Crocheting a stylish and practical market tote can provide a wonderful way to showcase your skills while crafting a functional item for everyday use. The Tulip Mesh Market Tote combines a solid lower body with a lovely mesh pattern, giving it both structure and elegance. Ideal for carrying groceries or as a casual bag for outings, this tote is not only beautiful but also eco-friendly. Follow the detailed instructions below to create your own unique tote bag.
Skill Level
Confident Beginner
This project is suitable for a confident beginner who is comfortable with basic crochet stitches, working in the round, and following pattern instructions.
Materials
- 280–320 m worsted-weight cotton yarn (in a dusty rose shade)
- 4.5 mm crochet hook
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations — US Terms
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sp – space
- ch-sp – chain space
- BLO – back loop only
Special Stitches
Mesh Stitch
The mesh stitch used in this project alternates between single crochets and chain spaces, creating an airy effect. This is achieved by working single crochet stitches and then chaining between them.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension will make your tote look more uniform. It’s recommended to make a swatch to ensure your tension matches or is similar to the sample used.
Finished Size
The completed tote should approximately measure 30 cm wide and 25 cm tall, excluding the handles.
Pattern Notes
- The tote is worked in rounds.
- The base is created first to provide a sturdy foundation.
- The bottom rounds gradually increase the stitch count for shaping.
- The mesh section allows for visual appeal, while still being functional.
- Handles are created by chaining and connecting at predetermined points.
Crochet Instructions
Part 1 – Base
Round 1
- Begin with a foundation chain of 41 ch.
- Make 2 sc in the 2nd ch from the hook.
- Sc in the next 38 chains.
- Make 4 sc in the last ch to form the corner.
- Working along the opposite side of the foundation chain, sc in the next 38 chains.
- Make 2 sc in the last ch.
- Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Total: 84 sc
Round 2
- Ch 1 to start.
- Work 2 sc in each of the first 2 sts.
- Sc in the next 38 sts.
- Make 2 sc in each of the next 4 sts.
- Sc in the next 38 sts.
- Work 2 sc in each of the last 2 sts.
- Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Total: 92 sc
Round 3
- Ch 1 to begin.
- Work sc in each st around, using the back loop only (BLO).
- Join with a sl st to the first sc.
This round creates a defined base edge.
Total: 92 sc
Part 2 – Solid Lower Body
Rounds 4-7
- Ch 3 to start the first dc round (counts as the first dc).
- Work 1 dc in each st around.
- Join each round with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.
Repeat for 4 rounds total.
Part 3 – Mesh Section
Round 8
- Ch 1 to begin.
- Sc in the first st.
- Ch 3, skip 2 sts, sc in the next st.
- Repeat from * around, adjusting the last repeat to join.
Total: 46 sc and 23 ch-3 spaces
Round 9
- Sl st into the first ch-3 space to start.
- Ch 1 and sc in the same ch-3 space.
- Ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 space.
- Repeat from * around and join.
Total: 46 sc and 23 ch-3 spaces
Rounds 10-14
Repeat Round 9 until the mesh section measures 25 cm from the base of the tote.
Part 4 – Top Band
Round 15
- Ch 1 to begin.
- Place 3 sc in each ch-3 space around.
- Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Total: will vary based on number of repetitions, check your stitch count.
Rounds 16-18
- Ch 1 to start.
- Work 1 sc in each st around; if needed, decrease 2-4 sts evenly on the first round if the edge ripples.
- Join each round with a sl st to the first sc.
Part 5 – Handles
Round 19
- Lay the tote flat. Mark two 18-st spans centered on each side for handle placement.
- Sc to the first marker.
- Ch 45 (this creates the first handle), skip the next 18 sts and sc to the next handle marker.
- Ch 45, skip the next 18 stitches, and sc to the beginning.
Total: 92 sc
Round 20
-
Ch 1 to start.
-
Work 3 rounds of sc around the top, placing 1 sc in each handle chain.
-
Join with a sl st to the first sc after each round.
-
Fasten off, leaving extra yarn to reinforce the four handle bases with additional stitches.
Finishing
- Weave in all ends using a yarn needle.
- Block gently to shape the tote properly.
Care
For the best durability, hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry. Always check the yarn label for specific washing instructions, as this will ensure the longevity of your finished tote.
Conclusion
With just a few rounds of stitching and some simple techniques, you’ve now created a lovely Tulip Mesh Market Tote that showcases your crochet talents while being practical for daily use. Enjoy filling it with all your essentials and displaying your crafting skills wherever you go!
