Crochet Mesh Grocery Tote Pattern
We do a lot of grocery shopping at Aldi. If you’ve ever been there you know it’s a great place to go for super low prices! One of the ways they can keep prices down is by not providing grocery bags, among other things. You either have to buy them there or provide your own. For whatever reason I always forget to bring bags with me. This drives me nuts because I never remember I don’t have any bags until I pull into the parking lot…go figure.
I designed this tote with my frequent Aldi shopping routine in mind. After I’m done writing this post I going to put my new totes in the car and that’s where they will stay until I go shopping next. Hopefully I’ll remember to put them back into the car after I bring our next bunch of groceries home, haha. I’m hoping these awesome crochet bags will just make me remember automatically, I think they will.
A printable PDF version of this pattern is available for purchase here.
Crochet Mesh Grocery Tote Pattern
Materials
- size 5.5 mm crochet hook
- 3 balls of Lily’s Sugar n’Cream Yarn in mint or whatever color you prefer!
- 2 stitch markers
- scissors
- yarn needle
Finished Measurement
- Laying flat – approximately 14 inches at bag opening, 12 inch bag depth (mesh portion)
Key
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- sc – single crochet
Body of the bag:
Round 1: In magic ring, chain 3 (this chain 3 counts as the 1st double crochet) 11 dc; Join in round with slip stitch (12 stitches)
**Pattern Note** Mark the last stitch of the round with a stitch marker in order to keep track of your rounds.
Round 2: *ch 4, sc in next dc; Repeat from * to end of round (12 spaces) Keep replacing the stitch marker into the last space of each new round.
Round 3: *ch 4, single crochet in next ch 4 space; Repeat from * to end of round
This is a little visual of what you will be doing:
Round 4: Repeat round 3
Round 5: *ch 4, sc in next ch 4 space, ch 4, sc in next ch 4 space, ch 4 sc in same ch 4 space; Repeat from * to end of round ( 18 spaces)
In other words, for round 5, you will be increasing in every other ch 4 space.
Round 6: Repeat round 3
Round 7: Increase in every 3rd space (24 spaces)
Round 8: Repeat round 3
Round 9: Increase in every 3rd space (32 spaces)
Rounds 10-12: Repeat round 3
Round 13: Increase in every 4th space (40 spaces)
Rounds 14-16: Repeat round 3
Round 17: Increase every 4th space (50 spaces)
Rounds 18-30: Repeat round 3
Round 31: *ch 3, sc in next ch 4 space; Repeat from * to end of round
Rounds 32-33: Repeat round 31
Round 34: *Ch 2, sc in next ch 3 space; Repeat from * to end of round
Round 35: *Ch1, sc in next ch 2 space; Repeat from * to end of round
Round 36: 2 sc in each ch 1 space to end of round
Round 37: sc to end of round
Round 38: Repeat round 37
Making the handles
Lay piece flat and take stitch marker number 2 and mark the other side of the piece like I did in the picture below.
Round 39: Ch 35, now skip 24 stitches and sc in 25th stitch from stitch marker number one, taking care not to twist the chain (or your handles will be twisted). You have just created handle one.
Sc to other stitch marker, ch 35 and sc into the 25th stitch from the marker just like you did with the first handle. Sc to the end of the round.
Both handles are formed!
Round 40: Sc into the back loops of the handle like I did in the photo below. Sc to next handle and crochet into the back loops of that handle as well. Sc to end of the round.
Round 41: sc to end of round
Rounds 42-46: Repeat round 41
Cut yarn and weave in any left over tails.
Go to the local market and show off your new tote!
I’m looking for pattern testers and now accepting applications! Click here to learn more information!
If you enjoyed this pattern, be sure to check out my two latest tote patterns below!
Have a great day!
Brittany! This bag is GREAT!! Seriously … you are making me want to learn crochet ASAP!!
Thanks Katie!!
I adore this! Just wish I knew how to crochet! You should do a YouTube video tutorial 🙂
Hi Cindy, I am totally thinking about it!! Thanks for the suggestion!
What a great bag! Thanks for sharing your pattern.
You're welcome Kimberlee, thanks for stopping by!
I haven't crocheted in years. I might have to give that one a whirl. I love the little bag!
Thanks Bette! Let me know if you do!
This bag is beautiful, and I absolutely love the color of it bag! I am always amazed with these crochet projects you come up with.
Thanks Courtney!!
I have heard of Aldi, but we don't have one here. This is a great bag! Love the color you chose.
Thanks Alexis! And man, you need an Aldi asap!
Love this! Definitely going to make my own one!! Thanks for sharing your pattern!
Thanks Liz, and you're welcome! I hope you do, its a fun and fairly quick project!
This came in perfectly for a bath toy tote. Thanks!
Great! So glad you stopped by!! 🙂
Nice pattern but needs to be more detailed especially for those that are beginners. Not everybody knows how to increase rounds. How you wrote the increases could be more detailed.
Hi Chrystal, this pattern would probably be considered a more intermediate to moderate level of crochet difficulty, and assumes you already know the basics of crocheting. I unfortunately don't have any crochet patterns that are geared towards beginners as my blog is still very young, and most of my experience is with knitting.
In the pattern I do highlight in round 5 how I made the increase:
"Round 5: *chain 4, single crochet in next chain 4 space, chain 4, single crochet in next chain 4 space, chain 4, single crochet in same chain 4 space; Repeat from * to end of round ( 18 spaces)
In other words, for round 5, you will be increasing in every other ch 4 space."
I know this may sound a bit confusing when you read it, but after you try it out a couple you'll see it's not too bad. Hope this helps!
I just finished this bag and I love it! I ordered a bunch of cotton yarn off the internet and when it came in the colors were not what I had expected. I hated to return it and knew it would become handy eventually and when I saw your pattern, I figured that I certainly need market bags! 🙂 I will make a couple more to keep in my car!
Hi Ellis!! I am so happy you enjoyed the pattern!! That makes my day!! 🙂
Hi I am up to round 20 and it is a circle, is that right!???
Yep that’s right! It will start turning into a bag once you hit the last few rows of the project. Be sure to post it on Instagram #justbecrafty so I can check it out!
I found this pattern through ravelry and love it! I'm in the middle of making a couple of them as gifts for my kids teachers. I can't wait to make some for myself. Thanks for sharing!
So happy to hear Amy!! I'm glad your putting this pattern to good use!! 🙂
Such a cute bag, I am definitely not a beginner but I am a little confused with the pattern, I have done about 6 rounds, and am curious when it actually starts to take a bag shape, mine looks like a big doily!!!
Yep! That's how it looks until about round 35 or 36, after round 38 your bag should look like the picture right below that round. Just keep following the pattern and trust me it will all of the sudden transform from a giant doily into a bag! 🙂
Just a tip for remembering your totes, I hang mine on the door knob so that the next time I go out to the car, they are waiting & remind me to grab them.
That's a great idea Denise, I am so going to do that!! Thanks! 🙂
Would there be anyway to lengthen the straps to make this a cross body bag?
What is the total yardage for this project? Looking to use a different yarn
Thanks !
Approximately 360 yards. Happy crocheting!
I’m halfway through with my second bag, my first one is mint green like yours and the second one is purple. Thanks so much for the pattern, it’s great!
Hi Melissa! I am so glad you are enjoying making the bags!! You just made my day! 🙂
Brittany, I love this bag! Your instructions were so clear and easy fo follow and I loved the pics. My friends love it too!
Hi Tracey! Thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed making this bag!! That makes me so happy to hear! 🙂
This is the best bag pattern I have done!! I won’t be making any other bags, just this one!! Love the size too and the handle is great! Thanks so much for sharing this pattern.
Hi Connie, you are too sweet!! That makes me so happy that you enjoyed this pattern!!! You’re welcome! 🙂
I am currently making 2 of these totes for my son’s teachers. I’m absolutely loving the way it’s turning out!!! Great pattern!
Hi Jenni! I am so glad you are enjoying the pattern! Your son’s teachers will LOVE them! 🙂
Brittany, your tote is so cute, and it simply flew off my hook. Thank you for sharing your pattern! I used some nylon thread I’ve had sitting in my stash bag, with a size H hook, and it worked perfectly 🙂
Hi Aubrey! Thank you so much, I am so glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂 I would love to see it, feel free to upload a picture to the facebook page!
Brittany thank you so much for the pattern. I have searched for so long for a mesh grocery tote and have tried about three all the way to almost the end, then ripped it ALL out because it wasn’t what I wanted. All that I tried were like a tube. After you put stuff in them they were so long!!!!!! I wanted one that had a wide mouth and was fat around. Couldn’t find anything like I wanted…….then I found you! It turned out beautiful!! I used Premier cotton fair. It is 52 percent cotton and 48 percent acrylic. It’s a fine Cotton #2. I love it. I have ” the go to bag pattern” now and can’t wait to get started on another with a thicker cotton. I will post a pic soon. I have never written on a blog before but was so impressed with this pattern I had too!
Hi Kathy, thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to say hi!!! I am so happy that you enjoyed the pattern, and would absolutely LOVE to see a picture! Please feel free to upload the pic to my JustBCrafty Facebook page
Awesome!!!! The two handles crocheted right onto the bag is what sets this bag above the rest for me. I’m always afraid handles with fall off if I have to sew them on. Thanks so much for making and sharing such a great pattern!
Hi Dolly, thank you so much! I am really glad you enjoyed the pattern! I agree, that is always a concern, especially if you are toting around some heavy groceries…having the handles fall off would be no fun! 🙂
I haven’t crocheted in many years and even then I didn’t do much. Recently I’ve been searching for different ideas to use as gifts for family and friends. I was thrilled when I came across your pattern. We , several members of our family and friends all shop at Aldi’s too. What a great money saver! Anyway, I just finished making one of these bags for my mother for her birthday. Now I’ll be making more to put away for gifts. Thank you so much for sharing your pattern for free!! Have a blessed day, Kitty
Hi Kitty!! I am so glad you enjoyed the pattern, thank you so much for taking the time to say hi! Bags make the perfect gift for all because you can never have too many! 🙂
i have never left a commet, but this pattern earned a real big good job
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Thank you!! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this pattern! I’ve just completed my first bag and can’t wait to get more yarn in the morning to start another. The instructions were clear and easy to follow.
Thanks so much,
Tessie
Oh good!! I am so glad you enjoyed it!! I would love to see, it! Feel free to post a picture to my facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/justbcrafty)!
I have been looking for “the perfect net bag pattern!” If this turns out to be it, I would like to make some to sell, of course giving credit to the original pattern designer. What is your copyright policy?
Hi Juanita! Thank you, I am flattered you enjoyed the pattern! Yes, you may make items to sell as long as credit is given back to me, and I ask that if sold online that there be a link included back to my site. Thank you for asking!
Hello! I just learned to crochet a little bit and I was planning on learning with your bag. (Gorgeous by the way) I was wondering how many you need in the magic circle?
Hi Danika! Thank you! I’m so glad you are trying out the pattern, I hope you have fun! To begin, you will make your magic circle, then chain 3. The chain 3 will count as your first double crochet, you will then make 11 double crochets in the magic ring. If you need a visual on how to make the magic ring, I have linked a video tutorial in the pattern.
Happy crocheting!!! 🙂
Pattern was super easy to follow. Didn’t take long to complete. Thank you for this great design. I love it!
Love the pattern. I have vacation rentals and have provided store bought beach bags for Guests however they get ruined and I need to keep purchasing. This worked out nicely. I added extra rounds to make larger. So far they are still in use (3 months, 28 Reservations) and are holding up nicely. A few guests asked where I purchased them and were surprised to learn I made them. I passed on your patten to 3 guests.
Thank you!!
In Germany, where my mom was from, and where I lived for 3 years during junior high, they’ve been using nets and other reusable grocery totes for decades. Well, now that California just passed the penalty law on plastic grocery bags, it’s time to add some “colleagues” to the sole (very similar to yours here) shopping net my mom left me when she passed.
Thanx for the great instructions!
I’m in Australia and wondering what ply size yarn you have used?
Haven’t crocheted for years but keen to VIVE this pattern a go. Thanks
Hi MJ! It is a 4 ply worsted weight yarn.
Hi, I am thinking to use jute string to make this lovely mesh grocery tote, hope it come out nice!
Anyway thanks for the idea!
Awesome idea! Let me know how it turns out! 🙂
Hi, I have finished the tote bag using jute string, it turned out just as I expected. It is a sturdy grocery bag, I have to adjust the rounds according to the size I wanted because the jute strings are thicker than cotton yarns!
Thanks again!
I have trouble with the handles,
Hi Ana! What part of the handles are causing you trouble?
After chain 35,go to next marker,sc,and the I get lost,the picture show few rows of sc
Hi Ana! The handles are formed in Round 39, and the pictures for that round show where you should be at that point. Prior to Round 39, you should have completed a few rows of single crochet (Rounds 36 – 38).
On Round 39, to begin handle one one you will chain 35 (in the same stitch as your stitch marker #1).
Then you will skip 24 stitches, and make a single crochet in the 25th stitch from stitch marker #1. (Make sure you do not twist your chain or otherwise your handles will be twisted). You have just created handle one.
You will then single crochet to the next stitch marker and repeat the above process for handle two.
Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Happy Crocheting!
Brittany
Brittany, when I continue the handle around, rounds 41-46, should I still sc in back loops only of the handles?
Nope! For rounds 41 – 46 sc in both loops as usual. If you have any other questions let me know!
Hello Brittany, I love this pattern. So easy to follow until the very end. Because this works as a continuous round, the end of the round is always higher. So, how to we finish this off with the last stitch still being higher. Do we slip stitch it in, but I fear that will leave a bump. Thanks, Angela
Hi Angela! I suggest to make a slip stitches into the next 2-3 stitches after your last stitch of the last round. Making a few slip stitches will even it out. Happy crocheting!
I love the pattern! Clarification question: on row 5 it looks like the directions have two sets of chain fours into the next stitch, then a chain four and sc in the same stitch. Wouldn’t this be an increase every third stitch instead of every other stitch as the pattern says? (Every other stitch would get you to 18). I’m not sure I’m reading it right! 🙂
Hi! I love the pattern. I’m looking for something like this because we go shopping and come home with at LEAST 10 bags a week! My only problem is while trying to see if I had the materials, I was met with FIVE pop-ups. It’s irritating to close all of these out and I almost left immediately.
I just finished the bag and I love it! The instructions were very easy to follow even though I consider myself more of a knitter. I’ve looked at other market bag pattern but settled on this because the handles looked wide and comfortable with the bag full and the size was just right. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks Janice! I am glad you liked the pattern!
Hi! Just wondered if these are US or UK terms?! Thankyou!
US terms – thanks!
I just finished my second bag in two days. I used Caron One Pound yarn which is a bit heavier and firmer yarn than most acrylic worsted and they came out great (and plenty strong.) I will do my next one in cotton and my daughter wants one a bit smaller so I’ll maybe try it with one less increase. If it doesn’t work I’ll just unravel it and try again. I’m chair-bound so I’ve got nothing but time! Thanks for the great pattern.
I tried to get your pdf of this pattern through the link. It sends me to an Etsy website. It shows a picture of the bag with the word “Sold” beside it. I checked another bag on Etsy that shows “Add to cart” beside it. Are you not making the pdf version available to purchase?
Hi Colleen! Thank you for letting me know! The listing is now available to purchase on Etsy. Happy Crocheting!! 🙂
This is the link for what I’m referring to: https://www.etsy.com/listing/192486894/crochet-market-tote-pattern-farmers?show_sold_out_detail=1&bes=1
This is the link for what I’m referring to: https://www.etsy.com/listing/192486894/crochet-market-tote-pattern-farmers?show_sold_out_detail=1&bes=1
Thank you.
I am so glad that after all these years this lovely easy pattern is still coming up on Pinterest. I am nearly finished with my first one in denim blue and will be digging into my stash to find more colours. For any of you followers that want to help the environment some more I suggest making drawstring mesh bags out of old shear curtains that don’t weigh very much to hold your fresh fruits and vegetables. That way you don’t come home with a whole lot of plastic bags to throw out. Just keep some in your new tote bag and you are ready!
Hi Luanne! I am so happy you are enjoying the pattern! And what a great suggestion about making mesh bags out of old shears! I LOVE a good upcycle – thank you!! 😀
I just finished your bag! Turned out so cute and I found the instructions easy to follow, and I’m a knitter not a crocheter, but your directions were great! I used up some old Sugar and Cream from my moms stash, red with a bright orange band in the middle, super cute❣️ Thanks for sharing your talent with us !!
Hi Joanne! Thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed the pattern!!!
I love this pattern. I just finished it up. Can’t wait to take it to the grocery store or farmers market to use it. I used Premier Home cotton that I had laying around.
Hi Lisa! I’m so glad you enjoyed the pattern!!! Happy crocheting to you!
Hi! I’d love it if you shared some of your patterns on my Crochet Pattern Link Party! They are all so lovely! You can find the party at:
http://kmariecrafts.com/maker-monday-crochet-link-party-3/
Hope to see you join!
Thanks,
Kelsey
Thanks so much for your pattern. Being a beginner it was easy to follow.Bag looks great.
So I just finished the bottom of the bag and am now ready to start round one. Two questions:
1) Am I turning my work then sc in the same stitch as the ch1 which means I would be starting the round on the short end OR do I not turn my work thus starting the round on the long side?
2) for the rounds on the long sides where exactly am I putting my hook in to make the sc? The short side (although the chain side I’m not exactly sure about) seems self explanatory.
If you could help me with this I’d greatly appreciate it!
Thank you!
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie! Thank you for your question! I think this in reference to the Farmer’s Market Tote (https://justbcrafty.com/2017/05/crochet-farmers-market-bag-pattern.html) correct? See below!
1. Yes, you will be turning your work at the end of Row 56, so you would start Round 1 on the short side. (Though, you could really go either way! You’re just making a single crochet border around the rectangle.)
2. For the long side, your just going to crochet into each row along the sides the best you can. It is kind of difficult to see and it doesn’t have to be perfect, this is very forgiving! Just make sure that you have 144 stitches total at the end of the round. (144 stitches broken down is 56 stitches along the long sides and 16 stitches along the short sides.)
You’ll need to have 144 stitches so that the mesh portion works out correctly once you get to that point.
Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Happy crocheting!
Brittany
You are correct-I posted these questions under the wrong bag! Thank you for responding so quickly-I’ll try it out and see how well I do!
Stephanie 🙂
How would I go about making this bag smaller? Like, if I wanted to stop at round 10, would I just go to row 31 and continue from there?
Yes, you can totally do that but it will alter the amount of stitches at the opening of the bag. You will need to play around with how many stitches you will chain / skip over to make your handles.
Can I use 4mm hook?
Yes, you can! But using a smaller hook will yield a smaller bag but you don’t need to worry too much about it because your bag will stretch as you use it!
Just finished this bag. I like to crochet market bags and have made quite a fee. They are useful and make good gifts. Well this design was pure genius. I really enjoyed making it. While I’ll probably crochet other bag patterns this one will be my go to. Wide mouth, lots of interior room, sturdy handles, and good looks. I had 3 balls of sugar n cream in hot pink, coral, and soft ecru. Looks great! My new beach bag for whenever this lockdown in California is over. Thanks for the brilliant pattern and clear instructions.
Yay! I’m so happy you enjoyed the pattern! Thank you so much for the kind words – happy crocheting to you! 🙂
Thank you for sharing this wonderful pattern. I liked the bag when I saw your sample. Loved it even more in real life after I made one up. Plan to make several more. I have made about 15 market totes this year. Your pattern is my fave. Its simple yet super functional. Appreciate the clarity of your instructions as well. I rarely leave comments but appreciated your sharing your pattern that I thought I would take the time.
Hi Trixie! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it and am so happy you enjoyed the pattern! Happy crocheting to you! 🙂
I’m confused on the handles as I think I did the marking wrong. It seems like the handles are in the same spot and there’s no single crochet stitches on the other side of the bag. Can you explain it a bit better please?
Oh! Nevermind! I wasn’t doing it right!