This knit tote bag tutorial is fantastic and let you learn how to craft a beautifully knitted tote perfect for summer adventures. It's lightweight, spacious, and stylish. What's more, the instructions are super simple to follow, using tools like a 5.5 mm knitting needle and 100% cotton yarn.
Easy Knit Tote Bag Tutorial
This bag isn't just practical; it's also crafted with a lovely stitch that enhances its durability and appearance. A great DIY project for beginners and experienced knitters alike! Truly, a perfect blend of fun and functionality!
Materials Needed:
- 100% Cotton yarn, 2mm in diameter, 250 meters per skein (approx. 1.5 skeins needed)
- A needle with a wide eye
- Scissors
- Markers
- A supportive knitting needle
- 5.5mm diameter, 60cm circular knitting needles
Pattern Overview:
This knitting pattern creates a light, capacious bag perfect for summer. The pattern starts from the bottom, working up to build the body of the clutch, and finishes with constructing the handles.
Starting the Base:
- Cast On: Using a 5.5mm needle, cast on 32 stitches using the long-tail method. Leave a tail about 40-50cm for seaming later.
- Knit Garter Stitch: Knit 4 rows in garter stitch (knitting every row).
Increasing Rows:
From the 5th row, start increasing:
Row 5: Knit 2, make 1 (M1), knit to last 2 stitches, M1, knit 2.
Row 6 and Beyond: Continue in pattern, making increases at the beginning and end of every third row until you have completed 10 rows.
You will make increases 3 times over these rows.
Knitting the Body:
- After increasing, knit 4 more rows following the pattern, without increases.
- You should have a total of 14 rows knitted from the start, forming the base of the clutch.
- Next, start decreasing symmetrically to how you increased, doing this three times every other row, to return to 32 stitches.
Knit 4 Rows: Knit 4 more rows in pattern after decreasing to match the beginning of your work.
Transition to Circle Knitting:
Begin circular knitting by picking up and knitting:
- 22 stitches from each of the side edges of the base.
- 32 stitches from the opposite side of the cast-on edge.
You will have a total of 108 stitches on your circular needle.
Knitting the Body in the Round:
Knit in Garter Stitch in the Round: Alternate knitting a round, then purling a round to create the garter stitch effect in the round.
Continue this pattern until the clutch reaches your desired height.
Creating the Handles:
- Transfer all stitches to a piece of waste yarn.
- Mark and separate 27 stitches for each handle.
First Handle:
- Switch to knitting back and forth in garter stitch.
- Begin each row by casting off 2 stitches until only 8 stitches remain.
- Continue until the handle measures approximately 16cm, then cast off.
Second Handle:
- Repeat the process for the first handle.
Finishing the Clutch:
- Seam the ends of the handles together securely.
- Weave in any remaining ends.
- Block the clutch to size and shape.
Notes:
- This pattern is very adaptable; feel free to modify the size or handle length as desired.
- The garter stitch provides a sturdy and textured finish, suitable for a clutch.
- Remember to steam or block your finished clutch for the best finish.
Enjoy your knitting!
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