I have a weakness for knit (or otherwise handmade) bags. I know no one really needs more bags, but it’s hard to resist the allure of a portable project that you can carry things in when you’re done. A knit bag to hold your knitting? There’s nothing better.
I also like my bags big, so I can carry around knitting, probably a book, maybe some water, all the things of life in one place. So with that in mind I’ve collected some great tote bag knitting patterns for you to take with you wherever you’re going.
The Mohave Slouchy Tote Bag from Mama in a Stitch is a free pattern that’s worked from the bottom up, starting with a flat base and then joining to work in the round. It’s worked with two strands of worsted weight yarn held together, or you could use a bulky or super bulky yarn if you’d rather.
Another simple and free pattern is the Knit Market Tote from Yarnspirations. Worked in worsted weight cotton yarn, it has an easy stitch pattern and is worked in pieces. The bottom is knit flat, while the body is worked separately in the round and sewn to the base along with the straps.
One problem with some knit bags is that knitting doesn’t make a totally firm fabric, so little things can work their way out of the bag if you don’t add a lining. That’s not a problem if you felt the bag, like the Lily Tote from Jilly J Bean on Etsy. This simple striped bag (of course you could make yours solid, too) is quick to knit and features integrated handles.
A tote bag is a great canvas for playing with colorwork, and the Summertime Tote from Tamara Jordan on Ravelry allows you to do just that. The pattern comes with two options for colorwork, but since there’s no shaping it’s easy to design your own pattern, embroider on the bag after it’s done, whatever you like. The pattern is worked in the round from the top down in worsted weight yarn and includes instructions for adding a lining if you want.
While we’re playing with colorwork, why not throw in double knitting? This spectacular cat tote bag from Nifty Knitter Designs is completely reversible, double thickness and large. This is not a beginner project but imagine how awesome it would be to carry this bag around? You can get a copy of the pattern on Etsy.
Knit Flowers to Decorate a Tote Bag
Knit a Bag for Your Market Shopping
Knit a Giant Bag to Hold Your Knitting Stuff
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
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
