Bags & Totes

Crochet Mesh Produce Bag Pattern (Free & Easy)

Crochet a reusable mesh produce bag in about 2 hours. This free, easy pattern for beginners includes a drawstring and simple, clearly counted rounds.

Published August 26, 2026 · by Emma

Skill level
Beginner
Yarn weight
DK (3) cotton
Hook size
4 mm (G-6)
Time
2 hours
Jump to pattern
Green crochet mesh produce bag with drawstring

This crochet mesh produce bag is a small project with a big impact. It's light, stretchy and perfect for carrying fruit, vegetables or bread home from the market – no plastic needed.

It's a quick make (about two hours), so you can crochet a whole set in a weekend.

Why You'll Love This Produce Bag

  • Reusable and washable – better for the planet.
  • Stretches to fit a surprising amount.
  • Quick – one bag in an evening.
  • Great practice for working in the round.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

  • ch – chain
  • sl st – slip stitch
  • sc – single crochet
  • dc – double crochet
  • magic ring – an adjustable loop you can pull closed.
  • loop – in this pattern, the ch-5 arches of the mesh.

Size

Finished bag: about 22 cm wide × 30 cm tall, before stretching.

Step 1: The Round Base

Make a magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as a dc), 11 dc in the ring. Pull the ring closed and join to the top of the ch-3. (12 dc)

Round 2: Ch 3, dc in the same stitch, 2 dc in each stitch around. Join. (24 dc)

Round 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in the next stitch, dc in the next stitch, 2 dc in the next stitch. Repeat around. Join. (36 dc)

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in the next stitch, 2 dc in the next stitch, dc in the next 2 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch. Repeat around. Join. (48 dc)

Step 2: The Mesh

Round 5: Ch 5, skip 2 stitches, sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * around. (16 loops)

Round 6 and onward: Sl st into the first 3 chains of the first loop to reach its middle. Ch 5, sc in the middle of the next loop. Repeat from *. Don't join – keep going round and round in a spiral.

Move your stitch marker up every round. Continue until the bag measures about 30 cm tall.

Why a spiral? Working without joining makes the mesh look even, with no visible "seam" line.

Step 3: The Top and Drawstring

Top Round 1: Work 3 sc in each loop around. (48 sc)

Top Round 2: Sc in each stitch around.

Top Round 3 (eyelets): Sc in the next 2 stitches, ch 2, skip 2 stitches. Repeat around. (12 holes)

Top Round 4: Sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 space. Join and fasten off.

Drawstring: Ch 150. Sl st in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch back along the chain. Weave it through the eyelet holes and tie the ends together.

Beginner Tips

  • Keep your mesh loops the same size – try to pull each chain to the same height.
  • Cotton yarn works best because it's strong and washable.
  • Make a set of three in different colors for fruit, veg and bread.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

  • My base is wavy. Check your stitch counts – you may have extra increases.
  • My base is curling up. Try a slightly bigger hook for the base.
  • The mesh is twisting. That's normal for a spiral. It straightens out when the bag is filled.

FAQ

What yarn is best for a crochet produce bag?

100% cotton or a cotton-linen blend. It's strong, food-safe and easy to wash.

Can I wash my produce bag?

Yes. Wash it by hand or on a gentle machine cycle, then hang to dry.

How do I make the bag bigger?

Add another increase round to the base (60 stitches, 20 loops) and keep going until it's as tall as you like.

For a bigger bag, try the Crochet Market Tote Bag, or see all free crochet bag patterns.