When it comes to bags and totes, crochet usually reigns supreme, but who says knitting can’t have a seat at the table? A knit bag, with a few design choices, can be just as functional and, dare I say, more chic than a crochet bag! Take a look through this list of knit bag patterns with an open mind and see what you can come up with!
We have them all: totes, market bags, purses, backpacks, clutches and more! Stash-buster bags are fast to knit and always on the ready, so no matter where life takes you, you’ll have the bag you need. The various techniques will surely be delightful to knit: cables, felting, lace, Fair Isle, and colorwork.
Customize your colorways, experiment with the patterns, and make a step towards practical fashion with a functional bag you can use over and over again.
45 Knit Bag Patterns
1. Aspen Bag Knitting Pattern by Mama In A Stitch
This feminine, chunky knit bag is eye catching and practical with its faux leather handles and textured knit pattern. This bag is made with the double seed stitch pattern which looks lovely and is quite simple. There are no strange needle maneuvers and you will just make a variety of knit and purl stitches.
Get the Pattern by Mama In A Stitch here
2. Knitted Honeypot Handbag Pattern by What Will She Make
This Honeypot Handbag is knitted in bee stitch which is where it gets its name. It’s a perfect stash buster leaving you with the cutest accessory!
It is a versatile pattern which has been designed so that a variety of yarn weights including DK, Aran, Worsted, Bulky or Super Bulky can be used to knit the pattern. Pick your favourite yarn (you only need approx. 100g) and you’re ready to go!
Get the Pattern by What Will She Make here
3. Knitted Bento Purse Pattern by Darling Jadore
Chic, practical, and unique, this Bento Purse is a twist on the classic Japanese bento bag. Featuring a spacious interior, unique origami-like seaming and folding construction, and a knot-tie feature at the top, this stylish yet sturdy bag was designed as an everyday shoulder bag.
Get the Pattern by Darling Jadore here
4. Woven Look Knit Bucket Bag Pattern by Yarnspirations
With colorwork done in linen stitch, offset by a solid body, this cute bucket bag is an interesting project that showcases your knitting skills. The pattern is worked in the round and also features garter stitch and stocking stitch techniques for your knitting pleasure.
Get the Pattern here
5. Entrelac Knitting Bag Pattern by Craft Passion
Here’s a free pattern to knit a college look Entrelac Messenger Bag, with a cross-body strap and side pocket.
This knit messenger bag has a fold-down closure which is convenient for quick access. It is lined for a more professional look. Furthermore, there is a divider inside the bag, great for holding books and files. The pockets inside the bag are perfect to keep smaller items.
Get the Pattern here
6. Knitted Clutch Pattern by Ruke Knit
This clutch bag is a handheld handless bag with a 20cm (8in) length zipper. This bag is worked top to bottom using a waffle stitch pattern and a cozy project that can be worked using leftover yarns or even different weight yarns. It’s a lovely knit that can be used as a bag, wallet, cosmetic bag, or for holding other cute things.
Get the Pattern by Ruke Knit here
7. Cable Knitted Purse Pattern by The Fibre Art Co
This fold over convertible cross body handbag is just about perfect for anywhere! Knitted in a medium worsted weight yarn, this bag can be dressed up with a sparkle yarn or made more casual with a soft tweed!
With the strap being clipped on to the D-Rings sewn onto the sides, the strap can be removed so it can easily be converted to a clutch. With its basic cable styling and its fold over design, it will become a favorite accessory while on the go!
Get the Pattern by The Fibre Art Co here
8. Knitted Watermelon Purse Pattern by Amanda Berry
This cheerful zip up purse is quick to knit with chunky yarn. The knitting pattern uses only a few stitches: knit, purl, knit front and back increase and purl two together decrease. This is also a fun project to use up ends of a yarn ball to avoid waste.
Get the Pattern here
9. Knit Audrey Bag Pattern by Let’s Knit
Combine felted beads with fun cabling and a sophisticated silver chain to create the bag of your dreams. I love all the different stitches use in this purse!
Get the Pattern here
10. Knitted Fringe Purse Pattern by Made By Devrie
A fun new purse can make and outfit come alive and give you a boost of confidence. This fun fringe purse is a cute addition to your bag collection. The pattern makes it available to customize your handle to the length you desire.
Made with t-shirt yarn, it creates a wonderful sturdy fabric that will be able to take some rough handling — making it perfect for any bag lover you know.
Get the Pattern by Made By Devrie here
11. Trellis Stitch Drawstring Bag Knitting Pattern by Anne W
This beautiful knit drawstring bag employs a simple, sweet trellis slip stitch pattern with a hem channel and cleverly made drawstring (no i-cord!). The bag has a flat, boxed bottom with gusset so it can sit standing, and measures 5.5″ x 9″.
Get the Pattern by Anne W here
12. Knit Cabled Bag Pattern by Yarnspirations
It’s fashion forward for this retro bag featuring big, bold cables. Craft it in neutral or imagine a whole new interpretation, to complete something that fits your style better. It’s casual, versatile and ready for spring, so let’s get underway.
Get the Pattern here
13. Animal Print Knit Bag Pattern by Briana K Designs
While most of us can’t even afford animal print, why would we spend the money when we can create knit items ourselves? Not to mention is a more animal-friendly option. The best cute bag accessory option is to go faux, and even better knit it yourself!
Get the Pattern here
14. Crazy Daisy Purse Knitting Pattern by K2 Together Shop
Knit this cheery bag that brims with nostalgia! This Crazy Daisy Purse is made seamlessly from the bottom up using techniques like stockinette stitch in the round, picking up stitches, decreases, and cast offs. The daisy design is embroidered after knitting the bag using duplicate stitch.
This wonderful daisy bag is the perfect accessory for your summer outfit!
Get the Pattern by K2 Together Shop here
15. Easy Knit Purse Pattern by Mama In A Stitch
Here’s a simple, elegant knit clutch, perfect for day or evening use! This clutch is made with a combination of the stockinette stitch and the bamboo stitch.
Get the Pattern by Mama In A Stitch here
16. Knit Boho Ruffle Bag Pattern by Deborah O Leary Pattern
This Boho Ruffle Bag is a fun felted project. It is a perfect bag with a pair of jeans or a summer dress. It is made with simple knit and purl stitches. The bag is has a flap closure, which is made first, then stitches are picked up for the ruffles.
Get the Pattern by Deborah O Leary Pattern here
17. Clutch Bag Knitting Pattern by Handy Little Me
This knit clutch purse has been made with spring/summer in mind – great for drinks or the beach. It’s an easy pattern for those of you who are advanced beginner level, and the techniques you will need to know are knit, purl and yarn forward.
Get the Pattern here
18. Knit Change Purse Pattern by Red Heart
This easy-knit change purse is perfect for coins, stitch markers, or other tiny treasures. Whip up a bunch in popular shades, and add them to loot bags, stuff some stockings or give them to everyone in your knitting circle!
Get the Pattern here
19. Knitted Bento Bag Pattern by Ozetta
This Bento Bag is the perfect accessory to wrap all of anything little in. I love the idea of using this bag to store my favorite knitting notions, a small sock project, or as a gift bag to wrap something special in. The bag features a sturdy base, rounded straps, and an all-over texture.
Get the Pattern by Ozetta here
20. Knitted Market Bag Pattern by Barley And Flax
This pattern knits up quickly and you’ll be ready to take this bag with you in no time! Don’t skimp on the blocking, it gives this bag an airy look.
Get the Pattern by Barley And Flax here
21. Knitted Wristlet Purse Pattern by Naonu
I can’t get enough of small wristlet purses. I literally use them for everything because it holds just what you need and nothing of what you don’t.
This Wristlet Purse is an easy and lovely knitted purse, featuring an animal print inspired by tigers, with a wristband that keeps your hands free. This knitted handbag is perfectly sized for cards, cash, and a phone.
22. Folio Tote Free Knitting Pattern by Two Of Wands
Tote your computer and/or notebooks in style with this Folio Tote. This beginner-friendly bag is simple and chic — the ultimate modern combination! This bag is worked up in a tight stockinette stitch and forms a silhouette that is meant to collapse and look relaxed.
Get the Pattern here
23. Summer Tote Bag Knitting Pattern by Let’s Knit
This bag might look intricate, but it is actually very simple to knit. The main challenge is making sure you follow the color changes correctly — although you can invent your own combo if you want to.
Leave the tote unlined, or if you’re feeling adventurous and have access to a sewing machine, it’s a fantastic chance to practise adding lining material to knitted fabric.
Get the Pattern here
24. Slouchy Tote Bag Knitting Pattern by Mama In A Stitch
Carry your necessities and more in this gorgeous, oversized knit bag. Featuring a slouchy design and wide straps, it’s both comfortable and practical. Playful tassels add fun and flair to your new fave knit tote.
Get the Pattern by Mama In A Stitch here
25. My Everyday Tote Knitting Pattern by Essential Knitwear
This My Everyday Tote is a simple and slouchy tote knit in American moss stitch. It’s knit bottom up, which makes it easy to adjust the length to your liking. This bag is ideal as a beach bag or such, where you don’t have to carry some-thing too heavy.
Get the Pattern by Essential Knitwear here
26. Summertime Tote Bag Knitting Pattern by Star Crossed Knits
Inspired by classic canvas totes, this bag is knitted in the round with a folded hem on top and a three-needle bind off at the bottom. You can also add a drawstring top and turn it into a backpack or bucket bag! Linen stitch or Tunisian crochet straps and an optional sewn lining finish it off (guide to sewing the lining is included in the pattern).
This pattern comes with two colorwork charts, but also makes a great base for experimenting with your own colorwork charts, color-blocking, embroidery, scrap-busting, etc!
Get the Pattern by Star Crossed Knits here
27. Swirls And Stripes Tote Bag Knitting Pattern by Red Heart
Try Mosaic Knitting for a fun way to use two colors and create a folkloric pattern. Design is created with a slip stitch technique and only one color per row. This tote bag is the perfect first Mosaic project.
Get the Pattern here
28. Stockinette Stripe Tote Knitting Pattern by Originally Lovely
This Stockinette Stitch Tote is knit in one piece and seamed together along the sides. Knit densely, this tote is able to stand on its own and hold its shape. Made in super bulky yarn, it is strong and durable, perfect for use throughout the summer.
Get the Pattern here
29. Quincy Tote Knitting Pattern by Lakeside Loops
A stylish alternative to your standard reusable grocery bag, this Quincy Tote features durable straps and a boho wavy knitted mesh that expands to carry bundles of fruit, vegetables, and other groceries home from your local farmer’s market.
Perfect for a day at the beach or pool this roomy purse can easily hold your towel, book, water bottle, and extra clothes. With this beginner friendly pattern this multi-purpose knit bag is a breeze to work up as your next weekend project!
Get the Pattern by Lakeside Loops here
30. This Way Up Tote Bag Knitting Pattern by Sandra Nesbitt
Cast this fun project on today and enjoy working up a relaxing lace pattern – yes, there really is such a thing! The springy bag handles are worked in four parts, in garter stitch, before being joined together using a three-needle cast-off. Before you know it, all your friends will be asking you to knit them one, too!
Get the Pattern by Sandra Nesbitt here
31. Simple Knit Tote Pattern by Purl Soho
A hand-knit handbag, made with love not logos, can really carry the day, and this beautifully shaped, minimally wrought Simple Knit Tote does just that!
I love the soft silhouette of this bag and the wide handles. The unique texture is created using nubbly yarn and the linen stitch.
Get the Pattern here
32. Arrowhead Tote Knitting Pattern by Two Of Wands Shop
Carry your beach essentials in style with this Arrowhead Tote! The delicate geometric arrow lace pattern offers a little peek-a-boo window into the front without creating holes big enough for your supplies to fall through.
Get the Pattern by Two Of Wands Shop here
33. High Season Tote Knitting Pattern by Espace Tricot
High Season is a fresh and modern tote which is as at home running errands as it is at the beach or out to dinner. The color-blocking, turned cuff, simple leather handle, and crisp cotton yarn make it a stylish everyday companion for toting all your essentials.
The bag is knit from the bottom up in the round and finished with a removable (no-sew!) handle for easy washing.
Get the Pattern here
34. Bay Scallop Beach Tote Knitting Pattern by I Like Knitting
This fun tote bag is perfect for a day at the beach, while also being versatile enough for everyday use. The pattern uses a variety of textured stitches and simple colorwork to illustrate a seashell that has been washed ashore by incoming waves.
Get the Pattern here
35. Hanna Tote Bag Knitting Pattern by Paintbox Yarns
This fabulous tote is a great chance to practise your intarsia skills! Hanna is worked flat and seamed to finish, and a great project to use for learning a new skill! It’ll be strong and hardy, looking stylish at the same time!
Get the Pattern by Paintbox Yarns here
36. Sea Breeze Bag Knitting Pattern by Yarnspirations
I think you’ll love this finished piece with its easy going, drop stitch look. Simply turn-out a perfect sac in your choice of colors. This Sea Breeze Tote Bag looks oh so fashionable, especially with those twists on the handles.
Get the Pattern here
37. Knitted Bucket Backpack Pattern by Wool Fans Patterns
Here’s a stylish, original and versatile knit accessory you can personalize for entire family! Perfect for city adventures and shopping, this Two-Tone Bucket Backpack is great addition to casual outfit. Comfortable in using- arms serves also as a closure, so no worry someone put hand inside while you carry it.
Every family member can have his very own piece — the same style, different colors. Plus it can be changed into a bag at any time!
Get the Pattern by Wool Fans Patterns here
38. Auditorium Knitted Backpack Pattern by Halcyon Yarn
Auditorium is a sturdy knitted backpack for all ages. This bag features a drawstring closure and two garter stitch straps that are easily adapted to any length you desire.
Get the Pattern here
39. Marble & Bricks Backpack Knitting Pattern by Ravin Sekai Designs
This Marble & Bricks Backpack is knit bottom up and makes an adorable mini back pack that is perfect for carrying all your essentials.
This bag is knit using 6.5mm circular needles, which creates a tight weave. This means that it isn’t necessary to line the bag for it to maintain it’s structure.
Get the Pattern by Ravin Sekai Designs here
40. Backpack Knitting Pattern by Mama In A Stitch
This backpack was inspired by the gorgeous straw bags that are so popular in the warm summer months. It’s not only easy to knit but it’s also right on trend and makes a great accessory for everyday use. The tight knit stitches make it durable and the mercerized cotton is cool and breathable.
Get the Pattern by Mama In A Stitch here
41. Treasure Knitted Backpack Pattern by Balls To The Walls Knits
This Treasure Knitted Backpack Pattern may be the cutest knitting project to pop up this summer. Available in a variety of sizes, this pattern will show you how to knit the cutest backpack your child will ever wear.
It’s the perfect knit backpack for a day at the park, an adventure to the zoo, or just as a stash for all of your child’s treasures.
Get the Pattern here
42. Adventure Backpack Knitting Pattern by Knitty
These Adventure Cabled Backpacks have roomy pockets, both cinched by drawstrings, allow for the placement of an imaginative range of items: toys, food products, mismatched socks, wallets, and your sister’s possessions, etc.
The larger size works great as a school backpack. The smaller size, if not used as a backpack, could also make a great lunchbag.
Get the Pattern here
43. Felted Flannel Backpack Knitting Pattern by Yarnspirations
It’s felted flannel for this charming backpack that’s perfectly compact for everyday use. There’s a beautiful interpretation waiting to be revealed with your imagination and preferred colors, so select the shades that speak to you. It’s a unique look that draws in the compliments.
Get the Pattern here
44. Market Backpack Knitting Pattern by Uma Padmanabhan
This knitted market backpack is a perfect hands-free option for your next trip to the farmers market! Ideal for commuters, students and busy parents — this sturdy pack carries all your essential items, with adjustable straps.
Take it straight from the office to the beach — the versatility of this bag makes it a “must-have” item this year!
Get the Pattern by Uma Padmanabhan here
45. Knit Drawstring Back And Backpack Pattern by Purl Soho
Whether a little two-gallon sack makes you think book, gym shorts, and an apple, or maybe work-in-progress, this Knit Drawstring Bag & Backpack serve your purpose!
Simple tubes with a drawstring channel at one end and a three-needle-bind-off seam at the other, the bag and the backpack only diverge in their use of I-cords. The bags are a simple drawstring, while the backpacks serve as both a drawstring and straps. Clever!
Get the Pattern here
Knit Bag Patterns Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to knit a bag?
Unlike more complicated projects like knitted sweaters, bags generally don’t require much shaping or decreasing, which means the process of construction is as simple as the final product.
What’s the difference between knit vs. crochet bags?
Knit bags are less sturdy than crocheted bags and, due to the limitations of knit stitches, tend to take the shape of tote bags rather than other types.
What’s the best yarn to knit a bag?
Most of the knit bag patterns in this list use worsted, chunky, or super bulky weight yarn. I also favor patterns that use natural cotton or linen yarns since they are soft, sturdy, and last a long time.
Should I add a liner to a knitted bag?
Knitted purses are lovely accessories, but the holes between the stitches can allow your bag’s contents to fall out. Items placed in a knitted bag without a liner can stretch out the stitches and cause the bag to lose its shape. You can reinforce your bag with a fabric liner to make it last longer. This is a simple step that will improve the functionality and durability of your knitted bag.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE KNIT BAG PATTERN?
If you finish one of your own knitted bags do please share with me over on our Facebook Page. I would love to admire your work!
In my opinion, you can never have enough handmade bags. So, if you fancy making some more, here are more collection of patterns for bags + purses:
- 52 Crochet Purse Patterns
- 17 Crochet Wallet Patterns
- 25 Crochet Handbag Patterns
- 33 Crochet Tote Bag Patterns
- 25 Purse Sewing Patterns
- 45 Tote Bag Patterns
With these knit bag patterns, you can make new accessories to match your wardrobe during each season of the year. Happy hooking!