This practical tote bag pattern is perfect for confident beginners wanting to develop their skills or more experienced machine knitters who want a nice relaxed project.

Designed to help you build confidence on your knitting machine, this project walks you through all the essential techniques while giving you plenty of room to customise your finished bag. The pattern is laid out with step-by-step instructions with images for each step.

You can choose to keep it simple or add your own twist with the customisation options (such as using punchcards, felting, striping).

Finished Size (Approx.)
Main body: 38cm (W) x 32cm (L)
Strap lengths:
* Long: 60cm
* Medium: 40cm
* Short: 20cm

Yarn
4ply or 2/8–2/10Nm
You can also ply thinner yarns together:
e.g. 2 strands of 2/16–2/17Nm or 3 strands of 2/30nm
Cotton yarn works best for this pattern as it does not stretch like wool or other fibres will. This is a great stash-busting project too!
Tip: Gauge isn’t critical for this project, but using a similar yarn weight will help achieve the listed size. Different yarns may slightly alter the final dimensions.

Gauge (approx):
10x10cm : 50 rows by 32sts

CONSTRUCTION OVERVIEW
This bag is knit bottom-up in two pieces (front + back). There is a slightly tapered base to reduce seam bulk and create a cleaner finish. The straps are knitted directly from the body using hold position for a seamless transition, and this pattern includes three strap length options. The final assembly involves simple seaming of sides and strap ends.

MACHINE REQUIREMENTS
This pattern was written using a Brother KH830 knitting machine, but it is suitable for all domestic standard gauge machines. It is made on a single bed only, so no ribber is required.
Note: Other machines may vary slightly in operation, but the core techniques remain the same. Bags made on fine or chunky machines will differ in appearance and size.

DIFFICULTY
This pattern is suitable for confident beginners looking for their first pattern to follow.

TECHNIQUES USED

• Casting on
• Knitting single jersey
• Increasing stitches
• Decreasing stitches
• Using hold position
• Casting off Plus optional customisation methods:
• Tips for incorporating punchcard designs
• Optional felting instructions for a more structured bag
• Other customisation ideas

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• This is a digital PDF pattern – no physical item will be sent
• Pattern is written in English
• Due to the nature of digital downloads, refunds are not accepted

Share Your Make
I’d love to see your finished tote!
Tag me on Instagram or TikTok: @rosehuttontextiles

Feel free to message me if you have any questions while making your bag - I’m always happy to help

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
© 2026 Rose Hutton Textiles. This pattern is for personal use only and may not be copied, reproduced, shared, or resold. You may sell finished items made from this pattern in small quantities, with credit to the designer.