Get ready for your next trip to the farmer's market or grocery store with this reusable cotton produce bag. Reusable produce bags are great for cutting back on our plastic use. Best of all, these bags are washable, sturdy, and will expand to hold more produce than you might expect.

How This Bag Is Made

• Bag is worked in joined rounds from the bottom up.
• Bag begins with a solid circle at its center, followed by double crochet spokes to create an attractive and sturdy base.
• A lacy shell stitch pattern creates the sides.
• Simple stitches shape the top brim, while creating the holes through which a drawstring can be threaded.
• Add a drawstring to ensure that your loose fruits and veggies stay put. Instructions are given for crocheting one quickly and easily.

Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Skill Level: Confident Beginner

Concentration Level
Little concentration required. Straightforward and uncomplicated stitching.

Stitches Used
Chain(s), single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet, V-stitch, shells, and fans.

Techniques Used
Adjustable ring method, working in the round, and working into chain spaces.

Finished Measurements (approximate size after blocking)
12 inches (30.5 cm) wide across top edge x 10 inches (25.4 cm) tall, measured flat

Light (CYC #3) Weight Yarn
126 - 136 yards (115 - 124 m)

The sample shown here was made with a H/8/5.00 mm crochet hook and Patons Grace light (DK) weight mercerized cotton yarn (1¾ oz/136 yds/50g per ball) in the color #62008 Natural. The project requires 1 ball of this yarn.

Suggested Yarn Substitutes
Sample was made with light-weight cotton yarn, but feel free to substitute the light-weight yarn of your choice. Because results may vary, crocheting a gauge swatch with your alternative yarn is recommended.

While a bit of stretch is normal with cotton mesh bags, some cotton yarns stretch more than others—Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, for example, has shown to stretch more than expected when used for this pattern. In general, the stretch should be minimal as long as the bag isn’t overloaded.

To minimize stretch, consider using sturdier plant-based fibers like linen or hemp. You can also use a smaller hook size to create a denser, more supportive fabric. Swatching with different yarns and hook sizes is a great way to find the balance of flexibility and sturdiness that best fits your needs.

Additional Tools and Materials
Size H/8/5.00 mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
Tapestry needle
Bead with ⅜ inch (1 cm) hole (optional for drawstring)
Scissors

Gauge
Rnds 1–6 = 5 inches (12.7 cm) in diameter 

PATTERN INCLUDES
• An 8-page premium pattern pdf with professional full-color photographs.
• List of abbreviations used, plus detailed instructions for special stitches and techniques.
• Detailed instructions and photo tutorial for crocheting a simple and attractive cord.
• Tips for what to do if you think you might run out of yarn.

This Pattern Comes with Additional Resources to Help You Along
• Video tutorial for special technique (see link below).
• Pattern support. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I’m always happy to help!

Videos

How to Make an Adjustable Ring (aka Magic Circle)

FAQs

Do you have any recommendations for cleaning crochet mesh bags like this one?

Yes! You will find tips for how to care for your crochet market and produce bags here.

Updates & Errata

Version 2 - released 4/10/2023

• Minor changes made to match wording in other produce bag patterns. Instructions were not affected.

• Image on page 1 replaced to match other produce bag patterns in this series.

Version 3 - released 7/28/2025

• Instructions for installation of a readymade cord removed.

• Instructions for adjustable ring method were updated. QR code and link to video tutorial added.

• Alt text added to images in main pattern pdf.

If you purchased an earlier version of the pattern and would like an updated copy, send me a message and I’ll email you an updated file. Please include in your message the name of the pattern, as well as where and when you purchased it.