The Mermaid Bag is a summer-ready crochet accessory designed for ease, elegance, and just a hint of magic. With its lightweight mesh structure and oval silhouette, this piece blends simplicity with functionality — perfect for market strolls, beach days, or everyday adventures.
Crafted with the diamond mesh stitch and worked seamlessly in the round, the bag reflects the calm rhythm of waves and the flowing motion of water. As part of the Threads of the World collection, it celebrates the harmony between handmade craft and cultural imagination — inspired by timeless coastal beauty and the allure of mythical stories.
So, why Mermaid?
This design was born from the idea of something both practical and poetic. Its flowing shape, airy texture, and ocean-toned cord evoke the feeling of sea breeze, seashells, and sunlit shores. It’s a bag that feels like a quiet tale — one told through stitches, summer light, and soft movement. You can read more about the inspiration behind this piece in the Inspiration below.
Whether you pair it with a linen dress or your favorite swimsuit, the Mermaid Bag adds a touch of dreamy coastal charm to your day.
The Mermaid Bag is a celebration of summer’s freedom — a season of light, movement, and quiet magic. Its mesh structure flows like waves, and its oval shape echoes the smooth curves of seashells and shorelines. Every stitch feels like a step along the coast, where land meets water and everyday life slows into something softer.
The Base – Ocean’s Foundation
Crocheted in a seamless oval, the base is strong and steady — like the sand beneath your feet. It grounds the design, providing structure and shape, while gently nodding to the sea’s natural forms.
The Body – A Dance of Waves
The diamond mesh stitch brings breathability and rhythm to the bag, mimicking the ebb and flow of tides. It’s light, airy, and endlessly flexible — perfect for sunny days and spontaneous adventures.
The Finishing Touch – Whisper of the Sea
With straps and edging worked as part of the same seamless flow, the bag has a polished, cohesive look. There are no harsh breaks — just one smooth motion, like water finding its path.
The Mermaid Bag isn’t just a practical accessory — it’s a piece of summer you can carry. A gentle echo of ocean breezes, sunlit hours, and the quiet belief that magic exists in the everyday.
Inspiration
The Mermaid Bag was born from a dream of carefree summer days by the sea. I imagined warm sand beneath my feet, the scent of salt in the air, and a crochet bag in my hands — its mesh pattern flowing like ocean currents.
Its structure resembles a sea net — airy yet strong, as if woven by the waves themselves. The oval base and soft curves are inspired by seashells and underwater tides, while the overall mood of the bag feels like a mermaid’s song calling you into summer.
Mermaid is more than just a bag. It’s a feeling — of lightness, inspiration, and the quiet magic of carrying a piece of the ocean with you, wherever you go.
About Yarn
For the Mermaid Bag, I used a 4 mm elastic polyester cord from Likeecords. This type of cord is ideal for crochet bags due to its durability, flexibility, and resistance to wear. It holds shape beautifully and provides excellent support for the structure of the bag, even when carrying everyday essentials.
The smooth texture and subtle sheen of the cord give the bag a clean, modern look, while the thickness ensures the mesh pattern stays crisp and defined. It’s both stylish and strong — just what you need for a practical summer accessory.
Feel free to use any 4 mm elastic polyester cord of your choice — just make sure it’s soft enough to work comfortably with and sturdy enough to hold the bag’s form.
Yarn Substitutions: Scroll down to see the different yarns used by my amazing pattern testers — you might discover the perfect alternative for your own Mermaid Bag!
NOT READY TO START YET? PIN THIS PATTERN FOR LATER
Video
In this video, I’ll guide you through every step of creating the Mermaid Mesh Bag — a beach-ready tote inspired by ocean textures and summer adventures.
Difficulty
Easy, Beginner-friendly
Abbreviations
Written in U.S. Crochet terms
Ch -chain
SC -single crochet
Sk - skip
Sl st -slip stitch
Ch Sp -chain space
Wc -waistcoat stitch
PM - place marker
rnd - round
rep - repeat
Special Stitch:
Wc – Waistcoat Stitch: A variation of single crochet, worked by inserting the hook between the “legs” of the stitch (the vertical bars) instead of under the top loops — it creates a knit-like texture that’s tight and structured.
Construction
The Mermaid Bag is crocheted as one continuous piece — starting with a seamless oval base, followed by the body worked in the round with a diamond mesh stitch, and finished with straps and edging, all without sewing. This method keeps the construction simple while creating a stylish, durable bag with a clean, polished look.
Please note: These measurements are taken before the bag is filled. Polyester cord stretches with use, especially when carrying weight.
This pattern is also very easy to ADJUST so you can customize the size to be perfect for you!
To adjust the width: Start with a longer or shorter chain — just make sure the number of stitches is even. This determines the width of the oval base and the overall width of the bag. In my version, I started with a chain of 30 stitches.
To adjust the height: Work more or fewer rounds of the diamond mesh stitch to reach the desired height. I made 19 rounds for the body of the bag.
This crochet pattern is primarily worked in continuous rounds. Do not slip stitch to join the round unless specifically instructed to do so.
Use a stitch marker to keep track of your stitches.
< > - Number of stitches at the end of a round
[ ] - Instructions to repeat as many times as indicated
2SC means place 2 SC into the same stitch
3SC means place 3 SC into the same stitch
SC 10 means sc into the next 10 stitches
The pattern includes one size, but it's super easy to customize the bag's width, height, or strap length.
The bag is worked in the round without turning inside out. You continue working from the same direction throughout the project.
Share Your Creation!
I’d love to see your version of the Mermaid Bag!
If you make this project, share it on social media using #MyMermaidBag so I can admire your work and feature it in my stories!
Pattern Testers
Here are some beautiful versions of the Mermaid Bag, made by my amazing pattern testers! Below each photo you’ll find their yarn notes and social links. I’m incredibly grateful to these kind and creative testers — their feedback, time, and support helped make this pattern as clear, polished, and beginner-friendly as possible!
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