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.

Bag

1. Cast on 45 stitches.
   
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
3. Continue in stockinette stitch(*knit one row, purl second row, repeat from * to end) until the piece measures 25cm.
4. Border. Work next 4 rows in moss stitch. Cast off in moss stitch. Cut the yarn, leaving sufficient yarn to sew up. Repeat.

Handles

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

Pocket

1. Pocket. Cast on 16 stitches.
2. Border. Work 4 rows in moss stitch. Continue in stocking stitch until the pocket measures 12cm, ending with a knit row. Cast off in knit stitch. Cut the yarn, leaving sufficient to sew up.

Finishing

1. Position the pocket in the center of the front piece, pin, and then slip stitch into place.
2. Sew the buttons onto the handles in the center of the moss stitch border.
3. Measure 10cm 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. 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. 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. Fill with knitting goodies and accessories purse.

• Customise. You can customise this pattern in the following ways:
  
  • Choose a different yarn;
  • Choose a different stitch; and/or
  • Change the dimensions.

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