27+ Free Knitted Bag Patterns (for all skill levels!) (2024)

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Who doesn’t love a good knitted bag? Whether you’re heading off to the grocery store or packing up for a day at the beach, handmade totes are so versatile. And the best part is that they’re so fun to make!

27+ Free Knitted Bag Patterns (for all skill levels!) (1)

Free Knitted Bag Patterns

The thing I love most about knitted bags is how versatile and practical they are. You can make them in pretty much any shape or size to suit your needs – big totes for beach days, market bags for running errands, cute little pouches for everyday essentials…the options are endless! And as long as you choose an appropriately strong yarn, knit bags can be amazingly durable, too.

This roundup features all sorts of knitted bags, like:

  • Tote bags
  • Purses
  • Drawstring bags
  • Felted bags
  • Market bags
  • Clutches
  • And more!

Are These Bags Beginner-Friendly?

Absolutely! A lot of knitted bags use basic knitting techniques, so they’re ideal for beginners. In the list below, you’ll find patterns that range from easy to moderately challenging. Some of the easiest patterns include theAspen Mountain Knit Bag(#12),Coastal Clutch(#13), and theWindy City Tote(#26).

Supplies You’ll Need

Before casting on, read through your chosen pattern and make sure you have everything on the supply list. Most bags call for the same basic materials:

Tips for Yarn Selection

For maximum durability, I like to use cotton yarn for my knitted bags. Cotton is a very popular option that has minimal stretch and will hold up to a lot of weight for many uses.

Acrylic is another inexpensive and generally durable choice. And don’t forget about wool – it makes beautiful felted bags! Some of the most popular choices include Lily Sugar ‘n Cream, Lion Brand Re-Tweed, and Lion Brand Fishermen’s Wool.

Knitting Techniques to Know for Knitted Bag Patterns

Read through your pattern to make sure you understand all of the techniques. Some knitting techniques you may encounter include:

  • Making a gauge swatch
  • Casting on and binding off
  • Basic Stitches: Knit (k) and Purl (p)
  • Decreases: Knit two together (k2tog) and Slip, slip, knit (ssk)
  • Increases: Make one (m1) Knit front and back (kfb)
  • Stockinette stitch (knit a row, purl a row)
  • Cable knitting
  • Color changes
  • Seaming
  • Blocking

27 Free and Easy Knitted Bag Patterns

Take a look at these 27+ free and easy knit bag patterns for your next knitting project. Let me know in the comments if you make one!

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Dumpling Bag

Photo Credit:www.purlsoho.com

This simple bag is knit from the bottom up and features a basic, foldover strap method for easy carrying. The finished bag measures 20” in circumference and is a great way to easily carry your essentials for the day.

Designer: Purl Soho

Yarn weight: DK

Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Blackbird Linen

2

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Ilene Bag

Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com

This stretchy bag is excellent for carrying fruits, vegetables, and other groceries during your next shopping trip. It features a shorter strap that keeps your items closer to your waist, but the strap can be extended if you prefer.

Designer: Hannah Mason

Yarn weight: Sport

Suggested yarn: Louet Euroflax Wet Spun Linen

3

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Market Bag

Photo Credit:sheepandstitch.com

This lightweight knitted market bag pattern is great for a beach day or a simple trip to the store. It’s knit flat and joined in the round and makes a good project for advanced beginners. Don’t forget to check out the helpful video tutorial!

Designer: Sheep and Stitch

Yarn weight: DK

Suggested yarn: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK

4

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Les Petites Choses Drawstring Bags

Photo Credit:www.knitpicks.com

These adorable knit drawstring pouches are perfect for gift-giving or for keeping smaller items safe and sound. They have a flat base and beautiful, interesting texture along the lower portion of the bag. They’re knit from the top down and are available in three different sizes.

Designer: Knit Picks

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Brava Worsted

5

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Medano Beach

Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com

This hip, flexible bag features a knotted shoulder strap and is great for casual days at the beach or the park. There are so many different color and design combinations you could choose for this cute, striped pattern, so be sure to check out the inspiration pictures! If you prefer a smaller bag, try making this design with smaller needles and sport-weight yarn.

Designer: Heidi Kirrmaier

Yarn weight: DK

Suggested yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton

6

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The Dice Bag of Minimal Magic

Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com

This magical bag was created specifically for Dungeons and Dragons players, but anyone can enjoy this design! It’s knit from the top down in the round and uses the honeycomb brioche stitch.

Designer: Diana Keyson

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Patons North America Classic Wool Merino

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0603 Project Bag

Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com

This practical knitting project bag features a rectangular base, giving it plenty of room for holding your knitting supplies. It’s worked from bottom to top and sports a drawstring i-cord. The pattern includes instructions for three different sizes, with examples of what type of knitting projects will fit well in each size.

Designer: Dhiany Nanda

Yarn weight: Fingering + fingering

Suggested yarn: Gomerajut Benang Katun Polos

8

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Farmer’s Market Tote

Photo Credit:theknitmckinley.com

Stash all of your fresh, weekly goodies in this practical market bag. It has a garter stitch diagonal base, stretchy lace sides, and simple carrying handles. Plus, there’s no sewing required!

Designer: The Knit McKinley

Yarn weight: DK

Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Comfy Cotton

9

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Tolt Folded Bag with Veronika

Photo Credit:www.toltyarnandwool.com

If you love being unique, this stylish, folded bag design is perfect! It features a fun, yet practical shape with a sophisticated leather handle. Easy, pictured instructions show you just how to fold your bag.

Designer: Tolt Yarn and Wool

Yarn weight: Chunky

Suggested yarn: Hooked Ribbon XL

10

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Mohave Slouchy Tote Bag

Photo Credit:www.mamainastitch.com

This oversized knit tote bag pattern features beautiful colorwork, thick handles, and carefree tassels. To knit this bag, you’ll need to be comfortable with basic stitches and knitting in the round. It’s knit with two strands of worsted-weight yarn held together.

Designer: Mama in a Stitch

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Re-Tweed Yarn

11

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The Gallivanter Bag

Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com

Whether you’re taking off on a plane, bus, or boat, this travel bag features a long crossover strap that keeps your essentials close to your body. Store away your passport and your other most important items in this buttoned bag that you can easily carry with you anywhere.

Designer: Anna Kwon

Yarn weight: DK

Suggested yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Silky Merino

12

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Aspen Mountain Knit Bag

Photo Credit:www.mamainastitch.com

This cozy bag is both cute and super easy to make! It’s knit as a large rectangle that’s folded in half and seamed up the sides. It measures 14.5” deep and is a great pattern for beginners!

Designer: Mama in a Stitch

Yarn weight: Super bulky

Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick

13

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Coastal Clutch

Photo Credit:www.lionbrand.com

This cute knit clutch is easy to make and handy for storing smaller items like your phone or sunglasses. This small design, made with bulky yarn, knits up quickly and is a good pattern for beginners. It measures about 5.5” x 8”.

Designer: Lion Brand Yarn

Yarn weight: Bulky

Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Rewind

14

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The American Summer String Bag

Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com

Grab your sunglasses and head off on your next summer adventure with this lightweight bag! It folds up easily when not in use but has plenty of stretch for holding all of your items for the day. This pattern is best for advanced beginners or intermediates.

Designer: Swiss Pointe Designs

Yarn weight: DK

Suggested yarn: Queensland Collection Dungarees

15

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Lovely Lunch Bag

Photo Credit:www.knitpicks.com

Carry your lunch or snacks with you in this beautiful yet practical knit lunch bag! This summery bag measures about 11” wide by 14.5” high and is a great pattern for intermediates. It would also make an excellent gift!

Designer: Knit Picks

Yarn weight: DK

Suggested yarn: Knit Picks CotLin

16

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French Market Bag

Photo Credit:knitty.com

This market bag is a beautiful way to carry around all your goodies. It’s knit in the round but has a square base. This bag uses a lot of techniques that are also used for knitting socks, so if you’ve been wanting to knit socks but haven’t tried them yet, this would be a great practice project!

Designer: Polly Outhwaite

Yarn weight: Aran

Suggested yarn: Cold Harbour Mill Aran Weight

17

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Lily Tweed Stitch Knit Rectangular

Photo Credit:www.yarnspirations.com

This adorable pouch would be excellent for carrying your knitting notions, writing tools, or some extra cash. It’s worked in one piece and then folded. When finished, this zippered pouch measures 9” long by 5.5” wide.

Designer: Yarnspirations

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream

18

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Super Summer Backpack

Photo Credit:www.lionbrand.com

This lightweight, airy backpack is great for summer wear. Whether you’re toting around your swimsuit, knitting project, or favorite book, this drawstring bag makes it easy to keep everything together! You can adjust the strap to be longer or shorter according to your preference.

Designer: Lion Brand Yarn

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream

19

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Lily Sugar'n Cream Go Green Market Bag

Photo Credit:www.yarnspirations.com

This generous-sized market bag can be used over and over for your trips to the farmer’s market, library, or grocery store! It’s made with durable cotton yarn, and measures 12” tall by 12” wide. It also has a front pocket for carrying smaller items.

Designer: Yarnspirations

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream

20

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Knit Linen Market Bag

Photo Credit:www.purlsoho.com

This extra-long market bag is also extra sturdy. If you’re looking for a reusable shopping bag that can even hold your watermelon and potatoes, this is it! It’s made with a stockinette rectangle and neat, i-cord edging.

Designer: Purl Soho

Yarn weight: Fingering

Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Field Linen

21

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Crossbody Pocket Bag

Photo Credit:www.purlsoho.com

This easy-to-make bag allows you to securely throw it over your shoulder and tote around whatever items you need by your side. Made with neutral tones, it creates a classic look that goes with nearly anything. This simple bag would be perfect for gift-giving.

Designer: Purl Soho

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Sunshower Cotton

22

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Woolly Bully Bag

Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com

This simple shoulder bag features a foldover top and even includes instructions for a handy interior pocket. It measures 14.5” x 17” before felting, and 9.5” x 8.75” after felting. Felting instructions are included at the bottom of the pattern.

Designer: Lori Puthoff

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220

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Felted Entrelac Clutch

Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com

This simple clutch is quick to make and a cute way to carry around your most needed items. The Entrelac rectangles are easy to make with variegated yarns (long colorways are best!). Don’t forget to grab a snap or magnetic closure to finish your project.

Designer: Meg White

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220

24

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Bernat Knit Bucket Tote

Photo Credit:www.yarnspirations.com

This cute and carefree summer tote won’t leave your side all season! Made with durable cotton, it's easy to wash and easy to throw over your shoulder wherever your summer adventures take you. It’s knit in the round using bulky yarn, so it works up quickly!

Designer: Yarnspirations

Yarn weight: Bulky

Suggested yarn: Bernat Maker Home Dec

25

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Pretty Planner Bag

Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com

This beautiful pattern requires no seaming and is the perfect way to carry around your knitting planner (but other notebooks or books work well, too!). It’s made with an alternating garter stitch and lace pattern and works up quickly.

Designer: Martina Behm

Yarn weight: Fingering

Suggested yarn: Pascuali Pinta

26

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Windy City Tote

Photo Credit:www.lionbrand.com

Take on the windy city with this casual and beautiful tote! This felted bag is easy to make and large enough to hold everything you need for your day.

Designer: Lion Brand Yarn

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Fishermen’s Wool

27

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Patons Cabled Bag

Photo Credit:www.yarnspirations.com

This gorgeous bag features chunky knitted cables and is so cute and cozy. Made with round handles, this shaped bag is totally retro and unique! This pattern is best for intermediates.

Designer: Yarnspirations

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Patons Decor

A Couple Tips and Tricks

Pick durable, washable yarns.

For heavy use, cotton and linen are your best bets. Choose a yarn that’s durable and washable, so you can keep using your bag for many years to come!

And of course, check the yarn’s care label before starting. Wool makes stunning felted bags but requires handwashing only.

Add a fabric lining

If you plan to use your bag as an everyday purse or want to carry small or important items, definitely consider sewing in a fabric lining. It takes a little extra effort but allows you to toss in keys, coins, and other small items without worrying about things falling out.

If you’ve never tried it before,check out these instructions for how to add a fabric lining.

More Knitting Patterns

Once you finish your knitted bag pattern, check out some of our other favorite knitting patterns.

  • 25 Free and Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners
  • 27 Free Fingerless Gloves Knitting Patterns
  • 25+ Free Knitted Cowl Patterns for Beginners
27+ Free Knitted Bag Patterns (for all skill levels!) (29)

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Sarah Stearns Founder and Editor

Sarah Stearns has helped millions of makers find their next craft project with free patterns and step-by-step tutorials on her blog, sarahmaker.com. Read more.

With over a decade of experience in knitting and crochet, she has been featured in prominent publications like The New York Times, Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, Vox, Apartment Therapy, and Lifehacker.

27+ Free Knitted Bag Patterns (for all skill levels!) (2024)

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