25 Free Patterns for Knit Purses and Handbags
There is something deeply satisfying about carrying a bag you made with your own hands. Whether you are a seasoned knitter looking for your next project or a beginner eager to try something functional and stylish, knitting a purse or handbag is one of the most rewarding things you can do with a pair of needles and some yarn. The best part? You do not have to spend a fortune on patterns. There are hundreds of free patterns available online, and we have rounded up 25 of the absolute best for knit purses and handbags.
From tiny coin pouches to structured tote bags, from felted wool clutches to beaded evening bags, this collection covers every style, skill level, and occasion. Each pattern has been selected not just for its beauty but for its clarity, its accessibility, and the fact that it won’t cost you a single dollar to download.
Let’s dive in.
Why Knit Your Own Purse or Handbag?
Before we get to the patterns, it is worth pausing to appreciate just why knitted bags have become so popular among makers of all skill levels.
For one, a knitted bag is completely customizable. You choose the yarn, which means you choose the texture, the weight, the color, and the durability. Want a boho fringe bag in earthy terracotta? Go for it. Prefer a sleek black market tote in cotton? That works too. The pattern is your starting point, not your limitation.
Knitted bags are also an excellent way to use up yarn you already have. Many purse and handbag patterns call for bulky or super bulky yarn, which means they work up quickly and chew through your stash in a satisfying way. If you have been hoarding gorgeous skeins without a clear plan, a bag project gives you the perfect excuse to use them.
There is also the practical matter of cost. A well-made leather handbag can cost hundreds of dollars. A well-made knitted bag can cost ten to thirty dollars in yarn and an afternoon of your time. The result is something genuinely handcrafted, one of a kind, and often just as durable — especially when felting is involved.
Finally, knitting a bag is a fantastic skill-builder. Depending on the pattern, you might practice working in the round, shaping with increases and decreases, adding handles, incorporating linings, attaching zippers, or experimenting with colorwork. Each bag teaches you something new.
A Note on Materials and Tools
Most of the patterns in this list will specify yarn weight and needle size, so always read the pattern notes before purchasing materials. That said, here are a few general tips that apply across most knit bag projects.
Cotton yarn is a popular choice for market bags and totes because it is sturdy, washable, and holds its shape well. Wool is often used for felted bags, where the intentional shrinking and matting process transforms a loose, floppy knit into a dense, structured material. Acrylic yarns work well for everyday bags and are machine washable, which is a practical advantage. For evening bags and clutches, many knitters love metallic threads, silk blends, or even beaded yarn for a glamorous finish.
As for needles, many bag patterns use larger needles than you might expect, because a slightly looser gauge allows the fabric to drape nicely. Circular needles are often called for in seamless designs, and double-pointed needles come in handy for small tubes like i-cord handles. Always check your gauge if the pattern specifies it — for bags, being slightly off gauge usually matters less than it would for garments, but it can still affect the final size.
The 25 Free Knit Purse and Handbag Patterns
1. The Classic Market Tote
The market tote is the workhorse of the knitted bag world. This free pattern uses a simple mesh stitch in cotton yarn to create a stretchy, breathable bag that is perfect for groceries, farmers markets, or beach days. It is knitted flat in two panels and seamed at the sides and bottom, making it ideal for beginners. The handles are sturdy i-cord tubes that hold up beautifully under weight.
You can find countless versions of this pattern on Ravelry and on independent knitting blogs. Look for patterns that offer both the basic mesh and a solid stockinette version so you can choose the look you prefer. Many designers offer these for free as their signature “starter” pattern.
2. The Felted Bucket Bag
Felted knitting is a bit like magic. You knit something that looks way too big, toss it in the washing machine with hot water, and watch it transform into a dense, structured, almost leather-like material. The felted bucket bag is one of the most popular applications of this technique.
Knit in bulky wool yarn on large needles, this style usually features a round base, straight sides, and two short handles. After felting, the bag becomes rigid enough to hold its shape on its own. Many free versions of this pattern also include instructions for adding a simple fabric lining to hide the seams and add interior structure.
3. The Boho Fringe Clutch
If you love the bohemian aesthetic, this one is for you. The boho fringe clutch is knitted in a chunky yarn with a simple stockinette or seed stitch body, then finished with long yarn fringe along the bottom edge. Some versions incorporate a button or magnetic snap closure.
This pattern is surprisingly fast — most knitters finish the main body in a single evening. The fringe takes a little more time to attach, but the result is a bag that looks like it came straight from a boutique festival market. Use natural fibers in warm tones for maximum boho effect.
4. The Beaded Evening Bag
For special occasions, nothing beats a beaded knitted evening bag. These small, elegant clutches or crossbody bags are knitted with pre-strung beads worked into the stitches as you go, creating a glittering fabric that catches the light beautifully.
Free patterns for beaded bags are available in a range of designs, from simple all-over bead scattering to elaborate geometric or floral motifs. The technique of knitting with beads takes a little practice but is not as difficult as it sounds. Look for patterns written for fingering weight or laceweight yarn, as the finer gauge shows off the bead placement most clearly.
5. The Simple Drawstring Pouch
The drawstring pouch is one of the simplest knitted bag patterns in existence, and yet it is endlessly useful. Knitted in the round from the bottom up, this small bag closes with a drawstring threaded through eyelets near the top. It is perfect as a coin purse, a jewelry pouch, a project bag, or even a small gift bag.
Because it is so simple, the drawstring pouch is also a wonderful canvas for colorwork, textured stitches, or embroidery. Many free patterns offer variations in multiple sizes, so you can make a tiny version for coins and a larger one for your knitting notions.
6. The Slouchy Shoulder Bag
The slouchy shoulder bag is the bag for people who carry a little bit of everything. It is larger than a clutch, with a long strap that allows it to hang comfortably at the hip. The “slouchy” quality comes from a slightly relaxed gauge and a fabric that drapes rather than holds a rigid shape.
Free patterns for this style often use DK or worsted weight yarn in a combination of knit and purl textures, sometimes incorporating cables or simple lace panels for visual interest. The strap is usually knitted separately and sewn or picked up along the side seams.
7. The Structured Box Bag
On the opposite end of the spectrum from the slouchy shoulder bag is the structured box bag. This style is knitted tightly in a firm yarn, often reinforced with a stiff interfacing or a plastic canvas insert to maintain its boxy shape. The result is a bag that looks almost architectural — crisp corners, flat sides, a clean silhouette.
Free patterns for box bags tend to be more advanced, but they are worth the effort. They often include detailed instructions for inserting the lining and adding hardware like magnetic clasps or D-rings for the handles.
8. The Mini Backpack
Yes, you can knit a backpack. The mini backpack pattern produces a small, stylish pack with two shoulder straps and a main compartment that closes with a drawstring, a flap, or a zipper. These bags are especially popular for children but scale up beautifully for adults too.
Most free mini backpack patterns are knitted in the round using a medium to bulky weight yarn. The straps are usually worked as flat i-cord or narrow knitted strips, then attached to the back of the bag. Some patterns also include a small front pocket.
9. The Lace Fan Tote
This is an elevated take on the basic tote. The lace fan tote uses a repeating fan or shell lace pattern to create a beautiful, openwork fabric that is light enough to fold into your pocket but strong enough to carry your weekly grocery haul. It is knitted in cotton or linen yarn for maximum stitch definition.
The lace pattern may look complicated at first glance, but it is usually based on a simple repeat that becomes intuitive after the first few rows. Many free versions of this pattern are written for knitters with at least some experience reading lace charts.
10. The Cabled Clutch
Cables and bags are a match made in heaven. The cabled clutch uses a bold cable panel as the centerpiece of a small, flat bag. It can be knitted with or without a lining and usually closes with a large button or a fold-over flap.
This pattern works beautifully in a smooth aran or worsted weight yarn that shows off the cable definition. It also makes a fantastic gift — it looks far more complex than it actually is.
11. The Colorwork Fair Isle Purse
If you have been wanting to try stranded colorwork, a small purse is the perfect low-stakes project. The colorwork Fair Isle purse uses a simple repeating motif — often geometric, sometimes floral — in two or more colors to create a striking fabric.
Free patterns in this category range from beginner-friendly two-color designs to more ambitious multi-color compositions. The purse body is usually knitted in the round, which makes managing the floats much easier than working flat.
12. The Wristlet Wallet
The wristlet wallet sits somewhere between a purse and an accessory. It is a small, flat bag with a short wrist strap, designed to hold your phone, cards, and a bit of cash. Knitted versions are often worked flat in a close-knit fabric like moss stitch or seed stitch, then seamed and finished with a zipper or snap.
This is a great pattern for using up small amounts of yarn, and the result is genuinely practical. Many knitters make several in different colors to match different outfits.
13. The Market Mesh Bag
Similar to the classic market tote but with a finer, more delicate mesh construction, the market mesh bag is knitted in a thin cotton or linen thread to create an almost net-like fabric. It collapses completely when empty, making it perfect to tuck into your everyday bag until you need it at the store.
Free patterns for mesh bags are widely available and are typically written for beginners. The mesh stitch (usually a simple yarn-over, knit-two-together pattern) creates a stretchy fabric that can expand to hold a surprising amount.
14. The Felted Tote with Leather Handles
This is a step up from the basic felted bucket bag — a wider, flatter felted tote designed to be paired with purchased leather handles. The combination of felted wool and real leather handles gives this bag an elevated, professional look that turns heads.
After felting, the knitted fabric is punched or sewn to attach the leather handles. Free patterns for this style often include detailed notes about sourcing handles and the best way to attach them securely.
15. The Tapestry Crochet-Style Knit Bag
Tapestry knitting uses a colorwork technique to create bold, graphic patterns — often inspired by traditional Central and South American textiles. The tapestry-style knit bag is usually a rectangle knitted in the round with a striking geometric pattern in two or three colors, finished with a simple drawstring or a sewn zipper.
These patterns are visually impressive and make stunning gifts. They require carrying yarn across the back of the work, similar to Fair Isle, but the patterns are usually written with very clear charts to guide you through.
16. The Mini Coin Purse
For a truly quick project, the mini coin purse can be finished in an hour or two. It is simply a small rectangle of knitting, folded and seamed with a zipper or snap closure. Many free patterns offer decorative variations — a cable down the center, a small embroidered motif, or a contrasting color border.
These make great gifts and stocking stuffers, and they are an ideal project for odd bits of yarn left over from larger projects.
17. The Bamboo Handle Bag
The bamboo handle bag is a style that has cycled in and out of fashion for decades and always looks fresh. The knitted body attaches directly to purchased bamboo ring handles at the top of the bag, creating a clean, elegant opening. The body can be any shape — a trapezoid, a rectangle, or a rounded purse shape.
Free patterns for this style are widely available and easy to adapt. They make great gifts and work beautifully in bold, saturated colors.
18. The Open-Weave Beach Bag
The open-weave beach bag is similar to the market mesh bag but larger and often knitted in a chunkier cotton cord for extra durability. The open weave allows sand to fall through, makes the bag breathable in hot weather, and gives it a casual, breezy look that is perfect for summer.
Free versions of this pattern typically use bulky cotton or jute twine on large needles. The result works up very quickly and is sturdy enough to hold towels, sunscreen, books, and everything else you bring to the water.
19. The Striped Garter Stitch Tote
Garter stitch — knitting every row — produces a thick, ridged fabric that holds its shape beautifully. The striped garter stitch tote uses alternating color stripes to create a cheerful, graphic bag with almost no shaping required. It is one of the most beginner-friendly patterns on this list.
Despite its simplicity, the result is a genuinely stylish bag. Use high-contrast color combinations for a bold look, or work in tonal shades for something more understated.
20. The Envelope Clutch
The envelope clutch is a sleek, flat bag with a pointed or squared flap that folds over the front of the bag. It is the most formal of the knitted bag styles and looks especially beautiful in a fine-gauge yarn with a subtle sheen.
Free patterns for knitted envelope clutches often include a lining tutorial and instructions for adding a magnetic snap or clasp under the flap. The result is a bag that looks polished enough for an evening out.
21. The Convertible Crossbody Bag
The convertible crossbody bag is knitted with both a short handle and a long detachable strap, so it can be worn as a shoulder bag, a crossbody, or a hand-carried clutch depending on your needs. Free patterns for this style often include instructions for knitting all strap options so you can switch between them with a simple clip.
This is a versatile, practical pattern that is well worth the slightly longer construction time.
22. The Macramé-Inspired Knit Bag
Inspired by the macramé trend, this style of knitted bag incorporates knotted fringe, open lace sections, and sometimes wooden beads to create a textural, artisanal look. The body may be worked in a simple pattern with the decorative elements added afterward.
Free patterns for this style often include instructions for the fringe construction as well as tips for incorporating beads and other embellishments. The result looks like a blend of knitting and macramé and is genuinely unique.
23. The Quilted-Look Knitted Bag
The quilted-look bag uses a specific textured stitch — often a modified seed stitch or a small bobble pattern — to create a fabric that mimics the look of quilted material. The effect is especially convincing in a solid color with good stitch definition.
Free patterns in this style usually pair the textured body with smooth knitted handles and a clean finishing edge. The result has a chic, boutique quality that belies its handmade origins.
24. The Children’s Animal Purse
For little ones who want a bag of their own, the children’s animal purse pattern creates a small, round or shaped bag decorated with knitted animal features — ears, eyes, a nose, sometimes a tail. Popular versions include cats, dogs, rabbits, pandas, and owls.
Free patterns for animal purses are widely available and are generally knitted in the round using worsted weight yarn. The faces are worked using duplicate stitch or small pieces of felt. These make incredibly popular gifts for young children.
