Welcome to Grandma’s Crafts! I’m so happy you are here today. Today’s project is one of those things you will use every single week: a Mesh Market Bag. It is light enough to fold into your purse, stretchy enough to hold a whole bunch of fruit and vegetables, and so pretty hanging on a hook by the door.
The bag starts with a flat circle for the bottom, then turns into an open net of chain loops that grows in a gentle spiral. A few rounds of single crochet make a firm top band, and the handles are simply chains that you cover with stitches. There is no sewing and no joining pieces.
I like to make these in cotton, because cotton is strong, holds its shape and can be washed when the bag has done its job at the farmers market. A smooth worsted weight cotton is easy to work with and easy to find in lots of lovely colors.
This is a beginner friendly pattern, and it is a lovely way to learn how chain loops work. Let’s make one for you and maybe one to give away!
Skill Level
Easy. You need to know how to chain, single crochet and double crochet, and how to work in joined rounds.
Materials
Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn. How much you need depends on how tall you make the bag, so have an extra ball on hand.
5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook
Stitch marker
Measuring tape
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR: magic ring
ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
st(s): stitch(es)
sk: skip
* *: repeat the instructions between the asterisks as directed
ch-5 loop: the loop made by 5 chains in the mesh
Pattern Notes
The bottom of the bag is worked in joined rounds. The ch 2 at the beginning of each bottom round does not count as a stitch, and you join with a sl st to the first dc of the round.
The mesh is worked in a spiral, without joining. Place a stitch marker in the first loop of the mesh so you can count your rounds, and move it up as you go.
The top band and handles are worked in joined rounds again.
Stitch counts are in parentheses.
Mesh Market Bag Pattern
Bottom
Round 1: Make a magic ring. Ch 2, work 12 dc into the ring, pull the ring closed and join with a sl st to the first dc. (12 dc)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first dc. (24 dc)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, dc in the next st*. Repeat from * around. Join. (36 dc)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, dc in each of the next 2 sts*. Repeat from * around. Join. (48 dc)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, dc in each of the next 3 sts*. Repeat from * around. Join. (60 dc)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, dc in each of the next 4 sts*. Repeat from * around. Join. (72 dc)
Mesh Body
First mesh round: Ch 1, sc in the same st as the join. *Ch 5, sk the next 2 sts, sc in the next st*. Repeat from * around until 2 sts remain. Ch 5 and sk the last 2 sts. Do not join. (24 ch-5 loops)
Mesh rounds: *Ch 5, sc in the next ch-5 loop*. Keep repeating from * around and around in a spiral. Place your stitch marker in the first loop and move it up each time you come back to it.
How long?: Keep going until the mesh is as tall as you would like the body of the bag to be, measured from the edge of the bottom circle. The mesh stretches a lot when the bag is full, so it will get longer when you use it.
Top Band and Handles
Band Round 1: Work 3 sc in each of the next 24 ch-5 loops. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (72 sc)
Band Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (72 sc)
Band Round 3 (handles): Ch 1, sc in each of the first 12 sts, ch 60, sk the next 24 sts, sc in each of the next 12 sts, ch 60, sk the next 24 sts. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (24 sc and 2 chains of 60)
Band Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each sc and in each ch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (144 sc)
Band Round 5: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join, fasten off and weave in all the ends. (144 sc)
A Little About the Handles
The chains of 60 stitches become the handles, and the rounds of single crochet worked into them make them strong. If you would like longer handles to wear on your shoulder, chain more stitches for both handles in Band Round 3. Just make sure both handles have the same number of chains, and remember that Band Rounds 4 and 5 will have more stitches too.
Tips for a Sturdy Bag
Keep your ch-5 loops even. Try to chain with the same tension every time so the mesh looks tidy.
If the bottom circle starts to ruffle, your stitches may be too loose. If it cups, they may be too tight. A small change in hook size helps.
Work the handle chains loosely so the single crochet rounds don’t pull them tight.
Cotton can stretch with heavy loads. For a firmer bag, try a cotton blend or add an extra round of sc to the band.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
Ways to Use Your Market Bag
Of course it is perfect for fruit and vegetables, but these bags are handy for so much more. Use one as a beach bag for towels and sunscreen, a project bag for your yarn, or a laundry bag for delicate things. Hung on a hook, it also makes a lovely place to store onions and potatoes because the air can move through the mesh.
Your Mesh Market Bag is ready for its first trip to the market! I love that something so useful can be made in just a few relaxing evenings.
Try one in a bright color for summer and one in a soft neutral for every day. Thank you so much for spending time with me, and come back soon to Grandma’s Crafts for more handmade ideas.
