15 Stylish Bags and Totes to Knit (Free Patterns Included)

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next knitting project, look no further! This post is filled with 15 lovely (and free!) knitting patterns for stylish handbags and totes, which you can knit up for yourself or friends and family.

Using something that you have knitted yourself gives you a great sense of pride, and these bags are items which you can use over and over, so you can really make good use of your creation. Whether going out to run errands, or going out for a coffee with friends, we have a mix of patterns in this post for handbag styles to suit any need.  As always, these knitting projects make great gift ideas as well! Why not knit up one of these beauties for your mother, sister, daughter or friend? They are surely useful and a handmade gift is definitely one which is greatly appreciated!

As usual, we have mixed up the skill levels required to complete the projects listed. So whatever you knitting skill level is… whether beginner, intermediate or advanced… you will find something here which you can create. And if you’re a beginner knitter, challenge yourself with something a little bit more advanced to improve your knitting skills.

To download the free knitting patterns, simply click on the title or image of the bag/tote you are interested in. The link will open up a page with the actual pattern which you can print out, or a page with further instructions on how to access the pattern.

We sure hope you enjoy these! Let us know which pattern is your favourite and which you have completed.

1. Eastern Market Tote

designed by Tanis Gray for Cascade Yarns
Simple yet stylish tote bag ideal for everyday use! Run your errands in style and using your own knitted creation.

2. BYOB Market Bag

designed by Wyndlestraw Designs
This bag features a long central openwork panel to give extra flexibility and two shoulder-length handles with a button detail.

3. Cable Bag

designed by Knitca.com
This bag is good for any season of the year, but multiple cable patterns, worsted weight yarn and white colour make it look cozy and “wintery”. You’’ll definitely get noticed with a bag like this!

4. Seed Stitch and Cables Bag

designed by Patons @ Yarnspirations
Textured and cabled bag with a toggle closure. Shown in Patons Shetland Chunky.

5. Crazy Stripes “Knit” Bag

designed by Patons @ Yarnspirations
Crazy stripes knit bag is a bright and fun way to display your love of knitting! Shown in Patons Classic Wool.

6. Cabled Bag

designed by Patons @ Yarnspirations
Beautiful bag in classic knitted cables. Shown in Patons Canadiana Aran (#00104).

7. Felted Shopping Bag

designed by Patons @ Yarnspirations
Warm, punchy shades and stripe and diamond pattern echo the beauty of the Southwestern desert. Shown in Patons Classic Wool.

8. Felted Posy Bag

designed by Patons @ Yarnspirations
Sweet little bag with beautiful floral pops of color. Shown in Patons Classic Wool.

9. That’s My Bag, Baby

designed by Bernat @ Yarnspirations
This bag features delicate ribbing knitted in Bernat Maker Fashion. Bring it along on all your adventures!

10. Market Bag to Knit

designed by Bernat @ Yarnspirations
This casual market bag is great for quick trips to the store or casual strolls in the evening. Shown in Bernat Handicrafter Cotton.

11. Psychadelic Hobo Bag

designed by Bernat @ Yarnspirations
Bag with a 70’s vibe, the perfect accessory for summer! Shown in Bernat Handicrafter Cotton.

12. Fabulous Zigzag Bag

designed by Yarnplaza.com
Take it with you to the beach, use it for your groceries or just as a beautiful accessory to complete your outfit. This bag has a fresh summer look and is the perfect accessory for a summer party!

13. Honeycomb Bag/Purse

designed by Ruth Seddon
This is a small bag/purse, knitted in a tight gauge to reduce stretching. The pattern is easy but distinctive. Sewn-in side panels and base add to the size and strength of the bag. It could be lined, but works just as well unlined.

14. Bag No. 2787

designed by The Spool Cotton Company
Stranded 1940s box bag with wrist handle.

15. Swirls and Stripes Mosaic Bag

designed by Tamara Goff @ 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.

Before we close, remember that if you are looking for any other knitting patterns, to check out our archive of free knitting patterns posts… we’ve shared lots throughout the years! Here are some of our favourites: 33 Baby Blankets, 50 Baby Booties, 30 Chunky Blankets and Afghans, 27 Cushion Covers, 20 Tea Cosies, 35 Items for Premature Babies, 6 Patterns for Breast Hats, 60+ Scarf Patterns, 24 Mug Coasters, 27 Washcloths (and some dishcloths too!), 23 Baby Hats, 45+ Baby Cardigans, 40+ Gloves, 40 Beginner Patterns, 18 Leg Warmers, 21 Boot Cuffs, 6 Cushion Covers, 7 Adorable Baby Cardigans. 10 Lovely Women’s Cardigans, The Cutest 11 Baby Booties (Ever!), 10 Beginner Knitting Patterns for Fun Toys, 10 Women’s Spring & Summer Dresses and 10 Precious Baby Cocoons and Sleepsacks.

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