The Seaside Mesh Market Tote: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Bohemian Summer Bag

Introducing the Seaside Mesh Market Tote

Carry your farmers market finds or beach day essentials in this stylish, eco-friendly crochet bag. The open mesh stitch and sturdy cotton construction make it both breathable and durable, perfect for warm-weather adventures. This bohemian-inspired tote features a textured mesh body with contrasting stripes, creating a relaxed, slouchy silhouette that's as practical as it is beautiful. Whether you're a beginner looking for your next project or an experienced crocheter seeking a quick, satisfying make, this pattern is designed to be clear, comprehensive, and easy to follow.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (worsted weight; 100% mercerized cotton; 100g/170yds per skein) - 2 skeins in 'Sand' (MC) and 1 skein in 'Seafoam' (CC)
• Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional)
• Gauge: 14 dc x 8 rows = 4 inches in mesh pattern (ch1, dc) after blocking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Notes Before You Begin

• The bag is worked in the round from the bottom up.
• Ch 3 counts as first dc throughout the pattern.
• The mesh pattern is a simple repeat of (dc, ch1, skip next st).
• All rounds are joined with a slip stitch unless otherwise noted.

Base (Worked in Continuous Rounds)

Round 1: With MC, make a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 11 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (12 dc total)

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in the same stitch (this is your increase). Work 2 dc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (24 dc)

Round 3: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next stitch. *2 dc in next stitch, dc in next stitch; repeat from * around. Join. (36 dc)

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 2 stitches. *2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 2 stitches; repeat from * around. Join. (48 dc)

Round 5: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 3 stitches. *2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 3 stitches; repeat from * around. Join. (60 dc)

Round 6: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 4 stitches. *2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 4 stitches; repeat from * around. Join. (72 dc)

Round 7: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 5 stitches. *2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 5 stitches; repeat from * around. Join. (84 dc)

Round 8: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 6 stitches. *2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 6 stitches; repeat from * around. Join. (96 dc)

Fasten off MC. Your base should be a flat, circular disc.

Body (Worked in Joined Rounds)

Round 9: With CC, join yarn in any dc from the last round. Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in the same stitch, ch 1, skip the next stitch. *Dc in the next stitch, ch 1, skip the next stitch; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (48 dc and 48 ch-1 spaces)

Round 10: Sl st into the first ch-1 space. Ch 3 (counts as dc), ch 1, skip the next dc. *Dc in the next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip the next dc; repeat from * around. Join. (48 dc and 48 ch-1 spaces)

Rounds 11-30: Repeat Round 10. You will have a total of 22 rounds of mesh from the base (including Rounds 9 and 10). Fasten off CC.

Top Edge (Worked in Joined Rounds)

Round 31: With MC, join yarn in any ch-1 space. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), sc in the same space, sc in the next dc. *Sc in the next ch-1 space, sc in the next dc; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (96 sc)

Round 32: Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join. (96 sc)

Fasten off MC.

Handles (Make 2)

Row 1: With MC, ch 6. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (5 sc)

Rows 2-50: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. (5 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing.

Assembly

1. Fold each handle in half lengthwise (so it becomes a 2.5-sc-wide strip). Using the long tail, sew the long edges together with a whip stitch to create a sturdy, rounded strap.
2. Position the handles on opposite sides of the bag. Measure about 4 inches from the center of each side to ensure even placement. The handles should be attached to the inside of the bag, just below the top edge.
3. Sew each handle securely to the inside of the bag using the long tails. Make several passes through the handle and the bag's top edge stitches to ensure it's strong enough to hold weight.
4. Weave in all ends using a yarn needle, trimming any excess.

Finishing

Block the bag lightly to open up the mesh and even out stitches. Spray the bag with water until damp but not soaking. Gently shape it to your desired dimensions—pull the mesh open slightly to define the pattern. Lay flat on a towel or blocking mat and allow to dry completely. This step will give your tote a professional, polished look.

Your Seaside Mesh Market Tote is now ready for your next adventure! Fill it with fresh produce, beach towels, or your favorite summer reads, and enjoy the compliments that are sure to come your way.