Free Pattern Step-by-Step Crochet
Bags & Totes

Mint green magnolia mesh market tote crochet pattern

A mesh cotton tote with magnolia appliques and padded rope handles, built in panels.

Level
Intermediate
Time
10-14 hours
Hook
4.0 mm
Yarn
Worsted
Mint green magnolia mesh market tote crochet pattern

Pattern highlights

  1. Work two flat panels, starting and ending in solid single crochet with an open mesh section between.
  2. Join the main color around each panel's edge in a single round of single crochet to seal it.
  3. Build the padded handle strips separately, then fold each one around a length of cotton rope.
  4. Mark handle placement on the front top edge and sew both ends to the inside of the band.
  5. Wrap a gathered collar of yarn around each handle base and knot it off inside.
  6. Make the layered magnolia and smaller flowers, then the leaves, in the lighter weight hook.
  7. Block the panels gently, sew leaves first, then flowers, and add the optional lining last.

About This Pattern

I keep a shelf for bags that earn their keep, and this one would sit near the front. It is not a fussy showpiece. It is a market tote with a job to do, which is my favorite kind of project to log.

The techniques here are plain sc worked into a deliberate mesh section, flat panels, and a set of layered flower appliques in two colors of petal. Nothing exotic. The skill is in keeping it tidy, especially where the mesh meets the solid bands.

What comes out the other end is a structured 11.25 inch wide tote with see-through lattice sides, a solid rim for stability, and padded handles wrapped in a gathered collar. The magnolias make it feel finished, not just functional.

Worth knowing

I like a project that teaches restraint. The mesh rows are simple single crochet and chain spaces, but getting 11 even ch-5 spans across 18 rows takes attention, not cleverness. The solid bands at top and bottom bookend that openness so the bag still holds its shape. Padding the handles with cotton rope and wrapping a gathered collar around each base is the kind of detail I notice on a finished object before I notice the stitches. The layered magnolia, ivory over pale mint, gives the applique real depth instead of a flat circle. It is a satisfying mix of structural crochet and small sculptural extras, and it rewards slow, careful assembly over speed.

Common mistakes

  • Mesh spaces drift uneven Count the anchors as you go so all 11 ch-5 spaces stay the same size across all 18 mesh rows.
  • Over-blocking the lattice Block lightly and check the mesh height against the 6.5 inch target instead of pulling it open by eye.
  • Handle ends not seated straight Pin both handle ends to the marked points before sewing the boxed X stitch so they sit level and matched.
  • Flower petals look flat Sew through back loops only so the petal layers keep their curve instead of pressing flush to the panel.
  • Gauge swatch skipped Check sc gauge at 16 stitches by 18 rows first, since it changes the finished panel width and mesh height.
Ruby

The story behind Stitch Obsession, and Ruby, who writes and tests every pattern on the shelf.

Intermediate

The kit

  1. Yarn (worsted weight cotton, approximately 820 yards / 750 meters total):

Main color

  1. 520 yards / 475 meters in soft mint

Contrast A

  1. 120 yards / 110 meters in ivory or cream

Contrast B

  1. 80 yards / 73 meters in pale mint

Contrast C

  1. 80 yards / 73 meters in deep leaf green

Contrast D

  1. 20 yards / 18 meters in warm yellow

Hooks

  1. G/6 (4.0 mm) for the main bag
  2. E/4 (3.5 mm) for the appliques

Notions

  1. Tapestry needle
  2. Stitch markers
  3. Pins
  4. Scissors
  5. Tape measure

Optional

  1. 15 inches / 38 cm fabric for lining, magnetic snap, two 15 inch / 38 cm lengths of 6 mm cotton rope for padded handles

Yarn suggestions

  1. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton gives crisp stitch definition and firm structure. Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran offers smooth texture with lots of color options. Knit Picks Dishie is sturdy and washable for everyday use.

Substitution note

  1. Choose a firm worsted cotton or cotton blend that meets gauge. Soft acrylic can stretch in the mesh sections, so if you substitute, consider sizing down your hook or adding a lining.

Bag Panels (Make 2)

Use main color and 4.0 mm hook. Chain 46. Work flat, turning after each row. Ch 1 does not count as a stitch. Make one plain back panel and one front panel for applique placement.

Rounds 1–5Sc in 2nd ch from hook for Row 1, then sc across each row. (45 sc)

Rounds 6–23Work Mesh Row. Keep 12 sc anchors and 11 ch-5 spaces each row. (11 ch-5 sps)

Round 24Ch 1, sc in first anchor, [3 sc in next ch-5 sp, sc in next anchor] 11 times. (45 sc)

Rounds 25–29Sc across. Fasten off after Row 29. (45 sc) Panel checkpoint: Each panel should measure about 11.25 inches / 28.5 cm wide and 9 inches / 23 cm tall after light blocking. The mesh section measures about 6.5 inches / 16.5 cm tall between the lower and upper solid bands.

Padded Handle Strips

Round 1Ch 61. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (60 sc)

Rounds 2–5Ch 1, turn, sc across. (60 sc) Finish: Fold strip around 15 inch / 38 cm cotton rope. Seam long edge closed. (1 handle)

Large Flower (Make 1)

Center with yellow: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st. (12 sc) Fasten off.

Join ivory in any st. Make 6 Magnolia Petals, placing each petal base into every other center stitch with sl sts between petals.

For a fuller flower, work a second petal layer in pale mint behind the first layer, offset between front petals.

Small Flowers (Make 2)

Work the same center. Make 5 Magnolia Petals for each flower: one ivory with pale mint back layer, one pale mint with ivory back layer.

Leaves (Make 8)

Use deep green and 3.5 mm hook. Work Leaf special stitch.

Optional vein: Surface sl st or embroider a straight line down the center in a slightly lighter green.

Assembly

Step 1Finishing Steps: Steam or wet block panels lightly before final applique sewing. Do not over-stretch the mesh. Sew leaves first, then flowers, using small stitches through the back loops so the petals retain dimension. Optional lining: Cut fabric 0.5 inch / 1.3 cm larger than the bag footprint, sew a simple boxed lining, turn under the top edge, and hand-stitch under the rim. Add a magnetic snap to the lining before sewing it into the tote.

Step 2Size Customization: Width: Add or subtract groups of 4 foundation stitches. Each group changes the panel by about 1 inch / 2.5 cm and keeps the mesh repeat even. Height: Add or subtract mesh rows in pairs to maintain the lattice rhythm. Depth: Change gusset width by working more or fewer starting chains. 4 stitches changes depth by about 1 inch / 2.5 cm. If you change panel height or width, adjust gusset length to match: side height + bottom width + side height.

Step 3Care Instructions: Hand wash cool or machine wash gentle in a mesh laundry bag. Reshape while damp and dry flat. Avoid hanging the wet bag by the handles, which can stretch cotton.

Finishing

  1. Weave in ends from the panels, handle strips, and all flower and leaf pieces before assembly.
  2. Steam or wet block both panels lightly, taking care not to over-stretch the open mesh rows.
  3. Sew the leaves first, then the layered flowers, using back loops only so the petals keep their dimension.

Why it works

Each panel is worked flat and turned row by row, which keeps the mesh pattern consistent on both the front and back panel.

The mesh section sits between two solid sc bands, so the stitch anchors from Row 5 and Row 24 line up to keep the lattice square.

The single joining round of sc around each finished panel unifies the edge stitch count before the panels are seamed together.

What it becomes

  • A farmers market run, paired with a simple cotton dress and flat sandals.
  • A beach-day tote, holding a towel and sunscreen while the mesh lets in air.
  • A everyday grocery bag, especially sturdy once the optional lining and snap go in.

Original pattern: https://crochetwithmia.com/mint-green-magnolia-mesh-tote-free-crochet-pattern/

FAQ

Can I make the handles longer?

Yes. The pattern notes a longer shoulder-style option starting with ch 81 while keeping the same 5-row width. This raises the handle height above the rim.

Do I need the lining?

It is optional but recommended since the mesh body is open. The lining also lets you add a magnetic snap for closure.

Why does the yarn choice matter so much?

A firm worsted cotton holds the mesh shape; soft acrylic can stretch and sag in those open rows. If you substitute, consider a smaller hook or planning for a lining.

What if my gauge is off?

Off-gauge changes both the panel size and how tightly the mesh spaces sit, which affects the final bag dimensions. Swatch the solid sc section first and adjust hook size before starting the panels.

The next find, by post

One pattern from the collection when it is ready. Nothing else.