When I was designing this tote I knew I wanted four things: large, pocket inside, wide straps that fit over the shoulder easily and a pleat at the bottom for a bit more room. This tote has all of these and is a piece of cake to knit. Knit in one long rectangle (with an easy pleat at the bottom), the bulky weight yarn will have this project done in no time.

The pattern has many photos in the instructions to help you.

Skill Level (1 Easy- 4 Advanced) :
2 Experienced Beginner

Description: This bag is only ranked 2 instead of 1 because of the seaming. Bag is knit in one long rectangle. Strap is knit separately and then sewn on to body of bag before felting.

Needles: US size 10.5, 29” circular (The circular needles are needed for number of stitches for straps. Do not join, but work back and forth as if on straight needles.)

Yarn: any bulky wool yarn that will felt (not superwash wool)

Yarn used: Lamb’s Pride Bulky, 2 skeins each M-185 Aubergine (dark) and M-34 Victorian Pink (light) and 1 skein M-28 Chianti (medium). Each skein: 85% wool, 15% mohair, 4 ounces, 125 yards

Total Yardage: approximately 625 yards

Strap drop length: 11” felted

Notions: yarn needle for seaming

Please see my store for unique items for knitting: handpainted Russian knitting needles from Peace Fleece, wonderful buttons and shawl pins from One World Button Company, handpainted yarn from Uruguay and more.