I have a confession: I have a small graveyard of canvas tote bags shoved under my kitchen sink, and somehow I still walk into the grocery store with two armfuls of loose plastic. That’s exactly why I made the Willow Mesh Crochet Market Bag pattern. I needed something I’d actually grab on the way out the door. Something pretty enough to leave on a hook by the back door instead of crammed in a drawer.
I made my first crochet market bag in Cherry Glow (a soft coral pink that I was honestly skeptical of in the skein and then could not stop staring at once it was blocked) in the small size, and the surprise of this whole pattern is what happens when you fill it.
The mesh stretches. A lot. I tossed in three lemons, a bunch of basil, and a half-gallon of milk for a recipe test, and the bag went from “cute and small” to “wait, where is all of this fitting” in about ten seconds. That’s the magic of a crochet mesh market bag, and once you know to expect it, you’ll start sizing yours based on how stretched-out you want the finished look to be.
If you love easy crochet market bags, the Circle Leaf Market Bag is another bottom-up design with a beautiful textured stitch, and totally worth bookmarking once you’ve finished this one. And if you’re new to working in the round, the Wheat Stitch Rectangle Bag is an even simpler construction that works up as a flat rectangle with two seams.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Why You’ll Love This Free Crochet Market Bag Pattern
Willow Mesh Crochet Market Bag Supplies (What You’ll Need)
Yarn
Herrschners Cottage Cotton
60% Cotton/40% Acrylic, 207yds/100g
Colors shown:
Small: Cherry Glow
Medium: Chiffon
Large: Silver Sage
Yarn Quantities
250 (310, 400) yds — about 2 balls per bag.
Yarn Substitutions
Premier Home Cotton — 85% Recycled Cotton/15% Polyester, 131yds/75g
– Slightly heavier hand, great if you want extra structure
Village Yarn Craft Cotton — 100% Cotton, 115yds/71g
– Pure cotton will stretch more than blends
Lily Sugar ‘n Cream — 100% Cotton, 120yds/70g
– Easy to find, classic dishcloth cotton
WeCrochet Dishie — 100% Cotton, 190yds/100
– Slightly thinner than Sugar ‘n Cream, beautiful stitch definition
Remember always to check the gauge and drape when substituting yarns.
Crochet Hook
Size US H (5.0mm) & I (5.5mm) Crochet Hooks or hook to obtain gauge.
I (5.5 mm) hook for the base and body, H (5.0 mm) hook for the top trim and handles. The smaller hook on the trim makes the handles feel firm and finished rather than floppy.
Notions
Scissors
Yarn Needle
Removable Stitch Marker
Blocking Mat
Blocking Pins
Skill Level
If you’re comfortable working in the round, doing increases on a flat circular base, and you’ve worked a front post double crochet before (or are willing to watch the video walkthrough). This is the bag I’d hand to someone working their first project in the round. The mesh repeat looks more complex than it is, once you’ve worked rounds 1-3, you’ll have the rhythm and won’t need to read the instructions again.
Sizing
3 Sizes
Width by Length:
Small: 20″ x 12″
Medium: 22″ x 14″
Large: 24″ x 16″
These measurements are taken laid flat and unstretched. Once you start using the bag, expect another 2-4 inches of length when it’s loaded, more on that further down. The pattern is also fully adjustable. Want a deeper bag? Add Willow Mesh repeat rounds (just end on an odd round). Want shorter handles? Chain fewer stitches when you reach the strap round.
Gauge
12 sts and 7 rows = 4″ by 4″ in stitch pattern repeat, blocked. Gauge isn’t critical for this pattern — slight differences will just give you a slightly bigger or smaller bag, which is genuinely fine for a market tote.
How to Crochet A Gauge Swatch
Even though gauge doesn’t matter for this pattern, if you want to nerd out on gauge anyway, working a gauge swatch will let you know whether you will have the correct sizing for any pattern. It will also help you practice the stitches used in this project and improve your stitch work for a flawless look.
Are you struggling to match the gauge? Check out the blog post on What is Crochet Gauge and How To Fix It
Special Stitches Used in this Pattern
Abbreviations
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
fpdc – front post double crochet
MC – magic circle
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
Stsc – Stacked Single Crochet
The Willow Mesh stitch is the star of this crochet market bag. It’s a 12-stitch repeat made up of paired double crochets with chain spaces between them, and a front-post double crochet anchor that creates the lacy, fan-like texture. If you want to practice it on a small swatch first, here’s my full Willow Mesh stitch tutorial: https://brianakdesigns.com/how-to-crochet-the-willow-mesh-stitch/
Two other stitches you’ll use:
Stacked Single Crochet (Stsc): I use this in place of a turning chain at the start of every round. It looks cleaner than a chain-1 or chain-2, and the seam disappears. Full tutorial here: https://brianakdesigns.com/stacked-single-crochet/
Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc): Used in the body to anchor the mesh repeats. If you’ve never worked one, the video tutorial walks you through it step by step so you can pause and follow along.
How the Willow Mesh Market Bag Is Made
The crochet market bag is worked bottom-up in the round in one continuous piece. You’ll start with a magic circle and a flat double crochet base, the same way you’d start any flat circle.
The increases stop at a different round depending on your size: round 7 for Small, round 8 for Medium, round 9 for Large. That’s how three sizes come from one pattern.
Once your base is done, the pattern transitions into the Willow Mesh body. Round 1 sets up the repeat, then rounds 2-3 are the rhythm rounds you’ll repeat for the rest of the bag. The “Repeats” section tells you exactly how many times to work them for each size, and it’s easy to add or subtract repeats to make the bag deeper or shorter.
After the body, an “even-out” round transitions you back to a regular stitch count, then the top trim is worked with a smaller H (5.0 mm) hook for three rounds of single crochet, this is what gives the top edge its firmness. The handle round is where you chain across the openings (60 chains for each handle, in case anyone asks), then three more rounds of single crochet over the chains turn them into solid, comfortable straps.
Finishing is just an invisible join, weaving in ends, and a quick steam block to set the lace.
If you love working the Willow Mesh stitch, try it in a whole new way with the Willow Mesh Wrap. Same signature stitch, draped over your shoulders instead of your arm.
What to Expect: How a Mesh Crochet Market Bag Stretches with Use
This is the section nobody else writes, and I think it’s the most important thing to know before you start. Mesh bags are designed to stretch, and that’s what makes them so useful. Here’s what to expect:
- Lengthening when filled. When the bag is empty, it’ll measure those finished dimensions above. Once you fill it, gravity does its thing, the lace opens up, the bag sags downward, and you suddenly have a lot more room than you thought. A “small” bag with three pounds of produce in it can easily reach the length of a “medium.”
- Heavier loads = more stretch. Lightweight items (yarn, beach towels, a bag of bread) keep the bag closer to its starting size. Heavier loads (a watermelon, a few cans, a hardcover book) will open up the mesh and stretch the bag down. Both are fine. That’s how mesh bags work.
- The base is what holds everything together. The solid double crochet bottom is what stabilizes the bag and distributes weight. As long as that base is sturdy, the mesh body can stretch without the bag losing its shape over the long term.
- The handles stretch a little, then settle. Because they’re worked directly into the bag, they have a tiny bit of give that makes them comfortable on your shoulder. They won’t sag dramatically.
Over time, the bag develops that perfectly slouchy, lived-in look that mesh market bags are loved for. So if your first bag looks a little stiff and structured straight off the hook, that’s normal. It’ll relax into itself with use.
How to Block a Crochet Market Bag for the Best Drape
Blocking matters more on this pattern than on most. The Willow Mesh stitch looks decent unblocked, but once you steam-block it, the lace opens up, and the whole bag transforms. Here’s how I do it:
- Pin the bag flat on a blocking mat or a clean towel. Don’t overstretch — just gently open the lace and pin it into a soft rectangle so the mesh evens out. The handles can lie flat off to the side.
- Steam from 1-2 inches above the fabric. Don’t touch the fabric with the iron — you want the steam, not the heat plate, especially with cotton blends. Move the iron slowly across the whole bag.
- Leave it pinned until completely dry. This is the part everyone wants to skip. Don’t. The shape sets while the fibers cool and dry, and if you unpin too early, the lace closes back up.
If you’ve never blocked a project before or want a full walkthrough, I have a complete blocking guide here: https://brianakdesigns.com/all-about-blocking-your-crochet-projects-the-secret-to-a-professional-finish/
Willow Mesh Crochet Market Bag FAQs
What is the best yarn for a crochet market bag?
🧶 Cotton or a cotton blend, hands down. Cotton holds its shape under weight, doesn’t stretch out the way wool or acrylic does, and it’s washable — which matters when your bag has been hauling produce around. I used Herrschners Cottage Cotton (a 60/40 cotton/acrylic blend) for the bag shown because it’s softer to crochet with than 100% cotton while still providing the structure you need. If you want pure cotton, WeCrochet Dishie or Lily Sugar ‘n Cream are both reliable and widely available.
How much yarn do I need to make this market bag?
🧶 You’ll need 250 yards for the small, 310 yards for the medium, and 400 yards for the large — roughly 2 balls of Herrschners Cottage Cotton in any size. If you’re substituting, check the yardage per ball on your chosen yarn and round up. I always recommend buying one extra ball of any cotton substitute, because tension and stitch counts can vary slightly between brands.
What stitch is best for a market bag?
🧶 For a market bag, you want a stitch that creates open, breathable fabric without sacrificing strength, which is why mesh stitches like the Willow Mesh, filet crochet, or trellis mesh are popular. They give you the lightweight, expandable structure that makes mesh bags so useful, while still holding their shape thanks to a solid base. If you prefer a denser bag for heavier items, a tight single crochet or moss stitch is sturdier but won’t stretch as much.
How do you keep a crochet market bag from stretching out too much?
🧶 Three things make the biggest difference. First, use cotton or a cotton blend (not acrylic on its own), cotton has very little memory, which actually helps here because it won’t keep stretching forever. Second, work your base tightly with the recommended hook size. The base provides the structural support for the entire bag. Third, don’t overload the bag with extremely heavy items for long-term use. Mesh bags are built to expand, but a bag full of cans left hanging on a hook for a week will stretch more than one used for produce and put away.
Can you wash a crochet market bag?
🧶 Yes, and you should. Most cotton and cotton-blend yarns are machine washable on a gentle cycle in cold water. I’d recommend tossing it in a mesh laundry bag (yes, a mesh bag inside a mesh bag) to protect the handles from getting tangled with anything, and laying it flat to dry. Don’t put a shopping bag in the dryer, heat can cause cotton to shrink slightly and warp the bag’s shape. After washing, you may want to do a quick steam block again to refresh the lace.
What hook size should I use for a crochet market bag?
🧶 For this pattern, I (5.5 mm) for the base and body, and H (5.0 mm) for the top trim and handles. The slightly smaller hook on the top trim is what gives the bag a finished, structured edge. If you’re substituting yarn at a different weight, follow the recommended hook size on the yarn label as a starting point, then make a small swatch to see if you like the fabric. Tighter is generally better for bags than looser.
Are crochet market bags strong enough for groceries?
🧶 This one is, yes. The double crochet base distributes weight, and the cotton (or cotton blend) yarn holds up to real loads. That said, mesh bags are not the right tool for sharp objects (a loose can edge can poke through the mesh) or anything wet that will leak. For those, layer a tote inside or use a different bag.
Can I make this bag bigger or smaller than the three sizes?
🧶 Absolutely. The pattern includes notes on adjusting both the base (stop at a different round to change the width) and the body (add or remove repeats of rounds 2-3, ending on an odd round, to change the depth). Just keep yarn quantities in mind. A bigger bag will require more yarn, and since the handle chain count is fixed, a much bigger bag may also need longer straps.
Pattern Notes
- This pattern substitutes a traditional chain 2 on the edges for a Stacked Single Crochet.
A ch 1 at the beginning of a single crochet row is unnecessary. - This Pattern Uses Standard US Terminology. I use affiliate links and follow GPSR Compliance: Privacy & Disclosure Policy here.
Want to Crochet Along?
Watch the full video tutorial.
Video Tutorial for the Willow Mesh Crochet Market Bag
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Willow Mesh Market Bag Written Crochet Pattern
Bag Base
With I (5.5mm) Hook
Rnd 6:
Stsc in first, dc in same, dc in each of the next 4 sts, *2 dc in the next, dc in each of the next 4 sts; repeat from * around, join. | 72 sts
Rnd 7:
Stsc in first, dc in same, dc in each of the next 5 sts, *2 dc in the next, dc in each of the next 5 sts; repeat from *around, join. | 84 sts
Stop Here for Small. Go to Bag Body.
Rnd 8:
Stsc in first, dc in same, dc in each of the next 6 sts, *2 dc in the next, dc in each of the next 6 sts; repeat from * around, join. | 96 sts
Stop Here for Medium. Go to Bag Body.
Rnd 9:
Stsc in first, dc in same, dc in each of the next 7 sts, *2 dc in the next, dc in each of the next 7 sts; repeat from * around, join. | 108 sts
How to Style & Use Your Willow Mesh Market Bag
Everyday errands: Farmer’s markets, grocery runs, library trips. The mesh expands to hold more than you’d expect while staying easy to throw over your shoulder.
On-the-go reusable: Folds down small enough to live in your purse, your car door, or a hook by the back door. The whole point of a reusable bag is having one with you when you need it, and this one is light enough that you’ll actually carry it.
Beach and pool: The open mesh shakes sand out instantly and lets wet towels and swimsuits air-dry. Far better than a tote that traps everything wet.
Project bag: Plenty of room for a current crochet project, plus the mesh means you can see exactly which color of yarn you’re reaching for without digging.
Outfit pairing: Looks great with jeans and a tee, a breezy summer dress, or a button-down for a casual-cool weekend look. The neutral colorways (Chiffon, Silver Sage) go with everything; the brights (Cherry Glow) make a statement.
At-home storage: Hang it on a hook or doorknob to hold produce on the counter (think onions, potatoes, garlic), yarn balls in your craft room, or rolled-up dish towels. The mesh adds a bit of texture to the wall.
Bag Body
Rnd 1:
Stsc in first, *skip 2 sts, (2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in next, ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next, ch 2, skip 2 sts, (2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in next, skip 2 sts, dc in next; repeat from * to last 11 sts, skip 2 sts, (2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in next, ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next, ch 2, skip 2 sts, (2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in next, skip last 2 sts, join. | 112 (128, 144) sts including chains
Rnd 2:
FPStsc in first, *(2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in the next ch-1 space, [ch 2, sc in the next ch-2 space] twice, ch 2, (2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in the next ch-1 space, fpdc in next; repeat from * to last 15 sts, skip 2 sts, (2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in the next ch-1 space, [ch 2, sc in the next ch-2 space] twice, ch 2, (2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in the next ch-1 space, skip 2 sts, join. | 133 (152, 171) sts including chains
Rnd 3:
FPStsc in first, *(2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in the next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip the first ch-2 space and sc in the next ch-2 space, ch 2, skip the ch 2 space, (2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in the next ch-1 space, fpdc in next; repeat from * to last 18 sts, skip 2 sts, (2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in the next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip the first ch-2 space and sc in the next ch-2 space, ch 2, skip the ch 2 space, (2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in the next ch-1 space, skip 2 sts, join. | 112 (128, 144) sts including chains
Repeats
Rnds 4-15 (17, 19):
Repeat Rnds 2-3 of the Bag Body.
The length can easily be adjusted by removing or adding rounds, ending on an odd round.
Next Round to Even Out Stitches:
Ch 1, sc in first, *ch 2, sc in the next ch-1 space, ch 2, dc in the next sc, ch 2, sc in the next ch-1 space, ch 2, sc in the next fpdc; repeat from * to last 15 sts, ch 2, sc in the next ch-1 space, ch 2, dc in the next sc, ch 2, sc in the next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip last 2 sts. Do not join and work continuously for the remainder of the pattern. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the rounds. | 84 (96, 108) sts including chains
Top Trim
With H (5.0mm) Hook
Rnds 1-3:
Sc in each st (and ch) around, do not join and work continuously. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the rounds.
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Strap
Small Rnd 4:
Sc 11, ch 60, skip 20 sts, sc 22, ch 60, skip 20 sts, sc 11, join. | 164 sts
Medium Rnd 4:
Sc 11, ch 60, skip 26 sts, sc 22, ch 60, skip 26 sts, sc 11, join. | 164 sts
Large Rnd 4:
Sc 11, ch 60, skip 32 sts, sc 22, ch 60, skip 32 sts, sc 11, join. | 164 sts
Rnds 5-7:
Sc in each st (and ch) around.
Finishing
Fasten off and use the tail end to create an invisible join. Weave in all ends and lightly block. I found a quick pin and a steam block works nicely to open up the lace stitches!
There’s something really satisfying about a bag you actually reach for. No fussing, no babying it, just grab it off the hook and go. I hope the Willow Mesh Market Bag becomes that bag for you, whether it’s hauling produce home from the farmers’ market or carrying yarn to your next crochet night.
Cheers, and happy crocheting!
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