are made by identifying the placement points, chaining a length for the strap, and then crocheting back down the chain to create a sturdy, reinforced handle. Each handle is worked twice — first along one chain edge, then back along the other — to give it thickness and durability.

Positioning the handles: Divide your stitch count into four equal sections. The two handles will be positioned symmetrically on the front and back of the bag. With 126 stitches, place markers at approximately stitches 1, 32, 64, and 95 to identify the center points of each handle attachment zone.

Handle construction (make 2):

Attach yarn at your first handle marker.

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in the next 10 sts along the top edge. Turn. (10 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc across. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc across. Turn.

Row 4: Ch 1, sc across. Turn.

Strap: Ch 46 (or adjust for desired handle length). Skip across to the corresponding marker on the opposite side of the same panel, sc in the next 10 sts. Turn.

Working back along the strap: Sc in each ch across the strap (46 sc), then sc in the 10 sts of the first handle panel. Do not turn.

Reinforcement row: Sl st back across the 10 handle stitches, sl st along the strap, and sl st across the second set of 10 stitches. This secures and reinforces the full handle.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Repeat for the second handle on the opposite side of the bag.

The finished handles will be approximately 10 inches long and wide enough to sit comfortably on the shoulder.

Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends using your yarn needle. Give the bag a gentle blocking — especially if you used cotton. Wet blocking a cotton tote bag by soaking it in cool water, squeezing out the excess, and laying it flat to dry will even out the mesh stitches beautifully and give the bag a more polished, professional finish.

If you plan to line the bag, now is the time to do it. Cut a rectangle of cotton lining fabric slightly larger than the bag’s interior dimensions, fold over and press the top hem, and hand stitch or machine sew it inside the bag along the top edge. A lining is especially helpful if you plan to carry small items like keys, lip balm, or a wallet that might otherwise fall through the mesh holes.

Sizing Options and Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this pattern is how easy it is to adjust. Here are a few ways to make it your own.

Make it bigger: Add more chains to your foundation for a wider bag, add more rows to the base for a longer bottom, or simply work more mesh rounds to make the sides taller.

Make it smaller: Follow the same approach in reverse for a mini tote or a gift bag. A smaller version using fingering weight yarn and a 3mm hook makes an adorable coin purse or treat bag.

Add a base insert: A piece of canvas, leather, or stiff felt cut to the size of the base and slipped inside the bag before adding a lining will make it hold its shape better and sit flat on a surface.

Change the strap style: Instead of crocheted handles, you can thread a length of rope, leather cord, or ribbon through the top mesh holes for a completely different look. Leather handles also give the bag a more polished, structured appearance.

Stripe it: Use two or three colors of yarn and alternate every few rounds during the mesh section for a fun striped effect. Since you are working in the round, you can carry the unused color up the inside of the bag and switch without cutting and rejoining.

Use different yarn weights: A chunky weight cotton with a 6.5mm or 7mm hook will give you a thicker, more structured bag. A fine weight cotton with a smaller hook creates a delicate, lacier look.

Video Tutorial

If you are a visual learner or you get stuck at any point in the written pattern, the video tutorial is here to help. In the video, I walk through every step of this pattern in real time — from the foundation chain and base construction all the way through the mesh rounds, the top edge, and the handles. I also show how to pick up stitches around the base perimeter, which is the step that trips up most beginners.

The video is perfect for following along at your own pace. Pause, rewind, and replay as many times as you need. Crochet is a skill that gets easier the more you do it, and sometimes watching someone else’s hands move through the stitches is the clearest explanation of all.

A Few Tips for Success

If this is your first time crocheting a bag, here are a few things that will help the process go smoothly.

Use a smooth, plied cotton yarn rather than a fuzzy or hairy yarn. The mesh pattern relies on clearly defined stitches, and a smooth yarn makes it much easier to see where to insert your hook.

Do not skip the stitch marker. Place it at the beginning of each round so you always know where you are in the pattern. It takes two seconds and saves a lot of frustration.

Tension matters with bags. If your tension is very loose, the bag may stretch out too much under the weight of its contents. If it is very tight, the mesh may not open up beautifully. A middle-ground tension gives you a mesh that is open and pretty but still holds its shape.

Block your finished bag. This step genuinely transforms the look of the finished project. Even a quick soak and reshape will make a noticeable difference in how professional and even the final result looks.

Finally, enjoy the process. Crochet is meant to be meditative and satisfying. Put on a podcast, make yourself a cup of tea, and enjoy watching the mesh pattern grow stitch by stitch.

Share Your Makes

If you make this crochet mesh tote bag, I would absolutely love to see it. Share your finished project and tag it so the community can admire your work. Every maker puts their own spin on a pattern, and seeing the different color choices, yarn textures, and customizations people come up with is one of the most joyful parts of sharing a free pattern.

This project makes a wonderful handmade gift for anyone on your list — a friend who loves the farmers market, a family member who needs a beach bag, a colleague who could use a stylish work tote. Handmade gifts carry a warmth that store-bought ones simply cannot replicate, and a crocheted tote is both beautiful and genuinely useful.

Happy crocheting, and I hope this pattern brings you as much joy to make as it does to use.