Chic Knitted Bag Pattern: Slip‑Stitch Cotton Tote with I‑Cord Handles

This handmade knitted bag is a warm, stylish accessory built in mercerized cotton with a striking slip‑stitch pattern and applied i‑cord edging. The pattern below includes finished measurements, materials, gauge, full round‑by‑round instructions, handle construction and finishing steps so you can knit, assemble and line a sturdy, everyday tote.

Whether you're new to knitting in the round or an experienced maker looking for a compact project, this pattern gives clear directions to produce a 10.5" x 8" bag with a 3" gusset and sewn fabric lining.

Finished knitted cotton bag in slip‑stitch colorwork — finished measurements are 10.5" wide by 8" high with a 3" gusset.

SIZE

One

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

• Width: 10.5 inches (27 centimeters)
• Height: 8 inches (20 centimeters)
• Gusset Depth: 3 inches (8 centimeters)

MATERIALS

• [MC] Grignasco Mexico [100% Mercerized Cotton; 93yd/85m per 50g skein]; color: #002 Black; 4 skeins
• [CC] Grignasco Mexico [100% Mercerized Cotton; 93yd/85m per 50g skein]; color: #462 Robin's Egg Blue; 2 skeins
• A Note on Yarn Substitution: If Grignasco Mexico is not available, try Kertzer's Butterfly Super 10 mercerized cotton or Elann Endless Summer Collection Sonata.
• 1 pair US #6/4mm 24" circular needles
• 1 set US #6/4mm double-point needles
• 1 spare circular needle, US #6/4mm or smaller
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Sewing needle
• Sewing thread
• Straight pins
• Fabric for lining approx: 31 inches by 24 inches (80cm by 61cm)

GAUGE

• 22 sts/30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
• 27 sts/44 rows = 4 inches in pattern

PATTERN NOTES

Slip Stitch Pattern

Note: When working a slip stitch pattern in the round, on even numbered rounds you need to bring the yarn to the back of the work before you slip, then to the front of the work for the next purl stitch.

Round 1: [CC] [K2, sl1] to end.

Round 2: [CC] [P2, sl1] to end.

Round 3: [MC] [(Sl1, k2) three times, sl1, k3, (sl1, k2) three times, sl1, k1] to end.

Round 4: [MC] [(Sl1, p2) three times, sl1, p3, (sl1, p2) three times, sl1, p1] to end.

Round 5: [CC] [K1, (sl1, k2) three times, sl1, k1, (sl1, k2) four times] to end.

Round 6: [CC] [P1, (sl1, p2) three times, sl1, p1, (sl1, p2) four times]

Round 7: [MC] [K2, sl1] to end.

Round 8: [MC] [P2, sl1] to end.

Round 9: [CC] [(Sl1, k2) three times, sl1, k3, (sl1, k2) three times, sl1, k1] to end.

Round 10: [CC] [(Sl1, p2) three times, sl1, p3, (sl1, p2) three times, sl1, p1] to end.

Round 11: [MC] [K1, (sl1, k2) three times, sl1, k1, (sl1, k2) four times] to end.

Round 12: [MC] [P1, (sl1, p2) three times, sl1, p1, (sl1, p2) four times] to end.

DIRECTIONS

Bag

Using circular needle and MC, CO 192 sts.

Place marker and join to begin working in the round, being careful not to twist.

K 1 round.

Join CC and work in Slip Stitch Pattern until work measures 9.5 inches (24 cm) from beg.

Transfer 96 sts to spare circular needle, turn work inside out, and BO two halves of work together using three-needle BO. This seam forms the bottom center of the bag.

Handles (make 2)

Using double-point needles and 2 strands of MC, CO 6 sts. Work in stockinette stitch for 2.5 inches (6cm), ending on a WS row.

Next Row [RS]: K2tog, k2, ssk. 4 sts rem.

P 1 row.

K 1 row.

Work in I-cord for 14 inches (36 cm). Turn work.

P 1 row.

K 1 row.

P 1 row.

Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k2, m1, k1. 6 sts.

Work in stockinette stitch for 2.5 inches (6cm). BO all sts.

Construction detail — I‑cord handles and shaping instructions to attach handles securely.

FINISHING

Weave in ends.

Lay bag flat and measure length and width -- record these numbers for use in cutting lining fabric.

I-cord edging

Using MC, work applied 4 st i-cord around top edge of bag. [note: applied i-cord photo turorial here]

Sew bag gusset, creating a 3 inch (8cm) gusset. Tack down corners of gusset to bottom seam of bag. [note: detailed info on creating a gusset in the Sueet pattern from the Spring 04 issue]

Cut out a piece of cardboard 10 inches (26cm) long by 2.5 inches (6 cm) wide. Round the corners. Cover the cardboard with a piece of lining fabric, securing with tape or thread. Tack base into the bottom of the bag at the four corners.

Sew handles to inside edge of bag, approximately 3 inches (8cm) from corners of bag. Align beg of I-cord with top of bag.

Cut a rectangular piece of lining fabric that is the height and twice the width of the bag (add one inch to each dimension for seam allowances). Fold the lining in half widthwise and sew the sides and bottom of the lining together, leaving a half-inch seam allowance. Sew 3-inch gussets into the lining. Fold the top edge of the lining down one-half inch and insert lining into bag, pinning in place. Sew top edge of lining to the bag. [note: hand sewing in a lining tutorial can be found here.]

Animated demonstration of applied i‑cord edging used to finish the bag's top edge.

Tips: Before sewing the lining in place, try the lining inside the bag and adjust placement of the cardboard base so the bag sits flat and stable. When attaching handles, reinforce with extra stitching through the lining and knitted fabric for durability.