How to Knit a Simple Bag

Knit a simple tote bag for keeping your knitting goods together or for a light grocery or library book bag.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Bag

  1. 1
    Cast on 45 stitches.
  2. 2
    Border. Work first 4 rows in moss stitch, using the correct sequence for an odd number of stitches:
    • Row 1: *(k1, p1) repeat from *to end.
    • Row 2: *(k1, p1) repeat from *to end.
    • Row 3: *(k1, p1) repeat from *to end.
    • Row 4: *(k1, p1) repeat from *to end.
    • Row 5: Knit.
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Continue in stockinette stitch(*knit one row, purl second row, repeat from * to end) until the piece measures 25 centimeter (9.8 in).
  4. 4
    Border. Work next 4 rows in moss stitch (also known as seed stitch). Cast off in moss stitch. Cut the yarn, leaving sufficient yarn to sew up. Repeat.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Handles

  1. 1
    Handles. Cast on 7 stitches.
  2. 2
    Border. Rows 1-4: work 4 rows in moss stitch. Continue in stocking stitch until the handle measures 35 centimeter (13.8 in) (or length required).
  3. 3
    Border. Work next 4 rows in moss stitch. Cast off in moss stitch. Cut the yarn, leaving sufficient yarn to sew up.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Pocket

  1. 1
    Pocket. Cast on 16 stitches.
  2. 2
    Border. Work 4 rows in moss stitch. Continue in stocking stitch until the pocket measures 12 centimeter (4.7 in), ending with a knit row. Cast off in knit stitch. Cut the yarn, leaving sufficient to sew up.
    3. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Finishing

  1. 1
    Position the pocket in the center of the front piece, pin, and then slip stitch into place.
  2. 2
    Sew the buttons onto the handles in the center of the moss stitch border.
  3. 3
    Measure 10 centimeter (3.9 in) from left side edge of the bag and insert a pin here vertically, starting just below the moss stitch border. This is a marker for the center of the handle. Repeat from right side edge.
  4. 4
    Position the handle so that the moss stitch border is on the handle just below the moss stitch border on the bag, in line with the marker pin. Pin in place, remove the marker pin and then slip stitch in place, attaching all of the handle.
  5. 5
    Attach both handles as in the steps above. Match up the front and back pieces with the moss stitch border at the top and join the side and bottom seams using mattress stitch. # Tidy up all loose ends.
  6. Image titled Knit a Simple Bag Step 15
    6
    Fill with knitting goodies and accessories purse.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I join strips?
    Michele
    Michele
    Top Answerer
    The best way to join knitting is using the mattress stitch. It makes for an invisible, non-bulky seam.
  • Question
    Can I waterproof the outside of a knitted bag?
    Michele
    Michele
    Top Answerer
    You can waterproof anything. But since knit stitches aren't as tight as woven, it may not keep all the water out.
  • Question
    How do I do a moss stitch.
    Michele
    Michele
    Top Answerer
    See the wikiHow article, How to Knit the Moss or Seed Stitch.
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • 7mm needles
  • 100g denim chunky yarn
  • Decorative buttons x 4 (optional)
  • Yarn needle
  • Sewing needle and sewing cotton (for buttons)

You Might Also Like

Knit a Headband
How to
Knit a Headband
How to
Knit Blankets
How to
Knit Buttonholes
How to Start Knitting (with Advice from the Experts)
How to
Knit a Baby Blanket
How to
French Knit
Knit a Blanket on a Loom
How to
Knit a Blanket on a Loom
Sew Knits Together
How to
Sew Knits Together
Knit a Lap Blanket
How to
Knit a Lap Blanket
How to
Knit on Circular Needles
How to
Knit a Patchwork Blanket
How to
Knit on the Right or Wrong Side
How to
Knit a Flower
How to
Knit an Increase Stitch
Advertisement

About This Article

Tested by:
wikiHow Video Team
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 14 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 60,234 times.
2 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 14
Updated: March 8, 2023
Views: 60,234
Categories: Knitting
Advertisement