These knitted tote bag patterns put the fun in functional! Offering both style and function, you can really have it all with one of these fabulous tote bag designs. Today we’re featuring some of the latest and greatest knit tote bag designs alongside the trending patterns that people can’t stop talking about. Follow us down into the rabbit hole as we explore the magical world of knitted tote bag patterns!
Tote bags are the perfect blend of functionality and fashion, serving as versatile companions for all your daily adventures. Whether you’re heading to the farmer’s market, hitting the beach, or simply running errands around town, a well-crafted and functional bag can be your trusty sidekick. If you have never made a tote bag before, then you really owe it to yourself to check out these amazing knitted tote bag patterns!
In this article, we’ve rounded up 26 of the newest and most popular free knitting patterns for tote bags. From classic designs to innovative twists like knot bags, origami-inspired creations, cozy bucket bags, and more, there’s something here to suit every style and experienced and new knitters alike. The best part is that all these knitted tote bag patterns are completely free so you can save a few bucks on patterns (and save up that money for your next trip to the yarn store!).
So, grab your favorite cup of tea, cozy up in your knitting nook, and let’s explore the delightful world of knitted tote bag patterns together! Who knows, you might just find your next favorite project waiting for you. Scroll down and prepare to be inspired!
Blair Bag
Let’s start off with a pretty and feminine knitted bag. This tote bag doubles as an everyday bag or a tote or market bag. You’ll start at the center of the bottom of the bag and increase from there to create the square base, then the main body. The entire bag is knitted in the round and uses easy increases and decreases for the lace pattern.
Designer: Yarnique
Yarn: Lion Brand Yarn Comfy Cotton Blend (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free pattern!
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Medano Beach
Simple stripes and a knotted strap add such cute details to this bucket style tote bag. This design is knit all in one piece so it has very sturdy construction. The casual style and the generous size of this bag will have you wanting to carry it every chance you get! You can make one using just knit and purl stitches.
Designer: Heidi K Designs
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Bomull-Lin (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Mohave Slouchy Tote Bag
Inspired by the desert landscape, this slouchy tote is just begging to be added to your collection of boho accessories. It is knit double stranded using a recycled yarn for a combination that’s both sturdy and sustainable. The pattern calls for just knit and purl stitches so it’s very beginner friendly. Finish it off with a few trendy tassels and you’re ready to rock!
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Tweed (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Treasure Hunting
X marks the spot for style in this super cute square tote bag. The pattern is knit using garter stitch worked in the round. You’ll make 2 squares and then sandwich them together to form the 2 sides of the bag. Add a strap and you’re ready for your next beachcombing adventure. Just think of how many cool shells you’ll be able to fit in this bag!
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Paris (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Knitted Japanese Tote Bag
Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably seen the surge in popularity of these gorgeous origami bags. Their unique silhouette is super on trend right now and the best part is that they are totally easy to make. If you can knit a dishcloth, then you can knit this bag, because it starts out as a simple garter stitch rectangle. A few clever seams and folds bring the bag to life.
Designer: Katie Kissel
Yarn: Bernat Maker Home Dec (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Knit Market Tote
Skip the plastic bag and rock this totally textured tote bag instead. You can save the planet one shopping trip at a time and feel fabulously fashionable while you’re at it. Many knitted tote bag patterns, including this one, are made with a practical cotton yarn for a sturdy finish. It is worked up using knit, purl, and slip stitches to create a sea of waffle-like texture.
Designer: Yarnspirations Design Studio
Yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream Solids & Denim (Worsted Weight Yarn #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Scarlet Tote
Dress up a plain tote bag with a few colorful pom poms for an unexpected finish that will have you turning heads everywhere you go. You can add a bit of pom pom panache to even the simplest and most beginner-friendly designs to make them look more exciting. As an added bonus, you are sure to smile every time you lay eyes on your playful new purse.
Designer: Galina Carroll for Rowan
Yarn: Rowan Denim Revive (DK-Weight Yarn #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Waverly Tote
Hard working jeans yarn held double stranded gives this big bucket bag some serious carrying power. You’ll also love that the straps are edged with icord for added durability and an extra touch of polish. If you are the kind of person who needs a big bag to hold all the things you could possibly need, then this cute tote would be a great choice!
Designer: Whistle and Wool
Yarn: Lion Brand Jeans (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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The Easiest Knitted Tote Bag
If you are a beginner knitter and you are intimidated by all of these beautiful knitted tote bag patterns, then don’t be! I know that they look fabulous, but many of them are much easier than you might think. This two tone design, for instance, is made up entirely of knit stitch rectangles. That doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
Designer: Cleo’s Yarn Shop
Yarn: Bulky Weight #5
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Vertientes Tote Bag
Of course, if you are looking for a knitting project you can really sink your needles into, then you might relish the added challenge of a bit of colorwork. The pretty motif on this bag is called partridge eye and it is derived from traditional Andean weaving. The bag design also features a folded ribbed edge and practical leather straps. You’ll be using stockinette stitch and stranded colorwork.
Designer: Clara Benadon
Yarn: Lanas Naturales Rafia (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Avalon Patchwork Tote
Make a dent in your scrap yarn stash with this colorful geometric tote bag. Log cabin motifs made with garter stitch make up the bulk of this design. The bag features a fabric strap embellished with knit diamonds that also runs across the sides and base of the bag for added stability. A fabric lining tucked away inside provides the last layer of security against the dreaded curse of the stretched out bag.
Designer: Sophia Minakais
Yarn: Rowan Denim Revive (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Enns Felted Bag
Knit designers employ all sorts of tricks to add stability to their knitted tote bag patterns. This design opts for a wool yarn that can easily be felted in the washing machine. The felting process strengths the integrity of the fibers and interlocks everything together nicely. It also makes a finish that’s even more sleek and smooth than the stockinette stitch it is made with.
Designer: Ursula Linnemann
Yarn: Lanna Grosso Feltro (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Check Stitch Bag
This two-tone bag checks all the boxes for cuteness and carrying ability. The design features a double stranded icord trim and handles in a contrasting color for a one two punch of sturdiness and stylishness. It is made using just knit and purl stitches. It is interesting to note that the recommended yarn is usually used to make kitchen scrubbies, so you know it will stand up nicely to the regular wear and tear.
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Stitch Soak Scrub (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Porquerolles Tote
Porquerolles is a crescent-shaped island off the coast of France. Maybe you’ll be dreaming of exotic places to visit when you are whipping up this trendy striped bucket bag. The easy pattern calls for just garter stitch. Metal purse hardware, a bold tassel, and a chic braided strap give this bag an upgrade from average to exceptional.
Designer: Timeless by S Designs
Yarn: Hoooked Yarn Ribbon XL (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Dumpling Bag
There’s something about the simplistic style of a well made knot bag that has got people going bananas lately. Jump on the bandwagon with this stunning testament to minimalist style. The pattern is knit using stockinette stitch and working in the round. There is also some kitchener stitch grafting involved when it comes to the bag handles.
Designer: Jeannie Lee for Purl Soho
Yarn: Purl Soho Blackbird Linen (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Brinley Tote
The next one of our beautiful knitted tote bag patterns is a bonafide boho dream! I can’t decide on my favorite design element. It’s just too hard to choose between the gorgeous beaded fringe and that iconic double rattan handle. The best part is that it’s totally easy to make using just knit and purl stitches. What a perfect bag for summer!
Designer: Debra Arch for I Like Knitting
Yarn: Circulo Amigurumi Maxi (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Shelley Tote
I like a lined tote bag as much as the next knitter, but I’m not a big fan of sewing. This clever designer is here to save the day with a genius tote bag life hack. She lined this pretty solid and lace striped bag with a ready made canvas tote bag. Sure, there’s still a little sewing involved, but not as much, and you don’t even have to knit the handles! The pattern calls for knit and knit 2 together stitches along with yarn overs.
Designer: KT and the Squid
Yarn: King Cole Cottonsmooth DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Seed Stitch Tote
Hey beginners, if you’ve only ever done garter and stockinette stitch before, then listen up! Seed stitch is a great next stitch to learn because it only uses knit and purl stitches. Plus, you get lots and lots of yummy texture. The texture is turned up even more for this design because it is knit using two strands of yarn held together.
Designer: Yarnspirations Design Studio
Yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream Solids & Denim (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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College Campus Tote
Knitted tote bag patterns are also perfect for using as book bags. Get ready for your next walk to class with this pretty multicolor bag complete with eye-catching tassels. The pattern is knit double stranded for extra sturdiness. 3 rounds of knit stitches take turns with a single round of purl stitches to make horizontal ridges that wrap around the body of the bag for added interest.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Paris (Aran Weight #4)
Garnstudio DROPS Safran (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Hanna Tote Bag
Let’s get a little abstract with our next featured tote bag design. This pattern calls for stockinette stitch with intarsia colorwork. There’s only 3 colors to juggle and the pattern of the colors is relatively simple, so this bag might be worth a try even if you are still new to colorwork. Besides, the abstract nature of the design makes it easy to hide any mistakes you might make.
Designer: Paintbox Yarns
Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Recycled Cotton Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Project: Restoration
This generously sized tote bag can comfortably hold 6 skeins of super bulky weight yarn so it’s great for toting around larger projects like blankets. The wide strap sits comfortably on your shoulder and it is made all in one piece with the body of the bag for added sturdiness. The pattern calls for just knit and purl stitches.
Designer: Brome Fields
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick Solids (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Twill Tote
This bucket style bag is tall and thin. It stands out from the crowd with a bold shade of orange that just won’t quit. Look more closely at the design and you will see the gorgeous diagonal texture that the stitch pattern makes. You’ll only be using knit and slip stitches for this design, so you can leave those pesky purl stitches behind for a while.
Designer: Jake Canton for Purl Soho
Yarn: Purl Soho Field Linen (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the simple knit tote pattern!
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Lotus Bag
This is one of those knitted tote bag patterns that just makes you say, “wow!”. The design features a simple stockinette stitch base that’s complemented by a unique chevron style stitch pattern for the sides that features purl stitch ridges and striped colorwork. This bag has got a lot going on but all the elements work harmoniously to make it feel really put together.
Designer: Sys Fredens for Hobbii
Yarn: Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/4 (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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High Season
The colorblock trend is still going strong and I’m totally here for it! It’s so nice to be able to incorporate multiple colors into one project without having to weave in a million extra ends with each different color. A sturdy turned ribbed cuff and a thin leather strap give this bag its fabulous finish. The design is worked double strand in stockinette stitch.
Designer: Espace Tricot
Yarn: EL. D. Mouzakis Butterfly Super 10 (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Seaside Life
A lightly lacy stitch pattern makes a cute tote bag that can let the items inside breathe a little bit. This is a great design for a beach bag, as it can hold your wet towels and swimsuit without getting musty. A nice neutral color ensures that this bag will match with any outfit you throw on. The pattern calls for knit and knit 2 together stitches along with yarn overs to make the easy lace.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Paris (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Beachcomber Tote
Bright blue and white stripes will always remind me of the beach. Now you can bring the beach with you wherever your travels take you with this delightful tote bag knitting pattern. Rope handles are threaded through sturdy metal grommets and then knotted to secure. The pattern is knit in stockinette stitch with an applied i-cord edging at the top of the bag.
Designer: Knifty Knittings
Yarn: Bernat Maker Outdoor Stripes (Bulky Yarn Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Final Thoughts on Knitted Tote Bag Patterns
Alright you can’t put it off any longer. I know that this is a tough choice to make but you’re going to have to buckle down and pick a favorite. We hope you loved this collection of knit bag patterns and can’t wait to get started on one!
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I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Knitting!