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Aspen Mountain Knit Bag Pattern

Aspen Knit Bag - Free Knitting Pattern Easy Purse

Trying out new stitches and techniques with knit and crochet is so much fun. I love finding simple stitch patterns that are pretty, but also don’t make my brain hurt too much!

This bag is made with the double seed stitch pattern which looks lovely and is quite simple.  There are no strange needle maneuvers (ha ha!) and you will just make a variety of knit and purl stitches.

It’s made by simply knitting a large rectangle, folding it in half, seaming the sides and attaching some pretty handles. Voila!  A perfect way to try a new stitch and make something useful at the same time.  The edges came out a bit bumpy, but after blocking they can be made straighter. I named it the “Aspen Mountain Knit Bag” because to me, it looks like a tote suitable to carry around that fancy little ole’ mountain town. I made many trips to Aspen as a child with my dad when he would go there for business meetings. 🙂 Maybe I need to go as an adult again…..yep, I could handle a little vacay there.

I’ve been obsessing lately over the Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in Fisherman. Of course the Icelandic Crochet Blanket is done with it as well as the Ski Lodge Big Pom Hat I made a while ago. No worries, I’m using plenty of other yarns at the moment too – just ask the hubs! He will surely tell you of the massive amounts of yarn varieties which have over taken our house. 🙂

Aspen Free Knitting Pattern Easy Purse

 

So here you go….

A feminine knit bag made with a simple but striking stitch pattern.  Practical to haul around projects or other light items.  You could line the bag to make it more durable for heavier items as well!

Aspen Bag How to make a knit bag with handles
You can find these handles at JoAnn Fabric. I’ve seen other handles in different craft stores that would work as well!

 

I am now sharing my patterns on Etsy where you can purchase an inexpensive, ad free printable version of this pattern HERE.  Or, feel free to scroll down to see the free pattern below!

Free Knitting Pattern for Easy Bag

 

 

You will need:

2 skeins of Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in Fisherman or preferred color (It uses about a skein and a half)

Purchase the yarn for this pattern (affiliate link):

US Size 15 10 mm knitting needles

Microfiber or leather handles with rings – approximately 25” in length (these were purchased at Joann Fabric Store)

Tapestry Needle to weave in ends and attach handles

Abbreviations:

k-knit

p-purl

Measures approximately 14.5″ deep

 

Free “Aspen Mountain” Knit Bag Pattern:

CO 36 stitches

Row 1 K1, p1 across row

Row 2 Repeat row 1

Row 3 P1, k1 to end of row

Row 4 Repeat row 3

 

Repeat rows 1-4 until piece measures 28.5” long

Cast off and weave in ends

 

Assembly:

Fold in half with cast on/off edges meeting at open, upper end of bag.

Seam up both sides with preferred method and tapestry needle. Block as needed to make the edges as straight as possible! The pictures here are shown before blocking the bag.  It doesn’t have super straight edges, but still works well and looks pretty!

Place handle rings 1.5” in from outer corners.  With length of yarn and tapestry needle, attach to ring with knot. Wrap yarn around each ring several times, working through the fabric of the bag, tie off. Weave in ends.

Aspen bag - attaching handles
Here I’ve threaded my needle with the yarn. I’m going to attach the rings to the bag. I will simply whip stitch around the ring several times.
Aspen Bag - Attaching handles to knit bag
You can see here that by working my way around the ring, it’s hardly even visible! This method works out really nicely.

There you have it. A simple rectangle turned fun little tote.  I’ve been wanting to make a pattern for a knit tote bag ever since I made my “Manhattan Tote” which was crocheted. This one is definitely different than a market bag, but the big open feel serves almost the same purpose. Since I’ve used a super bulky yarn for this knit bag, I think it’s great for a fall or winter accessory.  What about you?

Aspen Easy Free knitting bag pattern

 

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this!

Aspen Free Knitting Pattern for Tote Bag

What’s your favorite knit stitch? Have you tried the double seed stitch before?

Thanks so much!

-Jessica

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61 Comments

  1. Jessica I love it going next weekend to buy the supplies great pattern easy and quick copying in now thank you so much cant wait to get it started ,It is so pretty Iam so happy if you was here i give you a big hug

    1. I thought of you today as I posted it Cindy since I know you’ve been looking for a knit tote pattern. I’m so happy that this fit the bill. Please let me know how it goes and if you have any questions!

      1. I will I got it off your esty shop i really love it thank you again and i really enjoy your blog and patterns

    1. Hi Mary! Sorry your comment got buried there for a bit! I believe it should work with an even stitch multiple!

  2. I love this bag but, I can’t knit:(
    I bought the same handles have been waiting to find a bag to make for them . I’m going to brainstorm and try to crochet something similar.thanks for the inspiration.

    1. Great idea Melanie! Yes, just work that yarn around it many times. I wonder with crochet if it might be even easier to slip stitch around the entire handle hook. Good luck!

      1. I made the bag yesterday, slip stitched the sides closed. Am hand dying the liner, I’m using black felt, it’s coming out to a light brown. I think I’ll see the handles I really like the way yours came out.
        The yarns I used was red heart platoon and red heart with love chocolate. I’ll email you pics when I’m finished. Thank you for the inspiration.

        1. Awesome! Can’t wait to see it all finished! I’ve never hand dyed fabric and I bet it turns out super cool.

        2. I wondered how you lined this tote? Did you/ would you cut the lining fabric slightly smaller than the size of bag, sew the lining to the flat knit piece, then seam the edges?

    2. Melanie,
      AS I was knitting this pattern I thought that maybe a really tight grit stitch might be better b/c it would have less give. The inspiration is there….. you could use any tight crochet pattern using the same measurements. I am going to line my knitted bag… I am so excited.

      It has inspired me to make a carpet bag next!

      Thank you Jessica!

  3. I’m a complete sucker for bags and this one is beautiful! My to-do list is growing….

  4. I don’t knit either so I’m also going to try a crochet version.
    I love the look of the leather handles, so much quicker to do then crocheted ones.
    These rectangle totes hold so much more than you would think. I only wish I could figure out
    how to line one. I’ve found a few tutorials that make it look easy but not having a sewing machine
    means hand stitching and I am very much lacking in that department!

    1. Yes Laurie, they do hold a lot! I love the look of the faux leather too. I hear you about trying to see a lining without a sewing machine. Definitely makes it more difficult. I’ve got mine set up all the time so it’s pretty easy for me, but I skip it quite often.

  5. Love this bag. I have used this stitch before and it is easy!!! I can’t wait to get the yarn and make this!! First one will be for me, then maybe a couple for gifts. I have never lined one of my projects but think I will try it with this one. I like your patterns and your blog!!! Good luck with it and thank you for the pattern!!!

  6. Congratulations on all your success! I get e-mails from Lion Brand and I keep
    seeing your patterns there. Just today I saw the Aspen knit bag and thought
    it looked familiar! Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us. I just recently
    found your blog and I’m so glad I did.

    1. Hi Laurie! How sweet! Thanks for all your nice comments that you’ve left me. I’m so glad you found the blog as well. I’m so honored when I’ve seen Lion Brand share my projects in their emails. I just have so much fun coming up with these projects and love meeting people like you!

  7. I’m in love with this bag and I think I’m gong to take it on as my next project!! Just wondering, did it take the full two skeins?

  8. I’m currently knitting this bag, love the pattern!! Thanks for sharing it!! but I was wondering if I wanted to try and line the inside, how would you suggest doing that, or attaching the fabric, this is my first time making a bag so I’m a bit unsure how to proceed? Thanks!!

    1. I would cut a rectangular piece of a half inch smaller than the bag. Seam down the two edges that will be the top to give it a nice clean edge. Fold the rectangle in half (the shape of the bag) and seam the two sides. Place the lining into the knit bag and hand sew with a whip stitch the lining to the knit bag with a needle and thread. Use a lot of stitches to make it secure. I’m sure there’s other ways of doing it, but this has worked for me with my knit and crochet bags in the past. Hope this helps!

    1. Jessica, I have some aran wool yarn given to me by my BFF. The yarn was actually brought over from Ireland. I was wondering if I could use this yarn for the bag. I know it says wool ease thick and quick but I am not sure if my wool will be an OK substitute. Love your website and your patterns!!!!!!

      1. You could maybe hold two to three strands together at the same time and it would be the same thickness as the thick & quick! Then just follow the pattern, or work up a swatch to see how it’s looking and if you need to cast on more or less stitches. How fun to have yarn from Ireland! Thanks for your kind words about my pattern and blog!! It means a lot!

  9. LOL~ Mine dosent look like that?! I started with 38 cast on and 58 in row ten.. and also its holy and taking forvever. I need things. LoL so fun though

  10. am very new to knitting …. do I understand the pattern correctly … row 1 and 2 are K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 P1 all the way to the end …. then row 3 and 4 are P1, K1, P1, K1 all the way to the end.

  11. I started knitting this the moment I saw it.
    I have had 6 skeins of bulky wool that I just didn’t know what to do with. I am doubling it up and it is turning out great. Thank you very much!

    1. Very cool! It’s always nice to find a pattern that’s helps us use up our extra yarn. Thanks for taking the time to let me know it’s working out well for you!!

  12. Hi Jessica
    I’m very new to crocheting and came across the Chunky Icelandic Blanket that I am going to use for my 1st Grandchild!!! My only child just told us she is going to have a baby. I think I will be able to do that blanket pattern-will give it a try anyway.
    I came across this aspen-Mountain Bag when I was looking at the Blanket pattern. I would really like to give it a try but I don’t knit.
    Is there a way to convert this KNIT pattern to a Crochet pattern?
    Thanks so much for giving your time and effort to these patterns for us to really enjoy .

    1. Hi Teresa! Congrats on your first grandchild!! That blanket will be cherished. Thanks for the kind words too! I wish I had the time to make a knit and crochet version for everything that I post! 😉 I did have a reader send me a picture of a crocheted version that she made up, and I believe she used the grit stitch with super bulky yarn. Really, you can make a chain close to the length of the bag and crochet until you have the piece as long as you need it to then fold in half and add handles. I hope you’re able to figure it out! You’re welcome for the patterns and thank you so much for being so sweet!

  13. This pattern is so beautiful! I just finished a bag for my little sister and I think she will love it. I did make hers a bit smaller as she prefers medium sized bags. However, I plan to make myself one in the larger size. I would love to post this to ravelry but do not see the pattern on ravelry.. Is it on there! I’d love to link it as a project. Are you on ravelry? I’d also like to friend you. I already signed up for your emails.

    1. Hi Keisha!
      I’ve been really bad about getting my projects up on Ravelry. I’d love if you would add your project there, but I’m sorry I haven’t put up the pattern. I’m so glad that a smaller size worked out for you! You can find me on Ravelry, but like I said, I don’t do much over there! Please feel free to add me as a friend though and I will do the same. Thanks for signing up for my emails! Have a great week!!

  14. Hi there , i love to crochet and i do some knitting. my daughter sent me this pattern of the aspen knit bag . her co worker gave it to her to give to me so i can try to make one for myself and for her. my question is what other kind of yarn can i use that is not wool ease and thick and quick of lion brand . i am allergic to wool . i hope to hear from you soon . i like to try this pattern. that Dodie from York, Pa.

    1. You can certainly use the Lion Brand Hometown USA (that one is 100% acrylic) or any other Super Bulky yarn that you like. Hope you enjoy!

  15. I have been knitting since a teenager and I have not encountered this double seed st. Looking forward to using up some yarn stash making this. I love bags and already have too many and too much stash yarn. So basically I am just converting where it is stored in my house, ie. closet instead of stash bin … how delightful of you to share. Love it.

    1. So happy you like this bag! Glad you found it. 🙂 The double seed stitch is pretty fun and I love how it looks.

  16. Just finished the bag and ready yo stitch up. Used black wool ease quick and thick. Love it! My only question is about seeing the sides. What stitch do you suggest!

  17. I knit this beauty over the weekend ~ LOVE it!! I lined mine (pockets!!) and used a blanket stitch to attach the liner to the top of the bag. I also tacked the bottom corners to keep it from pulling out. Even with the liner, though, I was worried that it wouldn’t be strong enough for my daily tote: planner, lunch, lg bottle of water, wallet, phone, etc. The last thing I did was use thread to attach the bottom of the handle ring to the top of the cotton liner.
    Used it today with all my gear and it felt very sturdy. AND, I got great comments from co-workers 🙂

    1. So happy to hear this Christy and thanks so much for sharing what you did! Sounds like it turned out great and sturdy. And yay for compliments!

  18. I was curious to know what cast on method you used. I’m having trouble getting mine started because I can’t seem to find the right cast on that works best.

  19. HI Jessica \
    Just finished the Aspen bag. Love it! used the yarn in grey marble and lined it in a paisley fabric in grey black and gold. looks great. It is a Christmas gift and planning another one as I already have the yarn. It was so easy. I made the Heirloom blanket last year and may do another one for another grand daughter. thanks for great and easy patterns. jennie

  20. Is there a way I can adjust your beautiful pattern to knit in the round? I would like to use the cast on edge as the top and maybe Kitchener stitcher the bottom, then line it! Thanks!

  21. Hello, I am a relatively new knitter, and I can do the knit and purl stitches. I love the look of this bag, but would like to make it smaller, like 8×10 inches (10 wide and 8 long). And I’d like to use size 7 needles (which is what I have on hand) and some Jamieson’s shetland wool. How many stitches would I cast on and what would be the gauge? Thanks so much.

  22. The instructions say to place the handle rings 1.5inches from the outer corner. When you do that it droops in the middle. If you divide the bag into thirds and then place the handles, it doesn’ t droop. The picture shown of the finished bag has the handle rings farther from outer corner than 1.5 inches. Other than that, I love my bag.

  23. I just kinda skimmed through the comments so I don’t know if anyone mentioned a product called Stitch Witchery available at JoAnns, Michaels, maybe Wal-Mart.
    As long as you have a steam iron you can make a liner for your purse, no sewing required. It’s also a fast repair for dangling hems and a bunch of other little ‘saves’.
    Very attractive bag Jess, I’ll be adding it to my list of projects…..

  24. This was such a cute bag I had to make it! I decided to make this in the round because I hate sewing knit work. Then I used kitchener stitch to close the bottom. I will try to post a picture. I had to order my straps from amazon due to covid I could not find straps at local craft shops. They have not arrived yet.

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