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. This style can hold ten medium-sized oranges!

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
12 inches (30.5 cm) wide across top edge x 10 inches (25.4 cm) tall, measured flat

Materials
• Patons Grace light (DK) weight mercerized cotton yarn (1¾ oz/136 yds/50g per ball): 1 ball #62008 Natural
• 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)

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.

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.
• Pattern support. Please feel free to send me a message if you have any questions about the pattern. I’m always happy to help!

This pattern listing includes 2 downloadable files:
(1) Main Pattern PDF presents the pattern in a 2-column layout with color photos. PDF file size: 4 MB
(2) Print- and Screen-Friendly PDF: An additional text-only pdf presents the pattern in a simplified 1-column layout. PDF has been tagged for accessibility and tested on a screen reader. PDF file size: <1MB

Technical editing by Randy Cavaliere