After I shared my knit market bag pattern last month it occurred to me that I hadn’t done a collection of market or string bag patterns in a long time. In fact, the most recent one I can find is this string market shopping bag pattern roundup from 2021. So it’s well past time to update our collection, wouldn’t you say?
I like both lacey, openwork mesh bags like my newish pattern, but I also like more solid bags for more substantial shopping, so this will be a mix of both.
In the mesh category, we’ve got the marked bag from DK Handgood Knits on Etsy, which is an allover openwork pattern except for the top edge and handle. It’s worked in the round and would be an easy first lace knitting project.
Or try the Rambling market bag from Little Red Window, which has a mostly solid base, top and straps but has a chevron lace pattern on the body. This one also uses larger needles than you’d expect with worsted weight yarn, which helps it go faster.
A Free Lunch by Christina Huling (via Ravelry) is similar to mine in that it has a solid base and lacey sides worked in a contrasting color. Here the strap is integrated into the body rather than being a drawstring.
And then there’s Market Share from Vickie Howell (also on Ravelry), which offers a flat-bottomed bag with allover mesh that’s super simple to knit.
If you want a more solid bag, check out Cora from Emma Munn (on Ravelry). This bag is worked in bulky yarn for extra heft and uses a slip stitch pattern on most of the body for extra durability.
Barbara Seidenfaden’s Buetti bag has a sturdy garter stitch base and a stockinette stitch body with I-cord straps. This is a great basic bag pattern you can embellish with stripes, embroidery or other colorwork designs as you like. Find it on Ravelry.
And speaking of stripes and stockinette, there’s also the Pensacola tote from Etsy seller Apple and Acorn Co. This one is all stockinette and is worked in the round, making color changes for the stripes super easy.
Easy Peasey Beginner Bag – Free Knitting Pattern
This Easy Peasey Beginner Bag is exactly the sort of knitting project you want when you need something simple, useful, and not too precious. It’s worked in garter stitch with chunky texture from feather yarn and 8-ply wool, then finished with bag handles — or oversized bangles if you’re raiding the bargain bin like a true crafter. A great beginner-friendly knitted bag pattern for using up novelty yarns.
Easy Peasey Beginner Bag
Felted Tote Bag – Free Knitting Pattern
This Felted Tote Bag is a fun knitting project if you’ve been wanting to try felting without tackling anything too complicated. The bag is knitted in the round using worsted wool, then felted in the washing machine to create a sturdy, practical tote with lovely handmade texture. It’s one of those projects where tiny knitting mistakes magically disappear during felting — always a bonus.
Felted Tote Bag
Cleo Evening Purse – Free Knitting Pattern
This Cleo Evening Purse is a sweet little knitted bag pattern with a dressier feel, using metallic or slub-style yarn paired with a fuzzy yarn for texture. It’s a lovely option for knitters who want to make a small handmade purse for evenings out, weddings, parties, or gift-giving. Add ribbon handles or decorative ties and you’ve got a cute statement bag that feels far more special than a basic pouch.
Cleo Evening Purse
