Welcome back to my blog! Today I am sharing with you my FREE pattern for my newest design, the Meshfront Tote. I whipped this bag up for my trip to Hawaii with the family since I didn’t have a beach bag yet. I knew that I wanted a sturdy bag that would last for years that also had the beautiful crochet stitches that would allow the sand to fall out nicely, so this is what I came up with!

This tote is made of basic stitches with a few modified double crochets that work around the posts instead of through the loops. It is a lot easier that it sounds and I will walk you through how to do them step-by-step! This crochet tote is more elevated than your average mesh tote 🙂 Check out the TEXTURE of these stitches!! I’m obsessed. Plus it helps make the bag stretch to fit all your things – even a towel or two!

I had an amazing group of crocheters help me test out this pattern – take a look at all of their creations and color combos on my Instagram or in the inexpensive ad-free PDF <3

This pattern is size graded for an average tote size, but its easily adjustable so you could ultimately use any yarn & hook that you want and create any size bag that you want! It is up to you! Keep scrolling for the complete written pattern!

To purchase the inexpensive ad-free PDF download of this pattern, you can do so here!

A quick disclaimer—Please do not copy, redistribute, or resell this pattern in any way, including creating a video tutorial. You may sell your finished piece but please credit me as the pattern designer.

If you share your piece on social media, please credit me as the pattern designer. I would love if you tag me!! I really enjoy seeing your beautiful work.

This post contains affiliate links, I may earn a small commission if you shop from my links with no additional cost to you.

Materials

• Yarn – 150 – 200 g size 3 cotton. I used Friends Cotton Silk from Hobbii. I recommend using a cotton yarn or similar for all bags if possible! Lion Brand 24/7 DK is also a great alternative.
• Hook – 4 mm (I use these!) or recommended hook
• Tapestry needle – to weave in the ends
• Scissors – to cut your yarn
• Stitch Markers
• Measuring Tape – optional
• Blocking Board – optional

Gauge

**Gauge is not crucial to the structure of this tote. Don’t stress over it!

Abbreviations

Sl st = Slip Stitch

Ch = Chain

Sc = Single Crochet

Dc = Double Crochet

Yo = Yarn Over

St = Stitch

Sp = Space

Sk = Skip

Fpdc = Front Post Double Crochet

Bpdc = Back Post Double Crochet

Important Pattern Notes

• This pattern uses US crochet terms.

• This pattern is size graded, however you can easily customize your tote by adjusting your starting chain / number of rounds completed.

• Turning chain does NOT count as a stitch.

Measurements

14” width x 21” height (9.5” bag and 11.5” straps)

Special Stitches

This pattern uses Front Post Double Crochet and Back Post Double Crochet, which is a double crochet worked around the “post” of the stitch, instead of in the “v”.

Front Post Double Crochet (Fpdc): Yarn over, insert your hook from the front of your work, around the post of the stitch from the previous row and back out the front, then finish the double crochet as normal.

Back Post Double Crochet (Bpdc): Yarn over, insert your hook from the back of your work, around the post of the stitch from the previous row and back out the back, then finish the double crochet as normal.

Let’s get started!

Pattern – Granny Squares

Round 1: Chain 58 + 1 (turning chain), hdc in second ch from hook and in each ch.

Round 2: Ch 1 and turn. Hdc in each st.

Round 3-6: Ch 1 and turn. Hdc in each st.

Now you will work around your rectangle, creating a border.

Round 7: Ch 1 and turn. Hdc in each st across. At the corner, continue working around by hdc in the side of each row. Continue like this all the way around the last two sides. Sl st to yiour first made st on this row to join.

Now you have created the base of the bag, and will work solid hdc rows to create a closed bottom, which provides a sturdier bag.

Round 8: Ch 1, hdc in the same stitch. Hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to the first st to join.

Round 9-16: Repeat row 8.

Now you will start the mesh portion of the bag. Make sure you are working along the outside of the bag.

Round 17: Ch 4 (counts as a dc + ch sp), *sk a st, dc in the next, then ch 1. Repeat from * all the way around. Sl st to the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 4 to join.

Round 18: You will now work the fpdc going forward. Ch 4 (counts as a dc + ch sp), *fpdc, then ch 1. Repeat from * all the way around. Sl st to the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 4 to join

Round 19-37: Ch 4 (counts as a dc + ch sp), *fpdc, then ch 1. Repeat from * all the way around. Sl st to the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 4 to join.

Fasten off yarn.

Straps

Your tote should look something like this. You will now create the straps. On each side of your tote, place 4 stitch markers evenly with 12 dc stitches between them. See photos below.

Attach your yarn to the st with the stitch marker, working on the “right side” of your tote from marker to marker.

Row 1: Ch 4 (counts as a dc + ch sp), *fpdc, then ch 1. Repeat from * to the next stitch marker.

Row 2: Decrease row. Ch 4 and turn. Sk the next stitch, *bpdc in the next then ch 1. Repeat from * until you have 2 st left. Skip the penultimate st and bpdc in the last.

Row 3: Decrease row. Ch 4 and turn. Sk the next stitch, *fpdc in the next then ch 1. Repeat from * until you have 2 st left. Skip the penultimate st and bpdc in the last.

Row 4: Decrease row. Ch 4 and turn. Sk the next stitch, *bpdc in the next then ch 1. Repeat from * until you have 2 st left. Skip the penultimate st and bpdc in the last.

Row 5: Decrease row. Ch 4 and turn. Sk the next stitch, *fpdc in the next then ch 1. Repeat from * until you have 2 st left. Skip the penultimate st and fpdc in the last.

Row 6: Ch 4 and turn (counts as a dc + ch sp), *bpdc, then ch 1. Repeat from * to the end. Bpdc in the last st.

Row 7: Ch 4 and turn (counts as a dc + ch sp), *fpdc, then ch 1. Repeat from * to the end. Fpdc in the last st.

Repeat rows 6 and 7 eight more times (16 rows total). Fasten off yarn with a longer tail to use to seam the straps together later.

Repeat strap pattern for the stitch markers on the other side. Once finished, fasten off yarn and use the long tail to seam the straps together.

Weave in all ends and…

You’re all done!

I would LOVE to see your creation! If you crochet this Meshfront Tote please tag or DM @woolymamacrochet on Instagram so I can like & share! 

If you have any questions or need help, PLEASE send me a message or leave a comment on this post.

If you enjoyed this pattern, please check out my other popular free patterns!! Like the Seaside Shrug, Lovely Lacy Top, Granny’s Cabin Shrug, High Neck Granny Halter Top, Checkerboard Beanie or Coco Summer Crop Top! Thank you for checking out my blog and be sure to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a new free pattern!