Lightweight, but Stretchy, Strong, & Squishable Mesh Shopping Bag (because Plastic Bags are Prohibited in our County) by Charlotte

Bag I is 9 pages giving options for the bottom, band, & the handles.

Bag II is 2 pages with one bottom, one band with built in handles only.

The bag starts with a circular bottom knit from center outward.

Options:
Color - Change colors as desired. For example, make the bottom & band one color with the body a second color. Or, change the body color as you progress through the rounds.
Lining -You could easily add either a full fabric lining, or cutting a fabric circle ½” larger than the bottom & hand sewing it in place. Lining adds weight, so I skipped.
Embellishing – Knit or crochet a flower or two, then sew or pin onto bag. Pin or glue an artificial flower onto bag. Weave novelty yarns or ribbons through mesh. Embellishments also add weight.

Yarn:
100% cotton for maximum shopping bag strength. (For a tote, use any yarn desired & line it.)
I used primarily Bernat Handicrafter Cotton, Lily ‘Sugar ‘n Cream’, & Mibro KingCord Cotton (Lowes & Home Depot)

My bags used from 5 to 10 ounces of yarn, depending on needle sizes, how many rounds I made the bottom & the body, whether I used two strands for the band, & if I made the optional handles.

Needles:
Knitting Needles: You need a set of 5 double pointed needles (dpns) plus 1 or 2 circulars.
Use what you have available that works with your chosen yarn. You can even knit the entire bag on the same size needles.