Mercer Market Mesh Tote Free Pattern – A Handmade Eco-Carrier

Carry your farmers' market finds in this chic, reusable mesh tote that's as kind to the planet as it is to your shoulders. The open-weave stitch keeps it lightweight and breathable, while the sturdy cotton yarn ensures it holds up to heavy loads. This pattern is perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike—it's worked in simple rounds with a repetitive mesh stitch that creates a beautiful, diamond-like net. Whether you're shopping for fresh produce or heading to the beach, this eco-friendly tote is a stylish, sustainable companion.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight 100% cotton yarn (approx. 250g / 500m) in a natural ecru or soft sage green. Cotton is essential for durability and structure—avoid acrylic or wool blends for this project.
• Hook: 5.0mm crochet hook (US H-8). If you tend to crochet tightly, consider going up to a 5.5mm hook to maintain gauge.
• Stitch markers (at least 2) to mark the center front and back for strap placement.
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing straps.
• Scissors

Gauge: 14 dc x 8 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in mesh pattern (after blocking). Gauge is important for the bag to hold its shape—check your tension before starting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations (US terms)

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd(s) = round(s)
• rep = repeat

Base (Worked in Continuous Spiral)

The base is a flat circle that will form the bottom of your tote. Work each round as instructed, joining with a slip stitch at the end of each round.

Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, ch 2 (counts as first dc), work 11 dc into ring. Pull ring tight, join with sl st to top of ch-2. (12 dc)

Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around. Join with sl st. (24 dc)

Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st* rep around. Join. (36 dc)

Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts* rep around. Join. (48 dc)

Rnd 5: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts* rep around. Join. (60 dc)

Rnd 6: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 4 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts* rep around. Join. (72 dc)

Rnd 7: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 5 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts* rep around. Join. (84 dc)

Rnd 8: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 6 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 6 sts* rep around. Join. (96 dc)

Pro tip: If your circle starts to ruffle or cup, your tension may be off. Check your gauge and adjust your hook size accordingly.

Body (Mesh Pattern)

Now we'll create the open mesh that gives this tote its airy, breathable quality. The pattern is a simple repeat of double crochet and chain spaces.

Rnd 9: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), skip next st, dc in next st, *ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st* rep around, ending with ch 1, skip last st, join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch-4. (48 dc, 48 ch-1 spaces)

Rnd 10: Ch 4, dc in next dc (the first dc of previous rnd), *ch 1, dc in next dc* rep around, ending with ch 1, join to 3rd ch of ch-4. (48 dc, 48 ch-1 spaces)

Rep Rnd 10 until the body measures 30 cm (12 inches) from the base, or desired height. For a taller tote, continue repeating Rnd 10—each additional round adds about 1 cm (0.4 inches) in height.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Straps (Worked Flat)

Fold the bag flat so the side seams align. The circular base will naturally fold into a flat shape with two "sides." Mark the center front and center back with stitch markers. For each strap, you will work across 8 mesh spaces.

Row 1: Attach yarn with a sl st at the right edge of the marked section (at the top edge of the bag). Ch 1, sc in same space, sc in next 7 spaces (working 1 sc in each ch-1 space and 1 sc in each dc across the 8 spaces). Turn. (8 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. (8 sc)

Rep Row 2 until the strap measures 35 cm (14 inches) from the bag top, or desired length. For a shoulder bag, 35 cm works well; for a longer crossbody strap, continue to 45-50 cm (18-20 inches).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 30 cm / 12 inches) for sewing.

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

Finishing

With the bag inside out, sew the ends of each strap to the corresponding marked section on the opposite side of the bag. This means the front strap attaches to the back edge, and the back strap attaches to the front edge—this creates a comfortable, balanced carry.

Use the long tail and a yarn needle to whip-stitch the strap ends securely to the bag edge. Make several passes through the same stitches to ensure durability, as this will bear the weight of your groceries.

Weave in all remaining ends using the yarn needle. Trim any excess yarn.

Blocking: Lightly block the bag to even out the mesh and set the shape. Wet block by soaking the bag in lukewarm water, gently squeezing out excess (do not wring), and laying flat to dry on a towel. Shape the bag while damp—pull the mesh gently to open up the diamond pattern and ensure the base lies flat. Allow to dry completely before use.

Tips for Success

• Yarn choice matters: 100% cotton is non-elastic and holds its shape well, making it ideal for a market bag. If you use a cotton blend, ensure it's at least 80% cotton.
• Check your gauge: The mesh pattern is forgiving, but if your bag comes out significantly larger or smaller than intended, adjust your hook size.
• Strap placement: Before sewing, try the bag on your shoulder with the straps pinned in place. Adjust the strap length or position if needed.
• Reinforce stress points: The base and strap attachments are the most stressed areas. Consider working an extra round of single crochet around the base edge before starting the mesh body for added durability.

This Mercer Market Mesh Tote is a wonderful beginner-friendly project that yields a practical, beautiful result. The repetitive mesh stitch is meditative once you get into the rhythm, and the finished bag is perfect for grocery runs, beach days, or as a thoughtful handmade gift. Enjoy the process, and happy crocheting!