The Japanese knot bag is a favorite because it’s easy to store, holds quite a bit of essentials, and is versatile to style. This pattern can be adjusted to handbag or tote size if you want something to fit your books or other larger items.

Feel free to customize to your liking with the type of yarn, hook size, and colors. I’m showing you how to construct the shape of the bag in this pattern, though the gradient is plenty self-explanatory. I changed colors after every 10 rows in a random stitch to create the gradient or color blocking.

Materials:

US size H/ 5mm hook

#4 medium weight yarn- (1) 7oz skein is enough to make a 9” x 12” bag, or 4 colors if you’re making the gradient style

tapestry needle & scissors