Scrunchie Mesh Market Bag

A stretchy, beginner-friendly market tote with classic open mesh body that scrunches for easy packing. The top band includes a simple casing so you can insert elastic and create a true scrunchie-style gather closure. Worked in rounds from the bottom up in worsted-weight cotton with sturdy integrated handles. Perfect for market runs, beach days, or yarn storage.

Difficulty: Beginner

Finished Measurements

• Width: 13 inches (33 cm) across when laid flat
• Height: 14 inches (35.5 cm) from base to top edge (excluding handles)
• Base: approx 11 inches (28 cm) long × 4 inches (10 cm) wide
• Handles: 18 inches (46 cm) long × 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide each
• Circumference at top (unstretched): approx 26 inches (66 cm)

Materials

• Worsted weight cotton yarn (category 4), approx 450 yards (411 m). Sample uses 2 skeins of sturdy mercerized cotton.
• US H-8 / 5 mm crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker
• ½-inch (1.3 cm) wide elastic, 20 inches (51 cm) long
• Safety pin or bodkin for threading elastic
• Scissors

Gauge 14 sc and 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet, worked flat and blocked lightly. Mesh gauge (for reference): 8 (dc, ch 1) repeats = 4 inches (10 cm). Check gauge and adjust hook size if needed—bag is stretchy but base should feel firm.

Abbreviations (US terms)

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sp: space
• rep: repeat
• rnd: round
• blo: back loop only
• pm: place marker

Notes

• Bag is worked in continuous spirals unless otherwise stated; do not join or turn unless instructed. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round and move it up as you go.
• Mesh pattern creates natural stretch—do not pull yarn tightly.
• Cotton yarn is strongly recommended for strength and minimal stretch-out over time.
• The elastic casing lets the top scrunch closed like a giant scrunchie; you can omit elastic for a classic open tote.
• Inline stitch counts are shown in parentheses and validated with ✓.

Pattern Instructions

Base (solid oval)

Make a slip knot and ch 22.

Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across to last ch, 3 sc in last ch; rotate to work along opposite side of foundation ch, sc in each ch across, 2 sc in final ch (the first ch). (46 sc ✓ — 21 + 3 + 21 + 1 = 46)

Pm in first st to mark beginning of rnd. Do not join.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 20 sts, 2 sc in each of next 3 sts, sc in next 20 sts, 2 sc in each of last 2 sts. (52 sc ✓ — 46 + 6 = 52)

Rnd 3: Sc in first st, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] 2 times. (58 sc ✓ — 52 + 6 = 58)

Rnd 4: Sc in first 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] 2 times. (64 sc ✓ — 58 + 6 = 64)

Rnd 5: Sc in first 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] 2 times. (70 sc ✓ — 64 + 6 = 70)

Rnd 6: Sc in first 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st] 2 times. (76 sc ✓ — 70 + 6 = 76)

Rnd 7: Sc in first 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st] 2 times. (82 sc ✓ — 76 + 6 = 82)

Rnd 8: Sc in first 6 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st] 2 times. (88 sc ✓ — 82 + 6 = 88)

Rnd 9: Sc in first 7 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st] 2 times. (94 sc ✓ — 88 + 6 = 94)

Rnd 10: Sc in first 8 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 20 sts, [sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 20 sts, sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in last st. (96 sc ✓ — 94 + 2 = 96)

Base should measure approx 11 inches (28 cm) long × 4 inches (10 cm) wide. Adjust by adding or removing an increase rnd if needed to match gauge.

Body (mesh for stretch)

Rnd 11: Sc in each st around. (96 sc ✓)

Rnd 12 (mesh setup): Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), ch 1, skip next st, *dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (48 dc + 48 ch-1 sps = 96 sts ✓)

Rnd 13: Sl st into first ch-1 sp, ch 3, ch 1, *dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (48 dc + 48 ch-1 sps = 96 sts ✓)

Rnds 14–32: Rep Rnd 13. (19 mesh rnds total after setup; height of mesh section approx 11 inches / 28 cm)

(If you prefer a taller or shorter bag, work more or fewer mesh rnds; each rnd adds roughly ½ inch / 1.3 cm.)

Top Band & Scrunchie Casing

Rnd 33: Ch 1, sc in each dc and each ch-1 sp around, join with sl st to first sc. (96 sc ✓)

Rnd 34: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (96 sc ✓)

Rnd 35 (casing eyelets): Ch 1, sc in first 2 sts, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, *sc in next 2 sts, ch 2, skip next 2 sts; rep from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (24 sc pairs + 24 ch-2 sps ✓ — 96 sts accounted for)

Rnd 36: Ch 1, sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 sp around, join. (96 sc ✓)

Rnds 37–38: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (96 sc ✓)

Fasten off and weave in end.

Handles (make 2)

With yarn and hook, ch 65.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (64 sc ✓) Rows 2–4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (64 sc ✓)

Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch (30 cm) tail for sewing.

Assembly & Finishing

1. Attach handles: Lay bag flat. On one upper edge, measure 3 inches (7.5 cm) in from each side seam equivalent (or simply divide the 96-st top into quarters). Using yarn tails and yarn needle, sew first handle ends securely to the inside of Rnds 37–38 over a 1-inch (2.5 cm) width, stitching through both loops several times for strength. Repeat for second handle on opposite side, making sure handles are not twisted. Reinforce with extra stitches—handles take the most stress.
2. Insert elastic for scrunchie closure: Cut elastic to 20 inches (51 cm). Attach safety pin to one end and thread it through the casing created by Rnds 35–36, entering and exiting at the same eyelet. Overlap elastic ends by 1 inch (2.5 cm) and sew firmly with needle and thread (or zigzag on a machine). Distribute gathers evenly so the top scrunches like a scrunchie. (For a non-scrunch open tote, simply omit the elastic.)
3. Weave in all remaining ends.
4. Block lightly if desired: dampen, shape base flat and mesh open, pin handles straight, and air dry.

Your Scrunchie Mesh Market Bag is ready! Fill it with produce, yarn, or beach gear—the mesh stretches to accommodate and the scrunchie top keeps everything secure. Happy crocheting!