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!

Add a drawstring to ensure that your loose fruits and veggies stay put. Customize your bag by choosing between two styles of drawstring. For those who would like to make their own cord, instructions are given for crocheting one quickly and easily. For those who prefer a readymade cord, instructions are also included for installing a paracord drawstring with push-button cord lock.

• This pattern is suitable for confident beginner crocheters.
• 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.
• Includes instructions for making and installing two types of drawstring: choose between crocheting a simple cord or installing a paracord with cord lock.

Skill Level
Confident Beginner

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
• Yarn needle
• Bead with ⅜ inch (1 cm) hole (optional for crochet drawstring)
• No. 425/3mm-diameter paracord: 34 inches (0.86 m; optional for readymade drawstring)
• 2-hole cord lock with 3mm or larger holes (optional for readymade drawstring)
• Lighter or Super Glue (optional for readymade 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.

If you prefer a sturdier, less stretchy result, consider using a linen, flax, or hemp yarn (or a cotton blend that includes one of these fibers) in a similar weight. These plant-based yarns tend to provide more structure and may be a better fit for heavier produce.

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

This pattern includes

• Photos of finished project, close-up of stitches, and tips for what to do if you think you might run out of yarn.
• List of abbreviations used.
• Detailed instructions and photo tutorial for crocheting a simple and attractive cord.
• Instructions for prepping and installing a readymade paracord and cord lock.
• An additional text only version.

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

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

Pattern written in US crochet terms.

Technical editing by Randy Cavaliere