Create a stylish reusable tote with this filet crochet pattern for confident beginners. Inspired by the shape of a classic shopping bag, this eco-friendly design is worked in cotton mesh and comes with all the guidance you need to help you crochet your bag with confidence.

Customize the front and back of your bag with filet crochet. Choose from the six designs provided or create your own design to make a unique bag you’ll want to take everywhere.

New to filet crochet? Here are the basics: Filet crochet combines double crochet stitches with chain spaces to create open and closed blocks across the fabric. Filet crochet charts, included with the pattern, show you which blocks to fill in and which blocks to leave open. The placement of the solid, closed blocks creates the visual image.

Whether you’re an expert with filet crochet or you’re trying it for the first time, you will love using this traditional technique to make a unique bag you can use every day.

HOW THIS BAG IS MADE
The bag is worked in one piece from side to side. Assembly is based on the construction used to make the plastic shopping bags we see in stores. After the bag body is seamed lengthwise, the mesh fabric on each side is folded inward to create a gusset. The bottom edge is single-crochet seamed, keeping the gusset folded in place. Finally, the handles are folded in line with the sides and seamed at the top. Locking stitch markers are used to help point out the location of gusset folds.

Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

SKILL LEVEL
Confident Beginner

CONCENTRATION LEVEL
Some concentration required. While the pattern uses straightforward and uncomplicated stitching, you will need to follow a simple filet crochet chart to create the design on the front and back of your bag, which will require a little more concentration.

STITCHES USED
Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, and extended double crochet (optional).

TECHNIQUES USED
Working in rows, working into chain spaces, reading a filet crochet chart, joining with slip stitches, joining with single crochet

🧶 Materials, yardage, finished measurements, and gauge details are available on my website: https://jenniferolivarez.com/nice-bag

PATTERN INCLUDES
• 7-page premium pattern pdf with professional full-color photographs.
• List of materials needed, including yarn details and quantity.
• List of abbreviations used, plus detailed instructions for special stitches and techniques.
• Tips to help you crochet filet designs that are balanced and look great.
• How to read the crochet filet charts used in this pattern.
• Clear row-by-row instructions with stitch counts provided for every row to help you stay on track.
• Detailed schematic.
• Photo tutorial with written instructions for bag assembly.
• In addition to the Cherries design, pattern includes filet charts for 5 more designs: Classic Rose, Southwest, Waveform, Square Wave, and Modern.
• Blank filet chart for you to create your own design.
• Row Tracker Diagram and Checklist to help you keep track as you go.
• Pattern support. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the pattern. I’m always happy to help!