How to knit a market tote bag tutorial + free pattern
Published on 15 April 2019 By Meg 2 min read
Whether you’re dressing up your summer outfit, packing your gym kit, or looking for a modern kitchen storage solution, this knit tote bag ticks all the boxes! This exclusive knitted shopping bag by Two of Wands, is great for beginners who’ve mastered the basics and now looking for a step up. Two of Wands have chosen the delightful MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton colour palette (hello, dreamy pastel hues!). Follow the easy step-by-step market bag tutorial videos and learn how to knit a bag in no time!
Thistle Market Bag by Two of Wands
Materials
- Size 5mm circular needles, US size 8, 24 inches long
- KnitPro Symfonie Circular Needles 60cm
- A set of double pointed needles, 5mm
- KnitPro Symfonie Double Point Needles 15cm (Set of 5)
- Scissors
- Clover Bordeaux Ultimate Scissors 130
- Tapestry needle
- Addi Loop Tapestry Needle Set (2.50mm + 3.75mm)
- Stitch marker
- KnitPro Locking Stitch Markers
- Stitch holder
- KnitPro Aluminum Stitch Holders (Set of 3)
- MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton
Steps to knitting a market tote bag
Step 1: Making the base
This gorgeous tote is knitted from the bottom up double stranded. The base is knitted flat in one long rectangle using stockinette stitch. Start by casting on 15 stitches then working in alternate knit and purl rows to create the stockinette finish.
Step 2: Picking up stitches
In this video Alexandra from Two of Wands will show you how to bind off your stitches at the base and then pick up your stitches so you can continue working upwards in the stocking stitch, before you come to your lace stitches.
Step 3: Lace repeat
In this video you'll learn how to knit a simple beginners lace stitch in the round. This pretty stitch gives your bag oodles of character and is a great way to start experimenting with more lacework in your knitting projects.
Step 4: Decreasing the straps
Once you've knit the main body of your tote, this tutorial will teach you how to knit the straps of your bag using decreasing methods k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip slip knit).
Step 5: Attached i-chord
In this final tutorial Alexandra will show you how to complete your tote bag strap by doing an attached i-chord using mattress stitch. And that's it!
