Looking for a free crochet tote pattern that feels light yet holds its shape? This mint green magnolia mesh tote combines an open lattice body with solid bands at the top and bottom, padded handles, and layered magnolia flowers. It works as a market bag, beach tote, or everyday carry-all that still looks special.
The finished bag measures about 11.25 inches wide, 9 inches tall, and 3 inches deep. Most makers complete it in 10–14 hours. The mesh section uses only chains and single crochet, so the stitches stay simple while the finishing details create the polished look.
Why This Mesh Tote Stands Out
Many openwork bags stretch or lose shape. The solid single-crochet bands at the top and bottom give this tote structure, and the cotton yarn keeps the mesh from becoming floppy. The layered magnolias add spring charm without weighing the bag down. If you are comfortable with basic seaming and careful applique placement, the intermediate skill level is very manageable.
Materials You Will Need
Yarn (worsted-weight cotton, roughly 820 yards total)
- Main color (soft mint): 520 yards
- Contrast A (ivory or cream): 120 yards
- Contrast B (pale mint): 80 yards
- Contrast C (deep leaf green): 80 yards
- Contrast D (warm yellow): 20 yards
Hooks
- G/6 (4.0 mm) for the bag
- E/4 (3.5 mm) for the appliques
Notions
Tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, tape measure
Optional: 15 inches of fabric for lining, magnetic snap, two 15-inch lengths of 6 mm cotton rope for the handles
Reliable yarns that give firm structure: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran, or Knit Picks Dishie. Soft acrylic can stretch in the mesh, so choose a firm cotton or cotton blend if possible.
Gauge That Keeps the Pieces Fitting
Solid single crochet: 16 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches with the 4.0 mm hook
Mesh section: 18 mesh rows ≈ 6.5 inches measured lightly blocked
Flowers: Large flower about 3 inches across, smaller flowers about 2.5 inches acrossMatching gauge ensures the panels, gusset, and top rim come together cleanly.
Stitches and Special Techniques
You will use single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, chain spaces, and slip stitch.
Mesh Row (worked over 45 stitches): Single crochet in the first stitch, then [chain 5, skip 3, single crochet in the next stitch] 11 times. Each mesh row has 12 single-crochet anchors and 11 chain-5 spaces.
Magnolia Petal: Chain 7. Working into the back bumps: single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet in next 2, half double crochet, single crochet. Chain 1, rotate, and work the same sequence down the unused loops, ending with a slip stitch at the base.
Leaf: Chain 11. Single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet in next 6, half double crochet, 3 single crochet in the last chain. Continue around the other side with matching stitches and slip stitch to close.
UK crocheters: US single crochet = UK double crochet; US double crochet = UK treble.
How to Crochet the Bag Panels
Make two panels with the main color and 4.0 mm hook. Chain 46.
Rows 1–5: Single crochet across (45 stitches).
Rows 6–23: Work the Mesh Row, keeping 12 anchors and 11 chain-5 spaces.
Row 24: Single crochet across, placing 3 single crochet in each chain-5 space (45 stitches).
Rows 25–29: Single crochet across. Fasten off.
Each panel should measure about 11.25 inches wide and 9 inches tall after light blocking. The mesh section sits between the lower and upper solid bands and measures roughly 6.5 inches tall.
Work one round of single crochet evenly around each panel (148 stitches) for a clean edge.
Gusset and Assembly
Chain 13 and work 132 rows of single crochet (12 stitches wide). Edge the strip with single crochet all around (288 stitches). The gusset should measure about 3 inches wide and 29.25 inches long.
Mark the center 45 rows of the gusset for the bottom. With wrong sides together, join one panel to the gusset along one side (29 stitches), the bottom (45 stitches), and the second side (29 stitches). Repeat with the second panel. Leave the top open.
Join the main color at a side seam and work three rounds of single crochet around the top opening (114 stitches each round) to form the upper rim.
Padded Handles
Chain 61 and work five rows of single crochet (60 stitches). Fold each strip around a 15-inch length of cotton rope and seam the long edge closed.
On the front top edge, mark points 11 stitches in from each side. Sew the handle ends over 5 stitches at each mark using a boxed X pattern. Repeat on the back. Wrap a short strand of main-color yarn around each handle base 10–12 times for a neat collar.
Finished handle rise is about 5.5 inches above the rim. For longer shoulder handles, start with a chain of 81 and keep the same width.
Layered Magnolia Appliques
Large flower (make 1): Magic ring, 6 single crochet; increase to 12. Fasten off yellow. Join ivory and work 6 Magnolia Petals, placing each base into every other center stitch. For extra fullness, add a second petal layer in pale mint behind the first, offset between the front petals.
Small flowers (make 2): Same center. Work 5 petals on each—one ivory with pale-mint back layer, one pale mint with ivory back layer. Add a few yellow stitches or knots around the center.
Leaves (make 8): Work the Leaf stitch in deep green with the smaller hook. Optional: surface slip stitch or embroider a simple vein.
Arrange the large ivory flower on the upper right of the front panel, one smaller flower lower center, and the third toward the left. Tuck leaves behind the flowers before sewing so the cluster sits centered over the mesh and petals cross slightly into the upper solid band.
Finishing, Customization, and Care
Steam or wet-block the panels lightly before sewing the final appliques. Do not over-stretch the mesh. Sew leaves first, then flowers, using small stitches through the back loops so the petals keep their dimension.
Optional lining: Cut fabric slightly larger than the bag footprint, sew a simple boxed lining, and hand-stitch it under the rim. A magnetic snap can be added to the lining first.
Width: Add or subtract groups of 4 foundation stitches (about 1 inch change).
Height: Add or subtract mesh rows in pairs.
Depth: Change the gusset starting chain (4 stitches ≈ 1 inch). Adjust gusset length to match the new side + bottom + side measurements.
Hand wash cool or machine wash gentle in a mesh bag. Reshape while damp and dry flat. Avoid hanging the wet bag by the handles.
Common Problems and Fixes
| Issue | Solution |
| Mesh leans too much | Keep single-crochet anchors stacked and block gently |
| Bag feels floppy | Use a smaller hook, add lining, or work one extra rim round |
| Gusset too long | Ease the difference evenly or adjust row count before sewing |
| Flowers curl tightly | Pin petals flat and steam from above without pressing |
| Handle ends pull | Sew through the rim and inside band several times in a boxed X |
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FAQ’s
Is the mint green magnolia mesh tote free crochet pattern beginner-friendly?
The individual stitches are simple, but tidy seaming, handle attachment, and applique placement make it a comfortable intermediate project.
How long does this tote usually take?
Most makers finish in 10–14 hours, including the flowers and handles.
Can I skip the magnolia appliques?
Yes. The mesh body and solid bands create a clean, modern market bag on their own.
What size is the finished tote?
Approximately 11.25 inches wide, 9 inches tall, and 3 inches deep, with handles rising about 5.5 inches above the rim.
Will acrylic yarn work?
It can, but firm cotton holds the mesh and overall shape better. If you use acrylic, consider a smaller hook or a lining.
Can I sell finished totes made from this pattern?
Check the designer’s terms on the original page. Many free patterns allow finished items to be sold with credit given to the designer.
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