Free Mesh Market Bag Knitting Pattern (Easy Open-Weave Tote)

First Published: July 2026 | Skill Level: Advanced Beginner | Technique: Mesh Lace, Garter Stitch | Season: Spring, Summer, Fall

If you’ve been looking for a free knit market bag pattern that’s as practical as it is pretty, this one is about to become your go-to. This easy mesh bag knitting pattern uses simple yarn-over and knit-two-together stitches to create an airy, open-weave fabric that’s sturdy enough for hauling produce and stylish enough to carry every single day. Worked top-down in the round on big needles, it knits up fast, and there’s no shaping to fuss over. If you’re headed to the farmers market, the beach, or just need a pretty catch-all bag by the door, this crochet-look knit tote delivers.

Sling it over your shoulder for a quick produce run, or use it to organize toys, pantry items, or extra yarn at home. This open-weave knit bag is one of those patterns that gets more useful the longer you own it.

Why You’ll Love This Free Mesh Market Bag Pattern

This isn’t just another tote pattern. It’s the kind of project that earns a permanent spot by your front door. Here’s what makes this knit market tote so special:

Beginner friendly. If you can knit, purl, yarn over, and knit two together, you can make this bag. No complicated charts, no confusing shaping.
Airy mesh texture. The simple yarn-over stitches and large needles create an open, lace-like fabric that looks intricate but knits up quickly.
Practical and sturdy. Worked in cotton yarn, this bag holds its shape and stretches to fit whatever you’re carrying, such as produce, beach toys, or a bathing suit.
Knit in the round. No seaming along the sides. Just knit top-down in a tube, then close up the bottom.
Customizable height. Add or subtract mesh pattern repeats to make the bag as tall or as short as you like.
Completely free here. A simple, useful pattern, yours to keep.

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Supplies & Materials Needed

To make this mesh market bag, you’ll need the following:

Yarn

Yarn Weight: Cotton Worsted (Size 4)
Fiber: 100% cotton (Premier Home Cotton or similar)
Yardage: Approximately 180 yards
Color used in sample: Cream

Yarn Substitution Tip: Cotton is ideal for this bag because it holds its shape, resists stretching out permanently, and is sturdy enough for market runs. Find great cotton yarn options at your local yarn shop or online.

Needles

Size 13 (9.0 mm) circular needles, 24″ length

Cotton rope for strap (approx 30–40″)

Size J (6.0 mm) crochet hook (optional, for edging)

Circular Knitting Needles (various sizes)

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Premier Home Cotton Yarn Cone

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Knitting Notions

Knitting Abbreviations

approx – approximately

BO – bind off

CO – cast on

k – knit

k2tog – knit 2 stitches together (single right-leaning decrease)

p – purl

sm – stitch marker

sts – stitches

yo – yarn over

Rep – repeat

Gauge

Approximately 9.5 stitches x 12 rows = 4 inches in mesh pattern (gauge not critical)

Upgrade to the Printable PDF

The FREE mesh market bag pattern is provided below, but you can also grab the ad-free, printable PDF version in the pattern shop! The PDF includes helpful photos:

Free Mesh Market Bag Knitting Pattern

Finished Size

One Size

Length: 15″ (38 cm)
Width: 12″ (30.5 cm)

Measurements are for the finished bag without strap. Note that the bag will stretch further once filled.

Pattern Notes

You’ll knit this bag in four stages: cast on and join to work the garter stitch top in the round, knit the mesh pattern sides top-down to form a tube, knit the garter stitch bottom base while decreasing to close it up, and finally seam the bottom and add a cotton rope strap.

Top of Bag

With size 13 (9 mm) circular needles, CO 58 sts with size 4 yarn.

Join to work in the round:

Place a stitch marker (sm) after the last stitch you casted on. This will help you to count each round going forward.

In each subsequent round, simply slide the sm to the other needle.

At this point, your ‘right-hand’ needle holds the last st casted on, while the ‘left-hand’ needle holds the first st casted on.

Next, being careful that the stitches on your circular needle are not twisted, join the last st casted on with the first st in round by knitting the first st.

This is the first stitch in Round 1 (see below).

Round 1: Knit to end of round. (58 sts)

Round 2: Purl to end of round.

Sides of Bag

Stitch count (58) remains the same throughout Mesh Pattern.

Mesh Pattern

Round 1: K1, *yo, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1.

Round 2: Knit to end of round.

Round 3: K2, *yo, k2tog; rep from * to end of round.

Round 4: Knit to end of round.

Rep Rounds 1-4 nine more times (or to your desired height, ending with an even round).

Bottom Base of Bag

Round 1: Purl to end of round.

Round 2: Knit to end of round.

Round 3: Purl to end of round.

Round 4: K2tog to end of round. (29 sts)

BO.

Finishing

Block piece if desired, to open up mesh stitches.

Close up bottom base of bag as follows:

lay bag flat with the end-of-round on right or left edge, creating front and back sides of bag
seam together across the stitches in the last (decreased) round

Optional Top Edge: Using a size J (6.0mm) crochet hook, join yarn to top corner of bag, then work 3 rounds of single crochet evenly around the top of bag, joining with a sl st to first st in each round.

Weave in ends to the WS (inside) of the bag.

Cut the cotton rope to the desired length of your strap (approx 30-40”) and weave each end through two top corners of the bag opening.

Knot each rope end to secure the strap, then “comb” out the rope ends for a fringed look.

You can also sew the rope to the bag for a more secure attachment.

Feel free to use any clip-on bag strap as an alternative.

Tips to Customize Your Mesh Market Bag

One of the best things about this pattern is how easy it is to make it your own. Here are some fun ways to personalize your knit mesh tote:

Adjust the Height

Work more or fewer mesh pattern repeats to make the bag taller or shorter, ending with an even-numbered round. Just be sure you have enough yarn on hand before adding extra rounds.

Play with Color

Solid neutral: A single cream, natural, or oatmeal shade keeps the mesh texture front and center.
Striped: Alternate colors every few rounds of the mesh pattern for a fun, playful look.
Dip-dyed: Use a hand-dyed or ombre cotton for a subtle color transition from top to bottom.

Change the Strap

Use a longer length of cotton rope for a cross-body style.
Swap the rope for chunky crocheted straps to match the bag’s texture.
Add a clip-on bag strap for an easy, adjustable option.

Add a Crochet Edge

Finish the top opening with a few rounds of single crochet for a cleaner, more polished edge, as shown in the pattern photos.

Line It

Sew in a simple cotton fabric liner if you plan to use the bag for smaller items that might slip through the mesh.

How to Use Your Mesh Market Bag

This open-weave knit bag is as versatile as it is pretty. Here are a few of my favorite ways to put it to use:

Farmers market runs. The mesh stretches to accommodate produce of all shapes and sizes, and the open weave lets you see everything at a glance.
Beach and pool days. Sand falls right through the mesh, making it perfect for shells, sunscreen, or a rolled-up towel.
Bread and pantry storage. Use it at home to store onions, garlic, or fresh bread for better airflow.
Toy or yarn storage. A pretty way to corral stuffed animals or extra yarn in a living space.
Everyday tote. Sling it over your shoulder for library paperbacks, a swimsuit cover-up, or anything you want to grab and go.

Related Patterns You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this free mesh market bag knitting pattern, here are a few more home and bag patterns to add to your queue:

Chunky Cotton Knit Tote Bag Pattern — A quick, satisfying knit in cotton yarn with pretty straps.
Free Boho Table Runner Knitting Pattern — An easy garter stitch lace poncho for warm weather.
Knit Nesting Baskets Pattern — Simple knit baskets for organizing the home.
Granny Square Bag Pattern — A colorful crochet tote for everyday errands.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about a handmade project that earns its keep the moment it’s off the needles. This free mesh market bag knitting pattern is exactly that, providing a simple, airy tote that’s practical for a market run or holding yarn by the couch.

Grab your cotton yarn, cast on, and get knitting. Your next farmers market trip just got a whole lot prettier. 🌿

Did you make this bag? Share your finished project on Instagram! And if you found this free pattern helpful, please share it with a fellow maker who might love it too.