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.
