A knitted bag is one of the most useful things you can make. It holds your groceries, your library books or your next knitting project, and it is a great step up from scarves because you get to try new shapes without worrying about fit.
Below are 15 free knitted bag patterns we checked one by one. You will find a few that are just rectangles sewn together, some bottom-up totes knit in the round, a couple of beach bags, and a few with colorwork or lace for when you want a bigger challenge.
Easy Knitted Bag Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Cotton or cotton-blend yarn (holds its shape better than wool)
- 16″ and 24″ circular knitting needles
- Straight knitting needles for flat pieces
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Purse handles or leather straps
- Fabric for an optional lining
1. The Easiest Knitted Tote Bag
Photo: Cleo Malone
If you have never knit a bag, start here. You knit a front and a back as flat rectangles, seam three sides, and add straps. There is even an optional pocket. Bulky yarn means the pieces grow quickly, and there is no knitting in the round or shaping to learn. It is a nice confidence builder before you try any of the totes further down this list.
- Designer: Cleo Malone
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Needle size: 6.5 mm (US 10.5)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Shelley Tote
Photo: KT and the Squid
The Shelley Tote is mostly garter stitch with horizontal mesh bands made from a simple k2tog and yarn-over row. Two flat panels are sewn together, so it is very friendly for newer knitters. The finished bag is about 15″ by 16″. You can add purse handles, and the designer suggests slipping a canvas tote inside as a lining so nothing pokes through the mesh.
- Designer: KT and the Squid
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: DK (#3), cotton
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6) or 5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Mohave Slouchy Tote Bag
Photo: Mama in a Stitch
This oversized slouchy tote is all garter stitch, with a two-color ombre stripe at the bottom and optional tassels. You knit a flat base, pick up stitches around it, and then work the sides in the round before splitting for the handles. Worsted yarn is held double, so it knits up fast on big needles. It is about 17″ wide and 18″ tall, big enough for a weekend.
- Designer: Mama in a Stitch
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Worsted (#4), held double
- Needle size: 8 mm (US 11), 16″ circular
- Price: Free written pattern + paid ad-free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Waverly Tote
Photo: Whistle and Wool
The Waverly Tote is a bucket-style bag with a soft wave texture made by the increase sections. It is knit in the round from a simple cast-on, the straps are worked flat and joined with a three-needle bind-off, and the bottom is seamed. A denim-look yarn held double gives it a relaxed summer feel. The designer marks it as a beginner pattern.
- Designer: Whistle and Wool
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4), held double
- Needle size: 5.5 mm (US 9), 16″ and 20″ circular
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Knit Market Tote
A classic market tote in Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton. It measures about 19″ wide by 16″ high without the straps, so it fits a full grocery run. Cotton is washable and strong, which is exactly what you want for a bag that carries produce. The pattern is a free download with no sign-up needed, and it is a good choice if you want a dependable everyday bag.
- Designer: Yarnspirations (Lily Sugar’n Cream)
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton (see pattern)
- Needle size: see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Check Stitch Bag
Photo: Lion Brand Yarn
This roomy bag uses a check stitch that gives a neat, woven-looking texture. It is about 15″ wide, 15″ high and 6.5″ deep, so it has a real base and stands up better than a flat tote. Worsted yarn keeps it practical. If you want a bag that looks a little more polished than garter stitch, this is a good next step.
- Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Japanese Tote Bag
Photo: Katie Kissel
This one is clever. You knit a simple shape and then use a Japanese folding technique to turn it into a bag with a distinctive knotted look. Bulky yarn means one or two skeins are enough, and it is quick to finish. It is a fun project if you like the look of a knot bag but want something simpler than a fully shaped pattern.
- Designer: Katie Kissel
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Needle size: 6 mm (US 10)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Porquerolles
Photo: Sandrine Maurice
Porquerolles is a summer tote made for the beach. The designer wanted a bag that is easy to wash, so it can hold wet swimsuits and sandy towels and then go straight into the machine. Super bulky yarn on big needles makes it a quick knit. It also works well as a roomy project bag for your knitting at home.
- Designer: Sandrine Maurice
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: 10 mm (US 15)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Beachcomber Tote
Photo: Knifty Knittings
A nautical blue and white tote with jogless self-striping and a garter-stitch base. You start with a small garter rectangle, pick up stitches, and knit the body in the round. It finishes with an applied I-cord bind-off, and rope handles go through grommets for a real beach-bag look. It is about 16″ wide by 14″ tall.
- Designer: Knifty Knittings
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Bernat Maker Outdoor (see pattern)
- Needle size: 6 mm (US 10) and 8 mm (US 11), 32″ circular
- Price: Free written pattern + paid ad-free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Medano Beach
Photo: Heidi Kirrmaier
Medano Beach is a relaxed, stretchy shoulder bag with a knotted strap. It is one of the most loved free bag patterns out there. The designer recommends a sturdy cotton, linen or hemp yarn, because wool would stretch too much once the bag is loaded. It is a lovely, casual bag for summer errands.
- Designer: Heidi Kirrmaier
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3), cotton, linen or hemp
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. High Season
Photo: Espace Tricot
High Season is a modern color-blocked tote with a turned cuff and a simple leather handle. It is knit from the bottom up in the round with two strands of DK held together. The handle is removable and needs no sewing, so washing the bag is easy. It is a great way to use two colors that you love together.
- Designer: Espace Tricot
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3), held double
- Needle size: 4.5 mm (US 7)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Scarlett
Photo: Galina Carroll for Rowan
Scarlett is a small seamless tote knit in one piece from the bottom up, finished with a tassel and optional pom poms in four extra colors. It is about 11.5″ wide by 9.75″ tall, a nice size for a wallet, phone and a small project. It is a cheerful bag for kids or as a gift.
- Designer: Galina Carroll for Rowan
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Needle size: see pattern (check the materials list)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
13. Blair Bag
Photo: Yarnique
The Blair Bag starts with a pinhole cast-on and a square base, then grows into a chevron body with lace details made from yarn overs. The lower half stays solid, so small things will not fall out. Twisted rope handles are made from the bag yarn. It is a good choice when you are ready for lace and double-pointed needles.
- Designer: Yarnique
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Cotton blend (see pattern for weight options)
- Needle size: 4.5 mm (US 7), DPNs and 24″ circular
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
14. Hanna Tote Bag
Hanna is a flat, seamed tote in stockinette with a colorwork motif on the front, worked in intarsia. The back stays plain, so you only work the chart once. It uses recycled cotton in three colors and finishes at about 16″ by 13.5″. The free PDF needs a quick sign-in on the site.
- Designer: Paintbox Yarns
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Worsted (#4), recycled cotton
- Needle size: 4.5 mm (US 7)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
15. Vertientes Tote Bag
Photo: Clara Benadon
Vertientes has a stranded colorwork band based on a traditional Andean weaving motif, set above a plain stockinette base and finished with a folded ribbed edge. Leather straps go on the outside, and you can add a fabric lining. It is the most advanced bag here, and a beautiful way to practice two-color knitting on a project that is not a sweater.
- Designer: Clara Benadon
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: 4.5 mm (US 7), circular or DPNs
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First bag ever? Start with #1, The Easiest Knitted Tote Bag. It is just rectangles and seams.
- Want a grocery bag? Go with #5, the Knit Market Tote, or #6, the Check Stitch Bag. Both are big and sturdy.
- Heading to the beach? #8 Porquerolles and #9 Beachcomber Tote are made to be washed.
- Ready to learn knitting in the round? Try #3 Mohave or #4 Waverly.
- Want a challenge? #13 Blair Bag (lace) and #15 Vertientes (colorwork) will stretch your skills.
FAQ
What is the best yarn for a knitted bag?
Cotton, linen, hemp or a cotton blend is best. These fibers do not stretch much, so the bag keeps its shape when it is full. Wool and acrylic are fine for small bags but tend to sag under weight. Many patterns above also hold yarn double, which makes the fabric thicker and stronger.
How do I stop my knitted bag from stretching?
Use a firm fiber like cotton, knit at a slightly tighter gauge than the label suggests, and add a fabric lining. Leather or webbing straps also help, because knitted straps stretch the most. If you only carry light things, you may not need any of this.
Can a beginner knit a tote bag?
Yes. A tote bag is a great first project after a scarf. Start with a pattern made from flat rectangles, like #1 or #2 above. You only need to know how to knit, purl, cast on, bind off and seam. Once that feels easy, move on to a bag knit in the round.
Pick a bag, grab some cotton yarn, and you will have a handmade tote ready for your next trip to the market.