Crochet Pentagonal Mesh Market Bag Pattern

Crafting your own market tote is one of the most rewarding crochet projects you can take on.

This lightweight bag uses a five-point base that expands into a breathable mesh body, offering the perfect blend of structural strength and open-weave stretch.

It is ideal for carrying fresh produce, beach essentials, or everyday belongings. Utilizing affordable cotton yarn, the project works up rapidly thanks to its simple repetitive rounds.

Follow these clear, detailed instructions to create a durable, hand-made tote that is as stylish as it is functional.

Project Overview

Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner
Dimensions: Approximately 16 inches tall (excluding straps) by 13 inches wide at the broadest section.
Gauge: 12 double crochets and 5 rounds = 4 inches square.

Materials Needed

Yarn: 200–240 yards of Medium Weight (Category 4) 100% Cotton Yarn
Crochet Hook: Size K / 6.5 mm
Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, and 2 stitch markers

Key Stitches & Techniques

Chain (ch): Yarn over and pull through loop.
Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops.
Single Crochet (sc): Insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
Double Crochet Two Together (dc2tog): Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops. Yarn over, insert hook into following stitch, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops. Yarn over and pull through all 3 remaining loops on hook.
V-Mesh Unit: Work (1 double crochet, chain 3, 1 double crochet) all within the designated chain space.

Bag Base & Body Instructions

Note: Work in continuous joined rounds without turning at the end of each round. The starting chain-2 serves as a height placer and does not count as a stitch.

Round 1: Create an adjustable magic ring. Chain 2, then work 5 V-Mesh Units into the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first double crochet. (You will have 5 mesh units total).
Round 2: Slip stitch into the first chain-3 space. Chain 2. Work 2 V-Mesh Units directly into every chain-3 space around. Join with a slip stitch. (10 mesh units total).
Round 3: Slip stitch into the first chain-3 space. Chain 2. Repeat the pattern of working 2 V-Mesh Units into the first chain space, followed by 1 V-Mesh Unit in the next chain space, 5 times around. Join with a slip stitch. (15 mesh units total).
Round 4: Slip stitch into the first chain-3 space. Chain 2. Repeat the pattern of working 1 V-Mesh Unit into each of the next 2 chain spaces, then 2 V-Mesh Units into the next chain space, 5 times around. Join with a slip stitch. (20 mesh units total).
Round 5: Slip stitch into the first chain-3 space. Chain 2. Work 1 V-Mesh Unit into every chain space across the round. Join with a slip stitch. (20 mesh units total).
Rounds 6 through 17: Repeat Round 5 until the bag reaches the desired length. (20 mesh units per round).
Round 18 (Border Round): Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet into the first stitch, 1 single crochet into the chain space, and 1 double crochet into the next stitch. Repeat this sequence across every mesh space around. Join with a slip stitch. (60 stitches total).

Strap Assembly Instructions

Row 1: Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet in each of the first 12 stitches. (12 stitches).
Row 2: Chain 2, turn work. Dc2tog across the first two stitches, double crochet in each of the next 8 stitches, dc2tog across the last two stitches. (10 stitches).
Row 3: Chain 2, turn. Dc2tog, double crochet in next 6 stitches, dc2tog. (8 stitches).
Row 4: Chain 2, turn. Dc2tog, double crochet in next 4 stitches, dc2tog. (6 stitches).
Rows 5 through 17: Chain 2, turn. Work 1 double crochet in each of the 6 stitches across. (6 stitches).
Row 18: Chain 2, turn. Work 2 double crochets in the first stitch, 1 double crochet in each of the next 4 stitches, and 2 double crochets in the last stitch. (8 stitches).
Row 19: Chain 2, turn. Work 2 double crochets in the first stitch, 1 double crochet in each of the next 6 stitches, and 2 double crochets in the last stitch. (10 stitches).
Row 20: Chain 2, turn. Work 2 double crochets in the first stitch, 1 double crochet in each of the next 8 stitches, and 2 double crochets in the last stitch. (12 stitches).

Attachment & Finishing

Align the bag flat. Count 18 rim stitches outward from each side of the strap base to center the attachment point on the direct opposite side of the bag. Mark these 12 target stitches with stitch markers.
Turn the bag interior outward (wrong side facing you). Line up the edge of Row 20 with the marked 12 stitches on the body rim.
Slip stitch through both layers across all 12 stitches to secure the strap to the bag.
Fasten off yarn, snip excess, and weave in all loose ends using a tapestry needle.