Crochet Market Tote Bag Pattern (Free & Easy)

This crochet market tote bag pattern gives you a reusable bag that's strong enough for groceries and pretty enough for the beach. It has a solid oval base, a stretchy mesh body and comfortable handles.

Everything is worked in the round, from the bottom up, so there's no sewing – just crochet!

Why You'll Love This Crochet Tote Bag

Eco-friendly – say goodbye to plastic bags.
Stretches to hold a lot but folds up small.
Made in one piece with no sewing.
Uses basic stitches: chain, single crochet and double crochet.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
dc – double crochet
inc – increase: work 2 sc into the same stitch.
ch-1 sp – the space under a ch 1.

Size and Gauge

Finished size: about 34 cm wide × 32 cm tall, not including handles.
Gauge: 16 sc = 10 cm.

Cotton yarn is best for bags because it's strong and doesn't stretch out of shape.

Step 1: Crochet the Oval Base

Ch 31.

Round 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next 28 ch, work 3 sc in the last ch. Now turn your work so you're crocheting along the other side of the chain: sc in the next 28 ch, then 2 sc in the last ch (the same chain where you made your very first sc). Join with a sl st. (62 sc)

Round 2: Ch 1, inc in the first stitch, sc 28, inc in each of the next 3 stitches, sc 28, inc in each of the last 2 stitches. Join. (68 sc)

Rounds 3–6: Continue in sc, adding 6 increases each round around the two curved ends and working 1 sc in every other stitch. (98 sc at the end of Round 6)

Why increase? Adding stitches at the ends makes the oval grow bigger while staying flat. If your base starts to ruffle, you're increasing too much; if it cups, add one more increase.

Step 2: Crochet the Mesh Body

Round 7: Ch 4 (this counts as 1 dc + ch 1). Skip 1 stitch, dc in the next stitch, ch 1. Repeat from * around, skipping the last stitch. Join to the 3rd ch of the starting ch-4. (49 mesh spaces)

Round 8: Sl st into the first ch-1 space. Ch 4, dc in the next ch-1 space, ch 1. Repeat around. Join.

Repeat Round 8 until the mesh measures about 26 cm – roughly 18 rounds.

Step 3: Top Band and Handles

Rounds 1–4 of the band: Ch 1, sc in each dc and each ch-1 space around. Join. (98 sc)

Round 5 (handle openings): Ch 1, sc 18, ch 50, skip 12 stitches, sc 37, ch 50, skip 12 stitches, sc 19. Join.

Rounds 6–8: Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, working 1 sc into each chain of the handles. Join.

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Beginner Tips

Mark the first stitch of each base round with a stitch marker.
Count after every base round. The stitch counts tell you everything is on track.
Try a shorter handle chain (ch 35) if you prefer a hand-held bag instead of a shoulder bag.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

The base is curling up like a bowl. Add one or two extra increases at the curved ends.
The handles are uneven. Count the stitches between the handle openings – both sides must match.
The mesh leans to one side. That's normal for work in the round; blocking with water helps straighten it.

FAQ

What is the best yarn for a crochet tote bag?

100% cotton or a cotton-linen blend. They're strong, don't stretch much and are easy to wash.

Can a crochet bag hold heavy groceries?

Yes. Cotton mesh is surprisingly strong. For very heavy items, work the handles with a double strand of yarn.

How do I make the bag bigger?

Start with a longer chain (add stitches in pairs), and work more mesh rounds.

Find more carry-all makes in our free crochet bag patterns, like the lightweight Mesh Produce Bag.